Alumni Spotlight: Carla Brew
I graduated from Servite College in 2006, and when I look back now, it’s the little moments that really stay with me.
Human Biology was always my favourite subject – mostly because of Mrs McAuliffe. Her classes were never just about learning content; they were full of conversation, laughter, and a genuine excitement about the subject. In between learning, I remember spending so much time chatting and asking questions in Human Bio, and without realising it then, those moments were shaping what would eventually become my career. Special friendships were formed in this class, ones which I still have to this day, which includes current staff member Melissa Berardini who is still one of my closest friends. One of my favourite parts of the day was heading across the road to Art & Design with Mrs Lombardi. It was a completely different space where I could be creative and switch off in a good way, and spending time in the art room helped me navigate a very stressful year.
Some of my favourite memories are the simple ones – like heading to the canteen and grabbing arancini or pasta with friends. Those were the best lunches. And then there were the bigger moments, like our Year 12 lap of honour at the Athletics Carnival. That felt really special, like a celebration of everything we’d been through together.
Of course, not every school night involved early sleep. I still remember staying up way too late watching the 2006 FIFA World Cup and then dragging myself into school completely exhausted the next day. It was worth it at the time (especially watching Italy win the World Cup)… though I’m sure my teachers might not have agreed!
After school, life took me on a bit of a journey. Once I finished my teaching degree and started working, I travelled Europe with my husband Adam and fulfilled a lifelong dream of going to Italy and experiencing all the food and culture that I had the pleasure of growing up with.
When I saw a job advertised at Servite, I knew it was an opportunity I could not pass up. So I eventually found my way back to where it all began, and now I’m the Head of Learning Area – Science, and I get to teach Human Biology every day. It honestly feels like I’m living my dream, following in the footsteps of Mrs McAuliffe and hopefully inspiring my own students in the same way she inspired me.
Outside of school, my life is busy in the best possible way. I’m married and have two beautiful boys, Elio and Charlie, and being a mum keeps me on my toes. Most weekends are spent on the sidelines – watching Elio play footy and basketball, and Charlie play soccer. I also love taking Elio to watch the Eagles play, which has become something special for us to share together. My husband Adam and I enjoy watching the F1, and had the opportunity to watch a race in Singapore in 2024 which was such an amazing experience.
When I think about where life has taken me, it’s funny to realise that I’ve come full circle. I’m back home at Servite, and it really does have a special way of bringing you back. It’s more than just a school – it’s a place that stays with you, and for me, it’s always felt like home. It brings a whole new meaning to once a Servite, always a Servite!
