Principal's Post

I spent the week sitting with what I heard at the International Women’s Day Breakfast.

Our school captains hosted the breakfast. Eleven captains welcomed over 200 guests; offered tea, coffee and a good spread – good hospitality relaxes everyone.

Young leaders, young women, young captains in Emily Snell and Poppy Broomhall led the formalities with a personal reflection on IWD and the theme of Give to Gain. Poppy began by highlighting the strength within the room and an affirming message to all women present, “You are seen, you are enough.”  Emily brought her usual positivity yet also salient statistics: “Globally, one woman or girl is killed by someone in her own family every 11 minutes; on a domestic level in Australia: 1 in 3 women being affected by gender based violence”; and spoke directly to the men in the room: “If you feel uncomfortable it is ok…. You are here as advocates, and this is a good first step.”

We were honoured to hear from alumni in Liz Hayes (2002),Tymicka Pierce (2017), Sarah Osborne (2016), and Rachel Tharratt (2010).

Liz, a physiotherapist passionate about women’s health, spoke of her time at FCJ College as one of the first to complete Year 12: “Ifelt a responsibility to set the tone.” Yet experience has taught her, “success is far more layered than a number” when referring to an ATAR. Liz spoke of life falling into “seasons” and that “...you can have it all but not all at once.” Liz highlighted the support of her family and friends: “..we all need our village” with many of these villagers present at the breakfast.

Tymicka discovered her First Nation’s heritage while studying at FCJ College. Tymicka proudly reminded us that she was the first person to raise the Aboriginal Flag at the college – a place where Indigenous studies were not taught at the time. Tymicka now works in First People’s land policy and is doing great things within this space yet revealed she struggles with confidence: “Imposter syndrome does not shout, it whispers”. Tymicka’s life has been impacted by domestic violence: “I see resilience as not a buzzword but rather growth through lived experiences.”

Sarah, a psychologist and mum to be, began life after school in Sport, Exercise and Nutrition yet transferred to Psychology and worked tirelessly to complete two Masters degrees. Sarah spoke of burnout and encouraged all women to: “give back to self”. Sarah reflected on the theme of Give to Gain and connected this to the resilience of women and the need  “..to recognise that you need rest, support and even a change of direction.”

Rachel, a Media Manager with Bunnings, after years in local, state and federal politics began by acknowledging all the wonderful women in the room and her upbringing that fostered volunteering, travelling to missions and an “imperative to give back.” Rachel reassured all students in the room, of which there were many, that “you do not have to know what you are doing… just keep moving forward. Keep saying yes.” Finally, Rachel acknowledged the benefit of mentors to build confidence; once, in a moment of self doubt a mentor reassured Rachel: “In a sink and swim situation…you are going to swim.”

Emily and Poppy spoke professionally and help guide conversations and opportunity for dialogue; they facilitated a Q & A session where audience members pressed our speakers for deeper meaning. FCJ College young men in Owain and Carter posed questions about imposter syndrome and how to maintain balance in life without being overwhelmed.

My summary does not befit the power behind the morning. Yet it provides an invitation for your involvement.

Stories are often the beginning of change. Let us continue to create a space for listening. For dialogue. These are our, FCJ College, stories.

Where to next? Send me your thoughts.

joseph.mount@fcjbenalla.catholic.edu.au

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