Novelist Mary Shelley (1818), wrote, “Beware for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.” Shelley was a British novelist who authored the classic novel Frankenstein when she was only 18 years old. 

In her novel, she alludes to the idea that women are always in victimised positions in society. A plight she knew well living in the patriarchal world of the 1800s. Shelley refused to be restricted by her world and found her fearless and bold voice through her writing. 

These dispositions have not changed from the 1800s to today. We all need to find our fearless and bold voices. This is what we strive for at St Catherine’s. 

At St Catherine’s we dream big. Our small size does nothing to detract from our successes. As one of Shakespeare’s characters spoke, “Though she be but little she is fierce.” In fact, we all know “small” is an intrinsic factor in our achievements. 

We know every girl in our care. Our dispositions of Fearless and Bold are our ‘X Factor.’ The St Catherine’s superpower that our teachers capture, harness, and build upon in every lesson, every day. 

Research shows that persistence and intellectual curiosity are determinants of academic success and the direct relationship between students’ wellbeing and skills. (OECD, 2021). At St Catherine’s we spent considerable time developing our Teaching and Learning Framework to align with our Model of Academic Care. 

Student wellness is central to this Model and intertwined into every innovation and program. From our Year 9 Critical Conversations Humanities Program, mathematical problem solving, Science partnerships with universities, artists-in-residence, English guest speakers and novelists, the list is endless. Every teacher works to develop their thinking classroom and these character dispositions in students. 

In 2023, our focus is once again on academic care through our student programs of Academic Advisory, Wellbeing and Student Voice. The creation of our Middle Years and Senior Years Model allows further development of personalised pathways for all students in both wellbeing and learning. The appointment of our Directors of Middle Years and Seniors Years continues our commitment to differentiated wellbeing and learning priorities for students as they progress through the Senior School. 

Our achievements are built around teamwork and working together as one. Our partnerships between students, teachers and parents creates the achievements we see in all our girls’ endeavours. Bronte Cullen, Class of 2022 student and rower, summed it up after our First Eight Rowing Crew won the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta in the UK, and became world champions, “We have the most amazing group of girls and just act as one.” 

Being bold and fearless is intrinsically linked, acting with perseverance, strength, and grit, but not acting alone. Young women who are fearless will use their voice, show integrity, face their fears, encourage others, and go beyond their comfort zones. 

It is important to note that bold and fearless achievements can be big or small, including having difficult conversations, being honest with a friend or speaking with a teacher about work. 

All of these require a bold mindset to face fear. 

When students leave St Catherine’s, I want them to know that the Heyington Gates will forever be open, and the blue ribbon will always connect them to a community of bold and fearless blue. 

This article features in St Catherine’s News Autumn Edition. To read the full Edition click here.