Featured in St Catherine’s News, Spring 2023, Deputy Principal – Student Programs, Mrs Gina Peele explains that in many situations in life being uncomfortable is a pivotal part of the learning and growth process. 

To reach our full potential and achieve our goals we must move outside of our comfort zones and deliberately place ourselves in situations where we may fail or be uncomfortable. This is a concept known as ‘failing forward.’

Failing forward requires us to let go and not hold ourselves back because of a fear of failure. It asks us to try new things, or something we are afraid to do. It means stepping outside of our comfort zones, even if the outcome or path is not clear. While trying something new can be scary, to be truly open to personal growth and learning, we must be bold and independent in the face of these fears.

This failing forward approach underpins our co-curricular program at St Catherine’s School. We support our students with opportunities to reach their full potential through programs and experiences that require them to take positive risks, explore with curiosity and lead with strength.

Our Student Executive leaders for 2024 recently shared their ‘signature moment’ at our School during their Leadership speeches held in Term 3. As I listened to these speeches, it was clear our new student leaders had developed their confidence to lead through failing forward and experiencing discomfort on the path to school leadership.

Jisu Yang shared her fear of public speaking when in Year 9, “After my first daunting public speaking experience, I decided to challenge myself even more, signing up for more competitions. While there were more losses than wins, what I realised was we should not be so frightened of our fears. My Year 9 self would not believe I am standing here today delivering a speech to our entire Senior School.”

Rhea Werner talked about her signature moment during the DAV Debating Competition, where she used the wrong word in a debate and felt like her world had stopped. “But in that moment, I wasn’t banished or cast out, but instead people started to laugh, and it made me realise that it’s not about the outcome or being perfect, it’s about the mistakes we make along the way that make us into fearless girls.”

Georgia Hennessy spoke about her collective experiences in the House Arts Program. “I realised that the significance of House Arts was never just the final performance, but the countless moments that lead up to it. The rehearsals, camaraderie, and support. Comparably, our time at St Catherine’s isn’t just marked by grand events or milestones. It’s the daily interactions, challenges, and small victories that truly shape our journey. It reminds us to value and nurture the quieter moments, where the real magic of our School lies.”

Alice Molnar said taking on a Netball coaching role for younger St Catherine’s girls taught her as much as it taught them. “We all learnt the importance of resilience, continued effort and that winning isn’t everything. The relationships we forged as a team were amazing. Coaching has been instrumental in making me feel part of the greater St Catherine’s community.”

As portrayed by our 2024 Student Executive, St Catherine’s School has many opportunities for our students to grow, develop and learn through exploring interests and taking up new opportunities.