Live up to the role, featured in The Weekly Times Education Feature, Mrs Ceri Lloyd, Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning shares her insights into the value of aspiring and positive role models for students within school communities.

The value of aspiring and positive role models for students within school communities is more important than ever, St Catherine’s School deputy principal – teaching and learning Ceri Lloyd says.

They continuously look for diversity in role models – people from all walks of life with different vocations and experiences that may offer a connection to students.

“We often bring our Old Girls back because our graduates are some of the best role models. They are doing all sorts of different things – some are entrepreneurs, some are studying and some are working,” Ms Lloyd says.

“Students need someone they can relate to and have an aspiration for so we provide lots of mentor opportunities for the girls to tap in for great advice or to advise them in future pursuits.

“There are also the role models who have had challenges and trauma that we get to speak to the girls. They need to understand that too – how do you make a mistake or encounter a challenge and overcome that or work around that?”

The projection of unrealistic images around young women on social media and on reality TV are issues teachers discuss with students in class from a young age.

“As they move up the school they are very open and communicative about it. They will debate an issue and question it and they learn from each other,” Ms Lloyd says.

“Sometimes mistakes are made but there is no doubt they are intrinsically aware that what is produced on social media is not reality yet they also understand it is challenging for them to be constantly bombarded with these unrealistic images.

“How do they manage that? Unfortunately with social media it is here to stay but by opening up that dialogue formally and informally in classes they have an understanding of the pitfalls.”