By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
GIRLS’ education is a labour of love for Mater Christi College Principal Mary Fitz-Gerald.
Ms Fitz-Gerald was honoured for her dedication and commitment to education when she was presented with a John Laing Professional Development Award last month.
One of seven Victorian principals to be recognised, the award celebrates the work of school leaders who have made a significant contribution to the professional learning of their peers.
Ms Fitz-Gerald is passionate about girls’ education and says that it is important to provide girls with strong female role models.
“From their first day in a girls’ school, students witness other girls as leaders; as captain of the sports team, SRC leader, physics high achiever, drummer in the rock band of as the lead role in the school production.
“When girls consistently witness other girls as role models in all areas, they realise there is no limit to what girls can do.”
Ms Fitzgerald says that girls’ schools give their students the opportunity to excel in a full range of activities without becoming distracted. She says this is due to the learning environment that girls’ schools provide.
“By creating diverse learning environments, with less emphasis on competition as a driver for learning, girls are free to pursue the challenges on offer, whether academic, physical or social, in leadership, in sporting activities or in social justice and community activities.”
She says the school consistently sees girls achieving personal success as a result of this philosophy.
“The girls step up and become role models themselves. It creates a really beneficial learning environment.”
