AN EMPOWERING social justice forum was held at Brigidine College, Indooroopilly, on April 14 as part of the school’s first ever Activities Week.
Students were inspired by a panel of guest speakers including historian and indigenous leader Dr Jackie Huggins.
Dr Huggins is deputy director of the University of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit and was one of three women appointed to chair a steering committee at the Australia 2020 Summit last weekend.
She recalled a story from her teenage years, when a Year 10 teacher said to her, “You won’t go on to Year 12 because you are an Aborigine and have no brains”.
Myra Matthews was among students “shocked” by this tale.
But she said it was “motivating” and instilled in her a desire to “create change and have an impact on the world”.
Also in attendance was Sudanese community liaison officer Aneta Bilal, Friends of the Earth Brisbane co-ordinator Emma Brindal, Milpera State High School principal Adele Rice and Mearon O’Brien from Young Christian Workers.
Brigidine principal Madeleine Sayer thought social justice was the key to shaping a future of “strong and gentle” women.
“These women here today are beacons of hope for our young Brigidine students,” she said.
The forum was part of a new program – Activities Week – which responds to academic research into how today’s young people learn best.
The week combined non-classroom-based learning, including activities and reflection.
“The girls had so much energy and enthusiasm being able to really get involved and puzzle through things themselves,” Mrs Sayer said.
Meanwhile at Brigidine, a new principal has been announced.
Jan Neumann from St Monica’s College, Cairns, will begin a new stage of leadership at Brigidine in 2009.
Mrs Sayer felt after 10 years at the college, the time was right for her to leave.
“The school is growing in numbers and there is building to take place, so I thought where the school was in its journey would be a good time for a new person to start and implement the next phase,” she said.
“Working in a school gives you a particularly special link with the young people of a generation, I don’t think there is another career that gives you that understanding, and I know I will deeply miss those insights.”
Ms Neumann was deputy principal at All Hallows’ School, Fortitude Valley, for 13 years before moving to Cairns.
She is also connected to Brigidine, having previously taught at Soubirous College in Scarborough and having lived in Indooroopilly for a number of years.
