Last Wednesday was International Women's Day. It was pleasing to note the attention this received in the media and the discussion generated about equity across the genders. Unfortunately, women continue to experience discrimination because of gender, which impacts on their opportunities and access to resources. In addition to this, women experience greater levels of sexual harassment and violence across the community. Whilst there have been great strides in access to education and attainment of education qualifications so that women now surpass men, that isn't translating into securing employment in the higher pay brackets.

Last Friday we celebrated International Women's Day with a breakfast at the College. Two ex-students, Chris Hutch (Class of 1967) and Kylie Seymour (Class of 2004) returned to speak of their life after St Pat's and the impact the College had on their development. Once again, it was a great morning. It was inspiring to hear what these women had achieved over their lives so far and how St Pat's has continued to nurture strong independent women ready to make an impact on their world.

Adolescence is a turbulent and difficult time for many young people. They are transitioning from a very ego-centric view of their world to one that is far more respectful and mindful of the existence of others. That awareness brings with it a greater sense of compassion, empathy and respect for the other. Maturity is a key element that will underpin the success of this transition. For parents and teachers, we work carefully with the developing adolescent to support and guide them through the maze. Invariably there will be some pain. Friendships will blossom and others will fracture. Girls will feel abandoned and left out and others will feel included and embraced. This is a natural transition. These experiences give the girls opportunities to develop skills, build resilience and learn how to live with others in community. When ex-students gather together many years later and they reflect on their younger selves, there can sometimes be a sense of reflection on how well or not so well they managed this transition. This happens in all schools across the country.

As parents, it can be difficult to see your daughter distressed or maligned by friends. Our immediate response can be to protect her and fix it. When this happens, we occasionally have parents making claims that their daughter is being bullied. The College's first response is to check it meets the criteria of bullying. That is: is it targeted, is it regular and have there been several occurrences, is there an imbalance of power and is it ongoing? If the answer to these questions is yes, we immediately implement the Personal Protection and Respect Policy and conduct a full investigation. The College holds a very strong position on dealing with bullying behaviour. More often though it is inappropriate behaviour displayed by students who are managing the transition of adolescence. This behaviour is not condoned and there are consequences for poor behaviour of any sort, however, it is not necessarily bullying. We keep a record of these misbehaviours and if a student has a number of such infringements, then her intimidating behaviour will attract further consequences. The Personal Protection and Respect Policy is in the student diary and I encourage you to read this as it is very comprehensive and clear about our approach.

Assisting adolescents to grow into mature responsible young adults can be a labour of love but a very worthwhile investment. Eventually they get it and the result is very rewarding. If your daughter has any of these experiences, please inform the College so that we can firstly identify what is really happening and then deal with the issues and the individuals in a way that is productive and supportive. In partnership we stand a better chance of achieving a happy resolution.

We have moved into the season of Lent and I will leave you with a short reflection.

Blessings

Sue Lennox - Principal

Lent is a call to weep for what we could have been and are not.
Lent is the grace to grieve for what we should have done and did not.
Lent is the opportunity to change what we ought to change but have not.
Lent is not about penance.
Lent is about becoming, doing and changing whatever it is that is blocking the fullness of life in us right now.
Lent is a summons to live anew.
Sister Joan Chittister, OSB