Caroline Wilson-Haffenden

Welcome to the role of Deputy Principal, Caroline. You started your journey with St Mary’s College in 2021 as our Acting Director of Junior School. In your view, what makes SMC so special? There are so many ingredients that make St Mary’s College a special and dynamic community. The rich Presentation traditions of the past provide a strong foundation for our contemporary and innovative programs. The wellbeing of students and staff is at the centre of everything we do. We know that students learn best when they feel valued, safe, supported, confident and connected; only then are they able to actively participate in challenging and engaging learning and co-curricular pursuits. Furthermore, there is a deep sense of pride that is instilled in every one of our students, those presently at the College and those who have walked the corridors of the past. Drawing on your 18 years’ experience in girls’ education, what do you consider to be the greatest benefits of all-girls schools? There has never been a better time for girls to be in an all-girls environment. We want our girls to exceed the expectations of their gender, enabling them to explore opportunities traditionally unavailable to them so that they may forge their own path in today’s world. As Presentation people, they are encouraged to be strong, passionate and confident girls and young women who can act with courage and compassion to not only make a difference in our world but to enrich it. It is known that some of the world’s leading women were educated in an all-girls environment. What is SMC doing in a teaching and learning space to help cultivate leadership abilities in girls?     Leadership skills are fostered and systematically developed through both formal and informal structures across St Mary’s College. In our teaching and learning spaces, working collaboratively in teams, providing opportunities to speak in front of peers and identifying their own strengths and vulnerabilities allows students to build self-efficacy and confidence. Most significantly, all students are encouraged to develop leadership skills by accepting responsibility for their own learning, actions and environment. Girls must be encouraged to take risks to develop a confident and articulate voice – qualities that are advantageous for leadership and success.

Above: Caroline Wilson-Haffenden with Junior School students, Sophia Wass and Essie Kline.