Student Leadership
On the 7th of March, Elisabeth Murdoch College’s three female leading captains, Sophie Lovisa (College Captain), Issy Cauchi (Vice College Captain) and Sarah Ainge (Vocational Major Captain), attended a highly privileged and unforgettable event at the Chadstone Hotel for an International Women's Day luncheon where they celebrated this year's theme of 'March Forward' with honored featured guest, Olympic Champion, Cathy Freeman.
Cathy Freeman is a proud Kuku Yalanji and Birri Gubba woman. She is a former Olympic sprinter, having won her first gold medal when she was in school at an athletics carnival at the age of 8. Cathy pursued a career as a runner, making her way to the World Championships, winning in 1997 and 1999 for the 400 meter. Freeman became the favourite for the 2000 Sydney Games, given the honour of lighting the Olympic cauldron. With her home crowd there to cheer Freeman on, the pressure she felt to perform well won her a resounding victory in the 400m final, victorious of Australia's 100th Olympic gold medal. Cathy Freeman became the first ever Aboriginal Australian to earn a medal in an individual event.
She spoke to us on her journey from local athlete to Australia’s Golden Girl, sharing challenges she experienced throughout her journey. Being the first Aboriginal Australian to win an Olympic Games gold medal in an individual event, she faced adversity, racism and many other setbacks. She shared how her mother's method of keeping her grounded allowed her to become humble and resilient, restoring her back to her home country and how this influence has shaped her mindset to where she is now. Freeman spoke to the students, stating, “you are the future’, sharing personal stories around the female role models that have inspired, pressured and encouraged her throughout her life, expressing the importance of having a strong female role model in your life, “whether it’s your mum, aunt, grandma or teacher, you should always have someone.” Cathy Freeman spoke to us heavily on empowering yourself in order to succeed in all parts of life, as she believes that regardless of “race, gender, physical capability” anything is possible with just a little bit of positive affirmation. Throughout her career, Freeman has made a meaningful impact on countless Indigenous Australian children and young female Australians, inspiring them to become what they dream to be.
In the end, Cathy Freeman's life shows the true spirit of International women's day and this year's theme ‘March Forward’. Regardless of all the adversity she faced in all aspects, Cathy pushed on ultimately leading her to one of the greatest sporting achievements, an Olympic gold medal. This truly shows that regardless of everything, anything is possible with self-belief and resilience.
This event is something we all cherish and are highly grateful of the opportunity. As we walk away from it, many powerful words Cathy Freeman shared with us will resonate, encourage and inspire us to become the leaders we are.
“If you don’t feel like you belong in a room, walk in anyway.”
“No one else believed they could win, but I did”
“There’s only one of you.”
Year 9 -Snowy River Student Leadership School Opportunity
During Term 4, there are six places available for Elisabeth Murdoch College Year 9 students to attend the Student Leadership School (SLS) program. This exciting opportunity is held at the Snowy River Campus in Marlo, approximately four and a half hours from Elisabeth Murdoch College.
The program runs for nine weeks, with a designated weekend halfway through where parents and carers are welcome to visit.
If your child is interested in attending, please ensure applications are submitted through the Google form no later than 5.00pm on Monday, 12 May. Shortlisted students will be interviewed within the following two weeks regarding their application.
For more information about the program, please see below
What is the School for Student Leadership?
Students live and work in a very close environment with up to 45 of their peers; they sleep, eat, shower and do work under the one roof. There are separate sleeping and showering facilities for both genders. There are 11 rooms in each of the two accommodation wings. The accommodation wings allow for distinct gender separation. Two students will be allocated to each room and there is one triple room if there are an uneven number of participants in the program. The school has staff supervision accommodation in each wing.
There is a great deal of independence offered to the students. The students are responsible for helping maintain the school, organising rosters, for doing various jobs around the school and generally controlling the nature of their home and place of learning. There are lessons on human relationships that will arise from this lifestyle. Great friendships are made, tolerance is learned and teamwork is created. Whilst attending the Student Leadership School, students undertake a Community Learning Project.
What are the costs associated?
The cost of the full nine-week program is $900 ($400 for HCC Holders). This payment can be split over three instalments prior to attending the camp.
Further information can be found at: http://www.gnurad-gundidj.vic.edu.au/ ”
Any questions, feel free to email gabie.landolfi@education.vic.gov.au