Florence and Bridget

Prior to taking up her Award, Florence taught Year 11 and 12 sciences at the Port Moresby National High School, a position she has held for some 15 years. She returns to Papua New Guinea with a Master of Education Studies from the University of Canberra.

In Australia, Florence was instrumental in establishing the Papuan/Australian fellowship group, which supports and encourages Papua New Guinean and West Papuan students to settle into Australian society.

Florence is a committed advocate for girls' education, and sees this as a critical factor in driving gender equality in Papua New Guinea. She is keen to create a network of like-minded women (and men) to encourage girls to attend school, and to create momentum for change. In support of this goal, Florence is interested to promote increased community and family collaboration to address social issues around equality and access to education.

Internship

Florence recently commenced a Women's Leadership Initiative workplace internship, spending one day per week over five months shadowing her mentor, Bridget Bandle, at St Clare's College in Griffith, Canberra. She hopes this experience will build her practical skills in school leadership and girls' education.

Bridget is Assistant Principal (Staffing and Administration) at St Clare's College Griffith. She has spent her career working at Catholic schools within the Canberra region, specialising in teaching and learning designed for young women. Her academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts (ANU), a Master of Teaching (Sydney University) and a Master of Theology (University of Newcastle). Her leadership of staff and students has a strong relational focus.

Bridget is committed to ensuring young women are provided with educational opportunities that encourage a diverse range of professional pathways. As such, she promotes targeted professional learning plans that support innovation and excellence in teaching practices.