Last month, three leaders from Mount St Benedict College travelled to Christchurch to attend the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS) Symposium, ‘Celebrating the Power of Girls and Girls’ Schools’.
By Amelia Johnson
Deputy Principal Karen Keogh, Dean of Learning Science and Innovation Corinna Bailey and Dean of Students Sheri Upasiri joined more than 350 educators from across Australia and New Zealand, gathering to share insights, hear from international experts, and celebrate both the achievements and the rich possibilities within girls’ education.
Sheri Upasiri said the symposium was an energising experience, both personally and professionally. “It was invaluable to connect with educators who share a deep commitment to advancing girls’ education. The sessions on neuroscience and restorative practice, in particular, gave me fresh perspectives on how we might deepen our work at Bennies.”
Sharing Bennies’ story
Corinna Bailey and Sheri Upasiri presented a workshop titled ‘Educating the Whole Girl: A Cognitive Science Approach to Thriving, Learning and Serving’. Their session featured the Mount St Benedict College Wellbeing and Learning Model, which integrates Positive Education, neuroscience, and Benedictine values to shape both classroom practice and whole-school culture.
Key insights from their presentation included:
- The role of neuroscience in girls’ learning: Understanding brain plasticity, motivation, and iterative goal setting equips staff to design learning that fosters engagement and growth.
- Restorative practice as culture-building: Embedding restorative approaches strengthens relationships, builds resilience, and reflects Benedictine principles of humility and conversatio.
- The integration of structures like Learning Conversations and the Cycle of Learning: These create consistency, accountability and an evidence-informed approach linking wellbeing directly to academic excellence.
The Wellbeing and Learning Model. Image: Mount St Benedict College.
The Wellbeing and Learning Model was developed at the College and was launched in 2023. It recognises each student as a ‘whole person’ and that flourishing and learning excellence are inextricably linked. This is represented by the outer ring of the model encompassing six key domains, with the College values of Hospitality, Stewardship and Pax at the centre.
Colleagues at the symposium were particularly interested in how explicitly the Bennies model connects wellbeing and learning, and how a shared language among staff, students and families sustains this culture.
Leading through Benedictine values
In 2026, Mount St Benedict College, a member of Good Samaritan Education, will celebrate its 60th anniversary of educating girls. It continues to be a place where young women are nurtured to grow in knowledge, faith, and service.
Through innovations such as the Wellbeing and Learning Model, staff formation and development programs, and Gallup Strengths Coaching, the College is intentionally shaping a culture where academic achievement and wellbeing are interwoven so that students and staff can flourish.
These initiatives reflect the Benedictine spirit of seeking balance, purpose and growth. They ensure that students are not only well prepared academically but are also developing the resilience, confidence and capacity to serve beyond the classroom.
Corinna Bailey celebrated the value of the meeting and learning from others working in girls’ education: “Being part of this network reminded me of the importance of collaboration and the power of shared research and experience. It also affirmed that our challenges and aspirations are mirrored internationally. We are not working in isolation, but as part of a collective effort to create thriving environments for young women.”
Mount St Benedict College was honoured to contribute to the global conversation about girls’ education. The symposium offered both affirmation and inspiration, an opportunity to celebrate the excellence already present at Bennies, while continuing to imagine new ways for young women to flourish.
From left: Corinna Bailey, Sheri Upasiri and Karen Keogh. Image: Mount St Benedict College.
