Vale Geraldine Donaghy

This week, we have sadly become aware of the passing of Geraldine Donaghy. Geraldine was a true powerhouse of St Saviour’s College. Geraldine became involved with the College in the 90s when her three daughters attended the College. She worked diligently for the betterment of the College in both her capacity as a parent, an active member of the board and P and C and then later, once her girls finished at the College, in her capacity of Director of Boarding at McAuley House.

Across this incredible tenure, Geraldine was pivotal in the many works that took place during the years of change and development. Her boundless energy was instrumental in the fundraising projects that saw the building of the Callaghan Centre on the corner of Perth and Neil Streets and the redevelopment of Dublin Place from drab bitumen to the paved brickwork we continue to enjoy to this day. But mostly, according to the voices of so many past pupils this week, she was pivotal in the lives of of so many young women, particularly boarders far from home, who were lucky enough to know and experience her care, humour and love.

I was privileged to speak with proud past principal of the College, Niall Coburn, this week and when I asked him about Geraldine Donaghy’s contribution, impact and legacy he was clear: Geraldine was a powerhouse.

He spoke of the contribution of both Geraldine and her ally in all things St Saviour’s College, Lyn Wilkes, in one breathe - St Saviour’s College owes a great deal to the efforts of these two incredible women.

Following from this conversation with Niall, I was also touched by the vast numbers of past boarders who celebrated the impact of Geraldine on their early formative lives at McAuley House. Reading post after post, it is clear that Geraldine’s kindness and Mercy heart was for all members of the College, but showcased most in her time running McAuley Boarding House as the first lay Director of Boarding.

Geraldine’s appointment followed the purchasing of the boarding house by the College from the Sisters of Mercy. These years of transition from sister-led convent school to lay principalship and fledgling independence required great vision and energy, but also a great affinity and alignment for the Mercy values the school was known for. Geraldine was the perfect combination of both. The purchase saw Niall, then Principal, looking to recruit a person who, in his words, ‘could fill the void’ left by the sisters and a person who would bring the same Mercy heart and high levels of care on which McAuley House prided itself. Rather than recruiting externally, Niall turned to two women who had served the College community so wholly and women who he knew to be just so invested in the ongoing success and provision of empowering education to women from across Queensland: Geraldine Donaghy and Lyn Wilkes.

Niall named Geraldine’s impact as incredible. In her tenure in the boarding house, she was a force of kindness and joy - and no fuss. Other boarders this week have named her care, her connection, her warmth, her love as the defining features of her presence.

It brings me great pride to share this story with our community. May Geraldine’s spirit inspire each of us to find ways to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others and enrich our communities by our presence.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
Through the mercy of God,  may she rest in peace.

Jessica Wade, Principal

Words from the staff and past McAuley House Boarders who loved her:

‘My heart goes out to Mrs D’s family at this very sad time. I only went to St Saviour's Boarding for one year but the impact this beautiful lady had on my life is immeasurable.'

‘Through Geraldine and Lyn we had the most wonderful boarding school imaginable because imagination drove it and enlivened it as a place where women could BE.’ 

‘You were the best supervisor at the boarding school. If we had a problem you were the first person we would go to and you always seemed to know how to fix the problem. You were always very bright and bubbly and helped make the boarding a bit easier and you will be deeply missed by all.’

‘Mrs D was so loved by all the boarders at St Saviour's. She always gave us the comfort and strength that we needed and had a fantastic sense of humour.’

‘Mrs D was such an amazing lady and truly wonderful … I feel lucky to have known her, she was the positivity I needed in my darkest day.’

‘Coming from overseas as a twelve year old and new to Toowoomba, you and the wonderful ladies at McAuley boarding house created a home for us. I will never forget for my thirteenth birthday, you knew I loved Elvis Presley so we had a 50's themed birthday celebration at the boarding house.’ 

‘One of the most inspiring motherly figures in my life who guided and got me through my boarding school days and helped shaped me into the person I am today.’

St Saviour's College Health Hub is Setting the Pulse of Health Care

St Saviour's College has recently announced the expansion of its Health Hub program offerings to meet the growing demand for health training in the Darling Downs region.

Now in its fourth year of operation, the Health Hub has doubled its program to accommodate the influx of students from across the region.

St Saviour’s College Principal, Jessica Wade expressed excitement about the extension of the program and highlighted the alignment between industry-standard training and the school's mission.

"As a Mercy school, we have always aimed to educate women who serve their communities in practical ways, such as caring for the sick, elderly, and vulnerable," Mrs Wade said.

The St Saviour's College Health Hub has been an incredible success and serves as a valuable asset to the Toowoomba community.

Mrs Wade proudly stated, "More than half of our university-bound Year 12 students from 2023 have moved into courses in Health this year."

In 2024, the Health Hub will also welcome students from Mary MacKillop Catholic College Highfields, Assumption College Warwick, St Mary's College and St Joseph's College Toowoomba.

This increased demand has prompted the hub to expand its program from one day per week to two days.

The health sector is experiencing significant growth in Toowoomba and the wider Darling Downs region.

According to the Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Economic report for December 2023, health care and social assistance employment make up almost 20% of all jobs in the Toowoomba region.

Furthermore, the region has received a $1.3 billion investment in the construction of the new Toowoomba Hospital.

The success of the Health Hub can be attributed to several factors.

Mrs Wade explained, "Our students show a passionate drive to help and assist others.”

“The qualifications we offer provide a work-ready pathway to university, and our dedicated health centre simulation room and passionate educators contribute to the overall success of the program."

The vision for the Health Hub came from St Saviour's College Career Development Practitioner, Mr Chris Grierson.

"Our goal has always been to respond to the needs of our community while equipping students with qualifications that support their career goals," Mr Grierson said.

When asked about the number of graduates pursuing university studies in nursing and health, Mr Grierson is pleased that students were inspired to pursue careers in this field.

"The program has gone from strength to strength.”

“It is a privilege to support students in finding their passion, and I am incredibly proud of what the St Saviour's College Health Hub has accomplished."

Graduates with qualifications from the Health Hub are now in high demand in the caring, nursing, and aged care sectors in the region.

For more information about St Saviour's College Health Hub, please visit the St Saviour’s College website under Learning in Years 10-12.

About St Saviour's College Health Hub: St Saviour's College Health Hub is dedicated to providing industry-standard health training to students from the Darling Downs region. The program offers a work-ready qualification that serves as a pathway to university, and students have access to a state-of-the-art health centre simulation room. The Health Hub is committed to developing compassionate and skilled health professionals who make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Class of 2023: So much to Celebrate!

Our Year 12 students in 2023 have long been in a class of their own – literally. One of our tiniest cohorts, just 17 of them finished in Year 12 this year – the last of our single stream groups. This week they have received their results, and there is much to celebrate. Make no mistake, our class of 2023 is extraordinary.

Here is what I see when I look at this cohort’s incredible achievements:

• 100% of students attained their QCE.
• 85% of students attained an ATAR above 75.
• 50% of ATAR eligible students have already accepted university offers.
• 17 VET qualifications (from just 17 students!)
• 50% of students in SOR and Modern History attained As.
• 25% students undertook the UNISQ University Preparation course, with 50% achieving Distinctions.
• 53% of students undertook a School-Based Traineeship or Apprenticeship.

As a College, we have long championed the merits of all pathways. There can be no closed doors in education, and no end to learning – like it or not, learning will never be over for any of us. When I reflect on the gifts of our class of 2023, I know that each of these girls is pursuing excellence and defining it, on her own terms.   

Looking down this list of names,  I see students who have completed Certificate IIs and IIIs through the St Saviour’s College Health Hub, equipping them with employment ready skills for the health industry.

 I see students who worked school-based apprenticeships and finished Year 12 with jobs to go to, and employment-ready qualifications in industries such as health, floristry, dental assisting and childcare.

I see students who changed tacks, mid-way through senior, to follow their passions undertaking certificates in justice, preparing them to undertake studies in criminology in the future.

I see students who faced very real challenges; family breakdowns, illness, passing of loved ones, homesickness, family responsibilities and still triumphed.

The 2023 Year 12 cohort is so much more than numbers and scores- though they have secured some exceptional digits for a cohort of their size!

They have also learned some amazing skills for life.

• They have defined and redefined forgiveness.
• They have tolerated each other’s good days and bad days.
• They have accepted difference, they have celebrated divergence as a strength.
• They have loved and supported each other.
• They have learned to get along, even when it was hard and tiresome.

 And these skills are actually the wonderful skills that are so important in a life beyond school. Humility, forgiveness, kindness, empathy, inclusion- how do we measure those?

Perhaps our greatest measure is still to come.

Now we pass the great mercy yoke of Catherine McAuley to them - one that now requires them to live lives as mercy people: people who let their light shine bright, people who look for opportunities to serve the poor and marginalised in ways that make a difference.

Whatever their career path or future holds, it is my hope that when these great people are paramedics, speech pathologists, historians, nurses, pharmacists, criminologists, architects, educators, in the armed forces, animators, events managers or anything else their heart desires, that they notice the micro-moments: the moments where each of us have a choice in how we respond to the needs of others. And in those moments, it is my hope that all of us reveal our mercy hearts.

- Jessica Wade 2024 Principal

Benefits of an All Girls Secondary Education

In the dynamic educational landscape, St Saviour's College stands as a beacon of excellence, embodying the advantages of all-girls senior education in Australia. Our commitment to providing an environment where young women thrive academically and personally is underscored by recent research, solidifying the unique benefits of our educational approach.

The academic achievements of St Saviour's College is validated by a pivotal 2017 study published in the Australian Educational Researcher. This research unequivocally showcased that female students within our single-sex institution consistently outperformed their co-educated counterparts, particularly excelling in subjects traditionally burdened by gender stereotypes. At St Saviour's, we believe in the power of removing gender-related distractions, enabling our girls to focus wholeheartedly on their studies, resulting in commendable academic achievements.

The impact extends beyond high school, as evidenced by a comprehensive 2019 report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This report revealed that girls' schools in Australia, including St Saviour's College, consistently produced higher rates of university entrance. This not only emphasizes the success of our students during their high school years but also signifies the lasting influence of our all-girls educational model, paving the way for continued accomplishments in tertiary education.

Beyond the realm of academics, St Saviour's College has been recognized for its commitment to cultivating self-confidence and leadership skills among students. Our College environment fosters an empowering space where girls can explore their capabilities without the constraints of gender biases and stereotypes. This resonates with the findings of the 2017 study and aligns with our mission to build a culture of confidence and self-esteem among our Mercy Girls.

The emphasis on empowerment is further amplified through our leadership development programs, as highlighted by a 2020 study conducted by the University of Sydney. This research delves into the positive correlation between single-sex education and the development of leadership skills among female students. At St Saviour's, our student leadership programs, extracurricular activities, and mentorship initiatives actively nurture a culture where our students are not only encouraged but empowered to assume roles of responsibility and leadership.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of educational paradigms, St Saviour's College remains dedicated to the multifaceted benefits of all-girls senior education. Our focus is on the holistic development of our students, from academic success and self-confidence to leadership skills and the creation of enduring support networks. The camaraderie and supportive atmosphere within our school provide our Mercy Girls with a space where they feel comfortable discussing both academic and personal challenges.