St Margaret's Plus Mentoring Program celebrates successful first year

At a special breakfast held in October, our Year 12 students had the opportunity to connect and thank the Brisbane-based mentors who offered their experience, advice and guidance throughout the year.

Mentoring sessions have been conducted via Microsoft Teams, so this breakfast was not only an opportunity for our mentees to meet their mentors in person but a chance for our students to hone their networking skills and meet other mentors from various careers.

The program introduced this year has seen 42 Year 12 students paired with Old Girls in the field of study and/or career they aspire to enter. 

The mentors who have been approached to participate have been enthusiastic, committed, engaged and generous with their time, expertise, and advice. 

One mentor commented, “Thank you for allowing me to share my career insights over these past months. It's been an absolute pleasure getting to know my mentee and I look forward to following her future endeavours.”

The Year 12 students have embraced the program and have enjoyed connecting with Old Girls.  

“Along with networking opportunities and connections within the workforce, the advice I have received has expanded my knowledge of different career options. It’s been awesome! I am excited to hopefully stay in contact with my mentor as I move to university next year” (Year 12 participant).

“It is great meeting and forming connections with people that you might be like when you are older” (Year 12 participant).

The Year 11 students are equally motivated, and their expressions of interest are rolling in.  They will commence the program this term and continue into next year.

The students’ areas of interest are varied and diverse, from medicine, law, aviation, veterinary science to journalism, and there is always a need for new mentors. 

St Margaret’s was once again recognised for its innovation, named one of Australia’s most innovative schools for the introduction of this initiative.

What sets the program apart is its disciplined structure and the fact its highly personalised to each student.

If you would like to participate in the program or would like further information, please contact me via DGuinea@stmargarets.qld.edu.au. 

Danielle Guinea
Manager – Relationships and Mentoring