We were thrilled to host our annual Business Industry Breakfast on Tuesday 28 May this week, an event that brings together our Year 12 students with industry experts to foster connections and inspire future career paths. The energy in the room was palpable as students engaged with professionals, building relationships that could shape their futures.

We were honoured to have many of our Board members present, including Mr David Tanner, our Board Chair, and Mrs Nicole Kelly, our Deputy Board Chair. Mrs Kelly delivered a captivating introduction to the event, highlighting the importance of nurturing bright young minds and embracing growth and change. She spoke passionately about the convergence of the present and future, encouraging students to explore a range of careers with a growth mindset. Mrs Kelly also emphasised the significance of global connectivity, finding meaning and fulfillment in one’s work, and the value of connecting with mentors to guide and inspire.

Our guest speaker, Ms Emily Mawson, captivated the audience with her remarkable journey. With a dual degree in law and international relations, Emily has had a diverse career, including her role as a consultant for the Australian Military, specialising in the acquisition of F-35 fast jets and ARH Helicopters. She now works as a dust and occupational diseases lawyer for Maurice Blackburn. Emily’s story of transitioning from a bush kid to making her mark in the big city resonated deeply with our students. She spoke about the importance of backing yourself, having confidence and conviction, and the power of hard work and endurance. Emily’s emphasis on connection and support highlighted the significance of building a strong network to achieve one’s goals.

The event also featured a dynamic panel session with distinguished panellists: Dr James Birt from Bond University, Ms Emily Mawson from Maurice Blackburn, and Mr William Bryce from the NFL Academy. The panellists shared their personal journeys and discussed how leveraging connections can lead to success. Their insights into the challenges and triumphs they faced provided valuable lessons for our students.

Throughout the morning, it was evident that our students were eager to learn and connect. They engaged in meaningful conversations with the industry experts, asking insightful questions and expressing their aspirations. The breakfast provided a unique platform for our students to gain real-world insights and to see firsthand the diverse career paths available to them.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 12 students for their enthusiasm and professionalism. Their engagement and curiosity at the Business Industry Breakfast exemplify the qualities that will drive their success in the future. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the speakers, panellists, staff, and Board members who contributed to making this event a resounding success.

Special thanks to Mrs Nicole Kelly for her inspiring words and to Ms Emily Mawson for sharing her journey with such authenticity. We also appreciate the invaluable insights from Dr James Birt and Mr William Bryce during the panel session.

As we look ahead, we are excited to see how the connections made today will shape the futures of our students.

Thank you once again to everyone involved, and we look forward to many more successful events like this in the future.

JACOB ELMS | HEAD OF SECONDARY SCHOOL