FIRST FEMALE LASALLIAN PRINCIPAL – BAYSIDE MELBOURNE

A first-up female principal of a sprawling, well-reputed boys’ college seems a startling innovation. The St. Bede’s Mentone College Board and the Lasallian District see it as a sound development for the future.

Deborah Frizza comes into the position of Principal sensing an overwhelming welcome, and being impressed, as she says, by the students’ attitudes and behaviours: “They present extremely well in their local community and are most supportive of one another”. That observation is re-inforced by some College Vice-Captains:

“The College is truly a place for everyone, with endless possibilities and opportunities for students to learn, laugh and thrive…Every student at this school can find himself entertained and engaged in running, reading, rocking or rebutting in the hopes of discovering their passion” (Harry Griffin)

“My time as a part of the St. Bede’s community has been nothing short of brilliant – I have made lifelong friendships here; I have been assisted in exploring my possible pathways, and supported in all my decisions by both my peers and teachers”. (Joshua Stolp)

Ms. Frizza is a daughter of an Old Collegian, himself a Catholic secondary school principal. Deborah grew up around various Victorian schools, thrived in sports, and took up easily a career in teaching. Over fifteen years, she has held positions of management in independent schools in the Mentone area and at a Catholic college further afield.

Liking a challenge, her masters’ studies have informed her roles in strategic implementation, and a vision of quality education, all of which takes cognisance of a school’s history and the faculty’s skills.

Entering into a Lasallian pedagogical tradition of core and relevant learning for students, embedded in a Christian setting, with relationship and pastoral care of students central, Deborah experienced appreciation of De La Salle’s vision and practice. There was “an enthusiasm for the challenge (that) was very much heightened”.

She expressed her educational vision for a rapidly-changing 21st century:

“A quality education is founded on the following beliefs.  Teaching must be learner-centred, flexible, relevant and recognise that students come with their own understandings, assumptions and motivations.  Students should be supported to be creative, connected, socially aware, and engaged in their education and their communities.  

All students can learn, and schools should be able to supply verifiable data of learning growth and value added.  Building student capacity for future-readiness is a moral-ethical learning endeavour, and one that we cannot leave to chance.  Our curriculum and class approaches need to be planned with a future-focus”.

The thrust of Deborah’s goals is centred on at least two areas, as she relates them. They are problem solving and strategic direction. These processes are played out in the teachers’ on-going learning, involving collaboration and collective inquiry.

The critical importance of teachers as people, who create learning is underlined by a student leader:

“Easily, the most significant aspect for me at St Bede’s College has been the teachers. I have encountered teachers who knew when to put friendship before curriculum, often times being a needed pair of ears when I’ve needed someone to listen. I’ve also known teachers who have inspired my learning, and pushed me to the best I can be. The quality teachers have been the most significant part of my time at St Bede’s College”. (Lewis Desmond, Year 12, College Vice Captain)

Additionally, for the new Principal, the presence of three Brothers on the staff is “an absolute blessing” – “the living, walking example of our Lasallian heritage, and terrific role models”. A high-quality Catholic identity, she expects, “should be clear and unambiguously expressed through prayer, participation in liturgy, our relationships with those that we come into contact with, the behaviours that we model, and our support for social service.  Jesus is that model for our relationships and service to others”.

Such words and actions encapsulate, for the College Captain, Leighton Miller, “the most valued experience…being a part of the brotherhood we call the Beda Family".

Author: Br Gary Wilson, District Creative Writer