Director of Middle Years
In 2023, Ms Freda Armstrong, commenced working at St Catherine’s School as the Director of Middle Years. With over 20 years’ experience as a teacher and advocate for girls’ education, Freda shares her insights into the importance of positive mental health for classroom success.
How long have you been an educator?
I have been teaching in the classroom for over 20 years.
I decided very early on in my career to teach in girls’ schools and I have been committed to girls’ education ever since. I moved to a girls’ school myself when I was in Year 8, and the move was transformative.
Girls’ schools offer a unique environment where girls can feel empowered and thrive in any area of their choosing.
What is your background/qualifications?
I have a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education. I trained as a Chemistry and Mathematics teacher, but have also taught Music, Information Technology, and Personal Development classes.
I have worked as a Head of Year for seven years across Years 7, 8 and 9. I have also held the position of Deputy Head of Mathematics and have lots of experience in the curriculum space, including as a VCAA marker, a VCE lecturer and a senior textbook resource author.
Whilst my academic expertise is in teaching Mathematics, I have a passion for wellbeing and supporting adolescents.
Why is wellbeing support and pastoral care so important to student success?
The connection between having a positive state of mental health and success in the classroom is undeniable.
It is important to note though that positive mental health does not mean being happy and content all the time. Rather it is having resilience skills, being able to reframe negative thoughts, having hope and a positive outlook on the future, and being able to articulate one’s feelings and know when (and how!) to seek support.
These are the makings of a young person with a strong sense of self and self-worth. This is what leads to confidence and perhaps ultimately, a sense of happiness. Who doesn’t want that for the young people in their life?
It is a profound experience to be in the classroom and see students have a ‘lightbulb’ moment when they make a connection between what they are feeling and how they are acting. Or when they finally see a way forward within a difficult situation they are dealing with. It is even more thrilling when they come back a week later to say they tried a particular strategy or approach and “It worked!”
Your role at St Catherine’s is Director of Middle Years. Can you provide some insight into what this entails?
I oversee the academic journey and wellbeing of each student from Years 7 to 9 as they progress through the middle years. I have a particular focus on the Wellbeing Programs being offered in the middle years and building the skills that will enable and empower the girls to function at their best.
It is an exciting role, and I am thrilled to be working in this space here at St Catherine’s. Since commencing at the start of 2023, I have been overwhelmed and humbled by the warm welcome I have received. The kindness and generosity of spirit seen in the way the students interact, not just with me and their teachers, but also with each other, is nothing short of impressive.
