This week brought an exciting moment for our School: Year 6 student Sophie received the Dame Jean Macnamara STEM Award, presented by Josh Burns MP. This award recognises young women in the Macnamara electorate who are already making a significant contribution to STEM learning and thinking.
The honour carries an important legacy. Dame Jean Macnamara was an Australian medical doctor and scientist whose groundbreaking work reshaped the understanding and treatment of poliomyelitis. Her career is a reminder of what determined young women can achieve in science when their potential is supported—something we are deeply committed to at St Michael’s.
A STEM learner with remarkable drive
Sophie is known in our Junior School for her curiosity and determination. She throws herself into mathematical problem-solving and has already tested her abilities in a range of enrichment opportunities. This includes taking part in the University of Melbourne Statistical and Research Challenge, the Australian Problem-Solving Mathematics Competition, and the Computational and Algorithmic Thinking Test, earning recognition in each.
Her interest in STEM continues well beyond the regular timetable. Sophie seeks out extra mathematics tuition, explores digital tools independently, and often shares what she discovers with her peers. In Science, she has produced sophisticated written explanations on topics such as tsunami formation, their impacts, and the mechanics behind solar panels.
Her confidence with technology is equally notable. Whether it’s coding, movie-making or using AI and app-based tools to elevate her work, Sophie not only applies these skills effectively but also supports classmates to experiment and problem-solve through them.
Girls in STEM thriving at St Michael’s
We know that girls and women remain underrepresented in STEM at school, university and industry levels. As a coeducational school with 50 years of experience, we are committed to change and to ensuring that every St Michael’s student has the support, encouragement and passion to engage fully in STEM subjects and to pursue professional pathways without self-doubt. The St Michael’s framework for learning, whereby learner confidence is prioritised and developed through explicit skills in inquiry, resilience, creative thinking and regular encouragement to ‘try new things’, sees girls’ participation and achievement continuing to grow.
This year’s strong engagement in mathematical thinking, including outstanding participation in the Australian Problem Solving Mathematics Olympiads, reflects this momentum.
Sophie’s recognition through the Dame Jean Macnamara STEM Award is richly deserved, and we are excited to see where her curiosity will take her in the years ahead.
