Educating for Change: The Inspiring Story of Annie Brice and Saint Mary MacKillop
We will host a special event on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 9:00am to 10:00am, featuring Principal Emma Fowler, a proud Boandik woman, in conversation with family members. The event will delve into the inspiring legacy of Annie Brice, Emma's great-great-grandmother, a Boandik woman taught by Saint Mary MacKillop, and explore connections to the Boandik people and the transformative impact of education.
This unique session will highlight themes of resilience, cultural heritage, and reconciliation, showcasing how one family's story continues to inspire future generations.
Taking place during the National Reconciliation Week, which runs from May 27 to June 3, this event aligns with the broader national effort to learn about shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
Open to students, families, and the wider community, this event promises a thought-provoking celebration of leadership and cultural connection.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Time: 9am to 10am
Location: St Raphael's School, Parkside, 114 Glen Osmond Rd, Parkside.
Free event.
Trailblazing Leadership: South Australia's Aboriginal Catholic School Principal Shares Her Inspiring Family Legacy
In a groundbreaking moment for South Australia, Emma Fowler, Principal of St Raphael's School in Parkside, stands as an Aboriginal Catholic school Principal.
Her leadership is deeply rooted in an extraordinary family legacy that intertwines with the story of Saint Mary MacKillop, one of Australia's most revered educators and the nation's first canonised saint.
Emma Fowler's great-great-grandmother, Annie Brice, a Boandik woman born around 1854 near Penola, South Australia, was taught to read and write by Mary MacKillop herself. This act of education not only transformed Annie's life but also planted seeds of resilience and advocacy that have flourished through generations.
"Mary MacKillop believed every child deserved access to education, no matter their background or circumstance," says Emma Fowler. "That belief changed my great-great-grandmother's life and continues to inspire me every day as I work to nurture a love of learning in my students."
Annie Brice's story is one of remarkable courage and determination. At the age of 11, she began taking lessons with Mary MacKillop, becoming one of the few Aboriginal children of her time to learn reading and writing. This education empowered Annie to represent herself in court during legal disputes later in life—a bold act for an Aboriginal woman in the 19th century.
Emma's journey to becoming a Principal is as inspiring as her family history. With a decade of experience in educational leadership, she has previously served as an Assistant Principal at St Joseph's School Kingswood and as an Education Advisor for Technologies at Catholic Education South Australia. A proud advocate for diversity in education, she has dedicated her career to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
"As a principal, the privilege of connecting with each child, staff member and family is an incredible responsibility that I treasure and embrace," Emma states. Her leadership style mirrors Mary MacKillop's values—compassion, equity, and a commitment to seeing the potential in every student.
This Reconciliation Week, St Raphael's School will host a special event where Emma Fowler will share her family's remarkable story alongside members of her family. The event will explore themes of resilience, cultural heritage, and the transformative power of education. Students, families, and members of the wider community are invited to attend this celebration of reconciliation and learning.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Time: 9am to 10am
Location: St Raphael's School, Parkside, 114 Glen Osmond Rd, Parkside.
The event will also feature special guests connected to the story of Annie Brice and Mary MacKillop.
This event promises to be both compelling and thought-provoking—a celebration of leadership, education, and cultural connection that underscores the importance of reconciliation in modern Australia.
Please fill in the form below to secure your seats.