St Margaret’s School: Breaking-through for the girls

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They’ve embodied one of the key Energy Breakthrough aims with such flair the whole field has taken notice. With a mandate of attitude, effort and performance – St Margaret’s School’s two successful 2006 all-girls teams: ‘Blonde’ and ‘Brunette’ - have broken their own records on the way to opening the doors for more full-female teams to get involved. Here EB Online learns a little about their approach as they answer our Q&A together as a squad… EB Online (EB): To give people some background – where and how big is St Margaret’s School? St Margaret’s School Squad (SMS): It’s in Berwick in the outer south-east of Melbourne and the secondary part of the school is about 350 strong. There is also a co-educational primary part of approximately the same size. EB Online (EB): Is the Breakthrough program run in class or as an extra-curricular project? SMS: HPV is run totally out of normal school program with training before school and on weekends and vehicle work in the evening. The girls come from Years 8, 9, 10 & 12 (in 2006). We expect another massive increase in interest for 2007 with the possibility of a primary team and even another secondary team. EB: This is just your second full year, but what did it take you to get your Energy Breakthrough program started? SMS: Whilst it was a little difficult gaining acceptance for the idea initially, our Principal, Helen McDonald, has been to both of our Maryborough campaigns (in 2005 and 2006) and been delighted with the 'empowered girls' outlook, she has been a wonderful supporter of the program.   EB: ‘Empowered’ – is that what the ‘Breakthrough translates to for you at SMS? SMS: Our 'coach' and founder of the SMS program (Terry Trevena) discussed with us how he wanted us to be seen by others, he suggested we wanted to be respected for attitude, effort and performance. This then led to a discussion of what we didn't want to be and we decided that the stereotypical 'blonde' was as far away as we could imagine! We then decided to build our whole squad around empowered and capable females, so the name was adopted on a very much 'we will prove we are not approach'. EB: And other rewards? SMS: Rewards have been in abundance. We believe it is one the most fun packed things we have done, with more girls and their families wanting to get involved. The biggest individual reward has been the acceptance of the girls as genuine competitors who can perform at an exceptionally high level but still operate on the highest standards of teamwork and appreciation of other teams. The fact that we emphasise that you are there to compete but also to enjoy yourself has been well received. The Principal loves the responsibility that the girls take for planning and organisation. Self esteem comes up time and time again when you speak to parents about the benefits. We are more likely to tell you of the fun side, the pride in achievement and the ability to interact with girls from different year levels.   EB: What were been the major changes between 2005 and 2006? SMS: Well, 2006 was an up-market version of 2005, more riders, more parents, a greater level of organisation and far more responsibility taken on by the senior girls in the squad. The view was put forward by Terry Trevena that for the program to be sustainable a school really needs two teams so that you get the flow on effect. This was achieved reasonably easily because of the success of the original team in 2005. St. Margaret’s is now at a critical point where a decision needs to be made on how many teams we can realistically field.   EB: What challenges have you been confronted with? SMS: Because Terry (our organiser) was involved in starting the Berwick SC group ten years ago, he knows most of the potential problems and has planned to avoid these. EB: The origin of the team name ‘Blonde’ is obvious from what you‘ve already said, but what about ‘Brunette’? SMS: The second team was originally named ‘My Other Sisters Blonde’ because it fitted in with our plan and we loved the names used by Damascus College (My Other Brothers Daryl). Once the junior team was formed there was a revolution and the name was overthrown and changed to Brunette! We have no idea what the next team will be called. EB: Can you give us an idea of your budget? SMS: It’s very hard to provide accurate information because of the rapid expansion of our program. In round figures, we need around $3500 - $4000 to get a new vehicle up and running, with each vehicle needing about $400 per annum for maintenance. Add in $500 for event entry fees, spare parts (around $1800 - a one-off cost) and it becomes an expensive operation. But – the travel costs are typically covered by the school and catering is shared with Berwick SC. Sharing with Berwick is a fantastic arrangement and ends up costing around $18 a day per person. Participants also got riding tops, which they paid for with a chocolate drive (around $60 per top) and they each purchased a screen printed pink top ($20 including printing). EB: And how did you come up with the money? Was it fundraising? SMS: This year we actually catered for a major event and made around $2000, in addition we held a fundraising BBQ, along with a chocolate drive. A local engineering firm agreed to fund our spares kit and we’re also in the process sponsorship negotiations with a high profile company. If this is successful we will be able to expand our program significantly over the next three years. EB: Any advice for other girls schools who might be keen to take part? SMS: The best advice for other girl's schools is to 'do it'. Many of the St Margarets squad name it as the best thing they have done whilst at secondary school. In practical terms, if you’re a new starter, you’ll need to get advice from people who have 'done it'. It is very important to understand the resources that are needed to run an effective HPV program. If you don’t know what you are doing you run the risk of exhausting yourself in the first year and never coming back. A sustainable program is one where the load is shared.   "A sustainable program is one where the load is shared." St Margaret's Energy Breakthrough Co-ordinator Terry Trevena is willing to assist anyone interesting in becoming involved for the first time - particularly girls schools. He can arrange a demonstration ride and for some of the St Margaret’s girls to talk to students, teachers & parents from other schools. Terry can be contacted at St Margaret’s School on (03) 9703 8111 or via travenat [at] St Margarets.vic.edu.au