Supporting success for women in boys’ education 

Trinity’s series focusing on women in boys’ education continues in 2026, this term with a breakfast panel honing in on what it means to be supported to succeed. 

Dr Kimberley Pressick-Kilborn (Head of Research and Professional Growth) hosted the panel and was joined by six panellists: Ms Belinda Reid (Head of Human Resources), Mr Neil Van Heerden (Residential Operations Coordinator at the Field Studies Centre), Ms Geneva Clayton (Head of the Preparatory School), Ms Shelley Richards (Kindergarten to Year 2 Stage Leader, Junior School), Ms Carrie Wang (Acting Assistant Head of Faculty – Mathematics), and Mr Ed Habkouk (Head of Faculty – Mathematics). 

When asked about the support they’ve received in their own career, each panellist agreed that mentoring played a large role. 

“In my personal career, I think about the informal mentoring more than any sort of official mentoring,” said Ms Clayton. “The greatest learning was from people that I could trust and lean into for feedback. I was very fortunate to be surrounded by excellent mentors who weren’t necessarily in official roles but were experts in their field and really passionate.”

And, she said, that these relationships had a flow-on effect: as she was inspired by their excellent practice, her confidence grew, she would then be invited into opportunities to lead small projects where, again, her confidence could grow further. 

She says it was invaluable to “be trusted to move through processes, to test my skills, and to hone my craft”. 

Ms Wang agreed that mentorships and sponsorships were influential in her career but that those relationships “don’t just miraculously drop on anyone”. 

“You can expect there to be very high quality short-term support from different people in the organisation,” she says for teachers anywhere. “But what you must initiate yourself is maintaining that relationship.” 

She says that you might have one conversation with a potential mentor where they offer up advice, but what turns it into a lasting mentorship is how you follow up. 

“Sometimes that relationship building – whether or not you’re seeking mentorship or sponsorship – comes from them knowing that their advice has been useful, that you actually listened to it and did it. Then, you can continue that conversation.” 

Relationship building, Mr Van Heerden says, is key, and that any team is an ecosystem where we should all work under the assumption that each of our decisions will impact those around us, and that we will be impacted in return. 

“We should expect that people want to have relationships with the people at work that they spend way more time with than they do their families. And that they want those relationships to go well and to have some sort of mutual benefit.

“So, then, if I think about what I should initiate for myself,” he says of this ecosystem, “I should just invest in people. But that means I have to do the relational groundwork in myself too. Relationships are informed by all those small decisions that you make.” 

Ms Reid agrees that these relationships and support networks don’t happen through passivity. 

“You have to be an advocate for yourself first. You have to put yourself out there. There’s going to be people who don’t see you the way you see yourself, but at the same time, you’re a mirror and sometimes they can’t quite see what’s there.

“Put your hand up for the small stuff and take on that, and look for that sponsorship. Be seen doing the things that other people don’t want to do and, generally, that’s where progress will come from.” 

Ms Richards echoed this sentiment, sharing a bit about life at the Junior School where events like Mother’s Day breakfasts, Christmas plays and Easter parades are all-in affairs. 

“Take the initiative to show that you can help and be part of a team. Showing that you can work as a team is a really good thing.” 

Her advice for those who are looking for mentorship and to grow in their career? “Just be yourself, because then naturally you’ll just enjoy your job if you’re yourself and come to work each day and you’re not trying to prove anything. It’s just working and being part of a team.” 

Mr Habkouk experienced the power of being himself in an interview straight out of university. Showing up in jeans and a t-shirt he said he didn’t consider how he should be presented or dressed for the situation. 

“The interview went really well, as I found out later that day, but it was because, thankfully, I wasn’t being judged on what I was wearing. It was what I was saying and what I could offer the School at the time.” 

He learnt the lesson of presentation – in hindsight, he should have worn a suit to that interview! – and the power of being himself. When he took the role, he ended up finding one of the most influential mentors in his career, who taught him resilience, tolerance, commitment and consistency, all the things that have served him well over the years. And she went the step further to advocate for him, something he still values to this day. 

“She gave me the opportunities to actually demonstrate resilience and tolerance and be consistent.” 

In their closing remarks, the panellists offered up some advice for women in boys’ schools who are looking to grow in their career. 

Ms Wang emphasised that regardless of the kind of support you’re looking for, you must be willing to ask for it. 

“Don’t feel bad. Don’t feel bad about asking for help because sometimes what that means is that you leave it too late because you’re too scared to put your hand up to ask for help early on. Ask clearly what you need and ask early so that the other person can be ready to support you. But ask without apology, because everybody is here to support you.” 

Discussion circles to continue the conversation will be held across campuses in June. Trinity staff are encouraged to check Insite for the event details.