Tuesday 11 February marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, and it is fitting that we celebrate on this day the wonderful science faculty we have here at SHC! With dedicated and knowledgable teachers and students hungry to learn, we continue a strong tradition of teaching and learning about the world through science.

We asked some of those who are involved in science at SHC for their thoughts on what science means to them, and the importance of it in their studies and future career paths.

Celebrating International Day of Women in Science holds great significance for me, having worked in this field for the best part of 35 years. It can be said that women bring new perspectives and diversity to research where groundbreaking discoveries are made, as well as their leading the way to improve gender equality. This day honours women scientists all over the world and encourages young women to further engage in science, inspiring them to pursue all interests no matter what.

I would love to encourage as many students as possible at SHC to study science through to year 12. Science subjects keep our students engaged in areas which have the breadth to develop their interest in areas beyond their imagination and providing them with multiple opportunities for more specialised future pathways once leaving school. Studying Science allows them to be problem solvers, to be creative and to also be an inspiration to other young women, so that together they can make a difference in the world. We want SHC students to know that the world can ‘truly be their oyster’; that they can turn their dreams into a reality!

I was privileged to attend SHC and graduated in 1984. I loved Maths and Science and in Year 12, the subjects I studied included Chemistry and Physics, as well as Pure Maths (Methods today). I also wanted to study Biology, but as I continued to study a language, I picked this up at university. My love of science began as a child as I loved to solve problems; something science was able to do most of the time! I was inspired by my teachers, who always reminded us that ‘we could do this!’ The support I was given enabled me to grow as a person, to feel valued in this field and empowered me to believe that I could do anything I wanted to do. My teachers were there to give me one-on-one assistance when required; something I continue to do with my students today. Having worked as a Medical Laboratory Scientist and now working as a Chemistry/Science teacher, I hope to inspire my students to pursue their interests in a field that is forever changing, and for them to bring their inquisitive minds to the fore.

Franca Bonanno, Chemistry and Religious Education teacher

International Day of Women in Science is a chance to recognise the incredible contributions women have made—and continue to make—in scientific fields. Science is all about curiosity, problem-solving, and innovation, and it’s essential that we encourage young women to see themselves as future scientists, researchers, and innovators. At SHC, we strive to foster a love of science in all students by building confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking skills.

As a former SHC student, my passion for science was nurtured by inspiring teachers who encouraged problem-solving. I studied Chemistry & Biology, and I remember the teachers being so passionate about their subjects it encouraged me to pursue science further. That same encouragement and support are what I hope to pass on to my own students today.

Deb Bohan, Chemistry and Core Science teacher

Student Reflections:

I am studying Chemistry, Biology and Psychology because I am passionate about science and find those areas fascinating. I plan to progress into the field of Biomedicine or Pharmaceuticals and develop medications to improve the lives of people struggling with illness or work in discovering new ways to screen for and treat cancer (and maybe add a Dr onto my name in the process). I am so grateful that SHC allows me to pursue my passions and make a difference in the world.
- Matilda Moroney 11SIEBE

For me, studying Chemistry is something that I've always been interested in, as I love understanding more about the way the world works, and Chemistry allows me to broaden my knowledge about how even the smallest particles in the world interact with one another. Similarly, studying Psychology allows me to understand how people and our brains work on a higher level. In the future, I aspire to work in a science related career, that would be being somewhere in the field of psychology, potentially working with people to help understand themselves and their minds.
- Evelyn Downie 11LOGR

I chose to study both Chemistry and Biology for VCE as I find them to be very interesting subjects that can provide context as to how the world works around us. In terms of my career aspirations, I am interested in pursuing a career in allied health, possibly as a Physiotherapist or in Occupational Therapy (OT). Both fields would allow me to combine my passion for health science with the opportunity to help others. Additionally, Chemistry and Biology can be common prerequisites for university, giving me the flexibility to enter a variety of courses.
- Chloe Rees 11CLTRM

I chose to study Science, particularly Chemistry, Biology and Physics, because I wanted to find answers to the questions I had. My interest has grown over time, thanks to supportive teachers and the wonderful opportunities I've been fortunate enough to encounter. In the future, I hope to keep building on that interest and continue along the science path.
- Angela Joseph 11LOFBO

I chose science because I love learning how things work! I’m considering a career in medicine

- Annika

I enjoy science because it helps me understand the world. I’m thinking of studying Marine Biology

- Sienna

I find chemistry and biology fascinating, and I hope to work in optometry

- Selina