CORPORATE VISION / December 2017 49 , Whitefriars is a Catholic College for boys fromYears 7 to 12 established in 1961 by the Carmelite Order. The school have 1200 students attending, including 60 international students. Emilia Fields tells us more about her school and why it has become so successful. Almae in Fide Parentis Emilia Fields is Director of Whitefriars International Student Programme, and her list of responsibilities is long. She coordinates the Homestay program and recruits the respective homestay families, as well as promoting the program and the recruitment of international students. Additionally, Emilia selects and liaises with the overseas Whitefriars Accredited Agents, alongside acting as PRISMS Administrator (Enrolment, Welfare and records) and VRQAPolicy Assurance Officer (Victorian Government). Also, she oversees the Bridging Program, which is 20 weeks Intensive English Course for new international students. When undertaking a new project at the school, Emilia notes what steps the school takes in order to ensure student receive the best possible outcome, and outlining what the school’s overall mission is. “Throughout Whitefriars, the team work on a clear explanation of the project which is undertaken, before communicating and explaining it fully, and we present the values and reasons for such a project. Moreover, our mission is based on Belong, Believe, Become, which we put into practice by inspiring our students to “walk the talk.” Alongside Emilia and the school’s reputation, Whitefriars is able to differentiate itself thanks to its Pastoral Care, and reach to the individual, as the school has a strong reputation for motivating students to reach and achieve their potential. Currently, the education industry is thriving in Australia, as Emilia alludes to when giving us an overview of schools within the country, before explaining what the main challenge will be going forward. She tells us what techniques herself and the school employ in order to stay ahead of emerging developments. “In the present, International Education is a thriving industry in Australia. The main challenge would be to continue excellent education to international students by all registered providers”. “Essentially, the techniques I employ are of great benefit to Whitefriars, including being involved in formal association and committees, such as VISION International (of which I am President), Ministerial Roundtables, State Advisory committees, Austrade and VRQA updates and of course the latest educational pedagogies.” Furthermore, Emilia is keen to discuss the growth of the school and what the business does, in particular relating to her work. She discusses encouraging international students coming over to study, emphasising how important education is to the country of Australia. “As far as business growth goes, I am working with Whitefriars to get international students to study in Australia. Education is one of, if not the top industry exports in Australia and I have been working with as many as 24 different countries promoting Australian education. The Whitefriars International Student Program is one of the longest lasting programs, having been operating for over 20 years, 13 of which I have been in the Director role. The Whitefriars program is unique in that we combine the International Student Program with an in-house English program, as well as taking a holistic approach to the student experience including social, cultural as well as educational.” Interestingly, Emilia believes it is the personal approach used by herself and staff at Whitefriars which is integral to the school’s success, providing a human touch to proceedings. Personally, she works with 75 agents internationally, and makes a point of engaging directly with students and parents, as well as personally selecting the homestay family that will best suit the students’ needs. “There are no greater gift parents can give to their children than a good education, and I believe this is the greatest investment in a child’s life. It can empower the individual with lifetime skills, intellectual 1712CV15 curiosity and build knowledge and skills for their future life journey”. “Education builds community and family bonds, personal excellence and life skills. These skills will empower the individual to live a better quality life in a global and sustainable world. It is important that teachers be provided with the time and tools to help the students to achieve these goals.” Moving forward, the team at Whitefriars will improve the school with the strengthening of pastoral care for international students, as well as globalisation of school environment and students as leading ambassadors for the wider community. Emilia signs off by outlining her own personal goals for the future. “Regarding the future, my personal goals are to continue to strengthen international programs in schools. We listen extensively to students and then adopt new programs that enhance the students’ positive experience in a new country.” Company: Whitefriars Catholic College for Boys Contact: Emilia Fields Contact Email:
[email protected] Address: 156 Park Road, Donvale, Victoria, 3111, Australia Phone: 00(613) 9872 8280 Website: www.whitefriars.vic.edu.au