Kirsten Andrews, Vice President, External Engagement, University of Sydney, was the guest speaker at the school’s international Women’s Day assembly.
Words of advice from guest speaker Kirsten Andrews.
The Catherine McAuley Westmead School Community and invited guests gathered for a special International Women’s Day Assembly on Wednesday, 4th March 2026.
Students gathered at the Catherine McAuley Westmead International Women’s Day Assembly to hear from guest speaker Kirsten Andrews, Vice President, External Engagement at the University of Sydney. In her address, Kirsten shared four important lessons she wished she had known when she was 15 years old.
Kirsten grew up in Elizabeth, South Australia - a suburb with one of the lowest levels of higher educational attainment in the country, and was the first in her family to attend university. She has since become a respected leader across the public and private sectors, holding former roles as Chief of Staff to a federal minister and Deputy Director of Communications to the Premier of NSW. She currently serves as Vice-President, External Engagement at the University of Sydney.
Confidence comes from action, not perfection
Kirsten told students that as a teenager she believed that when she turned 25, she would suddenly become confident and everything would fall into place. “Since then I have learnt that confidence is a muscle that grows with use”. She encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, explaining that confidence develops through practice and persistence.
Students, staff and special guests gathered for the special assembly.
The School Captains presented Kirsten with flowers at the conclusion of her speech.
Ask for help and seek out mentors
“There is no single mentor,” Kirsten said. “Think of it as an ongoing set of people to help guide you. They might be friends, they might be teachers, later they might be a work supervisor or a former work supervisor, who can guide you in the next stage of your development.” She reminded students that guidance can come from many different people at different stages of life.
You don’t have to know the final destination to take the first step
Kirsten shared that her career decisions have been shaped by the advice of former US President Theodore Roosevelt and his famous quote to “work hard at work worth doing”. She encouraged students not to wait until they have everything mapped out, but to focus on taking purposeful first steps.
Your background is a strength, not a limitation
Kirsten reflected that in South Australia, coming from Elizabeth is sometimes looked down upon and was once something she hesitated to share. Over time, however, she came to see her background as a source of resilience and perspective - qualities that have shaped her leadership journey.
As the school celebrates International Women’s Day, it was inspiring to hear Kirsten’s story, from being the first in her family to attend university to becoming one of Australia’s most respected leaders in higher education and public engagement. Her message was a powerful reminder of the impact of opportunity, education, and determined leadership.
Student Leaders lead the school in the school song at the conclusion of the assembly.
VIP guests who attended the International Women’s Day assembly including staff from Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese and surrounding schools.
Thank you to all the Year 11 mothers and grandmothers who joined the school today for this special assembly, and the special guests from the Sisters of Mercy, Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, surrounding schools, Members of Parliament and the Parents & Carers Group.
Jacqui Hamilton | School Development Officer
Catherine McAuley Westmead
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Students at Catherine McAuley Westmead marked International Women’s Day today with an inspiring address from Kirsten Andrews, Vice-President, External Engagement at the University of Sydney. Growing up in Elizabeth, South Australia, and becoming the first in her family to attend university, Kirsten shared four powerful lessons she wished she had known at 15 - lessons grounded in courage, resilience and action. 💬 “Confidence is a muscle that grows with use.” Kirsten reminded students that confidence doesn’t arrive overnight - it grows every time you step outside your comfort zone. 💬 “There is no single mentor.” She encouraged students to seek guidance from many people throughout their lives - friends, teachers, supervisors - each playing a role in their journey. 💬 “Work hard at work worth doing.” Drawing on advice from former US President Theodore Roosevelt, she urged students not to wait until everything is mapped out, but to take purposeful first steps. 💬 Your background is your strength. What was once something she hesitated to share has become a source of resilience and perspective that has shaped her leadership. From first-in-family university student to respected leader, Kirsten’s story was a powerful reminder of the impact of opportunity, education and determined leadership. Thank you to all the Year 11 mothers and grandmothers who joined the school today for this special assembly, and the special guests from the Sisters of Mercy, Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, surrounding schools, Members of Parliament and the Parents & Carers Group. Donna Davis MP Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
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