IN THE male-dominated atmosphere of an all-boys school, St Brendan's College is working to ensure the student population recognises and respects the role of women in the workplace, in relationships and in everyday life by marking International Women's Day in a number of significant ways last week.

A whole college assembly highlighted the role of women in the development of Catholic education in Australia, and last Thursday the college stopped so staff in leadership, teaching, administration and support roles could celebrate an International Women's Day morning tea.

For one woman in particular, the celebration of International Women's Day is a timely one, as Cathy Minto, the college's new assistant principal of residential, makes her mark as Queensland's first, and one of Australia's first, female heads of boarding at a Catholic boys' school.

With almost a decade of experience in boarding as a house parent and head of residence at the school, Mrs Minto is well placed to take on the role.

"I have worked in boarding for just under 10 years as both a house parent and head of residence and have supported hundreds of boys as they developed from children to young men,” Mrs Minto said.

"My husband and I were heads of residence in Edmund Rice Residence for the introduction of Year 7 to secondary school and this transition was a significant one, managing the additional resources and support required to take on students who were 12 months younger in a boarding situation.

"The influence and the rewards in boarding are immeasurable,” she said.

"When you see these boys arrive as children with their parents and support and guide them in the development of their independence, knowledge and character as young men, it is a very rewarding role.”