St Paul's College Kempsey welcomes Bronwyn Shipton as assistant principal

Bronwyn Shipton has taken on the assistant principal mission and wellbeing position at the school in 2020.

Mrs Shipton grew up in Newcastle, before moving to Sydney where she worked at a variety of schools on the northern beaches.

Ten years ago, Mrs Shipton, her husband and their two children decided to make a lifestyle change and move to the Mid North Coast.

Mrs Shipton is passionate about student wellbeing and preparing children for the big wide world.

When she was a teenager, Mrs Shipton went through tragedy after losing her father in a serious incident.

She said students often view teachers and people who hold leadership positions as having perfect lives.

However, she said that's not reality. Mrs Shipton wants to pass on strategies to children at the college, so they can learn how to deal with challenges in life.

The high suicide rate and mental health issues reported amongst young people, Mr Shipton said are particularly concerning.

"My aim is to teach them skills, so they can go on and live happier lives," she said.

Mrs Shipton said connection with people in her life have been key to overcoming hardships.

She said it's important people find others who they connect with, to communicate with them about how they feel.

Technology and the rise of social media, Mrs Shipton said, have added to some of the mental health issues young people are facing.

She said young people will often compare their lives to others they see on social media, without recognising what they are viewing is only a snippet of reality.

Mrs Shipton said children have also been impacted by the pressure of living in a small community, the recent bushfire crisis and the ongoing drought.

Mrs Shipton enjoys switching off from technology when she can. She finds cooking for her family with music playing in the background a meditative experience.

Mrs Shipton treasures a daily ritual with her husband when they walk their dogs in the afternoon, without their phones.

The family also seek camping spots with no mobile reception so they can completely switch off during holiday time.

It's important, Mrs Shipton said for parents and teachers to model good behaviour when it comes to mobile phones, to ensure communication lines remain open.

Mrs Shipton has been warmly received by the community of the school and the wider region. She is looking forward to new challenges the role will bring.

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