Celebrating women who inspire us
In the lead up to International Women’s Day in March 2026, The Hutchins School celebrated female staff who influence our students and the wider community each day in meaningful and lasting ways.
Throughout the week, we highlighted seven staff members, sharing who has inspired them and a small moment that has reminded them why their contribution matters at Hutchins and within the wider community.
Miss Cher Zhang has been a Teacher’s Assistant in the Junior School at The Hutchins School since 2023.
Describe a woman who has inspired you and why?
I am inspired by Li Qingzhao, a renowned Chinese poet known for her gentle yet resilient voice. Despite the challenges of her time, she continued to express her thoughts and emotions with honesty and grace. Her words remind me that gentleness does not mean weakness and that strength can be quiet, thoughtful and deeply enduring.
Share a small moment that has reminded you why your contribution matters both at Hutchins and wider community
Small moments remind me of why my work matters. It might be a child who was crying suddenly runs towards me for comfort, or when a student I have taught before recognises me across the playground and excitedly calls out “Ms Cher!”. Sometimes it is as simple as a child saying “Ms Cher is magical,” or carefully carrying home a drawing or craft we made together as if it were a treasure.
These moments may seem small but they carry so much trust and joy. They remind me that being present, patient and creative can leave a lasting impression not only in the classroom, but in the confidence that children take back to their families and the community around them.
Mrs Deb Lie, appointed Head of Inclusive Education at Hutchins in 2025, brings over 20 years of experience in schools across Tasmania and internationally.
Describe a woman who has inspired you and why?
Pinpointing just one woman who has inspired me is challenging, because there are so many, from my childhood through to adulthood, who continue to be an inspiration.
I am especially grateful to my mum. She has inspired me through her thoughtfulness, nurturing spirit and open arms. She taught me that diversity is to be celebrated and that love has no boundaries, adopting many of my siblings from overseas.
Every day, I am also inspired by the strong and curious women in my life, my relatives, friends and the many incredible educators I’ve met through teaching.
One very dear friend, who inspired not only me but everyone around her, reminded us daily to notice and appreciate the simplest things in life, as it’s the simple things that can bring us the most joy and deepest gratitude.
Share a small moment that has reminded you why your contribution matters both at Hutchins and wider community
At the end of last year, a student gave me a thoughtful thank you card. In it, he wrote about the respect I show my students.
Seeing that value reflected back and appreciated through a young person’s words was a powerful reminder that the everyday moments matter. How we listen, how we respond and how we honour each student’s story truly makes a difference.
Respect is a core value at Hutchins and it underpins the positive relationships we build within our school and the wider community.
Mrs Michelle Davies has worked at The Hutchins School since 2021. She is the Librarian for the Middle and Senior School and manages the Nettlefold Library space.
Describe a woman who has inspired you and why?
Throughout my life, many Australian women have shaped and inspired me. My mother taught me resilience and the power of unconditional support. Writers like Helen Garner have influenced my thinking through intellectual honesty and sharp observation, while Dr Catherine Hamlin modelled moral courage through her lifelong commitment to restoring dignity to marginalised women.
Yet one woman whose inspiration continues to shape me was Mary Fraser, a deeply respected librarian in our local community. Her passion for librarianship reached across communities and countries, building meaningful professional connections wherever she went. She led with warmth, compassion and unwavering inclusivity. She believed in her staff wholeheartedly, championing, mentoring and advancing those around her. Strong in her convictions and guided by fairness, she balanced courage with kindness and a generous sense of humour.
Her example continues to influence my daily practice, reminding me to be principled yet compassionate, thoughtful yet approachable and intentional about creating spaces where every learner feels seen and supported.
Share a small moment that has reminded you why your contribution matters both at Hutchins and wider community
A recent moment reminded me why this work matters. A student began visiting the library simply to sit, talk and find calm within the School day. He wasn’t seeking academic help, he was seeking a predictable, welcoming space. Over time, our conversations led to shared book recommendations. Reading became a bridge, building trust, confidence and connection, and soon he was bringing friends with him.
It affirmed something I hold deeply: a school library is not just about literacy or resources. It is about connection and wellbeing. When we intentionally cultivate spaces grounded in curiosity, respect and belonging, our contribution extends far beyond the collection, it strengthens the culture of the whole community.
Ms Emma Jacobson started at The Hutchins School in 2023 and is a Senior Classroom Teacher based in the Junior School and Middle School.
Describe a woman who has inspired you and why?
The woman who inspires me most is my mum. She came to Australia in her twenties and was unable to return home because of the war in her country. She didn’t speak English and had no family support, all while raising my sister, who was just a toddler at the time.
When she arrived in Australia her qualifications were not recognised, so she had to start her life again. She worked different jobs to support our family while studying to gain new qualifications in Australia. She faced racism because of her accent and people who underestimated her, yet she trusted herself and kept moving forward with determination. Alongside my dad, she worked hard and built a career while raising my sister and I.
Her strength, hard work and commitment to our family has shaped who I am today, and she continues to inspire me.
Share a small moment that has reminded you why your contribution matters both at Hutchins and wider community
A small moment that reminded me why my contribution matters was a conversation with a student who shared that they sometimes feel “different” at school because of their upbringing and traditions at home. As we spoke, we realised we had similar experiences growing up in households that didn’t reflect the typical Australian lifestyle. I believe that shared understanding helped them feel seen and reassured that others have had similar experiences.
Moments like this remind me that connection matters. Being able to relate to students and members of the wider community – whether through culture, family background, or travel experiences – helps create a sense of belonging.
Mrs Alison Farmer is Head of English and Modern Languages, and has been teaching at Hutchins since 1987.
Describe a woman who has inspired you and why?
My mum is loving and resilient; she inspires me by facing challenges with optimism, determination and hard work.
Queen Elizabeth I’s speech rallying the troops gathered at Tilbury against the Spanish Armada in 1588 is remarkable. During her 45-year reign, England became a more cosmopolitan nation, she authorised the Common Book of Prayer and Shakespeare flourished – what an exciting time!
Euahleyai / Gamillaroi woman, Larissa Behrendt, is a lawyer, academic, author, filmmaker, ABC radio host, and she delivered the Boyer Lecture on “Justice, ideas, inclusion” in 2025. Her insight, grace and advocacy inspire me to play my part in Australia’s journey towards reconciliation.
Sophie Gee is an Australian academic and author who is a Professor at Princeton University and Vice Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Sydney. She is passionate about literature and the importance of the humanities. Sophie is one half of my favourite podcast, The Secret Life of Books; and with intelligence and humour, she inspires me to take a “deep dive” into books and their literary history to discover their many layers of meaning.
Share a small moment that has reminded you why your contribution matters both at Hutchins and wider community
When students say thank you after a lesson, it means so much because they’ve appreciated how our class has worked together to understand more about ourselves and our world through language.
At a family-teacher conference, a student’s father thanked me for the conversation he had with his son about a poem we studied – so many wonderful connections happen through literature.
It’s joyful to receive emails from students who tell me they’ve had the courage to take on further study because of the essay writing skills they learnt at school. These achievements happen because of the efforts of multiple teachers throughout the years, as well as dedication and hard work by students. I’m always grateful to hear how former students are thriving.
Ms Jaz Reardon joined Hutchins in 2019 as a valued member of the Facilities Team.
Describe a woman who has inspired you and why?
Countless strong inspiring women have helped shape who I am today. Possibly the most inspiring and influential on my life is a young woman by the name of Rhiannon.
Rhiannon has not had the easiest life and has faced countless challenges. I cannot tell you her story, as it is her story alone. What I can tell you is that throughout every challenge life has thrown at her, she has faced it head on with relentless determination and unconditional kindness. She has a passion for education and literature as she believes knowledge equals strength.
She shows boundless patience and empathy for those around her as she says, “we should always lead with kindness; you never know what someone has going on”.
Her biggest strength though comes from being able to set firm boundaries and putting her own needs first so that she never runs out of energy to give.
Share a small moment that has reminded you why your contribution matters both at Hutchins and wider community
Before we started the year, I had the privilege of speaking at one our staff meetings. I shared my story of working under the role as a cleaner. I explained to the staff that sometimes I would find myself questioning whether my work made a difference. I know they appreciate my work, but is what I contribute enough?
Throughout my day I quite often have the privilege of listening to our students tell me about their lives. It varies from great news like the match they won, the trip they took with their family to how unfair it was to have a maths test first up in the morning.
When I received a card of appreciation from a student a few years ago it reminded me my work is more than just cleaning. Now I focus on remembering how important those chats are. Sometimes I’m able to help them find the right staff to assist their goals, sometimes simply being a safe space without a title allows them to open up and speak a little more freely.
Mrs Emma Nuttall is the Deputy Head of Junior School and has been at Hutchins since 2023.
Describe a woman who has inspired you and why?
Throughout my life, I have been supported by many extraordinary women who have guided me both professionally and personally. They represent different generations, cultures, careers and perspectives, yet each has modelled strength, kindness and courage.
One former colleague, Jane, helped me understand the importance of balance in the juggle of work and family life. She believed in me when I doubted myself and though she resides in England, her advice continues to influence me daily.
What I have learned from her and from so many others, is that kindness is not a lesser strength, it is a profound one. Supporting others does not diminish us; it strengthens us. When we lift others, we grow ourselves.
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who mentor, encourage and empower and we commit to being those women for the next generation.
Share a small moment that has reminded you why your contribution matters both at Hutchins and wider community
In my role in the Junior School I am fortunate to support students, staff and families each day. These relationships are a privilege I never take for granted.
At the start of our new term, a simple morning greeting highlighted the impact of this for me. A student paused, looked up, and asked with genuine interest about my holiday, remembering my family members in the process. In that small exchange, I was reminded of the power of truly seeing one another.
The impact of “really seeing” others is never small. It builds connection, belonging and trust. It is a daily reminder of our what you do matters messaging. What you do really does matter and it matters even more when you choose to go out of your way to do it.
