VCAL students Sophia Voss, Mikaela Moncrieff and Emma Reid organised the screening of the documentary ‘Embrace’ at the school after meeting the film’s star Taryn Brumfitt in Albury earlier this year.

Directed and produced by Brumfitt, the documentary tells the mother of three’s story, from abandoning a planned breast augmentation, to entering a bodybuilding competition, to ultimately discovering the state of mind that led her to self-acceptance.

After meeting Brumfitt when the documentary was screened in Albury back in June, Mikaela said she and her classmates were moved to bring the message to their peers.

“When we first watched it, we were looking for a project for our PD hours and it really connected with us,” she said.

“We thought we’d have a day for Embrace after that.

“We wanted to raise awareness of body image, we want women to be more accepting of themselves and use more positive language.

“Especially while still at school, we thought it was important to get the message out that it’s important to be comfortable with who you are in your body.” 

The trio also organised a casual clothes day and a raffle, with the proceeds from both donated to the Albury-Wodonga Women’s Centre.

The event also included presentations from guest speakers Amanda Hodgson and Kate Pallot from Life Intended.

The duo delivered a talk about the ‘Embrace’ documentary, as well as giving the students tips to deal with the stress of their final school years, such as meditation.

With just a few months to go before graduating from high school, Mikaela said it was important to get the positive message through to younger students.

“We had a few girls review the day and they really loved it,” he said.

“They really connected with it and got a lot out of it.

“I remember when I was younger I was really scared about what to wear because I was worried someone would bag me out about it.

“It’s good for people to know they’re not alone.

“We sat and talked to a few of the girls afterwards and they told us the documentary had been something that really boosted their self-confidence.

“Growing up in school, nine times out of ten you;re going to be bullied or end up bullying someone, we have to say that’s not OK.

“We want women to come together and be a whole.” 

A number of local businesses supported the raffle and documentary screening, to whom the school showed appreciation.