World Class 2012 in partnership with the British Council bring you the stories of the schools where the dreams begin.

St John Fisher College

SCHOOL STATS Number of students - 445 Number of teachers - 36 Where in the world? Queensland, Australia Years Emily attended: 2007 - 2008

St. John Fisher College is a Catholic secondary girls' school in the outer suburbs of Brisbane City, Queensland.

"The school's mission is to empower young women to face challenges in life with courage, resilience and dynamism," says acting Principal, Sharee Lane.

The schools stars are the students "who face these challenges every day and respond to them with grace and dignity and respect for others," she says.

"Goodness, Knowledge and Discipline" is the schools motto and the staff hope all of the 445 girls at St John Fisher College can develop these skills to reach their full potential.

Emily at the school pool Her achievement at the highest international level in her sport was such an amazing feat and encouraged others to pursue their dreams. Acting Principal, Sharee Lane

Emily at St. John Fisher

Emily's swimming talent has always been obvious to everyone at St John Fisher College, as she was already a certified sports star before starting at the school.

Emily turned from sports star to superstar when, as a Year 10 pupil at St John Fisher College, she won Gold at the Beijing Olympics.

Due to Emily's training schedule, she had limited time to socialise, but her focus and commitment to swimming "were always understood by her friends, who have remained supportive ever since," Sharee Lane told us.

The Olympic Ideal

Emily with her classmates

Having an Olympian as a past student has given St John Fisher College "a greater awareness of the Olympic ideal" and the school are hoping more students can follow in Emily's footsteps.

Sarah Pullen, is another upcoming swimming star currently studying at St John Fisher College. Sarah trains alongside Emily at a local swimming club and the school is hoping that she and other current students can take inspiration from Emily's success.

During the last Olympics, the whole school watched Emily on the big screen in the Assembly hall and they hope to do the same in 2012.

World Olympic Dreams

Emily is one of the athletes being tracked as London 2012 approaches and they strive to make their Olympic dreams a reality.

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