Mel Calandruccio, a senior school teacher at Queenwood in Mosman, reflects on the lack of support and understanding surrounding severe period pain that she and other girls experienced in high school. She recalls how girls were expected to suffer in silence and endure the pain without complaint. Calandruccio’s mother even shared stories of fainting from period pain in class, with teachers showing little concern. This attitude towards menstrual pain as a normal part of growing up has been perpetuated for generations, but Calandruccio is working to change this narrative for her students.
Calandruccio’s efforts have resulted in her year 9 students benefiting from a one-hour “PPEP talk” conducted by pelvic health physiotherapist Polly Levinson. This session covers topics such as periods, pain, and endometriosis, equipping students with the knowledge to recognize when something isn’t right and seek medical help. Student Evie Davis shares how the talk has helped her understand what pain is normal and when she should consult a doctor. By opening up conversations about menstrual health and pain, Calandruccio is empowering her students to take charge of their well-being and advocate for themselves.
While independent and Catholic schools receive federal funding for these educational sessions, public schools in NSW do not currently have access to this program. Upper house MP Emma Hurst is calling on the Minns government to allocate funding for 125 PPEP talk sessions across 90 public schools. Hurst, who personally struggles with stage 3 endometriosis and adenomyosis, highlights the importance of providing young people with accurate information about reproductive health issues. She recalls her own experiences as a teenager, where she faced judgment and dismissive attitudes when seeking help for her debilitating period pain.
Hurst emphasizes the need for increased awareness and education about endometriosis, a condition that affects many individuals but is often misunderstood or overlooked. By funding programs like PPEP talks in public schools, Hurst and other advocates hope to normalize discussions about menstrual health and break down stigmas surrounding period pain. The proposed cost of $200,000 a year for these sessions is seen as a small investment in the well-being of students, helping to alleviate unnecessary suffering and providing support for those experiencing menstrual issues.
Through initiatives like the PPEP talk program, educators like Mel Calandruccio are working to create a more supportive and informed environment for young people navigating menstrual health challenges. By giving students the tools to recognize when they need medical help and encouraging open dialogue about reproductive health, these efforts aim to empower individuals to advocate for their own well-being. With the support of advocates like Emma Hurst and others working to bring awareness to issues like endometriosis, there is hope for a future where young people no longer have to suffer in silence and can access the care and support they need.
