From the Head of Senior School

#BreakTheBias

Imagine a gender equal world.

A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

A world where difference is valued and celebrated.

Together we can forge women's equality.

Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias. 

This week Kinross Wolaroi School celebrated International Women’s Day in a variety of ways. Our boarders celebrated with events at both PLC and Wolaroi. Students came together to listen guest speakers who shared inspirational stories with our students. The students and our boarding families then celebrated with BBQs.  From Monday, the students have also been involved in a number of IWD traditions. Postcard writing to inspirational women was conducted in Wellbeing and our Senior Girls' enjoyed morning tea with staff and local businesswoman extraordinaire SJ, owner of Second Mouse Cheese Co. 

Our TWIG team made ‘political’ Bacon and Egg rolls for staff, as they factored the gender pay gap into their price structure.  This was a wonderful conversation starter across the whole school.  Our male staff also generously provided a picnic style lunch for female staff members. 

Our Wednesday morning Chapel was themed around IWD, Dr Reverend Rosalie Clarke spoke about the role of women in the bible and some of the bias surrounding the traditions and readings we find within the scriptures. Students spoke of the important roles that many women in Science and History have played in forging our lives as we know them today. All week we’ve heard amazing music from women across all eras over the loud speaker and our student leaders have announced interesting facts and figures that strengthen our understanding as to why this day is important.

For me the most powerful moment from our celebrations so far was at today’s Chapel. One of our Yr 12 students Bryce Commins delivered a beautiful piece of slam poetry. For those of you that don’t know what slam poetry is, think spoken word performance. It incorporates spoken poetry, performance and audience participation and is sometimes presented through competitive avenues. 

Slam poetry can deal heavily in issues arising from injustices in sex, race and gender. Bryce shared an original piece of work at today’s Chapel, I have included it below with Bryce’s permission. Not only is the poetry beautifully written, but it is also emotive, clever, insightful and, most importantly, heartfelt.  The delivery had the audience in awe, the message was clear, authentic, and resonated strongly with staff and students alike. Thank you Bryce for sharing and performing such a wonderful piece of work that truly encapsulated the essence of International Women’s day.

International Women’s Day Slam Poem

Bryce Commins Year 12

Take a moment to reflect,

On an important woman in your life.

Its time to try and connect

With those who keep you free from strife.

It may be International Women’s Day,

But what does that mean to say 

“Thanks” to those deserving today?

Do you attempt to portray her name

As a kindness that’s forever on display?

Will you repay the way she held the grey at bay,

Like how a sun’s ray lays waste on dismay,

With an everyday bouquet?

Regardless, do not delay. 

Ask her to stay 

And attempt to convey 

Your feelings in a conscious way. 

It may be a cliché, 

But we must pay back for our disarray. 

The times we disobey

Misbehave or go astray. 

It need not be an essay,

Through crochet, ballet or extensive survey.

It may be a simple as asking, if she’s okay.

Sometimes, we may see a flower of which we need to care. 

But through this, we seem painfully unaware.

That flower is a powerful tower

And to those doubters, 

I’m not asking you to bow for an hour,

Simply for us to raise our voices louder. 

Hold our brow prouder

And empower those around us. 

Because honestly, what would we do without her?