Heads of House 

As Heads of House, we are continually inspired by the incredible spirit, resilience, and energy of the girls in our community. This week, we want to shine a spotlight on something close to all our hearts, body positivity, and how we are actively embedding this value across our school programs and culture. 

In today’s world, our girls are growing up surrounded by filtered images, highlight reels, and a constant stream of media telling them who and what they should be. It’s easy to forget that their worth is not measured by numbers or aesthetics, but by the power, kindness, and courage they show each day. 

Through our Personal Best programs and Health and Physical Education curriculum, we are planting seeds of self-acceptance and resilience that will serve our students well beyond the school gates. Programs like the DOVE Self-Esteem Project help our girls critically engage with media and challenge harmful beauty standards. These sessions open up real, honest conversations – encouraging our students to see themselves and others through a lens of compassion rather than comparison. 

We’ve also been inspired by the work of Taryn Brumfitt, Australian of the Year and founder of the Embrace movement. Her message; that our bodies are not ornaments but instruments, resonates deeply across year levels. As part of our curriculum, we’ve explored her Embrace Kids documentary and reflected on how movement, joy, and connection to others can shift the way we view ourselves.

In one Year 10 session, a student noted, “I didn’t realise how much time I spent worrying about what I looked like. Now I want to think about what my body can do, not just how it looks.” 

And what better example of this than our recent Cross Country event? It was more than just a race, it was a celebration of showing up, pushing limits, and being proud of our efforts. Whether running, walking, or cheering others on, our girls embraced the opportunity to move with purpose. 

They weren’t focused on perfect appearances, they were focused on courage, community, and pride in what their bodies could achieve. The red faces, high fives, and laughter told a story of self-worth written in effort and determination. 

All of these programs help each girl build a relationship with herself that is rooted in respect, confidence, and self-kindness. Body positivity isn't about ignoring appearance; it's about redefining beauty to include strength, health, diversity, and joy. It’s about making peace with who we are and recognising that our bodies are our home, capable of incredible things. 

To our girls: Your body allows you to run races, hug your friends, laugh until your stomach hurts, and show up to life’s big and small moments. Celebrate it. Trust it. Nourish it. And always remember that your value is never up for debate, it’s inherent. 

Let’s keep creating a culture where we raise each other up, challenge harmful narratives, and walk (or run!) forward together, proudly and powerfully.