Acting Deputy Principal

International Women’s Day

As you would no doubt be aware, Friday 8 March was International Women’s Day. This is an incredibly important day, where as a community, we recognise the contribution and role that women play in the lives of our students, and indeed within society. This year, as a college we decided to mark this day a little differently to previous years, with a special open invitation keynote event.

As a boys’ school, promoting gender equality is an absolute integral part of what we do, in the education of our boys. In some sectors of the media recently, boys’ schools have come under scrutiny, and in some instances have received criticism, or been accused of generating negative cultures and stereotypes. 

For those of us who work in boys’ education, and who are passionate about it, we know this to be false and unfounded, and in fact, what we seek to do and our mission as a boys’ school is quite the opposite. 

It would be easy to fall into the trap of going on the defence, of talking about all the things we do to ensure our boys are well educated and to go to battle about these issues – however, we believe that International Women’s Day is an important opportunity to promote the voices of women in our society. 

This was a day for us to hear the voices of women, about women. Specifically, as an educational institution first and foremost, our goal is to promote the voices of women who are impacting gender equality through education. Which is why we were so excited to host a keynote speaking event, featuring social changemaker Kristi Davidson.

Kristi is well known locally and globally as a woman who is passionate about social justice and education, and someone who is driven by her deep knowledge that every life must be treated with dignity and respect. Kristi is also a qualified teacher, so she understands the power that education has, to change lives. And she is putting that into action to change the lives of women.

Kristi shared insights about The Offspring Foundation, an organisation which she founded and leads. She shared stories and information about the important work they are doing with women in India, who have tragically found themselves victims of human trafficking. Kristi’s moving story focused on the way in which education has been able to liberate and empower women.

Many of you would be aware that Liberating education is one of the four touchstones that Edmund Rice Education are founded on, and so the work that the Offspring Foundation are doing aligns beautifully with that part of our mission. We were so pleased that Kristi was able to share women’s stories of empowerment with us last week, in such a meaningful and powerful way.

I’ve no doubt that her inspiring story had a lasting impact on all those who were able to attend. I’d like to extend my thanks to the community, for the support that so many showed in taking part in this important event.