From the Principal

Dear BMGS Community,

This week, our student leaders did an excellent job focusing our attention on International Women’s Day. We began by recognising the incredible women who shape our community every day - our mothers, grandmothers, female staff, female alumni, and the young women currently studying in our School. I want to acknowledge that and thank the women in our community. You are an integral part of who we are, a reflection of strength, wisdom, and grace, and a fine example of what we hope to see in women across all corners of society. We honour your contributions, perseverance, and how you uplift those around you.

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise the remarkable contributions of women throughout history and in our present-day communities. While it should be a celebration, it is also a reminder that we are still in an era where women’s achievements must be highlighted as an act of progress rather than accepted as the norm. This should warn us that we are not yet where we need to be.

History has given us countless examples of extraordinary women. Marie Curie, the first individual to receive two Nobel Prizes in different scientific fields, revolutionised our understanding of radioactivity. Rosalind Franklin’s pioneering research was critical to deciphering DNA’s structure, while Katherine Johnson’s mathematical genius enabled NASA to send astronauts into space. Malala Yousafzai, after surviving a targeted attack for seeking an education, became the youngest-ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

If men had made these accomplishments, they would likely be celebrated on an even grander scale, their names immortalised in every textbook, their legacies set in stone. Yet, despite their brilliance, the world often treats women’s achievements as exceptions rather than expectations.

But beyond recognising these groundbreakers, it is essential also that we confront the sad reality that, for many women, progress remains out of reach. Today, nearly 130 million girls are still denied access to education, with 1.4 million of them in Afghanistan alone, where they are banned from attending school. An estimated five million women and girls are trafficked for sexual exploitation every year. Shockingly, 85,000 women and girls lost their lives at the hands of intimate partners or family members in the past year - 140 every single day. In Australia, a woman is murdered every 11 days, with 74 women killed by their partners in 2024, and 2025 already adding to that devastating count.

I often wonder why we don’t reflect the view of women as seen in the Bible. The Bible consistently demonstrates a high regard for women and their invaluable contributions across all areas of community and society. From the wisdom and leadership of Deborah, who judged Israel with discernment and courage, to the faithfulness of Ruth, whose steadfast commitment shaped the lineage of King David, Scripture is rich with examples of women playing pivotal roles in history. Sarah, the matriarch of Israel, exemplifies faith and perseverance, while Rebekah’s decisive actions helped shape the nation’s future. Esther’s bravery in the face of danger saved her people, and Mary’s willingness to embrace God’s calling changed the course of history. These women, among many others, remind us that strength, wisdom, and leadership are not confined by gender but are integral to God’s design for humanity.

This is not a fight for women alone. The responsibility to challenge these injustices does not rest solely on the shoulders of women- it is a collective responsibility, requiring men, young and old, to stand alongside women and demand better. These are conversations we must have with our husbands, fathers and sons. We must also engage young men in being part of the solution and instil in them the conviction that this is not just a women’s issue but a human one. The future we strive for must be one where all people are valued equally, where dignity and respect are not privileges but rights, and where we all actively link arms to create a world that honours the worth of every person.

As we reflect on this, I am reminded of Micah 6:8: “He has shown you what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” Justice, mercy, and humility must be the foundations of our efforts if we are to create lasting change.

Today, we honour women. Let us also challenge the systems that continue to hold so many back. The true goal is not just celebration- it is change. Until the world offers equal dignity and opportunity to all women, our work is far from finished.

Warm regards

Steven Coote 

Principal