06 March 2026
International Women’s Day provides an important moment of reflection in an all-boys school. It invites students to consider the influence of the women in their lives and the responsibility they carry in shaping a culture of respect among their peers.
Following the International Women’s Day Breakfast last week, conversations continued across the School in Muster, mentor groups and classrooms. Students were encouraged to reflect on the standards they set, the language they use and the example they model in everyday interactions. One of the questions posed to them was simple but significant: What kind of man do you want to be? In mentor groups, students worked through stories and prompts to share key takeaways from the breakfast and continue the discussion together.
In Muster, several students from the Young Archies Portraiture Group shared the stories behind portraits they have been working on in the Art department. The paintings feature women who hold a special place in their lives, including mothers, grandmothers and other family members who have shaped them through care, strength and encouragement. Our thanks to Rosalynde Skewes and Gabi Cirocco for their work guiding students through the Young Archies Portraiture Program.
While the portraits themselves are part of ongoing work in the Art program, displaying them during International Women’s Week offered a fitting opportunity to reflect on the people the students chose to portray. The artists spoke about why these women matter to them and the qualities they hoped to capture through their work.
Portraiture invites artists to look carefully and thoughtfully at their subject. In this context, it also provided a meaningful way for students to recognise the women who influence their lives and to express that appreciation publicly.
It is a privilege to help our boys navigate these questions in today’s world.
The habits formed during these years shape the kind of men our students become. As future colleagues, partners, leaders and community members, the way they understand respect and equality will influence the environments they help create.
Ana Christensen
Deputy Head of Senior School – Students
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Reflections from students on why they chose their subjects and what the artwork represents.
Ethan Lee – Year 8
My Mother Alice
A work-in-progress for the Youthscape Prize
I chose to paint my mother, because she represents both strength and compassion in my life. By placing my mum as the focus and using softer tones around her, I was able to create a composition that highlights her significance.
James Bissett – Year 8
My Ouma
This is my Grandmother, or as I call her “Ouma”. Since she and my grandfather immigrated here from South Africa like the rest of my family she has been a very big part of my life; from looking after me once school finished, to helping me speak more fluent Afrikaans. For this reason, I decided to paint this picture of her. My portrait conveys that she is a good listener. It shows that in a still moment, her focus is on other people. An artistic liberty I took to this painting was the background, where I added the outline of her favourite animal, a warthog, as I see the qualities of adaption and strength in her every day.
Shreyan Golla – Year 6
My Mother Naga
My name is Shreyan, and I am in Year 6. This is a portrait of my Mum, Naga. We have a very special connection. My portrait shows my mum enjoying gardening, which is represented by the sunflowers in the background. The painting also shows that she is a very happy and kind person.
Haru Funahashi – Year 6
Amongst the Trees
My name is Haru, and I am in Year 6. I painted my Mother Bianca. I painted her in front of the trees and Chihuly lights at the Adelaide Botanic Garden. My Mother is very caring and always listens to me. This painting is a way for me to give back to her, because she gives so much to me.
Jack Hutchinson – Year 7
My Mother Annie
I chose to paint my Mum because she is kind and does a lot for me. My Dad was overseas for half of the year while I was painting this portrait and so I wanted to recognise that she was putting in extra effort to keep us happy and safe. My portrait shows that my Mum loves me.
Alexander Nguyen – Year 6
A Starry Embrace
This painting ‘My Mother Chau’ was painted by Junior School Artist Alexander Nguyen, who was in Year 5 when he painted this artwork and an accompanying poem:
This story portrays the life that I’ve made.
My love for my mum is beyond all doubt.
Engrained in the stars, in a hug and a brand-new day.
Austin Scarsella – Year 9
My Baby Cousin Florence
I feel a special connection to Florence because she brings me happiness; I enjoy spending time with her. She is depicted in front of our Nonno’s house and garden. I hope to capture and convey the warmth and peace that Florence brings to everyone around her.
