From the Deputy Headmaster/Head of Junior School

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is ‘Give To Gain’ and that is exactly what our Junior School student leaders have done in the lead up to and during SA Women’s Week.

In an initial planning meeting during recess time, student leaders met with me to reflect on why International Women’s Day is relevant today. The boys were able to identify examples of bias, stereotypes and draw on experiences from family members

I am encouraged by the presentations these students delivered within their House Meetings and the key messages shared within them. Covering the achievements of a range of women including Alecia Keys, Marie Curie, Billie Jean King, and Amelia Earhart, to name a few, our boys acknowledged the adversity women in history have come up against and the meaningful change which they have enacted for others.

Rory, in his presentation focusing on Ash Barty, was able to clearly articulate how women in sport are ‘routinely paid less, given less media coverage, judged more on their appearance than their performance and are asked questions about family or personality instead of skill.’

Abraham highlighted the gender pay gap his grandmother experienced, working the same job as his grandfather, but being paid a lot less.

Josh, talking about Katherine Bennell-Pegg, talked about how we often commend women for being the first woman to do something. With Bennell-Pegg, we can celebrate her achievement as being the first Australian, not ‘just’ the first Australian woman.

I am grateful for the important conversations we are able to have with our students, staff and parents as it is through our collective discussion, advocacy and knowledge that we can work towards a world where boys and girls, men and women, experience equality. ‘When women thrive, we all rise’.

To further mark IWD2026, you are invited to share in an International Women’s Day Service at St Theodore’s, Toorak Gardents, on Sunday March 8th at 3.30pm.

Wishing you a safe and relaxing weekend.

Jasmine Taylor
Deputy Headmaster / Head of Junior School

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