06 March 2026
International Women’s Day: A Conversation That Matters
International Women’s Day provides our community with an important opportunity to pause and reflect on the role we all play in shaping a more equal society. At St Peter’s College, we value these moments of conversation and challenge because they are central to our purpose: educating boys and young men who will contribute positively to the world they enter.
We are proud of our tradition as an all-boys’ school. At the same time, we are very clear about the responsibility that comes with that identity. We will have failed if our students graduate believing they are entering an all-boys’ world. Our graduates will move into workplaces, universities and communities where collaboration, respect and gender equality are essential. Preparing them for that reality is part of our task as educators, and part of their responsibility as young men.
Our annual International Women’s Day Breakfast brought together students from across our community and from fellow International Boys School Coalition schools including Prince Alfred College, Blackfriars Priory School, Christian Brothers College and Rostrevor College.
We were privileged to be joined by an outstanding panel of South Australian leaders, facilitated by respected journalist Jess Adamson. Our panellists included Fiona Dorman, parent, member of the Council of Governors, as well as President of the National Council of Women and Chair of the Premier’s Council for Women; Chelsea Randall, pioneer of the AFLW competition, three-time premiership captain and now a development coach with the Adelaide Crows men’s team; and Kelly Jamieson, founder of Edible Blooms, entrepreneur, and co-host of the Fearless Females podcast.
Together, they shared their experiences of leadership, resilience and the realities of navigating bias and stereotypes in their respective fields. Their honesty and generosity provided our students with valuable insight into the broader social context in which issues of gender equality continue to play out.
A key theme that emerged during the discussion was the importance of language. Addressing issues of inequality and disrespect is not always easy in the moment. Often, the difference between remaining silent and speaking up is simply having the confidence and the words ready to use. For that reason, part of our work with students is to provide practical tools ie. the language and frameworks that help them challenge disrespect, bias or exclusion when they encounter it.
Chelsea Randall left our students with a simple but powerful question: What sort of man do you want to be? She also challenged them to consider how they speak about women when women are not present. These are not abstract ideas; they go to the heart of character, integrity and leadership.
If our students can learn to challenge stereotypes and disrespect within their own peer groups, they will be far more likely to do so beyond the School gates. Normalising respectful behaviour and language in everyday interactions is one of the most practical ways young men can contribute to positive change.
In reflecting on the importance of speaking up, I also acknowledged the contribution of Grace Tame, who visited St Peter’s College in 2021 as our Rex J Lipman Fellow. Despite experiencing some of the most abhorrent abuse, Ms Tame has been a powerful advocate for those who have been marginalised and unheard. Her willingness to speak uncomfortable truths continues to shape important national conversations. Her example reminds us that leadership often involves courage – particularly when standing up for others.
These are complex issues, but they are important ones. They deserve thoughtful discussion and reflection, both in our classrooms and within our mentor groups. Our hope is that conversations such as these equip our students with greater understanding, empathy and confidence as they develop into the men they aspire to become.
As part of our International Women’s Day celebrations, I encourage you to enjoy the artwork created by our Young Archies Portraiture Group. Their portraits, produced in recognition of International Women’s Day, demonstrate remarkable growth and creativity across the group and provide a fitting visual celebration of the occasion.
I wish all members of our community a safe and enjoyable long weekend.
Tim Browning
Headmaster
