Now More Than Ever

“Now more than ever, we must renew our commitment to work together so that girls enjoy and exercise their rights and can play a full and equal part in their communities and societies. Investing in girls is investing in our common future.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres

This week marks the 10th anniversary of the United Nations International Day of the Girl. It is an opportunity to celebrate girls by hearing their voices, responding to their needs, and welcoming them in decision-making spaces as a way of investing in a future that believes in girls’ agency. 

On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl, to recognise girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world. The International Day of the Girl focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.  

A global awareness of the plight of girls around the world is frequently embedded within our School programs at St Catherine’s, in addition to signposting the opportunities and appreciating the good fortune of living in Australia and attending a school such as St Catherine’s. 

By way of comparison, almost one in four girls aged 15 to 19 globally are not in education, employment, or training, compared to one in 10 boys. Up to 10 million girls will be at risk of child marriage. In addition to the above alarming statistics, the number of female graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related fields is below 15% in over two-thirds of countries.  

The best advocates for girls are girls. At St Catherine’s we aim to empower and nurture all our girls to be globally responsive young women, whose voices and actions will generate positive change for girls and women around the world. 

Over the coming week we will commence the celebrations and farewells for our newest Old Girls, our Class of 2022. I have every confidence this Cohort will march forward into the next phase of their lives with the confidence, integrity, and wisdom to make their mark on the world around them.  

As is the tradition for our leavers, the girls will attend their Final Assembly on Monday, followed by their colourful exit through the Heyington Gates amidst a guard of honour created by their fellow students and teachers. Their Valedictory Dinner on Tuesday evening also provides an opportunity to acknowledge the importance of our school/family partnership that has supported the girls, not only this year but across their entire St Catherine’s journey.  

At the heart of our St Catherine’s community is the commitment we all share to advancing girls. All our girls are encouraged to find their voice and lean into their capacities. They are encouraged to be bold and take positive risks in their learning and co-curricular efforts. They are celebrated for their individual achievements and collaborative efforts. At St Catherine’s all girls are valued. 

This week we celebrated the amazing accomplishments of our athletes and musicians across the Senior School with our Sports and Music Celebration Breakfasts, hosted by the Sports and Creative Arts Auxiliaries. Both events provided a wonderful opportunity to congratulate all our students who have actively participated in St Catherine’s Sport and Music Programs this year. The Celebration Breakfasts acknowledge the most talented of our athletes and musicians, but also those who have earnestly been involved every week, lifting their performances through determination, effort and fully embracing their pursuits through their spirit of participation.  

Last night I was also able to enjoy the full-dress rehearsal of the Years 7&8 Production Curious Comedies. The show consists of four One Act Comedies, all of which have either curious storylines or characters. Many are set in Britain, with detectives such as Sherlock Holmes trying to crack the case. It is indeed a laugh-a-minute. I was particularly impressed with the emerging talents of our younger girls in the Senior School and the support our older students provided in their roles as Stage, Lighting, Makeup and Back Stage crews. Needless to say, the Dress Rehearsal was seamless and audience members this weekend can look forward to a fabulous evening showcasing the talents of 35 of our girls, who love performing in our new performing arts space, The Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre. 

Term 4 provides so many opportunities to acknowledge the many and varied achievements of our girls. On Thursday 24 November we will join together as a Senior School to celebrate the academic, leadership, service, and co-curricular endeavours of our students from Years 7 to 12 at our 2022 Speech Night. The evening provides a wonderful example of not only the capacities of our girls but also the importance of education in providing opportunities for girls to learn, lead, play, perform, debate, compete, achieve, and grow. 

As we celebrate the agency, leadership, and potential of our girls throughout this term, we must remain committed to advocating for all girls around the world, to ensure they are valued, endorsed, and celebrated as full and equal participants in their communities and societies, as they are within St Catherine’s. 

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