Last Wednesday, the Barbreck Girls actively took part in the observance of International Day of the Girl Child by wearing pink attire to promote awareness of this significant day. This occasion holds a special place in our annual calendar, as it not only celebrates all the wonderful things about being a girl but also highlights issues affecting girls around the world. 

The day’s activities were designed around several essential themes: 

• Emphasising the celebration of girls 
• Acknowledging the agency and voices of girls 
• Recognising the unique strengths, or ‘superpowers,’ girls possess and can nurture 
• Encouraging girls to set and pursue their goals, often with support from others 
• Understanding the diverse experiences, advantages, and disadvantages of girls worldwide 
• Promoting self-awareness and the development of self-protective behaviours among girls 
• Encouraging the formation of a sisterhood that can be a powerful force for helping others. 

These messages were effectively conveyed through a variety of engaging activities. Girls in Years 4 to 6 conducted research on 50 countries, collecting data on factors such as: 

• Average years of schooling 
• Literacy rates 
• Malnutrition rates 
• Meal frequency 
• Access to clean water and electricity 
• Healthcare accessibility 

This information was used in an activity where girls represented their chosen country and stepped forward when they met specific benchmarks. This activity served as a poignant reminder of the disparities in living conditions across the globe. Many girls expressed gratitude for their own fortunate circumstances during this activity. 

Melbourne Taekwondo provided self-defence classes for our Barbreck girls, which were enthusiastically received by all. As a gesture of support for children in electricity-poor communities, girls assembled SolarBuddy lights, enabling these children to read and learn at night, improving their educational opportunities. We extend our gratitude to our supportive parents for contributing to this cause. 

Girls designed posters showcasing their ‘superpowers’ in Prep to Year 3, while those in Years 4 to 6 set goals for themselves and became part of the Girls Force initiative. These posters will soon be displayed on the monitors at Barbreck Reception and throughout Level 1 of our building. 

In the lower Year levels, girls created safety bag tags containing their contact information and emergency numbers, providing a bright and easily identifiable addition to their school bags. Later this term, they will explore emergency services and dialing 000 in case of an emergency. 

Our Principal, Michelle Carroll, delivered a presentation on the diverse experiences of schoolgirls worldwide, shedding light on the challenges some students and their families face in accessing education. We witnessed the determination of some children who had to cross perilous wire and rope bridges to reach their schools, underscoring the value they place on education. 

The Ktenavos Family generously donated ice creams from their business LICKt, for which we extend our gratitude. The funds raised from the free dress day and the sale of ice creams will support the Smith Family Learning for Life Program, which aids Australian children in need of educational resources. 

International Day of the Girl Child will remain a significant focus and an annual event at Barbreck, continuing to inspire our girls in the future. We hope the experiences of this day sparked meaningful conversations at home, and the key messages left a lasting impact. 

IMPORTANT DATES