Being the 2023 St Catherine’s Human Rights Club Captain has been an amazing honour that I have had the privilege of experiencing. Together with the guidance from the amazing Ms Curnow, I have run meetings on Monday lunchtimes where students across all Year levels are able to get together and discuss different human rights issues that interest us.

We have also been able to contribute to School Assemblies, by presenting on different human rights issues, and the student-led newspaper, Stentorian, in a column titled ‘Human Rights – Right Now’.

Some important issues that were discussed throughout this year included the conflict in Russia and Ukraine and the human rights infringements in Iran and Syria. The discussion of these topics not only sought to raise awareness of these issues but also incited flourishing conversation where the girls were able to broaden their perspectives on different global issues. I believe this is vital in becoming well-rounded and socially conscious women.

In Term 3, I was also able to organise a Food Drive for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre to support people who are seeking safety in Australia. This was a big highlight for me as Human Rights Captain because I was able to see the positive impact that people can make in their community, no matter how old they are.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to have been the Human Rights Captain and for the support of Ms Curnow and all my peers. I cannot wait to see the different initiatives of the Club in the following years!