This week we celebrated International Women’s Day, an event that is recognised worldwide as a time to celebrate women’s achievements. This year’s theme ‘Break the Bias’ campaigned to imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
As an all-girls school, we are proud of our inclusive culture and in playing our part in the collective movement to #BreakTheBias through the many displays of staff and students crossing their arms in solidarity for gender equality (slideshow below).
As an educational institution we value and celebrate differences and demonstrate school pride in the ways in which we support and inspire one another. This pride and support was displayed on Tuesday 8 March through the array of outfits, uniforms and costumes worn by staff and students as they dressed as women they admire or look up to. It was a touching tribute to the women who have influenced, supported and inspired our girls. To hear the stories from the girls on who they had dressed as and their reasons why was empowering in itself. There should be many proud mothers in our school community whose daughters look up to them with pride and admiration. I was very humbled myself by some ‘Mrs Krehlik’ dress ups - thank you girls, it truly means a lot.
Although we celebrate International Women’s Day on the 8 March each year, it is more than just once a year where we recognise and acknowledge the wonderful women in our lives and its message and focus continues year round. As a mother of two young boys, I aspire to raise them in a world where stereotypes and discriminations towards women don’t exist and I foster in them an understanding and appreciation that women are equal and they are strong and capable to do anything.
Our Head Girls Allysah and Nylah represented our school along with members of our Executive Team at this year’s Zonta International Women’s Day Breakfast. Both girls gained a great deal from this experience.
'Firstly, I would like to thank Zonta International for inviting us to the Zonta International Women’s Day Breakfast. It was truly an honor. It was amazing to be in a room full of so many powerful and inspiring women and it made me realize how fortunate I am to be part of such an empowering community of young girls, especially during these times of change.' Allysah
'It was very refreshing and inspiring to be surrounded by young women like myself who have been volunteering to help the community of Rockhampton. It was motivating listening to their achievements, it personally made me want to do more. Whether it be helping our community, other countries and even the climate. I feel strongly that volunteering and helping our community can lead to us having a great impact and connection to the community. I am grateful that I got to attend this event and I can’t wait for the Head Girls of 2023 to attend next year.' Nylah
Our Prefects were also involved in the United Nations Virtual IWD event which was a wonderful opportunity to learn from others on a world wide platform including listening to guest speaker Jane Goodall, a truly inspiring woman for the work she has done for conservation and the protection of chimpanzees.
I would like to finish this week by thanking and congratulating you, the parents of Rockhampton Girls Grammar School, for raising such wonderful young women and for working with us as we nurture and educate your daughters so they can flourish in a world free of bias.
Kara Krehlik
Principal
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