4 minute read
2020 HEAD GIRLS
From the Head Girls
Charlotte-Lilly Andersen and Ashleigh Richardson are our 2020 Head Girls.
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We discussed how their year of leadership has looked different than most and how they have overcome challenges to have a memorable and successful Senior year.
How did you decide on this year’s theme?
Upon some reflection of what we wanted our Senior year to look like, words like inclusion, unity, diversity, connection, community, support, compassion and enthusiasm were all discussed by the Senior cohort. We wanted to create a theme that would unify the entire school and thus the concept of “to infinity and beyond” was born. Whilst the notion of infinity suggests a sense of forever, for us, we want it to be a symbol of our imminent success through the infinite possibilities that 2020 would afford us. As each IGGS girl strives towards reaching her goals whether it be in academics, sports, the Arts or service, she will know that regardless of the outcome, her success lies from embracing her infinite potential by merely trying. It is our hope that by embracing this concept, we can all leave a meaningful impact on the world.
What has it been like leading IGGS throughout a pandemic?
The COVID-19 pandemic has provided us with a unique combination of challenges and opportunities as we face a situation that none of us could have predicted. During the lockdown period we had to get creative in order to develop activities and initiatives to engage students and promote wellbeing. We strived to ensure that every IGGS girl felt that they were cared for. Girls were encouraged to express themselves and promote love and positivity between each other through weekly challenges and the buddy program. The Head Girls and Head Boarders were fortunate enough to attend online webinars and conferences which helped us to reframe our thinking and remember why we became leaders in the first place. During lockdown we spoke with the student body every week on our online assembly, IGGSTV. This platform enabled us to foster a sense of community and support, even if it was virtually. Throughout this entire period, we were so proud of every IGGS girl and their dedication and resilience during such a challenging time.
What new initiatives have you implemented this year at IGGS?
During online learning we emailed the girls twice a week with fun riddles, quizzes, virtual scavenger hunts and various challenges designed to increase morale within the School. This year we have been very grateful for the extraordinary efforts of our teachers and staff members during online learning. We created a series of videos to show our appreciation for our teachers and with the help of Service Captains, Zara Ticehurst and Kate Harris, the Prefect team and some dedicated Year 11 students, we collated packages of letters to give to teachers and staff members. We are also very excited to collaborate with the Old Girls Association to implement a pen-pal program with some Year 12 students aimed to increase social connection and unity between past and current students. We have written and sent our first series of letters and are eagerly awaiting replies.
For us, the most rewarding part of being Head Girls is that we can foster and give back to the IGGS sisterhood that has supported us throughout our schooling life. I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to strengthen the bonds between grades and to make sure everyone feels like they belong. We have been able to develop so many skills that will serve us throughout our lives including creativity, time management, interpersonal skills, communication skills and teamwork. We feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with so many people who inspire us every single day.
What legacy would you like to leave at IGGS?
When we remember Head Girls from past years, we remember them for their everyday interactions. We don’t necessarily want people to remember our names, but we want them to remember how we made them feel. We hope we are remembered for fostering a cycle of kindness, empowering others and caring for every girl in the IGGS sisterhood.
What advice do you have for the 2021 Seniors and future Head Girls?
Be unapologetically yourself and play to your strengths. Know the kind of leader you are and don’t try to change that! No single person can do everything or know every single answer, but there are many people who you can lean on and seek support from. Leadership is a collaborative effort! But, always be confident!
Our Senior Induction was very exciting and memorable. Due to the virus outbreak overseas, many of our international boarders were unable to be at school for the start of the school year when the Senior Induction would normally take place. We were so proud of our fellow Seniors, who were more than happy to postpone this important event so we could all celebrate the occasion together. Another exciting event was our annual Swimming Carnival. The event was most certainly a wonderful morale booster for the entire school.
