International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (8 March) is an important event on Kinross Wolaroi School’s calendar.

The global day is an opportunity for staff and students to celebrate the achievements of females in our community and learn about the importance of gender equality.

There was a flurry of activity across the Junior and Senior

Schools this year.

Wellbeing students wrote letters to women they admire and each letter was posted so the whole School community could read their words of encouragement and positivity.

Over in the library, there was a wonderful display of photographs of staff holding the International Women’s Day logo. The library foyer also showcased a range of books about inspirational women for students to read.

In classrooms, teachers were encouraged to find female leaders in their subject areas and share their stories with students.

The event wasn’t limited to the day, either. There were celebrations throughout the week, including a morning tea for Senior School students and two keynote speeches. The school was lucky to welcome Cheesemaker and Second Mouse Cheese Co. Owner SJ Pienaar. SJ shared the challenges she’s faced and how she’s overcome them.

One of our student leaders, Ella Andrews, also arranged for former politician Fiona Nash to speak at the International Women’s Day Assembly. Fiona talked about the role of women in politics.

To continue the theme of public speaking, Year 3 students took part in a speech writing competition. Each student was tasked with writing about women they admire and delivering their heartfelt speeches at a special breakfast presentation with staff and guests.

Acting Head of Creative Arts Robyn Youll was immersed in the week’s activities as coordinator of the Senior School events and organiser of the morning tea.

Ms Youll is a passionate advocate for female leadership and said she’s proud to work at a school that places a strong focus on International Women’s Day.

“Our students are surrounded by excellent female leaders who are valued by our School families. We celebrate our student leaders and have seen many young women become leaders in their own right in the community and be celebrated for this,” she said. The importance of female leadership cannot be underestimated, with research showing that girls are more likely to pursue a subject interest as a career, particularly STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) if they see female role models in that subject area.

For example, 50 years ago, a study asked 5000 American and Canadian primary school students to draw a scientist. Only 28 drew a female. While the study was indicative of a time when fewer women became scientists, it was also proof that seeing is believing.

Ms Youll hopes to build on the tradition of International Women’s Day at KWS by involving community members, hosting panel discussions, and celebrating and encouraging student voices.

“Social movements require collective action and shared ownership if they are to be welcomed by a broad cross-section of the community. Raising awareness of all the issues International Women’s Day aims to address allows students to take ownership and consider important issues,” she said •

Our students are surrounded by excellent female leaders who are valued by our School families. We celebrate our student leaders and have seen many young women become leaders in their own right in the community and be celebrated for this.”

Robyn Youll, Acting Head of Creative Arts