From the Principal
International Women’s Day: 140 Years of Courage and Connection
This morning’s International Women’s Day breakfast brought our community together to reflect, listen and celebrate the strength and leadership of women and girls. It was a powerful way to begin the day — grounded in shared purpose and a commitment to progress. The theme for 2026 is ‘Balancing the Scales’.
On Sunday, which is the date for International Women’s Day, our Multigenerational High Tea will connect past and present members of the MLC School community. These moments across generations are deeply special. They remind us that our story is shaped not only by milestones, but by the women who have learned, taught and led here over 140 years.
Since our founding in 1886, MLC School has been shaped by a clear and courageous belief in the power of girls’ education. At a time when opportunities for women were limited, this School was established with conviction and hope — a belief that educating girls matters, that their voices matter, and that they should be encouraged to think deeply, act compassionately and lead with integrity.
International Women’s Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on that legacy — and to ask ourselves how we honour it today. We do so by educating young women who are confident in their abilities, respectful of others, and committed to making a positive difference in the world. We do so by fostering a community grounded in care, courage and respect. And we do so by ensuring that our actions — not just our words — reflect our commitment to equity, opportunity and belonging.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to today’s celebrations and to those who carry these values forward every day.
What is Round Square?
You may have heard us refer to being a ‘Round Square School’. As one of Australia’s first Round Square schools and the only Sydney girls’ school member, MLC School is internationally regarded for the way that the philosophy of the organisation is embedded in the life of our School. Our involvement offers unique opportunities for students of all ages.
Round Square was founded in 1966 by Kurt Hahn, a German educator who believed in developing students through experiential learning, service, and leadership opportunities. Inspired by his educational philosophy, Round Square began as a collaboration among schools committed to these shared values and has since grown into a global network of more than 200 schools located in over 50 countries, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
Underpinning the Round Square philosophy are the IDEALS, Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service. These IDEALS work together to help students become thoughtful, capable leaders ready to make a positive difference in the world.
There are many opportunities available to our students through our Round Square membership. In the Junior School, students learn about the Heroes of Discovery, characters to demonstrate the qualities that we want our students to develop, Courageous Collette is a favourite. Our Junior school students may also have opportunities to connect virtually or as pen pals with students of the same age who are living in other countries to discuss the things that matter to them and understand what life is like in different parts of the world.
For older students, we have now reinvigorated our Round Square exchange program, both nationally and internationally. This week, our Round Square coordinator Henry Wijanto introduced our Year 8s to the Regional Exchange Program, which offers students the opportunity to spend time in another Australian school and live with her host family and offering a reciprocal opportunity to her exchange partner at another time of year. There will be a parent webinar early in Term 2 which will provide more information. Older students can undertake international exchanges, join with students from other schools and take part in the International Service Project or attend international and local conferences and workshops in person and online. There are also regular opportunities to engage with Round Square through the various activities and celebrations coordinated by the IDEALS society, led by Round Square Captain Emily Wu (Year 12).
Should your Senior School daughter wish to know more, please encourage her to contact Henry, who is located in the Experiential Learning office near Senior School reception. Joanne Sharpe coordinates Round Square activities in the Junior School.
P&F Business meeting
Thank you to all who attended this week’s P&F Business meeting. It was great to see a number of new parents and to have representatives from across the School. P&F President Judy MacIntyre is keen to further the work of the P&F and raised a number of possible community building and school support activities for consideration. You are very welcome to join the next Business meeting which is on Tuesday 19 May 2026 at 8.45am.
– Lisa Moloney
Principal