From the Principal

As we look back on MLC School’s (almost) 140 years of excellence in girls’ education, we are taking the opportunity to reflect on why having an empowering learning environment is as critical today as it was in 1886.

Our new ‘Dare To be More’ podcast series launched this week and in the first episode I took the opportunity to share some important insights about our School’s mission, values, and the unique environment that fosters growth and empowerment for our girls.

The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. Simply search for ‘MLC School Dare to Be More’.  

From the moment that I first walked through the gates of MLC School, I was struck by a strong sense of self that our students develop during their time here. I noted that there is something about the way that an MLC School student holds herself, the confidence with which she speaks and her absolute belief that she can achieve anything that she puts her mind and efforts to. This belief in the potential of our girls is a cornerstone of our educational philosophy and one that has stood the test of time over our 140 years. At last week’s Sapphire lunch for those who graduated more than 51 years ago, I saw these same qualities in our oldest graduates.

I would love to say that the need for single sex education for girls had diminished over the years. But with the rise of anti-feminist influencers; AI tools designed to degrade and misrepresent women; and the removal of women’s rights as part of the political agenda in some countries; the need for girls to develop a strong sense of self before having to confront these realities is as important as ever. As one Old Girl said, ‘By the time I got into the workforce and people tried to tell me I couldn’t do something because of my gender it was too late, because I already knew that I could.’

In an article published in the Sydney Morning Herald this week, it was noted that the number of girls studying Economics at the HSC had fallen significantly in recent years. University of Cambridge law student Lucy Koder, who topped HSC Economics in 2021, said that while many students at her former girls private school studied Economics, she worries that perceptions about difficulty or tall poppy syndrome in co-educational schools might lead girls, who would excel in the course, to turn away from it. This observation reflects research commissioned and reported by the International Coalition of Girls Schools, which shows that girls’ school graduates are six times more likely to consider majoring in mathematics, science, and technology compared to girls who attended co-educational schools; and reports that research studies conducted around the world – Australia, Caribbean, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States – find that girls’ schools foster increased confidence and interest in mathematics.

Of course, attending a girls’ school is only part of the puzzle, it essential that we continue to encourage and support our students to take risks in their learning. The concept of ‘Dare To Be More’ is more than just a tagline. It’s about challenging ourselves as learners and as people, stepping a little bit outside our comfort zone every day. This approach encourages our students to be resilient and to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Watching our Year 6 girls at camp this week, I was struck by their willingness to try new things; persevere as they learned to surf; and support for each other as they each tried something new. It is only through trying new things, even when they are hard, that we learn and I was thrilled to see this in action.

We need to continue to promote the importance of girls’ schools and the importance of raising young women who know that they can in an environment where they are valued for who they are and what they can do, as well as their academic efforts.

As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to our mission and values, ensuring that our students are prepared to lead and make a positive impact in the world. We are proud of our legacy and excited for the future, knowing that our students will continue to embody the spirit of daring to be more.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal