From the Upper School
A message from Mrs Victoria Harrison, Acting Head of Upper School
As Year 9 and 10 students continue their Upper School journey, we are dedicated to giving them opportunities to broaden their perspectives and engage with critical issues that shape their values and views. One such critical issue is gender equality. It is not just a topic confined to classroom discussions; rather, it is a dynamic movement that demands active participation and advocacy from all of us.
In this week’s Upper School assembly, crafted and led by our Upper School leaders, the spotlight was on gender equality. Drawing from the insightful perspectives shared during the International Women’s Day lunch, particularly those of AFLW legend Moana Hope, our Upper School leaders took the stage to share their reflections with Year 9 and 10. Inspired by Moana’s journey, they challenged their peers to break down stereotypes, confront biases, and contribute positively to a society where everyone can thrive regardless of gender.
By engaging in these conversations at home and school, we are helping empower our students to act and help create a community that values inclusivity, respect, and equality.
Congratulations to Alannah and Jenny for performing a duet during Assembly. We love to show case student talents and it is great to see the girls showing their courage in performing for the Upper School.
It was great to see Year 9 engaging with the 5 Ways to Wellbeing approach in Compass time last week. This framework is a simple yet powerful set of evidence-based actions that promote mental health and wellbeing. The Five Ways to Wellbeing framework includes:
- Connect: Cultivate positive relationships with others through spending time with family and friends, joining clubs, or seeking support.
- Be Active: Engage in physical activities you enjoy, such as walking, cycling, or dancing, to boost mood and overall wellbeing.
- Take Notice: Be mindful of the present moment, appreciate your surroundings, and cope better with stress through mindfulness or meditation.
- Keep Learning: Pursue lifelong learning and personal growth by acquiring new skills, hobbies, or knowledge, which can enhance self-esteem and satisfaction with life.
- Give: Contribute to your community through acts of kindness, volunteering, or sharing your time and resources, fostering a sense of purpose and strengthening social connections.
The Year 9 Heads of Year worked with the Year 9 Compass teachers to facilitate activity options for the students which reflected this framework.
Well done to the recipients of the Term 1 Jacaranda Awards. The following girls were acknowledged in Assembly this week:
Year 9
BA Soumya Shah
BB Saja Abdel-Megeed
GA Mia Chen
GB Charlotte Thistlewood
HA Mie Naito
HB Stella Paterson
IA Eliza-Rose Griffiths
IB Veronica Deng
LA Isabelle Younger
LB Ruby Watson
MA Poppy Barwick
MB Lucy Simpson
TA Maya Clements
TB Jenny Ling
WA Mia Davies
WB Hayley Browne
Year 10
BA Iman Utteridge
BB Lena O’Donnell
GA Ava Geoghehan
GB Olianna Tighe
IA Delaney Burke
IB Isabella Rumble
HA Mahika Swamy
HB Sasha Chan
LA Sara Khan
LB Joanna Au
MA Daisy Stoodley-Williamson
MB Nicole Ma
TA Kaylee Ng
TB Savannah Franz
WA Jasmine Tran
WB Winnie Wen
Key Dates
Thursday 11 April – Year 8-10 Learning Discussions – Evening
Friday 12 April – Year 8-10 Learning Discussions – All Day (No classes)
Friday 12 April – Last Day of Term (For Year 9)
Tuesday 30 April – First Day of Term 2
Victoria Harrison
Acting Head of Upper School