International Women’s Day Celebrations

International Women’s Day was officially celebrated on Saturday 15 March for 2025. We had many events both at the College and offsite to mark the occasion.

Together In Sisterhood: A week of activities for International Women’s Day

This year at our College, International Women’s Day was celebrated over the week, from 3 – 7 March. Activities revolved around coming “Together in Sisterhood” to honour women, celebrating their achievements, and inspiring each other to continue “Marching Forward.” Inspirational quotes were shared during morning PC sessions, and empowerment songs were played over the bells.

On Monday, students were given purple ribbons to show their support for International Women’s Day and were encouraged to wear them throughout the week. There was bracelet making during lunch, where girls created empowerment bracelets using coloured and letter beads to spell out words like “strong” and “fearless” to foster a sense of unity.

On Tuesday, the Girralong Committee led performances at the Rhythm and Brews Café, where students sang and showcased their talents. Meanwhile outside Merici, students and staff had the opportunity to add the name of an inspiring woman to a collaborative artwork of appreciation, contributing to a visual tribute to the women who have shaped our lives and history.

On Thursday, each PC class had the opportunity to write prayers for the important women in their lives, and these intentions were offered during Friday morning Mass. Additionally, a scavenger hunt took place, where students found images of inspirational women hidden around the school.

Finally, on Friday, we gathered for a special College assembly with guest speaker and alumna, Bronte Horder, who shared her inspiring career journey to become a music composer and producer for television and film.

This week was an opportunity for our entire school community to come together in solidarity and celebration of the incredible women who have and continue to inspire us. Through meaningful activities, performances, and moments of reflection, we honoured the strength, resilience, and achievements of women around the world and hope that we may rise “Together in Sisterhood.”

Elyana Fadel and Zara Sly
College Co-Captains

International Women’s Day Luncheon

Ms Awad and seven members of the Senior Student Leadership team celebrated International Women’s Day at a luncheon in the Ivy’s ballroom. You may wonder why we still celebrate International Women’s day? Gender inequality doesn’t exist anymore, right? Our minds were opened to the various gender concerns that women still face, specifically in the workforce. We were introduced to the theme of ‘March Forward’ whereby men and women, as a collective effort, are called to strive for change in their own everyday lives. First we watched a confronting video that asked boys and girls what it looks like to ‘run like a girl’ or ‘fight like a girl.’ It was identified as an insult. However, as the video progressed its meaning shifted to something empowering – highlighting the equal capabilities of men and women.

We heard from a panel of four members. The interviewer was Ebony Williams, a Senior Consultant in First Nations Engagement at Qantas. We heard from Kylie Green (founding member of lime agency), Paul Harris (Chief Financial Officer of Heartkids) and Sarah Rowley (Director of Leadership Development at Chief Executive Women). They spoke of current issues regarding the gender pay gap and how current legislation was put in place to promote pay gap transparency. After being asked what advice would you give to younger people in addressing gender inequality? Kylie Green said that ‘you don’t have to be a front leader to motivate change.’ Meaning, we don’t have to be heads of businesses, or badged leaders at school to activate this change – It’s something we can all contribute to. In creating a world where women feel empowered and safe, and where their own unique achievements are celebrated not just as women, but as people. At school, we are seemingly unaware of the existence of these gender concerns and this luncheon really aided us in understanding the reality of these issues.

Sarah Rowley spoke of ‘Imposter Syndrome’ and how women are sometimes catalysts of their own self doubt, cultivated by the society we live in. I think this is a stagnant reality for lots of our College community, but as a united sisterhood we are able to lift each other up. This is certainly a power we can wield. Sarah also shared with us a story of her daughter who began the ‘She Runs’ initiative, where women come together to meet new friends and then go on a communal run. We can be inspired by this in our everyday lives to achieve unity, to allow for human connection. As Sarah also described, addressing these gender issues would need an ‘attitudinal shift’. And this begins with us. Each of us, acting in kindness and embracing our theme for this International Women’s week. ‘Together in Sisterhood.’ Only through this can ‘Together We Rise.’

We would like to thank Ms Awad for this fabulous opportunity, and for the valuable lessons we learnt. We are all capable young women and we should strive for that ‘attitudinal shift’ in our everyday lives. Not just once a year on International Women’s Day but every day by engaging in our company of women that we are so blessed to have.

Stephanie Paino
Year 12

CEF International Women’s Day Morning Tea

On Tuesday 11 March, I had the incredible privilege of attending the CEF International Women’s Day Morning Tea as a special guest and performer, held at the Sydney Catholic Schools Head Office in World Square.

I performed my first place, original song, titled ‘Opportunities For All’, which I composed in late 2023 for the Catholic Education Foundation Songwriting Competition, a joint initiative of the CEF and the Sydney Catholic Schools Arts Team open to all students across Sydney Catholic Schools. This competition challenged me to write a song that effectively captured the initiative and values of the CEF, which continues to provide school fee support programs to families experiencing hardship. Through my lyrics and uplifting melody, I hoped to reflect the power of education in changing lives and the importance of creating opportunities for all, regardless of circumstance. It was an incredible experience to share this message through music with such an engaged and supportive audience, and see the lasting impact of my song resonate with them.

I was fortunate to be joined by our college principal, Ms Awad, along with two of my fellow students, Stephanie Paino and Veronica Karam, who I appreciate for taking the time to come and support me. We were all deeply inspired by the remarkable guest speakers, Danielle Cronin (Executive Director, Sydney Catholic Schools), Piper Schadel (Alumni Student at Domremy College, specialising in the field of Breast Cancer Research), and Rachael Beck (Performer, Educator & Mentor), who shared their journeys and successes as women. Hearing their stories and meeting so many inspirational figures reinforced our understanding of the importance of resilience, determination, and the impact of strong female role models in society.

Overall, this experience was incredibly rewarding, and I am truly grateful for the invitation to perform my original composition at such a meaningful event, in support and celebration of International Women’s Day, alongside so many inspiring women.

Jacinta Drummond
Year 12