The authentic bond of sisterhood from Early Learning to Year 12 girls is truly evident as Ruyton girls are empowered to live lives of impact and purpose. Recently the world celebrated International Women’s Day. At Ruyton this provided a platform for students to express themselves as leaders and inspiring a sisterhood among students. Attending several of the student-led assemblies, I not only watched the engaging speakers and performances but watched as the speaker’s words resonate as they connected with the student audience. Knowing that I too felt a part of this sisterhood, l left the assembly with my spirits lifted by these future leaders.
Senior School Assembly
Girls were inspired to combat discrimination barriers listening to the entrepreneurial and civic spirit of Hannah Colman (’01). The co-founder of Scarf, a social enterprise that combats discrimination barriers to employment in the hospitality industry for those from refugee or migrant backgrounds.
Witnessing a very real social justice issue, Hannah responded, her organisation Scarf which provides training and mentoring, allows 40 young people per year to train, gain skills, confidence, paid work experience, and move into long-term employment and fair working conditions.
Junior School Assembly
An assembly for girls, led by girls, a panel of Senior School girls discussed issues of equality for women, powerful messages of strength and courage from this sisterhood of student voice. Music is a regular feature of Ruyton assemblies, each with an orchestra performance. An additional music item was a moving acoustic version of Shallows performed by Sascha and Paige.
International Women’s Day Breakfast
A parent and daughter audience, shared a delicious breakfast while enjoying keynote speaker Julie Inman, E Safety Commissioner for the Australian Government. Julie encouraged women to embrace sisterhood, with tips to navigate the complex world of the ‘internet of things’.
International Women’s Day involved a series of events, held over a week that provided discussions and reflections resinating powerful and lasting messages for our Ruyton girls.
Elaine Doyle
Director of Communications and Marketing
Ruyton Girls' School
March 2020