St Clare’s College was honoured to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) on Wednesday 8 March. This year’s IWD theme, Cracking the Code, acknowledges that while innovation has the power to transform lives, we know there are still many barriers to equality. Access to inclusive digital technologies and education is critical. St Clare’s College strives to meet and overcome these barriers by opening up a world of education to our girls that embraces technology and pushes the boundaries of traditional education. We continue to revolutionise our students’ learning to better prepare them for the future; a time where technology, artificial intelligence, and sustainability needs will alter how we live, work, and interact.
As an all-girls school, we shine a light on the gifts of each young woman here, challenging her to action and celebrating her impact on the world. This is supported by our 2023 student theme, ‘Cast your Stone, Create the Ripple’. This theme was created by the student leaders to inspire the young women in our community to achieve their personal best, while honouring the unique potential and strengths of every student at St Clare’s College.
The College marked this important day with our annual International Women’s Day Assembly. Students were treated to an inspiring speech by guest speaker Sachini De Silva. Sachini is an accomplished female leader in the STEM field who has made lasting impact and change.
Alumni students Maddy Callander and Laila Rich also took to the stage as part of a Q&A live panel with the College’s student leaders. Maddy’s career in broadcasting sees her kicking goals behind the camera, as an Executive Producer for Channel 9’s NRL. Whilst Laila competes internationally as a professional surfer on the Women’s World Tour. She is currently ranked 48th in the world.
Both Maddy and Laila’s careers have taken them in very different directions, however they both exhibit the key pillars of what it means to be a St Clare’s girl. A young woman who is strong, determined and is not afraid to pursue her passions in once male dominated professions. These are the types of women who inspire our community to want and be more. Their compelling insights into their respective career paths were equally insightful and inspiring.
This assembly provided an important chance to collectively pause and celebrate the achievements of so many accomplished women within the St Clare’s community, both past and present.
In addition to our assembly, College Principal Ms Ann Freeman was joined by Year 12 students Izzie Sheffield and Lily Brooks at the Sydney Catholic Schools International Women’s Day Breakfast event. Attended by Education Minister Sarah Mitchell and Shadow Education Minister Prue Car, the breakfast was a fantastic opportunity to connect with inspirational women.
Such events support St Clare’s College’s aim to empower responsible, respectful and resilient young women to reach their full potential.