Sparking entrepreneurship 

In 2023, the Year 6 ESSTEAM students at St Hilda’s were given a challenge that would leave a lasting impact on their campus: a project inspiring the girls to ‘Leave it Better’. This initiative sparked a wave of creativity and entrepreneurship among the girls as they formed businesses and pitched innovative ideas to enhance their school environment for future generations. 

Each group had a unique vision, from proposing shade for the basketball courts to advocating for lockers in the bag rooms. However, the AFL Gals captured the judges’ hearts with their passionate pitch to install AFL posts on the school oval.

For the love of Footy

Driven by their love for AFL footy, the AFL Gals aimed to create a space that would not only cater to the growing number of St Hilda’s football players but also nurture the potential of future AFL stars. Their proposal was not just about playing at school but about laying the groundwork for young athletes, aligning with the inclusion of AFL in the IGSSA Senior School competition.

After months of hard work, consultations, and planning, the AFL posts were installed at the Junior School this past week. The unveiling was a momentous occasion, made even more special by the presence of past students Tilly Banfield and Bridie Garlick, who had represented St Hilda’s in IGSSA and played in the inaugural IGSSA Allstars AFL team.

Leaving a legacy

The installation of the AFL posts is a shining example of what can be achieved when girls are encouraged to identify opportunities and pitch their ideas with passion. With the new footy poles, we eagerly anticipate the vibrant AFL community on our Chidley Campus, leaving a legacy that will inspire future generations of St Hilda’s students.