At St Hilda’s, International Women’s Day is more than a date on the calendar; it is a powerful opportunity to honour the strength, courage and achievements of women within our community and around the world.
This year, our students and staff celebrated in various ways that highlighted the values we champion every day: leadership, compassion, equity and the unwavering belief in the potential of every girl. Continue reading below to find out how we celebrated International Women’s Day.
‘Little People, BIG DREAMS’ Biographies Story Time
Our Junior School students celebrated International Women’s Day by exploring the remarkable lives of women who have shaped history. Using the Little People, BIG DREAMS biographies as their inspiration, the girls journeyed through stories of artists, scientists, activists, athletes and musicians, women whose courage, creativity and perseverance changed the world. Classrooms buzzed with curiosity as students discovered how these extraordinary women once began as children just like them, with big imaginations and even bigger aspirations.
These stories sparked meaningful conversations about bravery, resilience and kindness, prompting the girls to reflect on what it truly means to make a difference. Teachers guided discussions with thoughtful questions such as:
“What brave or kind thing did this woman do?”
“What qualities helped her succeed?”
“What barriers did she face?”
Encouraged to think deeply, the girls explored how determination, empathy and a belief in oneself can pave the way for positive change.
AusIMM International Women’s Day Lunch Event
A group of selected Year 12 students, along with staff members and Principal Fiona Johnston, attended the AusIMM International Women’s Day Lunch at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Reflecting on the event, Fiona shared the following thoughts:
“This event, dedicated to celebrating women in mining and driving positive change across the resources sector, was a powerful reminder of the impact that courage, connection, and storytelling can have in shaping more inclusive industries.
We were incredibly fortunate to hear from keynote speaker Jelena Dokic, whose story of resilience, adversity, and unwavering determination left a profound impression on all of us. Jelena spoke with honesty and strength about her journey from global tennis success to surviving trauma and the importance of finding one’s voice, transcending the past, and choosing to thrive. Her message was a testament to the unbreakable human spirit and the power of courage in the face of challenge.
A heartfelt thank you to Old Scholar Judith Uren (Sansom, 1973) for generously gifting the tickets. Her support enabled our girls to experience an event that not only broadened their understanding of women’s leadership across sectors, but also reinforced a message we champion every day at St Hilda’s, that young women can lead with strength, authenticity, and purpose.”
OSA Women Lifting Women Summit
In partnership with St Hilda’s Old Scholar Association and Euroz Hartleys, we held our Women Lifting Women Summit. This year the event was aligned with International Women’s Day to celebrate this ocassion with our Old Scholar community. Guests heard from a varied group of panelists which included, Tommy Payne (2004), AI Design Consultant, ex-Apple, Anneke Brown (1994), Managing Director, Tourism WA, Lauren Cramb (2002), Founder and Director, The Bike Bar and Katrina Ryan, Wealth Management Adviser, Euroz Hartleys.
With topics on financial future proofing, work life balance and how AI can enhance your life, this event provided a fantastic opportunity for our Old Scholars to broaden their knowledge and build networks.
Arts Fest Assembly Panel Discussion
Following this week’s Arts Fest event, our Senior School students watched a panel discussion facilitated by Principal Fiona Johnston, and featuring Head of Drama Production, Sharon Kiely and Head of Music Performance, Andrea Black. Panellists shared key moments through out their careers in the Arts and discussed the progress the industry has seen and progress they’d like to see in the future.
The panellists encouraged the students to embrace the opportunities available to them at St Hilda’s and to step boldly into new experiences. Our girls were left with a powerful reminder that each of them has a unique power and that their perspective and voice matters.
As we wrap up a week of meaningful International Women’s Day activities, it is evident that the celebrations at St Hilda’s have fostered a powerful sense of inspiration and connection across our community. From Junior School students delving into the lives of remarkable women, to thought‑provoking panel discussions with Old Scholars and creative learning experiences in the Senior School, each event encouraged our girls to reflect on the values of courage, leadership and compassion. Together, these moments highlighted the exceptional potential within every student and reaffirmed our commitment to sparking extraordinary futures.
