Ms Donna Davis MP addressed the school's special IWD assembly, as did the Student Social Justice Leaders Mikaela and Isabella, shown here with Ms Davis and School Principal Mary Refalo.
Friday 8th March is International Women’s Day but the students of Catherine McAuley have turned it into ‘International Women’s Week’ with events running all week to mark the occasion.
The 2024 International Women’s Day theme is ‘Inspire Inclusion’. We are asked to consider that when we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.
Mikaela B. S. and Isabella L., Student Social Justice Leaders, echoed this message when they addressed the special school assembly to mark IWD held on Wednesday. “We think that as a Mercy community, we have truly embodied ‘Inspire Inclusion in 2024’. The International Women’s Day theme, ‘Inspire Inclusion’, emphasises the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society”, the leaders told the assembly.
Social Justice Leaders Mikaela and Isabella speaking at the IWD assembly
Ms Donna Davis MP speaking at the IWD assembly
“Without inclusion, we cannot achieve gender equality, and empowerment of women. Together as a school community we must continue to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes in order to forge environments where ALL women are valued and respected”.
“Whether this is accomplished in the classroom, by forging relationships, or in our camaraderie during extracurricular activities, or even through active participation in our local community, we all work together to forge a future where ALL women belong”.
The Social Justice Leaders reminded students that in line with the school's own 2024 theme, ‘Embrace, Excel, Empower’, this International Women’s Day they must embrace their unique qualities in order to excel together in all aspects of life, and empower each other to achieve their potential.
Some of the many activities held this week to mark International Women’s Day have included a special address by Ms Donna Davis MP; our inaugural International Women’s Day morning tea for Year 11 students and their guests; the Dignity Drive, organised by Mercy in Action students, with Homerooms asked to collect feminine hygiene products for donation to the JRS Parramatta Foodbank; students wearing purple ribbons in their hair; an IWD colouring and art competition running during Homeroom time; an IWD photo booth during lunchtimes with students able to come together to share moments with their friends and capture the diversity and solidarity within our school community; and finally our student leaders attending a number of special community IWD events on both Thursday and Friday.
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Jacqui Hamilton | School Development Officer
Catherine McAuley Westmead
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