About a year ago we had no idea that the world was about to change exceptionally. We knew there were challenges ahead and we knew that we would find resilience and courage. My school, specifically our girls, created something amazing - #secondhomesick #inthistogether. I watched in awe of all of my students and saw their strength even in times of challenge. I saw them reach and try. And I saw the heartbreak when they felt that they failed. Failure, as much as it hurts, is an important part of life. Without failure, we'd be less capable of compassion, empathy, kindness, and great achievement; we would be less likely to reach for the moon and the stars. The joy they exuded when they truly found personal success - the resilience and the willingness to share what they learned and their growth!

On March 8th, 2021 International Women's Day put out #choosetochallenge, asking girls and women all over the world to take risks and strive to make themselves, each other, and the world a better place. So I asked myself, what is feminism? At its core, it is about respecting diverse women’s experiences, identities, knowledge and strengths, and striving to empower all women to realise their full rights. It’s about levelling the playing field between genders, and ensuring that diverse women and girls have the same opportunities in life available to boys and men. It is in itself asking us to choose to challenge the norms of society. What challenges have women already overcome? I would say many; however, there is lots left to conquer and how exciting is that? I love to ask our students what problem do you want to solve in the world and this challenge opens the doors and windows to possibility.

I want to share some quotes from some amazing women hopefully to help inspire you to choose to challenge everyday:

“I want every girl to know that her voice can change the world.” Malala

“If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you cannot hear them anymore.” Michelle Ruiz

“At the end of the day, you are the only one that is limiting your ability to dream or actually executing on your dreams. Don’t let yourself get in the way of that.” Falen Fatemi

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments.” St. Teresa of Calcutta

Thank you to our students and teachers for all that they do - as “we got this” and I am grateful that I have them.