From the Chaplain
May 20, 2026 – Edition 6
Incredible, Inspiring Women
Along with Ms Koziaris, I had the absolute privilege of attending the Women Deliver Conference at the Melbourne Convention Centre with Year 11 students, Joanne and Naaz.
We attended in part to watch our wonderful Leaver House Captain, Shamita, participate as part of a panel presentation about global eye health. She spoke with passion and clarity about her personal experiences. We were so proud of her, and how she represented both herself and her family, as well as the school.
It is difficult to describe the impact of those ten hours. From 7:00am – 5:00pm we went from hearing about the impact of violence on women and children, the powerful work of nuns fighting against human trafficking, the impact of global eye disease and blindness to listening to a podcast recording of Julia Guilard interviewing e-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant (the podcast is called, ‘A podcast of one’s own).
In addition to this, our students were able to participate in conversations about Climate Change, listen to former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, watch and join in with the powerful Djirri Djirri dancers and sit on the ground to learn ancient basket weaving techniques. It seems surreal even to write that list.
To be honest, writing this newsletter article has been difficult because it’s nearly impossible to condense the whole experience down to a short reflection! I will simply say that at numerous times in the day I found tears in my eyes at the privilege of being able to sit in spaces with such people.
There were over 180 countries represented. The delegates were united in their desire to see positive change for women and girls, and are relentless in seeking out new solutions to problems, both old and new.
They shared passionately from their heart, and from their experiences, encouraging us to make positive change. For example, we learned that for 9 in 10 women who are blind, it is entirely preventable and unnecessary. This is just one statistic, but it speaks to the work that must still be done.
We left trying to process what we had heard, experienced and seen, and felt truly humbled to have been part of that day.
I speak on behalf of the students who attended, as well as Ms Kozi that we are enormously grateful for the opportunity given to us to attend.
All In – National Reconciliation Week
We are excited to have Reconciliation Week coming up soon, as well as a few events in the lead up to the official beginning of Reconciliation Week. We see this as an important opportunity for our wider school community to be involved in different ways.
Please see the letter regarding specifics for these events that has gone home to parents/guardians.
A reminder that families are invited to join us for the following events:
- Smoking Ceremony/ Welcome to Country/ RAP Launch
Monday, 25 May 10:10
Location: Oval, weather permitting
- Sorry Day Ceremony
Tuesday, 26 May 9:30
Location: Flag pole, weather permitting
- Reconciliation Week ‘All In’ Community Art
Contribute to one of our two communal art creations
3:15-3:30 on Thursday, 28 May, Friday, 29 May, Monday, 1 June and Tuesday, 2 June
Location: Chapel
There will be lots of fantastic opportunities to celebrate First Nations history and culture. We look forward to sharing this important week together as a school community.
A City of Contrasts
The conclusion of the Year 9 City Experience is a Chapel service at Collins Street Baptist Church that provides an opportunity to reflect on the opportunities, sights and conversations our students have experienced. It was beautiful to see the reflections they brought forward about their highlights of a busy and full week.
Collins Street Baptist Church is one that many people have been past in the city, but many have never seen inside the building. It is a unique church in the sense that it serves the very privileged in our city, but also those who are deeply disadvantaged and vulnerable. The quiet peace inside the building are in stark contrast to the busy nature of the city.
The conclusion of the service is an invitation for students to come forward and light a candle. It was lovely to see that over half the year level took up the opportunity to mark the occasion in this way. My sincere thanks to Mrs Reeves for all of her work in making this experience a reality for our Year 9 students.
Every blessing to you in the week ahead.
Monique Riviere-Pendle
Chaplain
