Maria Hodges, head of Wesley College’s junior school, with some Year 2, 3 and 4 students.
Camera IconMaria Hodges, head of Wesley College’s junior school, with some Year 2, 3 and 4 students. Credit: Supplied/Bruce Hunt

Wesley College students embrace meaning of International Women’s Day

Aaron CorlettSouthern Gazette

WESLEY College was among the organisations celebrating the role of females in society during International Women’s Day today.

Junior school students sold wristbands with proceeds going to CARE Australia, an organisation that provides relief to poor communities and has a special focus on working with women and girls to bring about lasting change.

The school is co-educational from pre-kindergarten to Year 6 but only has boys in its upper school.

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Head of junior school Maria Hodges said the idea of holding activities on the day was to teach students about respecting women.

“The idea was floated by one our junior staff members to recognise the role of young women,” she said.

“We only have male students from Year 7 so I wondering how it would be accepted but all the families jumped on board and I even had students come up to me say ‘happy International Women’s Day, Mrs Hodges.’

“Some of the students told me how they made tea or picked flowers for their mothers, to show how much they care about them.

“It’s important when boys become men that they can work with women to live purposeful lives.”

Mrs Hodges said the school was committed to making sure the students were strong thinkers and contributors to society.

“A day like today can help solve community issues like alcohol abuse and domestic violence,” she said.

“Some of our junior girls wore purple hair ribbons and we had our Year 12 students came down and helped out to run activities.

“Most importantly though was that every junior class was educated about women’s contribution to society.”