International Women’s Day, March 8, is a pivotal day for Melbourne Girls Grammar, when we join the UN-led global day of observance. International Women’s Day focuses the world’s attention on gender equality and the empowerment of women. We reflect on progress, call for change and celebrate the courage of those who have progressed the cause of gender equality. The Australian chapter of UN Women has adopted the theme ‘Balance the Scales’ as ‘a promise that every woman – regardless of background or identity – should be safe, heard and free to shape their own lives’.
On our IWD assembly on Friday 6 March, I was immensely proud to hear Katherine Ye and Hanna Kahsnitz from our Student Executive leading an initiative against period poverty, calling on students to donate period products to be distributed to those in the community who need them. Access to free period products is a practical way of empowering women who might otherwise feel compelled to miss educational or employment opportunities, or give up other essentials, due to inability to pay for products. Donations of products can be made at Student Services for the next two weeks.
During the assembly, guest speaker Hannah Pelka-Caven (OG 2007), winner of the 2025 Emma Hensley Award, spoke on her experiences working in Industrial Law, protecting the rights of workers and particularly women who have experienced discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Hannah has a background as a musician and performer as well as a lawyer, and she encouraged students to hear women’s voices, including listening to music by female musicians, and taking the chance to see female comedians at the upcoming Melbourne International Comedy Festival. These practical and positive steps to recognise women and address imbalances, as well as enjoying and supporting the arts, are within the reach of all of our students.
In the area of the Arts, we commend our students who performed and crewed in the Melbourne Grammar Quad play, Twelfth Night. The production was excellent, and our students were amazing, showing the commitment and intelligence such a demanding play requires. In sport, all eyes are turning to our rowers who are heading for the Head of Schoolgirls regatta on the Barwon River this weekend. We look forward to supporting and celebrating the dedication of our rowers at this event.
Finally, I would be remiss not to reflect on the news that you would have received on Friday that our much loved Principal, Dr Toni Meath, will be retiring at the end of the year. As she prepares to conclude her time at Melbourne Girls Grammar, we recognise the extraordinary legacy of her eight years as principal. Dr Meath has championed a scholarly school. She is herself a scholar and reader and she has encouraged the same depth of thinking, grace and integrity in every student and member of staff. From her first day, Dr Meath embraced our School’s rich history and traditions, guiding every decision with deep respect for our community’s values. Her unwavering commitment to academic excellence has inspired students and staff alike, especially through her belief in empowering girls to realise their full potential. We know her phrase “We don’t do for Grammarians what they can do for themselves” is a sign of her deep belief in the capacity of young women. My own first meeting with Dr Meath was when I made a series of visits to high performing schools to consider how they achieved ATAR ‘success’. Dr Meath was the only principal who, instead of answering the question herself, put me in front of a panel of senior students and asked me to address my questions to the girls. Several years later, when I was interviewing for the role of Deputy at Melbourne Girls Grammar, two students were on the interview panel. It was a lived value that the students would be heard and empowered.
What many of us will cherish most about Dr Meath is her genuine care – her willingness to listen, to give her time generously, and to connect meaningfully with every person she encounters. Dr Meath’s appreciation for creativity, diversity and the beauty found in everyday school life has shaped a culture that honours all voices, including the wisdom of First Nations peoples. As a community, we will be celebrating Dr Meath’s many contributions throughout the rest of 2026. We are so grateful for her remarkable service since 2019 and we know that when the time comes, after a busy year, she’ll be missed by everyone, especially our Grammarians.
Lynda Wall
Deputy Principal: Educational Leadership, Academic