The Principal, Term 1 Week 7 2026
International Women’s Day 2026 – #BalanceTheScales
On Sunday 8 March, we recognised International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It is also an important moment to pause, reflect and recommit ourselves to the ongoing pursuit of equality.
Last Friday, I and several of our students had the privilege of attending the International Women’s Day Breakfast Adelaide event. It was a wonderful opportunity to listen, learn and reflect alongside thousands of others who share a commitment to progress and equality.
One of the highlights of the morning was hearing from Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australia’s first female astronaut and the 2026 Australian of the Year. Katherine delivered an inspiring, thought-provoking and highly engaging address that captured the imagination of everyone in the room.
She spoke about her childhood fascination with space and the dream that eventually led her to pursue a career in astronautics. Her story, however, was not simply about reaching the stars, it was about the resilience, persistence and courage required to pursue an ambitious goal in the face of significant challenges and setbacks. Katherine spoke candidly about the obstacles she encountered along the way, and the determination required to keep moving forward when the path was not always clear. Her message was both powerful and uplifting: that passion, perseverance and belief in oneself can open doors that may once have seemed out of reach.
Below is Katherine Bennell-Pegg’s video on YouTube as well as a link to her page on the Australian Space agency website.
Our students were deeply moved by her story and shared their reflections after the event:
“The main speaker was truly inspirational, having overcome so many challenges herself, and powerfully encouraging women to do the same. I’m sure every attendee was inspired to balance the scales by the inarguable Australian of the year.”
“It was a privilege to attend the International Women’s Day breakfast, where we were provided the chance to reflect on the continuing issue of gender equality, and our individual efforts to balance the scales. Hearing Katherine Bennell-Pegg’s story was truly inspiring, especially her clear continued efforts for pathing a better more equal future.”
“Katherine was such an inspiring and talented woman, she demonstrated that with determination and passion we can reach for the stars!”
“The breakfast this morning was truly inspiring and was a privilege to attend. Katherine’s journey and continuing motivation was something to look up to.”
International Women’s Day is an important occasion to celebrate the achievements of women, but it is also a reminder that continued effort is needed if we are to achieve genuine equity, both within our own communities and around the world.
The “Balance the Scales” theme highlighted by UN Women Australia calls for meaningful and practical change to ensure fairness, safety and opportunity for women and girls everywhere. Addressing systemic barriers and discrimination requires thoughtful leadership, collective effort and a shared commitment to progress.
As a school, we play an important role in shaping the attitudes and values of the next generation. By fostering mutual respect, encouraging active listening and developing shared understanding, we help ensure that our students grow into young women and men who value equality, fairness and inclusion. Whether as colleagues, parents, past students, volunteers or friends of the School, women play an invaluable role in shaping the culture, care and character of our community.
I encourage each member of our community to take a moment to reflect on the women who have influenced and supported you in your own life, mentors, colleagues, family members and friends and to recognise the significant contribution our female staff make to the education of our students and the daily life of our School.
Through these reflections, conversations and actions, we can all contribute in our own way to a more inclusive future.
Together, we can continue the important work of balancing the scales.
Greg Atterton
Principal