International Women’s Day 2026 | Growing Together in Wisdom, Courage and Faith
At St Peters, being a P–12 co-educational community gives us a unique and powerful opportunity each day, the opportunity to learn alongside one another, to grow in understanding, and to develop respect for the gifts that each person brings. As we mark International Women’s Day 2026, we pause to reflect on the important role that schools play in shaping young people who value equality, dignity, service and compassion.
In a Lutheran school, these are not simply contemporary ideas; they are grounded deeply in our faith and in our understanding that every person is created in the image of God. In the book of Galatians 3:28, we are reminded: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This powerful message speaks to the heart of who we are as a Christian community. Each child is known, valued, and called to live a life of purpose.
As a co-educational P–12 school, we see every day the benefit of boys and girls learning together. In the classroom, on the sporting field, on the stage, in service activities and in leadership, our students develop the confidence to use their voice, the humility to listen to others, and the courage to stand up for what is right. These are not qualities that belong to one gender; they are qualities we hope to nurture in every student.
Our Lutheran tradition also reminds us that education is about more than knowledge. Martin Luther strongly believed that education should be available to all, and that both girls and boys should be taught to read, think, and understand the world so they could serve others faithfully. In the 16th Century, this was a bold and progressive view, and it continues to shape Lutheran education today. Luther wrote that education should prepare people not only for work, but for life in community, a life lived in responsibility to God and to neighbour.
International Women’s Day gives us a chance to celebrate the achievements of women and girls in our community, our students, our staff, and our Old Scholars, but it also invites us to think about the kind of world we want our young people to help create. At St Peters, we want our girls to grow in confidence, courage and faith, knowing that their voice matters. We want our boys to grow in respect, integrity and empathy, understanding the strength that comes from working alongside others. And for all our students, we hope they leave us with a deep belief that leadership is grounded in service.
One of the great strengths of a P–12 community is that our younger students see these values lived out by their older peers. They see young women leading with confidence, young men showing kindness and respect, and students working together for something bigger than themselves. These everyday moments help shape the culture of the College far more than any single lesson.
As a Lutheran school, our foundation is always in the belief that we are called to live Plus Ultra, More Beyond, to keep growing, to keep learning, and to keep striving to be people who use our gifts for the good of others. International Women’s Day reminds us that this calling belongs to all of us.
We give thanks for the women who guide, teach, support and lead in our community, and we give thanks for the young people in our care who are learning, day by day, what it means to live with courage, compassion and faith.
Lisa Delaney
Acting Head of College
