Sending your daughter to an all-girls' school: should you need to explain?

Do your friends and relatives question you about the fact that your daughter attends an all-girls' school?  In the casual conversations I have had with a number of our parents, the answer is ‘Yes’. It would seem that for some in the community, a single sex education for girls is an anomaly.  A few years ago, I had some parents who were considering St Patricks College for their daughter, ask me if the girls will be able to speak to boys after six years of education at an all-girls' school. I believe that the same question was not asked of boys coming out of six years education in an all-boys' school. The absence of boys in a classroom is a concept that puzzles a few in the community.

Over the past few years, a number of Sydney boys’ schools have transitioned from all-boys' education to a co-educational setting. Barker College, Marist Catholic College North Shore and Cranbrook are a few. Having provided single sex education for many years, they noted that moving to a co-educational setting is inevitable as that is the world post school for most young people. The proponents of co-education argue that our world, and specifically our workplaces, are mixed gender and therefore our schools should be mixed gender.

Unfortunately for women, the reality is that our world and workplaces, while mixed in gender, are a long way from being gender-equal. Workplace inequality, coupled with uncertainty about the future of work and the skills needed for career and life success, means that we need to ensure our girls reach their potential and are prepared for the world after school. It is interesting to note that no girls’ school has transitioned to a co-educational setting. This could be because they continue to offer, in their communities, an option of education that is relevant and transformative for the girls who attend the school.

When we survey our Year 12 girls in their last year and ask them what they believe are the advantages of an all-girl education, they collectively say the fact that they can be themselves is most valued. They comment on feeling supported and note their growth in confidence over the years because there are no boys in their classes. They mention the sisterhood they have established with their friends and that they are able to imagine and aspire to whatever they wish to be irrespective of their gender. Girls who join us from a co-educational setting will comment on the greater focus to learning in the classroom, the absence of silly boy/girl behaviours across the College and a greater sense of safety for them.

Your daughter will be able to share with you what she most values about her education at St Patrick’s. This is why you send your daughter to St Patrick’s. I hope in time, the unique opportunity we offer the  girls in Macarthur will not be seen so much as an anomaly by some, but will increasingly be recognised as the setting that will enable girls to flourish and grow into the women they have the potential to become.

Last weekend we enjoyed the combined musical with St Gregory’s College. Here our young people were able to collaborate, work and perform together to produce an exceptional performance.  Not in any way disadvantaged by the fact that they all come from single sex schools, these stars shone and entertained all their audiences with their skill and capacity. I would like to acknowledge the key performers: Tavara S, Jordan-Leigh E, Sophie M and Elliot P. This could not have happened without the dedicated support, guidance and effort of their committed teachers. I would like to acknowledge Mr Joshua Combes, Mrs Elizabeth Samyia, Miss Emma Randell, Ms Louise Glase, Mrs Tarna Tannous, Mr Julian Nash, Mrs Vanessa Singles, Ms Soliette Roa, Mrs Paula Nash and Mrs Natasha Patao. Congratulations to our two College communities for this exceptional performance of 'Xanadu.' 

We are coming to the last two weeks of term. With the weather turning colder and the risk of winter weariness setting in, it is motivational to set ourselves some short term, achievable goals, to get the most out of the remainder of this term. I hope you are able to stay warm and dry as we lead into the winter break. I will leave you with a short prayer on winter.

Blessings

Sue Lennox - Principal

Lord,
In the midst of Winter, when the days are cold and wind can pierce remind us of the warmth of your love.
In the midst of Winter, when days are short, dawn comes late, and dusk arrives early remind us that in the darkness your light still shines.

By Cal Wick

Taken from Jesuit Resources