Board President’s Reflections – November 2023
by Danielle Heard
Dear ICGS Members,
In the past year, our Coalition has embraced innovation, connection, and leadership to achieve new and emerging milestones. In becoming ICGS, we have expanded our global network, welcomed new member schools, and broadened our opportunities to exchange best practices and share educational insights to enhance our shared commitment to empowering and educating girls worldwide. It was a special joy to gather with members of the ICGS Governing Board of Directors in Toronto last week, as we reflected on the momentum our Coalition has experienced in recent months, and looked forward to all the ways that we will continue to expand and enhance our work in the future.
Special thanks to Principal Karen Jurjevich and the team at Branksome Hall, who hosted the Board meeting and introduced us to the inspiring and visionary Eva Lau, who–among her many pearls of wisdom–charged us to “surround yourself with people who challenge you and want to bring out the best in you.” ICGS consistently provides the gifts of an unparalleled network, insightful inquiry, “critical, loving criticism,” and stalwart support that Lau reminds us is essential to achieve at the highest levels in what is increasingly an innovation economy. Eva Lau’s words provide the perfect framework for our work together at ICGS.
It has also been gratifying and validating to be reminded that our member schools’ efforts around the world continue to make a powerful and lasting difference in girls’ lives. I hope that you have been compelled–as I have been–to share the PISA Research findings. This research illuminates what we all know so well: Girls’ schools have a meaningful and positive impact on girls, their families, and their communities.
We consistently hear from member schools that research is one of the things that sets ICGS apart from other professional organizations. Help us to continue the Coalition’s great work in this area by participating in an innovative research study in partnership with Stanford University’s Challenge Success program. Participation in research today will have long and lasting impacts for our member schools for years to come.
If you have not yet explored the ICGS Streaming Channel and Podcast Shorts, I encourage you to do so for quick bites of wisdom and actionable takeaways related to the education and healthy development of girls, all in 10 minutes or less. This is a low-entry investment with guaranteed high return.
Following a very successful Educating Girls Symposium in the UK, where we welcomed nearly 200 delegates across educational sectors, we look forward to our next Educating Girls Symposiums around the world. We hope you can join us in Los Angeles on February 15 for our Educating Girls Symposium at Marlborough School and consider submitting a presentation proposal before the November 10 deadline through the Open Call for Proposals.
Planning is already underway for the 2024 ICGS Conference in Baltimore, and I look forward to seeing you there! For more information about any and all of the exciting opportunities available through ICGS, please visit the ICGS Events Calendar.
Thank you for being part of the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools network, and thank you for your commitment to working together to “bring out the best” in girls’ schools around the world.
Warm regards,
Danielle