Board President’s Reflections – February 2022
2/11/22 – Boundless Horizons Await
NCGS is entering 2022 ready to embrace a new name, new collaborations, and global initiatives with optimism and energy. It is an exciting time to be part of our global network of girls’ school educators that counts 320 schools in 16 countries among its membership. And we’re growing every day.
Our work extends worldwide, but I am most proud of the fact that in a decade that has been marked by phenomenal growth for the Coalition, we have never lost sight of the fact that our work is really about each of our unique and transformational schools—and even more importantly, it is about the girls who are educated and empowered within and beyond those schoolhouse walls.
As Executive Director Megan Murphy explains in this inspirational video message I’m pleased to share with you today, the time for girls—and for girls’ schools—is now.
On July 1, we will officially take on the name that more accurately and inclusively describes who we are: the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools. We’ll mark the occasion with a grand celebration during the Global Forum on Girls’ Education® III in Boston June 27-29. I hope you’ll join us.
In the months leading up to that time, Megan, my fellow Coalition trustees, and I will host a series of Membership Assemblies to describe how we’ll make the transition to ICGS. Look for invitations to these gatherings soon. We also have created a “Becoming ICGS” page on the Coalition website with links to resources and answers to frequently asked questions. Please take a few moments to review this information to learn more about how these efforts toward repositioning our Coalition will strengthen and enhance our networking, advocacy, research, and professional development offerings.
The Coalition is focused more intently than ever on providing greater global value, and at the same time, we are equally dedicated to ensuring continued regional excellence and relevance across our broad network of girls’ schools. While regional dialogue serves a critical role in supporting educators and always will, global connectivity will provide the combustible energy that lifts regional discussion to new heights, new places, and greater possibilities for the greater good of the girls we serve. We know that together, we can achieve anything.
As ICGS, we will be able to increase opportunities and programs for the schools we serve and the students we educate. This includes building teacher and student exchange programs, expanding research resources, connecting faculty on a global resource sharing platform, and convening students to form a formidable network of young global changemakers.
At no other time has there been among girls and young women such a deep sense of shared potential, purpose, and power. Girls’ schools provide unique benefits that catalyze important progress, and there is incredible strength that can be derived from our connections with one another.
It’s my honor to be in this work with you.
Paul Burke, President of the NCGS Board of Trustees and Head of The Nightingale-Bamford School