Over 250 Educators Unite In Christchurch To Share Strategies For Girls’ Education

On Friday 5 September, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School will host more than 250 educators from girls’ schools across Australia and New Zealand for a one-day symposium dedicated to the future of girls’ education.

Presented by the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS), the Educating Girls Symposium – Christchurch will bring together school leaders and educators to explore innovative practices, challenge assumptions, and share what works in girls’ education. The event includes over 50 practical breakout sessions and features a powerhouse keynote lineup including Dr Denise Quinlan, Dr Nina Hood, and Ruth Shinoda.

Loren Brudge, Regional Executive Director at ICGS believes girls’ schools are uniquely positioned to equip the next generation of women with the confidence, courage and skills to lead.

“This symposium is about more than sharing good practice—it’s about creating a collective commitment to ensuring every girl’s voice is heard and her potential realised.

Together, we are building schools where girls are not just prepared for the future, but empowered to shape,” says Loren.

Internationally renowned for her work in wellbeing and resilience, Dr Denise Quinlan headlines the event with a keynote titled Building Whole-School Wellbeing: Potential, Pitfalls, and Practical Advice.

She says now is a pivotal time for schools to be supporting girls’ wellbeing in meaningful systemic ways.

“I’m excited to be part of this conversation about how we support girls’ wellbeing at a time when girls' voices, choices, and futures matter more than ever,” says Dr Quinlan.

“Around the world, we are seeing a pushback against women’s rights, from challenges to bodily autonomy to the rise of extreme narratives like the ‘tradwife’ ideal promoted by toxic masculinity. Now more than ever, schools need to create environments where girls are encouraged to lead, where their voices are genuinely listened to, and where they are empowered to take up space without holding back, doubting themselves, or second-guessing their worth.

“Research consistently shows that when girls have opportunities for agency, leadership, and authentic participation, their confidence, resilience, and wellbeing flourish. Creating cultures where girls are supported to trust themselves and step into leadership roles isn’t just about wellbeing, it's about preparing them for success and equipping them to challenge and contribute meaningfully to a more equitable future.

“Educators play a pivotal role in this. They need practical, evidence-based tools to integrate wellbeing and empowerment into everyday teaching and leadership and to be empowered to change old practices that no longer serve us. And they need support for their own wellbeing, because when teachers are thriving, their students thrive too.

“Ensuring every girl knows her voice matters and her choices are hers to make, is one of the most powerful investments we can make, not just in our girls’ future, but for all of us.”

Principal of Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, Tracy Herft, says it is a privilege to host the symposium in Christchurch.

“It’s important that we bring together specialist educators who understand the unique needs of girls and young women. There’s so much expertise within our schools, but there’s also power in connecting across contexts and countries, sharing what works, and being brave enough to ask what needs to change.

“Hosting international speakers like Dr Denise Quinlan alongside practitioners from across Aotearoa and Australia allows us to amplify the work already happening in girls’ schools and strengthen our collective impact on the next generation.”

The symposium is one of several regional events hosted by ICGS across the globe, united by a shared commitment to advancing girls’ education and elevating women’s leadership.

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