Simone Reilly, Vice Principal – Teaching and Learning, was interviewed by The Age alongside some of Victoria’s top female leaders in education for a special International Women’s Day feature.

Read Simone’s thoughts on how Caulfield Grammar School is empowering our young women to become leaders.

This International Women’s Day, I am proud to join Caulfield Grammar School in celebrating the strength, dedication and profound impact of women in leadership. We take pride in the strong, capable women in leadership roles, demonstrating that leadership is shaped by character, expertise, vision and values – not by gender.

Women play a vital role in leadership across our school community including students who step up and support one another, staff who guide with expertise and care, and parents who contribute their time and insight. Their involvement strengthens our school, creating an environment where leadership is demonstrated in many ways, every day.

Across all our metropolitan campuses and key programs (Kakadu and Yarra Junction) women lead with strategic vision and purpose. This is reflected at the highest level in our School Executive Team, where eight out of 13 members are women, driving innovation, operational excellence, and advancing the future of our School.

Their leadership reflects our school’s commitment to fostering inclusive learning communities where every student is inspired to lead with confidence.

Research consistently shows that diverse leadership teams contribute to stronger organisational outcomes, and this holds particularly true in education. At our school, this means fostering a holistic approach to student success that values academic excellence alongside emotional wellbeing, resilience and meaningful connections.

In my role as Vice Principal, Teaching and Learning, I ensure that a people-first approach is always at the core of how we lead. I believe that strong leadership, enriched by diverse perspectives – including those of all our women – fosters collaboration, inclusivity and an unwavering focus on student wellbeing, ensuring that every student is supported in reaching their full potential.

I also recognise that the influence of this leadership extends far beyond the school walls, cultivating a culture where students see no limits to their potential. Through mentorship and strong community connections, we empower young people with the confidence to lead, the courage to challenge, and the empathy to inspire meaningful change.

On this International Women’s Day and every day, Caulfield Grammar School proudly reaffirms the importance of representation. As our next generation of students shape their futures, they do so knowing that leadership is defined by values and actions, not just titles or identities.

When leadership reflects the diversity of world, everyone benefits.

Below: Caulfield Grammar School’s leadership team from left to right: Imogen Whiting (Deputy Principal, Head of Wheelers Hill Junior), Kelly Bird (Head of Kakadu), Meg Adem (Deputy Principal, Head of Caulfield Campus), Dr Merinda Birmingham (Deputy Principal, Head of Wheelers Hill Secondary), Prue Petsinis (Deputy Principal, Head of Malvern Campus), Sarah Klein (Head of Kakadu)