I almost didn’t write to you this week as I was giving serious consideration to a radical career change following my debut last week as an Instagram starlet. Andria managed to make me see reason and talked me out of it.
So I’m picking up my pen again this week on the eve of the October break to write a letter in praise of the girls of The École who have made their presence well and truly felt since the start of the school year.
In a bid to ensure that girls participate actively in school life in France, all schools that hold elections must ensure parity between boys and girls (class reps, student councils, etc.) When French children vote, they always vote for a boy and a girl. Our American colleagues were a little skeptical when we introduced the same practice at The École a few years ago. This year, under Sophie’s guidance, we decided that such rules were outdated, and moving forward, the two student candidates who got the most votes in each class from 1st to 8th Grade would be elected as class representatives, regardless of their gender. A wonderful election campaign took place, with fantastic campaign posters brightening the corridors, well-thought-out campaign speeches delivered, and inspiring enthusiasm for making The École a better place on display. I know it’s not easy to speak in front of a crowd and to try to convince and win the approval of an audience–it asks a lot of our students.
In the end, with no forcing from us, the overall results were balanced, with a few more girls than boys elected. Voting season culminated yesterday with the election of two girls–Kyla and Lara (sisters to boot!) to the positions of President and Vice-President of the Student Council. If you consider that earlier in September, our 1st to 8th graders voted for four girls as House Captains, you will understand that there really is no need for election rules and requirements to ensure girls are well-represented at The École. Congratulations to each and every one of them. I can’t wait to see what they achieve working with Jean-Marc and Sara W. on the Student Council and with Dara on the Houses.
I am delighted to see so much commitment from the girls in our school, and I can’t help but see it as the result of rubbing shoulders daily with the incredible women they meet at The École. Whether they are teachers, assistants, members of the admin team, moms, or our benefactor (because Laurence, of course, deserves a special mention for her generosity and her dedication), these women are a source of inspiration for our students. It has always been very important for me to surround myself with impressive female colleagues, and I know how much I owe to the astounding women I have worked with over the years, who have trusted me and given me the opportunities and the confidence necessary to be where I am today (and, I say it and write it often, being Head of The École is exactly where I want to be.)
Thank you to all the women of The École for all you do every day and for giving the girls who look up to you the strength and the desire to dedicate themselves to our school.
Wishing you all wonderful holidays–in Punta Cana and elsewhere. A special thought for those observing Yom Kippur tonight. Not forgetting that Monday, October 14, is Canadian Thanksgiving and also a holiday in the US for Indigenous People’s Day and Italian-American Heritage Day. I hope all who celebrate enjoy the holidays.