Celebrating Mother's Day

As we prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day, I reflect on the importance of connection, the threads that bind us across generations, through challenge and change, through small moments and significant milestones. 

This morning, we held our annual Mother–Daughter Breakfast. These mornings are always more than just a shared meal. They’re moments of stillness in a busy world. A time to reflect, to laugh and to maybe even venture into those deeper conversations that don’t always fit into the school drop-off time. These are the moments that shape character, build resilience, and remind our children, regardless of age, that presence matters more than perfection.

As a mother, I know the journey of parenting is anything but predictable. My daughter, Rory, who some of you may know, reminds me daily that strength and independence don’t cancel out the need for connection. Even now, she’ll call to talk through life’s big decisions (whether she takes on my advice is another matter!). Beyond the unpredictable lies something deeper. The bond between a parent and child doesn’t fade with time; it evolves, and it’s in those evolving roles that we find the beauty and strength of parenthood.

I have always loved the phrase, ‘Lift as you climb'. First spoken by African American activist Mary Church Terrell and later echoed by leaders like Angela Davis, it reminds us that our growth is most meaningful when it creates room for others to grow too. It is a phrase we are more likely to use when referring to equity and unity. Whether we’re parents, leaders, colleagues or friends, our success is multiplied when we share it—when we raise the bar and reach back.

To the students, cherish the women who lift you, support you and believe in you. And to the remarkable women in our community, thank you. Your presence, guidance and steady support are gifts your children and our school carry forward every day.

Wishing all of you a meaningful and joy-filled Mother’s Day.

Anna Owen
Principal