As Term 3 began at Trinity, students returned refreshed from a winter break, but a small cohort of Trinity staff returned having visited a warmer climate – Boston, USA, for the 2025 International Boys School Coalition (IBSC) Conference.
Held at Belmont Hill School, the conference focused on the theme ‘Better Together’ with workshops, keynote speakers, and interactive dialogues all grounded in the theme.
Attending from Trinity was Headmaster Tim Bowden, Dr Kimberley Pressick-Kilborn, Ms Melinda Bargwanna, Mrs Heidi Broadbent, and Ms Mikaela Janes.
Encouraged to share their reflections from attending the conference, each staff member had a unique experience, with different takeaways and areas of interest, returning to Trinity brimming with ideas to share with their colleagues and integrate into their work with students.
Mrs Broadbent noted that as teachers from boys’ schools from all over the world joined together, the similarities and differences between the problems that educators face were on full display – solidarity in similar issues was found, while discussion of the challenges of schools in countries where politics and religion interfere with education was particularly sobering.
“Listening to the panel of Presidents from three Ivy league universities talk about the issues they are facing with tertiary education and how the current climate of government in their country affects them, and where it will lead for their institutions was thought provoking and interesting,” she said.
“Hearing about the lengths that educators such as Shabana Basij-Rasikh are going to, and the degree of danger they are putting themselves in, to see that young people are educated, was humbling.”
But, she says that if anything, it showed her just how much Trinity is already leading the way in research.
“Going to the workshops where people were sharing their research or ideas was interesting, and it did show me that we’re already talking about and implementing many of these things.”
Dr Pressick-Kilborn agrees that bringing so many people together allows a diversity of viewpoints. She says this is a reminder of the importance of creating spaces in our classrooms for students to “question assumptions, to deeply listen, to consider evidence, and to have the courage to speak out against something that you don’t believe is right.”
She was also struck by Professor Niobe Way’s (NYU) challenge to consider thinking and feeling as a human capacity and need, rather than a gendered one.
“I’m still reflecting on her claim that interpersonal curiosity is at the root of all human connection.”
And, she was further encouraged by two workshops by female educators that reminded her of the challenges, joys, and importance of female educators in boys’ schools.
“I am confident that taking an inclusive approach to recognising the contribution that women make in boys’ schools through our 2025 program has been a positive one for us at Trinity.”
Ms Janes agreed, reflecting directly on a session led by Ms Sally-Anne Huang, the High Master of St Paul’s School in London.
“She spoke profoundly on women in leadership, and the unique opportunity that women in boys’ schools have to champion and support boys. I’m thankful to be part of a School where women in leadership is the norm.
“I am supported and trusted by the executive to lead well and make decisions for the boys in my care and my team. Sally-Anne’s workshop reminded me of the responsibility I have to positively influence the culture of our staff in championing boys.”
Selected for the 2025-2026 Action Research Cohort, Ms Janes found the Action Research Pre-Conference Training to be a particular highlight.
“Being around – and learning with – other educators who love teaching boys, while also being driven to be solutions-focused and make a difference in our respective schools, was truly inspiring.”
Her Action Research project will focus on the impact of “play-based wellbeing learning experiences on the development of emotional regulation in Year 1 boys”.
She says that the conference left her feeling “inspired and re-energised”.
“I’m looking forward to my Action Research journey over the next 12 months and am excited to see my growth as a teacher, leader, and researcher.”
Ms Bargwanna had a particularly exciting conference experience, as she presented her Action Research Project, winning the Action Research Award for 2025.
Sitting in on a workshop that Dr Pressick-Kilborn and Mr Bowden facilitated, she was encouraged by Trinity’s commitment to research.
“Their workshop about the research program at Trinity opened up my eyes. I thought, wow, the reach we have at Trinity, the way we’re supported and encouraged to expand our teaching experience and capacities is really second to none.
“I haven’t heard of any other schools doing better than this.”
Already, staff are looking towards the 2026 IBSC Conference, to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, with the theme Sukuma, Uye Phambili. Rise Up, Walk Forward.
