Strathcona Girls Grammar celebrated its centenary year in March, marking 100 years of developing intellectually curious, optimistic, and life-ready young women.
It began as a school of just 17 students in 1924 and today is one of Melbourne’s leading girls’ schools.
Founding principals Henrietta Hughes and Florence Mabel Livingstone believed women had the right to access the same level of education offered to their male counterparts.
As part of the festivities to mark the milestone, Strathcona will unveil a new artwork by alumna and UK-based sculptor Hannah Northam.
The sculpture will reside in the school’s new early years courtyard and will be a representation in bronze of a Strathcona girl from the school’s foundation year in conversation with her modern-day counterpart.
Strathcona will also launch coffee table book A Century of Memories, A Future of Promise – a pictorial history showing the school’s evolution from its modest beginnings in a Victorian villa in Scott Street, Canterbury, to its contemporary facilities across three eastern suburbs campuses.
Authored by Cathy Gowdie, the accompanying narrative records the history of the school and the community around it, decade by decade.
Told in the voices of Strathcona students over the years, it is filled with memories and anecdotes.
There will be a gala dinner at the NGV and the opening of a time capsule buried in 1993. A new capsule will replace it.
Strathcona’s eleventh principal, Lorna Beegan, said there was a tangible feeling of excitement in the air as the school embarked on its centenary year.
“It’s not every day that a school turns 100 and this will be an anniversary to remember,” she said.
“Strathcona has played a role in shaping the lives of countless young women so it makes sense to use this milestone to reflect on our storied history, and the accomplishments and successes of our students and alumnae.
“Looking into the future, Strathcona will maintain its commitment to providing a nurturing and empowering learning environment for young women, and inspiring the next generation of female leaders.”
Strathcona’s early learning centre, junior school, and Years 7 to 12 are located in Canterbury, while the Year 9 Strathcona students attend the Tay Creggan campus, a historic building on the Yarra River in Hawthorn.
