Each year we gather as a community to celebrate Founders' Day, the day when the foundation stone of our historical school was laid. Established as St Gabriel’s School in 1926, our School began with nine students in the Old Rectory of St John’s Church, Reid. Pleasingly, we began to outgrow this space and the Melbourne Avenue site began its austere history with the laying of the foundation stone in 1927, with students moving to the campus in 1928. Renamed Canberra Church of England Girls Grammar School (CCEGGS) in 1933, the school continued to educate girls throughout the Great Depression, despite nearly closing during that time.
And now here we are, turning 100 in just four years’ time! It is great that we can celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of our students each year, along with the camaraderie and spirit that is created amongst our community. Each year, we connect with our Grammarians, hearing from the women who have walked these paths before us and take inspiration from their stories. Each one has lived a different life, but they are united by their foundation as a Girls Grammar girl.
On Saturday 30 April, we welcomed more than 150 Grammarians back to the Melbourne Avenue campus for their reunion day, with a Chapel service, lunch and tour of the school. Senior School students acted as tour guides and the Chapel Captains led much of the Chapel service, providing great joy to the alumnae as they were able to see themselves in the faces of these young women who house so much potential. On both the Grey Street and Melbourne Avenue campuses, students participated in a Founders' Day assembly to celebrate the history and significance of the School, a place where great opportunity awaits each of them.
To pause and reflect on who has come before us is important, as every girl, boy, woman and man who has been involved in the foundation, development and growth of CGGS has played a vital role in who we are today. Honouring their legacy as trailblazers, committed to the quality education of young women and children, provides us with the opportunity to consider who we might like to become, as we aspire to make a difference to others. We are all fortunate to be part of a community where anything is possible.
Happy Founders’ Day to all.
Ms Julie Jorritsma
Acting Principal