6 minute read
1980s
Number of students: 1013
Principal: Peter Gebhardt (1976 to 1985) Paul Sheahan (1986–1995)
By the 1980s the College had begun to settle into its new identity as a co-educational school. The girls achieve more ‘firsts’ and school life continued to evolve.
The first girls’ Head of the River win
1981 saw the first girls Head of the River race won by The Geelong College. This success continued, with the team winning four Head of the River titles in the 1980s.
“The girls' desire to succeed has become an integral part of the Boat Club and one which extends from the junior crews right through to the senior ranks.”
- Jodie Henderson Pegasus 1983
Mossgiel became a girls-only boarding house
As female student numbers increased, 1987 saw the end of mixed gender boarding. Mossgiel became exclusively a girls’ boarding house, with 45 boarders in residence. This change was celebrated by the girls, as seen in this tongue-in-cheek Boarding House report from the 1987 Pegasus.
Eleven years after girls first began boarding at The Geelong College, we have finally achieved the numbers to fill Mossgiel without the help of immigrants from Mackie. The eradication of the male species from within our small community caused this year to be full of new experiences for all.
- Nicole Hobday (OGC 1987)
Other boarding news:
• Having been discontinued in previous years, boarding was reintroduced for Year 7-8 students
• We welcomed our first overseas boarders in the late 1980s
More firsts for girls at College
In 1981, Sarah Henderson (OGC 1981) became the first female College Captain, and Elizabeth Lomas (OGC 1981) was named as our first female Dux.
I think the school and its people have achieved the final stages of integration. Co-education is an expansion that has demanded flexibility, tolerance, and adaptability.
- Sarah Henderson 1981 Valedictory (Pegasus)
Greater options for students
As the College evolved, so did the curricular and extracurricular activities. New and expanded subjects at the Preparatory School included Computer Studies, Community and Religious Education, French, Indigenous Education and Environmental Science.
At Senior School, in 1987 Current Affairs became a compulsory Year 12 subject, Religious Studies were added to the core Year 9 and 10 units, the Department of Business Studies was created in 1986, and House of Guilds activities became units of study.
McLean & Keith Houses introduced
The growing student population saw two new Houses added to Senior School, with McLean joining in 1980 and Keith in 1981.
A new principal
Past student and former Australian cricketer Paul Sheahan (OGC 1959) was appointed Principal of the College in 1986.
On returning to the College he had known as a boy, Mr Sheahan was pleased to find it keeping pace with the times. He has expressed admiration for the work of his predecessor and will endeavour to maintain a vigorous pursuit of excellence in every department. While seeking high standardS of academic performance, he will also encourage less able students to persevere with their work. And all, in everything they do, should be guided into an attitude of caring towards one another and the rest of the world.
- Ad Astra June 1986
The Concert Band & Symphony Orchestra became permanent features
We welcomed eight students from South-East Asia.
1988 first international tour to China
During the Term 2 school holidays, 26 students embarked on an 18-day cultural tour of China. By all accounts, it was an eyeopening experience.
Our first destination was Beijing. This city was like nothing we had seen before; it stretched as far as the eye could see in all directions.
- Katharine Tarr (OGC 1988)
The Geelong College Foundation
In 1987 The Geelong College Foundation was established, with Geoffrey Betts as President from 1987-1989. Its purpose is stated as being: to preserve, develop and secure the future of the College by assisting Council through raising funds other than by fees.
A decade of growth for the College
1981 The ‘Ian Watson Gymnasium’ constructed at the Preparatory School opened.
1984 Stage 2 of ‘Rolland Centre’ including basketball and squash courts opened by Senator Susan Ryan, Federal Minister for Education. Stage 2 was constructed on the south side of Stage 1.
1989 Joan Sweetman Room (multipurpose) opened.
1989 Performing Arts/Music Centre erected at the Preparatory School.
1980 Austin Gray Centre opened
Located on the Senior School campus, the Centre is a group of buildings, one of which used to house the first Preparatory School (1921 to 1959).
Named after principal benefactor, and former College student, Alexander Austin Gray (OGC 1916), the Centre was renovated and extended before being opened by the Governor-General, Sir Zelman Cowen in 1980.
1989 College Chapel opened
The Chapel was opened in 1989 by Sir Ronald Wilson, then President of the Uniting Church in Australia.
Situated on the north-east corner of the Senior School campus, the original building was constructed in 1936 as the House of Music. Its refurbishment and extension was completed by architects, McGlashan Everist, who enlarged the original building. Such was the level of attention paid to matching the bricks, slate roof and other details, it is difficult to detect the old from the new elements of the building.
1989 College Chapel opened
The Chapel was opened in 1989 by Sir Ronald Wilson, then President of the Uniting Church in Australia.
Situated on the north-east corner of the Senior School campus, the original building was constructed in 1936 as the House of Music. Its refurbishment and extension was completed by architects, McGlashan Everist, who enlarged the original building. Such was the level of attention paid to matching the bricks, slate roof and other details, it is difficult to detect the old from the new elements of the building.
Meanwhile, in wider Australia:
1980
Debbie Wardley becomes Australia’s first female pilot to take to the skies.
Women are allowed to join surf clubs as full members.
1983
Devastating bushfires in southeast Australia with 71 people killed in 'Ash Wednesday' fires.
1984
'Advance Australia Fair became Australia's National Anthem.
1988
New Parliament House opened in Canberra
1989
Fall of Berlin Wall.
Rosemary Follett first Chief Minister of the ACT became first female head of government of an Australian State or Territory.
