5 minute read
1990s
Number of students: 1246
Principal: Paul Sheahan (1986–1995)
Dr Pauline Turner (1996–2012)
The co-educational experience continued to flourish in the 1990s with new technologies, facilities and co-curricular activities enriching the College community.
The first female principal in an APS school
Dr Pauline Turner commenced as Principal in 1996, becoming the first female Principal of an Associated Public Schools of Victoria (APS) School.
I believe that co-education makes of education itself a much more desirable, vital and invigorating experience … There is no doubt in my mind as to the level of contentment to be found within co-educational schools: they are happier and more balanced communities in general.
- Dr Pauline Turner, Ad Astra April 1996
Pegasus took flight in Helicon Place
The large bronze statue of Pegasus with wings outspread about to take to the air from the rocky surface of Mount Helicon is located at the Senior School campus in Helicon Place.
It was funded and presented to the College by the Betts, Gray, Nall, Rogers and Wettenhall families in 1995 and unveiled by Dr Norman Wettenhall (OGC 1929).
Donors at the 'Pegasus' unveiling Ceremony, 1995.
The granite rocks are from the You Yangs and were generously provided by David Hume and his family, including Annie Young.
Curriculum
Co-Captains
In 1998, the College’s Captaincy model changed to appoint two Co-Captains and two Co-Vice-Captains. This allowed a boy and girl to share each role equally.
Dana Ryan (OGC 1998) and Lachlan McCallum (OGC 1998) were appointed the first joint Captains of the school.
1995 Early Learning began
The Early Learning Centre opened in 1995 under the direction of Andrée Fitzgerald, replacing the College Kindergarten which had been a part of Campbell House since 1962 and part of the College since 1929. Initially expecting twenty students, the College community’s enthusiastic response saw 49 students enrol, necessitating changes to the original building plans to increase the centre’s size.
One big difference you might notice in the photos - our Early Learners originally did not wear the College uniform.
Early childhood education is an education in its own right. It is not merely a preparation for school. Diverse and significant learning takes place during your child's pre-school education. At the Early Learning Centre we believe that during this stage, play should be central to opportunities for the major areas of developmental learning.
- Director of Early Learning, Andrée Fitzgerald, Ad Astra 1999
New Arts Centre at the Preparatory School
Designed by Neil Everist (OGC 1942) and commanding views over the Barwon Valley the Centre was opened in 1995 by local artist and author Robert Ingpen (OGC 1950).
Let these wonderful events remind you of the very high value our school places on imagination. Remember also some of the great ideas you had, remember the dreams you dreamed and remember the discoveries you made.
- Peter Hughes, Head of Preparatory School, Pegasus 1995
Other events included:
1991 - The new Garnet Fielding Wing opened
1990 - The main auditorium of Robertson Hall opened
The Aquatic Centre opened
The completion of the Aquatic Centre in 1999 was a significant achievement for The Geelong College, and was the finishing touch to the Rolland Centre built many years earlier.
Dr Turner and 27 Year 9 students made history by plunging into the pool for the first time.
The College community made the project possible, raising $2 million of the $3.5 million required to build the new Centre through direct fundraising.
The Aquatic Centre will enable the Sports Department to revitalise the girls’ swimming program and reintroduce competitive swimming for the boys. It is 17 years since College has been represented at a Combined APS Swimming Carnival by a team of boys.
- Ad Astra Dec 1999
OGCA’S first female President
In 1991, Debra Holding (nee Trembath) (OGC 1972) became the first female president of an old scholar’s association in the APS.
In 1998 the OGCA hosted its first women’s luncheon, featuring guest speaker Joyce Brown.
The opening of the new Boat Shed
The Albert Bell Club raised over $100,000 for the construction of a new Boat Shed, which was opened in 1996 by Robert William Purnell (OGC 1944), Patron of the Albert Bell Club.
Two metres wider and three metres longer, the new shed was designed to cater for the College’s growing rowing program.
Our teams continued to make their mark in sport
1990 1st Boys VIII won Head of the River
1992 1st Girls IV won Head of the River.
1993 Girls' Netball First VII team won an APS Premiership in Netball for the first time.
1995 Girls' teams won APS premierships for the first time in Athletics, Hockey and Tennis
Meanwhile, in wider Australia:
1990
Tim Berners-Lee publishes the first website, describing the ‘World Wide Web’ project.
1990
Carmen Lawrence became, in Western Australia, the first female Premier of an Australian State.
1991
The first female State Governor, Dame Roma Mitchell, was appointed in South Australia.
1992
High Court delivers Mabo decision which rules that indigenous native title exists.
1994
First access to Internet for general public.
The Human Rights (Sexual Conduct) Act 1994 formally legalised homosexuality across Australia, overriding state laws.
1999
Republic referendum failed.
