4 minute read
2020s
Number of students: 1320 (1653 in 2024)
Principal: Dr Peter Miller (2016-present)
A new decade brought with it new challenges, including a worldwide pandemic. Yet the College has continued to evolve and respond to our changing world.
Junior School Redevelopment
The Junior School redevelopment was officially opened in 2020 by Her Excellency Linda Dessau AC, the Governor of Victoria. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the opening was declared remotely, and broadcast to the College community.
Designed by John Wardle Architects, the Junior School redevelopment blends the new and the old, embodying the Reggio Emilia approach. The design mimics the walled Italian village of Reggio Emilia
As a community we are so proud to open the buildings to the students of Campbell House....It has truly emerged as a stunning and unique landscape for learning to lead us into our future.
- Sondra Wolfenden, Head of Campbell House, Junior School
A new Steinway for the College
A Steinway Model D Grand Piano was purchased through the sale of 88 keys on the piano at a cost of $3,000 a key. The College celebrated the official launch of the new Steinway Model D Concert Grand Piano in the Keith Humble Centre.
We look forward to providing many more opportunities in the future for our College and the Geelong community to experience the beauty of “Henry”, as he is now affectionately known, and to share the love of piano music on what is the best instrument in the Geelong region.
- Dr Phil Bohun, then-Director of Music, 2021
Celebration of milestones
In 2021, the College celebrated two significant milestones: 160 years of The Geelong College, and 100 years of the Preparatory School.
Our biggest Ad Astra
At 136 pages, this special edition of Ad Astra makes history as our biggest yet.
COVID-19
2020 will forever be remembered as the year in which the COVID-19 pandemic began, the impacts of which profoundly altered school life.
Mask-wearing and social distancing rules were enforced.
In reponse to governmental Remote Learning orders, the College gates closed for weeks forcing all staff and students to stay at home.
The transitions were challenging for students, teachers, and parents alike, as they had to adapt quickly to a new mode of learning that required different resources and methods.
Major events, such as Fulfilling Lives, reunions and Year 12 Valedictory celebrations, were cancelled.
Looking back on the 2020 academic year, I realised that for the first time in our school’s history, both teachers and students found themselves standing side by side as learners. … It wasn’t just a matter of learning how to video conference; we had to take our entire learning program and modify it to allow for online delivery and feedback.
- Marita Seaton, Middle School Leader of Learning, Pegasus 2020
Community
Pride flag flew for the first time In 2020
Flying the rainbow flag on our very own flagpole in Helicon Place to celebrate Pride Week in June (was) a clear visual symbol of how far our community has come in accepting those from diverse sexual orientations.
- Lachlan Houen (OGC 2020), Pegasus 2020
Meanwhile, in wider Australia:
2020
Australia sets record for women and Indigenous athletes at 2020 Olympics
Australia’s first case of COVID-19 confirmed.
Travel restrictions on interstate and international travel.
A state of emergency declared and lockdown orders implemented.
Schools forced into remote learning.
2021
Our national anthem changed to reflect Indigenous history. COVID-19 vaccines arrived.
2022
Australia’s international borders reopened to vaccinated travellers. Death of Queen Elizabeth. 2023
The coronation of King Charles. ‘The Voice’ referendum was rejected.
OGCA’S third female President
The OGCA appointed its third female President in 2020, Kylie Mackey (OGC 1993).
Our biggest increase in enrolments
From 2020 to 2024, the College recorded its biggest ever increase in student numbers from 1320 students in 2020 to 1653 students in 2024. A 25% increase.
