Founders Day

Katrina Brennan Principal

It was with great pride that we commemorated the 125th anniversary of Shelford at a special Founders Day on Thursday 25 May 2023.

As we reflected, we were reminded of the visionary individuals who laid the foundation of our school. In 1898 Emily Dixon founded Shelford Girls’ School with just 4 students. She was followed in succession by women of substance who led our school. Their unwavering commitment to education and their foresight in establishing this institution have paved the way for our success today. Since these humble beginnings, Shelford has enriched the lives of over 5,000 students.

We owe a debt of gratitude to these pioneers who believed in the transformative power of education and dedicated themselves to shaping the minds of future leaders.

Through the years and with the leadership of its eleven female principals, Shelford has remained a school for students in which they are known, cared for, challenged and educated – in both mind and heart. We have always been a school for students of families who worked hard; who valued education; and who sought a school that would empower their children to be themselves, and to grow to be resilient, independent and strong women, who live a life of purpose and fulfilment.

Our school has witnessed immense growth over the years, both in terms of physical infrastructure and intellectual endeavours. We have evolved with the changing times, embracing new technologies and teaching methodologies, while always staying true to the core values that define us.

125 years of excellence in education is no small feat. It is a testament to the commitment of our outstanding teachers, who have tirelessly guided and inspired generations of students. Their passion for teaching and their unwavering support have shaped the lives of countless individuals.

On Founders Day, we celebrated with a cake cutting, with each student and staff member enjoying a Shelford Girls’ Grammar cup cake. As we blew out the candles and made a wish for the future, we recommitted ourselves to the values that define our school – a culture of excellence, respect, integrity, creativity and a passion for learning.

We were very grateful to have two guest speakers for our Junior and Senior Assemblies. They were distinguished Alumnae, Di Harvey and Dianne Wright (pictured below), who have both succeeded in creating wonderful lives, through study, work, family, love, friendship, faith and community. They regaled students with stories of their time at Shelford and since and impressed with their strong affection for their school. We are very grateful to them for being with us and helping all of our students gain an insight into the history of our school and its proud heritage.

We enjoyed an afternoon tea with past staff, alumnae and current families, in which the community celebrated being together and being back at Shelford, which for many, had not occurred for quite some time! It was a wonderful afternoon.

On this day, we officially launched our Annual Appeal for 2023 wherein donations for our library, scholarship and building fund are possible. We all recognise the transformative power of a wellequipped learning environment.

Your donation, no matter the amount, will have a direct and profound impact on the lives of our students. By investing in our school, you are investing in the intellectual and personal development of our future leaders and innovators.

The impact of your donation goes far beyond the physical infrastructure itself. It sends a powerful message to our students, affirming their worth, potential, and the belief that their education matters. It demonstrates our collective commitment to their success and provides them with a solid foundation to navigate a rapidly evolving world.

I urge you to seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of our students and the future of our community.

Together, let us continue to nurture an environment where students can reach their full potential, where teachers can inspire and innovate, and where our school can continue to shine, and students thrive.

To the future generations of students who will grace these halls, may you find inspiration in the stories of our founders, in the achievements of our alumnae, and in the support of our dedicated teachers.

5 Quærite Winter 2023