Work conquers all. That’s the motto of Sydney Girls High School. It is a fitting phrase to encapsulate the spirit of this remarkable institution.
Sydney Girls High School is more than just a school. It’s a place where young women are encouraged to strive for their personal best. The school was established in 1883. It stands as the oldest state girls’ school in New South Wales.
Originally, Sydney Girls High School was a division of Sydney High School. Both schools shared a two-story building. The girls occupied the second floor. The boys were on the first. Growing enrolments and traffic noise led to a relocation.
In 1921, Sydney Girls High School moved to its current site. The site was formerly the Sydney Zoo. The new location offered modern features and ample green space. Even now, the historic bear pit remains. It stands between the grounds of Sydney Girls High School and Sydney Boys High School.
The Ethel Turner Memorial Library honours a notable alumna. Ethel Turner was in the first enrolment in 1883. She is famous for writing “Seven Little Australians”. The library houses a collection of fiction and non-fiction books. It also has graphic novels and foreign language resources. The library also functions as the school archive.
Sydney Girls High School offers many extracurricular activities. These include debating and public speaking. The school has a strong debating tradition. Students compete in various competitions. They often engage in social debates with other schools. Sydney Girls High School has won the Hume Barbour Trophy multiple times. It is awarded for the Premier’s Debating Challenge.
Sports are an integral part of student life. Sydney Girls High School offers a wide range of sports. These include athletics, basketball, rowing and swimming. Students compete at both school and inter-school levels. The school also holds annual carnivals for swimming, cross country and athletics.
The Sydney Girls High School Rowing Club is particularly successful. The club competes in several regattas. These include the Schoolgirl Head of the River. The school also hosts its own regatta at Iron Cove.
Performing arts also thrive here. Sydney Girls High School boasts dance groups, drama ensembles and music groups. Year 11 drama students stage a major production annually. The school hosts a musicale and Christmas concert. These events showcase the students’ talents.
Philanthropy is deeply ingrained in the school’s culture. Sydney Girls High School supports Oxfam through an annual fundraiser. Students also contribute significantly to Stewart House. The school publishes Imagizine. It is a compilation of student works. Proceeds go to the Black Dog Institute.
Sydney Girls High School encourages students to participate in various academic competitions. These include the Da Vinci Decathlon and Tournament of Minds. Students can also participate in overseas tours. These tours often focus on language studies or ancient history.
Leadership is actively fostered at Sydney Girls High School. A team of Year 12 prefects is elected each year. The Student Representative Council plays an important role. The school also runs a Peer Support Program.
The house system promotes school spirit. Students are divided into four houses. The houses are named after former principals. These houses compete in swimming, athletics and cross country carnivals.
Sydney Girls High School has a long list of notable alumnae. These women have excelled in diverse fields. They include Marie Bashir, the first female Governor of New South Wales. Anna Katzmann is a Judge of the Federal Court of Australia. Ethel Turner became a beloved children’s author.
Sydney Girls High School continues to uphold its tradition of excellence. It fosters a love of learning in a caring environment. The school empowers young women to achieve their full potential. Sydney Girls High School prepares them to make a meaningful impact on the world.