Do you hear the echoes of “Age Quod Agis”? This Latin phrase means “Do what you do well”. It is the motto of Fintona Girls’ School. Established in 1896, Fintona Girls’ School is a beacon of education for young women.
Fintona began as a Presbyterian day and boarding school. Annie Hughston founded it in Camberwell. Later, the school moved to Balwyn. It now occupies ‘Balwyn’, the historic home of Andrew Murray. He was an early settler. The suburb of Balwyn gets its name from his vineyard.
Fintona Girls’ School is small and independent. It is also non-denominational. Currently, about 600 students attend. They range from the Early Learning Centre to Year 12. Fintona is non-selective. This means it welcomes girls of diverse abilities.
The school is divided into four sections. There is the Early Learning Centre. The Junior School caters to Prep to Year 4 students. The Middle School serves Years 5 to 8. Finally, the Senior School educates Years 9 to 12.
Fintona’s ELC uses the Reggio Emilia approach. From Prep to Year 6, students engage in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program. This program covers language and social studies. It also includes mathematics, science, technology, arts, and physical education.
Fintona offers three languages. These are Latin, French, and Japanese.
The Junior School has three houses. These are Bedggood, Menzies, and Reid. The Middle and Senior Schools have six houses. These are Boyne, Clarke, Hughston, Murdoch, Maxwell, and Ower. These houses are named after benefactors and staff.
Fintona is a member of Girls Sport Victoria. In 2001, Fintona won the GSV premiership in basketball.
Ex-students are called ‘Old Fintonians’. They can join the ‘Old Fintonians Association’. Some notable alumnae include Norma Bull. She was an Australian painter. Dora Mary Lush was a pioneer bacteriologist. Dame Beryl Beaurepaire was a feminist and political figure. Helen Caldicott is an environmentalist. Andrea Coote is a politician. Pattie Maie Menzies was the wife of Prime Minister Robert Menzies. Louise Bawden is an Olympic volleyball player. Georgia Griffith competed in the Tokyo Olympics as a middle-distance athlete.
Fintona’s grounds feature landscaped gardens. There are historic buildings and modern facilities. These include the Early Learning Centre, a sports center and an art precinct. Plans are underway for a science center.
Fintona espouses the view that “girls can do anything”. It encourages students to be independent thinkers. The school empowers them to be active citizens and leaders.
Fintona provides a caring environment. It offers broad education programs. These programs challenge girls beyond expectations. They also help them cope with life after school.
Rachael Falloon is the current Principal. She continues the tradition of strong leadership. Fintona Girls’ School encourages every student to strive for academic excellence. The school inspires girls to become fearless and adaptable leaders. Fintona Girls’ School: Do what you do well.