Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 |
|
| Address | |
|
2 Little Ryrie St
, |
|
| Information | |
| Type | Public secondary |
| Motto | Looking Forward |
| Established | 1856 |
| School district | Barwon South Western |
| Principal | Michelle Crofts |
| Grades | 7–12 |
| Gender | All-female |
| Number of students | approximately 750 |
| Campus | Urban |
| Colour(s) | Blue, yellow, red |
| Website | http://www.mfgsc.vic.edu.au/ |
Matthew Flinders Girls' Secondary College is a school just for girls in Geelong, Victoria, Australia. It's a public school, which means it's run by the government. Girls from Year 7 to Year 12 go to school here.
Contents
School History
Early Beginnings (1858-1864)
The school first opened its doors in January 1858. It was called Flinders National Grammar School back then. Before it opened, a special 'foundation stone' was placed on December 5, 1856. This was done by Colonel Edward Macarthur, who was in charge of the area called the Colony of Victoria at the time.
A German architect named Frank Kawerau, who lived in Geelong, is thought to have designed the school building. He also designed other important buildings in Victoria. The school was almost named Geelong National Grammar School. But at the ceremony, Colonel Macarthur asked to name it "Flinders National Grammar School." This was in honor of Captain Matthew Flinders. He was the first European explorer to sail all the way around Australia. Captain Flinders had also climbed the local You Yangs mountains and described the Geelong area.
When the school opened in 1858, 116 boys started attending. There was no space for girls at that time. However, fewer students enrolled over time. Because of this, the school became a place for both boys and girls in 1864.
Growth and Changes (1879-1938)
The school buildings were made bigger and updated in 1879. This was because more and more students wanted to attend. When the new parts opened in April 1880, the school was officially named Flinders State School no. 260. But many people unofficially called it "Link's School." This was after the fifth headmaster, George Link. He was in charge from 1879 to 1894. During his time, the number of students grew to 1000!
By 1938, the school was still growing, but it was running out of space again.
Becoming a Girls' School (1939-1966)
In 1939, a big decision was made. The school would become "Matthew Flinders Girls School." Ada Knowles was the leader at this time. From 1942 to 1947, Frances Higgins led the school.
In 1948, Minnie Elizabeth Cawthorn became the new head. At that time, the school buildings were old and worn out. It was seen as a place for girls who would leave school early to work. But Ms. Cawthorn had a different idea. She believed students should be prepared for a full life, not just for housework. The school was officially renamed "Matthew Flinders Girls School." New parts were added to the buildings, and the school grounds became beautiful. In 1950, students from Matthew Flinders were the first girls in Victoria to take the "Girls' Leaving Certificate" exam. In 1956, Mary Lausza became the new head of the school.
In 1966, under Dr. J. S. Bowden, the school became a "high school." It was then called "Matthew Flinders Girls High School." Today, it is known as Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College.
The College Today
Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College has two different areas, or campuses. Students in Years 7, 10, 11, and 12 attend classes on the Main Campus. Students in Years 8 and 9 go to the smaller Helen Fraser Campus.
