Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College |
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2 Little Ryrie St
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| 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 public high school just for girls. It's located in Geelong, Victoria, Australia. The school teaches students from Year 7 all the way through to Year 12. About 750 students attend the college. Its motto is "Looking Forward".
Contents
School History
Early Days as a Grammar School
The school first opened its doors in January 1858. Back then, it was called Flinders National Grammar School. The very first stone for the school building was placed on December 5, 1856. This was done by Colonel Edward Macarthur, who was in charge of the Colony of Victoria at the time.
A local architect named Frank Kawerau is thought to have designed the building. He also designed many other government buildings in Victoria. The school was meant to be named Geelong National Grammar School. However, during the ceremony, Colonel Macarthur asked to name it after Captain Matthew Flinders. Flinders was the first European explorer to sail all the way around Australia. He had even climbed the nearby You Yangs mountains and described the Geelong area.
Becoming Co-ed and Growing
When the school opened in 1858, 116 boys enrolled. There wasn't any space for girls at first. But after a few years, fewer students were joining. So, in 1864, the school started accepting both boys and girls.
The school buildings were made bigger and updated in 1879 because more students were coming. When the new parts opened in April 1880, the school was officially named Flinders State School no. 260. People also called it "Link's School" after George Link, who was the headmaster from 1879 to 1894. During his time, the number of students grew to 1000!
A Girls' School Once More
By 1938, the school was still growing, but it was getting too crowded. In 1939, a big decision was made: the school would become "Matthew Flinders Girls School." Ada Knowles was in charge at this time.
From 1942 to 1947, Frances Higgins led the school. Then, in 1948, Minnie Elizabeth Cawthorn became the new head. At that time, the school buildings were quite old and run down. It was seen as a place for girls who would leave school at 14 to work in factories.
Minnie Cawthorn had a different vision. She believed students should not just be trained to be housewives. She wanted them to have a full life with more choices. 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.
Becoming a Secondary College
In 1966, under Dr J. S. Bowden, the school gained "high school" status. It was then renamed "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 main areas, called 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.
