Otago Girls' High School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Otago Girls' High School |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Address | |
|
41 Tennyson Street
9016
New Zealand
|
|
| Coordinates | 45°52′30″S 170°30′00″E / 45.874981°S 170.499946°E |
| Information | |
| Type | State |
| Motto | Latin: Recti Cultus Pectora Roborant ("The ‘right’ learning builds a heart of oak") |
| Established | 6 February 1871; 149 years ago |
| Ministry of Education Institution no. | 378 |
| Principal | Linda Miller |
| Years | 9–13 |
| Gender | Girls-only |
| School roll | 702 (February 2024) |
| Houses | Allan Benjamin Cruikshank Williams |
| Song | The Chambered Nautilus |
| Socio-economic decile | 8P |
| Newspaper | Nautilus |
| Website | otagogirls.school.nz |
Otago Girls' High School (often called OGHS) is a secondary school for girls in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. It opened on February 6, 1871. This happened after a long effort by Learmonth Whyte Dalrymple to create the school. It is one of the oldest state-run secondary schools for girls in the Southern Hemisphere. It is also the sixth oldest of its kind in the world.
The school even has its own radio show. You can hear it on Otago Access Radio.
Contents
School History
Early Buildings and Growth
When it first opened, the school was in a beautiful old building. It shared this building with Otago Boys' High School. In 1885, the boys' school moved to a new building.
In 1910, the main building you see today was opened. It was designed by Edmund Anscombe. The old building on Tennyson Street was then taken down. Over time, more parts were added to the school.
Modern Updates and Preservation
In the 1970s, some older temporary buildings were replaced. New blocks were built using bricks to match the main building. In the 1980s, there were plans to demolish the main building.
However, people protested, and the building was saved. It was restored and made bigger with a new design by Ted McCoy. In 1987, it was recognized as an important historic place. The school has also gained part of the old King Edward Technical School site. Students can reach this area through an underground path.
Addressing Bullying and Support
In February 2022, the school faced a serious situation. A Muslim student was hurt by other students. This happened because she was wearing a hijab. The incident caused a lot of concern both in New Zealand and around the world. Many people, including famous figures like Bella Hadid and Sonny Bill Williams, showed their support for the student.
The school took action to address the bullying. Two students involved were expelled. Another student was given help and support. The principal, Bridget Davidson, confirmed that the school worked with the students involved, the Muslim community, and the Police. They wanted to make sure bullying and harm were dealt with properly. The chairman of the Otago Muslim Association, Mohammad Rizwan, said he was happy with how the school handled the situation.
Student Numbers
How Many Students Attend?
As of August 2025, Otago Girls' High School has about 378 students. About 10% of these students identify as Māori.
Understanding the Equity Index
The school also has an Equity Index score. This score helps show how many students might face challenges in their learning. These challenges could be due to things like their family's income or where they live. Otago Girls' High School's score suggests that its students face some socioeconomic barriers. This means the school works to support all its students to succeed.
Famous Former Students
Many talented women have attended Otago Girls' High School. Here are some of them:
- Mina Arndt – a well-known artist.
- Ethel Benjamin – New Zealand's very first female lawyer.
- Kelly Brazier – a professional rugby player.
- Kushana Bush – another talented artist.
- Silvia Cartwright – a former Governor-General of New Zealand. This is a very important role in the country.
- Ann Chapman – the first woman to lead an expedition to Antarctica.
- Mai Chen – an expert in law, especially about how the country is governed.
- Constance Clyde – a writer.
- Margaret Cruickshank – New Zealand's first female medical doctor.
- Elizabeth Gunn – a doctor who specialized in helping children.
- Alison Holst – a famous cook.
- Grace Joel – a painter.
- Millie Lovelock – a student journalist and a singer-songwriter.
- Juliet Marillier – an author.
- Shona McFarlane – an artist, journalist, and broadcaster.
- Mandy Mayhem – a performer, artist, and local politician.
- Judith Medlicott – a family lawyer and former leader of the University of Otago.
- Emily Hancock Siedeberg – New Zealand's first female medical graduate.
- Patricia Payne (mezzo-soprano) – an opera singer.
- Raylene Ramsay – a researcher of French culture.
- Olga Stringfellow – a writer.
- Nancy Tichborne – an artist who uses watercolors.
- Yvette Williams – the first New Zealand woman to win an Olympic gold medal.
Notable Teachers
The school has also had many notable teachers over the years, including:
- Katherine Browning
- Jessie Buckland
- Janet Hesketh
- Bridie Lonie
- Clare Mallory
- Maria Marchant
