Otago Girls' High School facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Otago Girls' High School
Address
41 Tennyson Street Dunedin Otago 9016 New Zealand
Coordinates	45°52′30″S 170°30′00″E / 45.874981°S 170.499946°E / -45.874981; 170.499946
Information
Type	State
Motto	Latin: Recti Cultus Pectora Roborant (The Right Education Makes The Heart As Strong As Oak)
Established	6 February 1871 (1871-02-06); 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 (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. 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 on Otago Access Radio.

History of Otago Girls' High School

Early Days and Buildings

When it first started, the school shared a building. This building was on its current site. It was shared with Otago Boys' High School. In 1885, a new building was built for the boys. They then moved to their new school.

In 1910, the main building you see today was opened. It was designed by Edmund Anscombe. The old building on Tennyson Street was taken down. Anscombe's design looked like an old English mansion. Over time, the school added more parts to this building.

Modern Changes and Protection

In the 1970s, some temporary buildings were replaced. These new parts used bricks to match the older Anscombe building. In the 1980s, the main building was almost taken down. But after many people protested, it was saved. It was fixed up and had a new part added by Ted McCoy. In 1987, it became a Category I Historic Place. This means it is a very important historical building.

The school has also gained part of the old King Edward Technical School site. New buildings have been put up there. Students can reach them through a walkway under Smith Street.

School's Commitment to Safety

In February 2022, the school faced a challenge. An incident involving bullying occurred. The school worked closely with the students involved. They also worked with the Muslim community and the Police. This was to make sure bullying was stopped. The school took steps to address the situation. They focused on creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students. The school principal confirmed their commitment to supporting students. The local Muslim Association chairman welcomed these actions.

Notable Students from Otago Girls' High School

• Mina Arndt – an artist
• Ethel Benjamin – New Zealand's first female lawyer
• Kelly Brazier – a rugby union player
• Kushana Bush – an artist
• Silvia Cartwright – a former Governor General of New Zealand
• Ann Chapman – the first woman to lead an expedition to Antarctica
• Mai Chen – a lawyer who works with laws about government
• Constance Clyde – a writer
• Margaret Cruickshank – New Zealand's first female medical doctor
• Elizabeth Gunn – a doctor who specializes in children's health
• Alison Holst – a famous cook
• Grace Joel – a painter
• Millie Lovelock – a student journalist and musician
• Juliet Marillier – an author
• Shona McFarlane – an artist, journalist, and broadcaster
• 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 at Otago Girls' High School

• Katherine Browning
• Jessie Buckland
• Bridie Lonie
• Clare Mallory
• Maria Marchant