Shepparton Girls Secondary School
Shepparton Girls Secondary School opened on 1st February 1960. The Hon. John Bloomfield MLA performed the official opening on 3rd March 1961. First proposed in 1957, because of the number of girls attending the Shepparton High and Technical Schools, the Girls’ Secondary School was in Fryers Street; buildings comprised the original High School (opened 1909), the original Primary school (founded 1883) and the domestic Science block also used by Shepparton High for almost thirty years. Bourchier Street Primary school occupied seven rooms in the oldest block.
The school began with 202 students and nine staff, the first Principal being Gwen Evans. The Advisory Council, at its first meeting on 21st April, elected as President J Bloom. Rapid growth from 200 to 700 in the 1960-1968 period made many changes necessary. The number of staff members increased. More rooms had to be made available, and when the Primary School moved out the whole site, by 1963, served only the Shepparton Girls’ Secondary School. In 1966 it became the Shepparton Girls’ High School.
A new block of buildings, comprising two classrooms, a staffroom and toilet blocks and change rooms, was completed in 1967 and the whole school was centrally heated. The oldest block of buildings was renovated and painted. Many changes in curriculum have occurred since the opening. At first, with only Forms 1 and 2 pupils a common course was followed by all. By 1962 teaching of commercial subjects began for Form 3 pupils. In 1964 the first high school courses were introduced. About a quarter of the Form 1 pupils began this course which involved the study of French and more advanced mathematics in place of domestic science subjects. By 1968, 16 girls in Form 6 had begun studying for Matriculation. Evening classes in cookery, needlecraft and typewriting were commenced in June 1962. The Mothers’ Club, formed in April 1960, remains active and parent-teacher meetings are held from time to time. The school choir of ninety voices takes part in district musical competitions and other functions. Students over the past few years have been very successful in the Goulburn Valley Science Talent Search. The school takes part in summer and winter sports, swimming and athletic meetings at annual meetings in Melbourne. It is hoped ultimately to acquire more land as the buildings occupy so much of the small site that playing area is very restricted. A hall-gymnasium is planned. In 1968 the Shepparton Girls’ High School Advisory Council took over the management of adult continuing education evening classes at the school. The school is young. We look forward to the time when many students will make their mark in the world.
The school began with 202 students and nine staff, the first Principal being Gwen Evans. The Advisory Council, at its first meeting on 21st April, elected as President J Bloom. Rapid growth from 200 to 700 in the 1960-1968 period made many changes necessary. The number of staff members increased. More rooms had to be made available, and when the Primary School moved out the whole site, by 1963, served only the Shepparton Girls’ Secondary School. In 1966 it became the Shepparton Girls’ High School.
A new block of buildings, comprising two classrooms, a staffroom and toilet blocks and change rooms, was completed in 1967 and the whole school was centrally heated. The oldest block of buildings was renovated and painted. Many changes in curriculum have occurred since the opening. At first, with only Forms 1 and 2 pupils a common course was followed by all. By 1962 teaching of commercial subjects began for Form 3 pupils. In 1964 the first high school courses were introduced. About a quarter of the Form 1 pupils began this course which involved the study of French and more advanced mathematics in place of domestic science subjects. By 1968, 16 girls in Form 6 had begun studying for Matriculation. Evening classes in cookery, needlecraft and typewriting were commenced in June 1962. The Mothers’ Club, formed in April 1960, remains active and parent-teacher meetings are held from time to time. The school choir of ninety voices takes part in district musical competitions and other functions. Students over the past few years have been very successful in the Goulburn Valley Science Talent Search. The school takes part in summer and winter sports, swimming and athletic meetings at annual meetings in Melbourne. It is hoped ultimately to acquire more land as the buildings occupy so much of the small site that playing area is very restricted. A hall-gymnasium is planned. In 1968 the Shepparton Girls’ High School Advisory Council took over the management of adult continuing education evening classes at the school. The school is young. We look forward to the time when many students will make their mark in the world.
