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As we celebrated 120 Years this year, it's amazing to look back over the years and see the decades melt away. While every era brings unique challenges, certain flagship moments on the School calendar have remained constant, serving as enduring threads that connect us to our past.
However, this year's celebration of Cooerwull Day held a special significance. In our tradition, an assembly was held, with candles blown out on a birthday cake to the tune of "Happy Birthday" and a special member of the School community delivered an address. To commemorate the 2023 milestone, staff and students were presented with a special pin, symbolising our School's history. It's remarkable to think back to where we've come.
As we anticipate the celebration of the School's 125th Anniversary in 2028, we can take pride in what we've accomplished during the 120 years since Miss Lowe opened Cooerwull School in 1903. This moment offers us an opportunity to reflect on our history, while we cast our eyes towards the future and contemplate the challenges that await us.
Ms Carolyn Exton,
Archivist
To commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the School's transformation from Cooerwull into Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School, we planted trees: two for each House, and a row of 14 Lombardy Poplars (one for each staff member), beside the basketball court.
Preoccupied with the War effort, the School had temporarily become a co-ed School, while the Ivanhoe Grammar campus was used by the Army. The School was proud of Alumni who had enlisted in the "fighting forces".
When the nation was abuzz with the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, students celebrated by decorating their form rooms, and enjoying a picnic at Warringal Park and a Coronation Feast at Parish Hall, followed by games and dancing.
After 34 years as Headmistress, Miss Doris Walker was farewelled in May 1963. She had led the School through the darkest days of the Depression and World War II, and introduced the uniform, House system and new buildings.
The Golden Jubilee was a year-long celebration of the School's history and included a Pageant, a Reception at Walker Hall, the publication of the history of the school "A Village School", and a Thanksgiving Service at St Paul's Cathedral.
In the School's 60th year, the Junior School Campus was relocated to the renovated Federation Houses on Marshall Street, transforming Junior School into a tranquil, peaceful and cosy place to learn.
The transformation of the Doris Walker Centre into a library and a new Year 11 and 12 Centre coincided with the introduction of the VCE in 1992. Meanwhile, the establishment of the Performing Arts Centre would give music and drama a stunning home at the heart of the School.
The Centenary of the School was celebrated with a Community Day, a Cathedral Service, a Concert and a Gala Ball. It was an opportunity to look back, and forward and reflect on the challenges ahead.
The Ivanhoe Girls' Archives contain an impressive range of historical items and artefacts dating from the earliest days of the School. To donate historical items, or to make an enquiry about our catalogue, please contact the School Archivist, Ms Carolyn Exton.