Heritage

Mentone Girls' Grammar School has a rich history. Since the first day of class in 1899 when just five Mentone Girls took their place in history, to today's thriving community of over 6,000 students and 'Old Girls', we have held fast to the philosophy of our Founders, the four Simpson sisters, "to be bold, to do one's best and to never give in".

Over the years, we have seen major changes from buildings and uniforms to community attitudes and the social change that comes with each new generation. Succeeding generations of principals, staff, parents, students and School Council leaders have been responsible for the success of the School today and we honour them for their passion and commitment. Together they have contributed so much to the social fabric of our School and it is upon their shoulders that we stand together as a successful community today.

With a strong sense of purpose we have been able to stand the test of time and remain committed to our mission, to provide the best possible education for young women, our remarkable women.

Historic Time Line

1899-1910

1899 - Mentone High School for girls was opened by the Simpson sisters, Effie, Minnie, Ethel and Daisy at "Cobbalanna", Como Parade, Mentone with Effie Simpson as the first Headmistress.

1906 - Miss Ada Murray and Miss Jane Elizabeth Bullow jointly began running the school.

1908-1913 - Miss Ada Murray took charge of the School.

1911-1920

1913-1919 - Miss Alice Maxwell-Hyslop became Headmistress.

1919 - Miss Ethel Simpson returned to the School as Headmistress.

1920 - Miss Evaline Mary Pearson became Headmistress.

1921-1930

1924 - The School was renamed and Mentone Girls' Grammar School (St. Margaret's) began.

1927-1936 - Miss Bessie Johnston became Headmistress.

1931-1940

1935-1955 - Miss Jeannie McCowan made an indelible impact during her 20 years as Headmistress.

1951-1960

1956-1974 - Miss J Prudence Lewty advanced the School further during her reign as Headmistress.

1961-1970

1962 - The School became affiliated with the Church of England, and the bishop's mitre was added to the crest.

1971-1980

1974-1987 - Mr David Hunt was appointed as the first male Principal of the School.

1981-1990

1987-1997 - Mrs Janice Douglas was appointed Principal.

1991-2000

1997 - The Janice Douglas Junior School was officially opened by the Premier of Victoria, the Honourable Jeff Kennett.

1998 - Ms Jillian de Araugo was appointed Principal.

1999 - Centenary Year – celebrated throughout the year at a variety of functions including a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral, the Centenary Concert at the Melbourne Concert Hall and Speech Night at the Melbourne Town Hall.

2000 - Mentone Girls' Grammar School Old Girls' Club celebrated its 75th Anniversary.

2001-2010

2005-Present - Mrs Fran Reddan was appointed Principal.

2006 - The award winning Cobbalanna VCE Centre was opened on the site of the original Cobbalanna School House.

2009 - 110 Anniversary year included many celebrations and the introduction of an annual Founders' Day event.

2011-2020

2011 - State of the art Early Learning Centre opened across from the Junior School at 20 Mentone Parade.

2011 - Formal sister school agreements signed with Yamanashi Eiwa Girls' School in Japan and Huaxia Girls' School in Beijing, China.

2012 - Year 7 & 8 Creative Learning Centre opened with the introduction of 1:1 iPad technology and a new Media Design Suite for TV and film production, industrial and web design.

2012 - Establishment of the Remarkable Women Series, honouring Mentone Old Girls who have made their mark personally or professionally on the local, national or world stage.

2013 - Year 9 & 10 Global Learning Centre opened in conjunction with the new Food and Nutrition Centre.