Nurturing hope and possibility: Canberra Girls Grammar School

Posted on 26 August, 2022

Celebration of diversity, academic excellence and a strong sense of community have always been at the heart of Canberra Girls Grammar School. 

“Students need to feel that they belong or are valued, otherwise they’re never going to learn,” says Head of Junior School Peter McDonald.

“We make sure each and every student flourishes, no matter what their circumstances—here they aren’t just a number or a name on the roll, they are an important part of our community.”

On Thursday 8 September the school will hold an open day where parents can meet staff and students, learn about the school’s curriculum and signature programs, and tour both the Junior Campus, which runs from Prep–Year 6, and the Senior Campus, which runs from Years 7–12 (enrolments are available for boys from Prep–Year 4).

Acting Principal Julie Jorritsma says the open day is a chance to not only tour the beautiful facilities but see how the school operates on a day-to-day basis.

“Choosing a school is one of the biggest decisions parents can make for their child, so it’s important to get a sense of the school’s culture and how it operates,” Julie says.

“Attending the open day really provides an opportunity to do that. We have a number of students that also volunteer as tour guides, so you’re being told something about the school by the young people who are living it every day.”

While it is best known for its academic excellence, consistently producing outstanding NAPLAN and ATAR results, Julie says the school’s signature programs really set it apart.

“Our co-curricular programs include everything from art, sports, ballet, chess, cooking, debating, language lessons, tae-kwon-do – whatever their interest, they will find it here,” she says.

“We focus on providing our students with every opportunity during their time with us, and ensure they are equipped with the skills necessary to succeed upon graduation. Our wide variety of co-curricular and sports activities develops all those skills and traits for the independent, globally aware citizen.”

The school is also unique in that it has a custom pastoral program, designed to support the social and emotional development of students to complement their academic pursuits.

Julie says the pastoral care program includes a combination of practical activities to build personal relationships where students can be healthy and happy.

“This includes the house system, where on entry to the school each student becomes a member of a house which reinforces a sense of belonging,” Julie says.

“We are about empowering our children to have the independence to make choices in our own life. It’s never been more important for a young woman to have the ability to take a seat at the table if she wants one.

“Another factor that is unique to the school is that we intentionally keep class sizes small to ensure the best possible care for students.”

Year 12 student Iris Lech Dowe says the pastoral program is like a “ripple effect,” centring around the individual and going beyond the classroom.

“Each year level has a signature program where the students can reach their full potential and goals; for example, our Inspire program revolves around young women who inspire,” Iris says.

“Through this program we learn about goals for next year, how to get into university and what mark we’re going to leave at the school. We also have leadership roles, which help us reach our full potential as individuals.”

Iris says she has formed many firm friendships at the school since starting in Year 6.

“I love the fact that I can meet so many people from all over the world and it’s such a diverse community,” she says.

As for the open day, Peter says parents can expect to be “blown away.”

“We are a contemporary, innovative school that provides the very best care for our community. Walk through the hallways and it’s clear our students are brimming with hope and possibility.”