We are looking forward to welcoming over 550 of our Old Girls, former staff, Board members, Tolcarne staff, families and supporters to our celebrations this weekend.
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When Sisters Geraldine and Etheleen started a small school in Dunedin on February 2, 1896, they had courage and vision, and were determined to give opportunity and assistance to the young women of Otago. At that time many parents considered secondary education completely unnecessary for their girls. After all, their main role in life was to get married and become good wives and mothers. Other parents objected to schooling for girls saying it was a waste of money because girls were not physically or mentally strong enough for academic study.
The Sisters, while facing criticism and judgement, and having to battle the common discourse of the time, stood their ground, and how fortunate for all of us that they did.
I often stand at the corner of Cobden Street and Heriot Row looking out over our beautiful harbour, a view that in 1900 the sisters apparently described as ‘exquisite’, and I wonder what leading the school was like for those women who went before me. Did they have doubts about their enterprise, fear they would fail with great daring? Did they face reproach for their beliefs and work? What would they think of us now? Would they be pleased or horrified by how young women are educated today? What would they think of our curriculum? I suspect that whatever they thought – they would be gracious, kind and curious. After all, they would know how it feels to be thought leaders, to be courageous in your principles and to step into the arena of action and change.
Those women inspire me with their audacity, conviction, compassion and tolerance. It is my privilege to be the 15th Principal of this fabulous school, and when I think back on the school’s history, I cannot help but think of the women who have led it, the women who have been educated here, and the families who have contributed to its growth. We give thanks to our wonderful St Hilda’s community for their vision, support and loyalty - you have all had a part to play in the success of our excellent school over the past 125 years. We look forward to celebrating this special milestone with you all.
— Jackie Barron, MNZM
