Mrs Dunwoody reflects on today's reopening ceremony and shares some important news with the community.
Today our community gathered for the ceremonial rededication and reopening of the Barbara F Sutton Assembly Hall and Cultural Centre, a much-loved and significant space in the life of Camberwell Girls Grammar School. It was a deeply meaningful occasion, beginning with a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country led by Murrundindi, Ngurungaeta (Head Man) of the Wurundjeri people. The Right Reverend Dr Alison Taylor AM rededicated the building and Chair of Council, Dr Nikita Weickhardt cut the ribbon to signify its opening.
We were honoured to welcome members of our School Council, students, former and current staff, former and current parents, benefactors, alum and special guests. Together, we marked not only the completion of an important project, but also the renewed purpose of a space that has been at the heart of our School community for almost four decades.
Barbara Sutton Hall has long been a place where we gather, learn, perform, share ideas, reflect and celebrate. It has been a place where countless moments of education of the mind and of the heart have taken place including assemblies, Chapel services, graduations, performances, student leadership occasions, House events and community gatherings. Its renewal honours this history, including those who have governed and led, while ensuring the Hall continues to support the needs and aspirations of current and future generations of Camberwell Girls students.
This refurbishment reflects careful stewardship, long-term planning and a commitment to providing facilities that are both fit for purpose and aligned with our educational vision and values. Through the work of School Council, Council Sub-committees, the School Management team and many project partners, Barbara Sutton Hall has been revitalised as a contemporary, flexible and welcoming environment that supports outstanding learning, performance, creativity and community connection.
The reimagined Hall brings together important practical and educational enhancements including a renovated auditorium with improved audience comfort, acoustic and technological upgrades, a larger foyer and new rehearsal spaces. We have also increased backstage and storage capacity, a greenroom and improved accessibility through the introduction of a lift and ramps. There is now stronger connection between Music, Drama, the MakerSpace to contribute to a more inclusive and inspiring Performing Arts precinct. These additions will enable students to explore creativity, leadership, collaboration and technical theatre skills in ways that are closely aligned with contemporary practice.
The ceremony beautifully reflected the spirit of our School. Student musicians filled the foyer and auditorium with music, our student leaders guided the formal proceedings with confidence, and student reflections and prayers reminded us of the significance of this space in the daily life of our community. Bishop Alison’s rededication and final blessing brought a sense of reverence and gratitude to the occasion.
Through a beautifully crafted piece of music titled Theme and 12 Deviations by the late Sonny Chua, bringing together eleven of our student pianists in a collaborative and imaginative musical journey, we introduced our new Bösendorfer grand piano in our auditorium. One of the performers was Sonny’s niece Charlotte who is one of our students.
I extend my sincere thanks to the School Council, the Property Committee, Finance & Audit Committee, Foundation & Community Committee, our Management team, operations and maintenance staff, and the many staff and students who adapted so generously throughout the refurbishment period. I also acknowledge with gratitude our project manager Accuraco, architects MGS, builders 2Construct, and all associated consultants and contractors whose expertise has helped bring this vision to life.
We are especially grateful to the many donors and supporters, including the hundreds of members of our community who contributed through Giving Day, whose generosity reflects a deep commitment to the opportunities this Hall will provide for our students. Their support is a powerful reminder of the strength of the Camberwell Girls community and the shared belief in creating places where students can thrive.
Barbara Sutton Hall is both renewed and familiar. It carries the legacy of those who came before us, while opening new possibilities for those who will follow. As we reopen this significant space, we celebrate a place of gathering, expression and connection – one that will continue to inspire creativity, collaboration, excellence, new traditions and endless possibilities for many years to come.
Debbie Dunwoody
Principal
It is with deep appreciation and gratitude that I inform you that our School Chaplain, Reverend Helen Creed, will be retiring at the end of this year after an extraordinary 22 years of service to Camberwell Girls Grammar School.
Helen joined our community in February 2004, under the leadership of Principal Anne Feehan, and has served as School Chaplain as well as a teacher of Religious Education and English. Throughout her time at Camberwell Girls, she has held a range of leadership and pastoral roles, including Year Level Coordinator, Head of Department, Form Teacher, Staff Mentor and valued member of the Senior Management Team.
Helen’s contribution has extended well beyond the classroom. She has thoughtfully overseen many significant moments in the life of our School, including services at St Paul’s Cathedral and St Mark’s Church, Chaplain’s Assemblies, Commencement Services, Founders’ Day, Presentation Evenings and Graduation ceremonies, ensuring these gatherings were inclusive and meaningful for our community.
Her leadership has also fostered connection and reflection through initiatives such as the Mustard Group, weekly staff prayer and a parent prayer group, as well as her involvement in milestone services, celebrations and connections with other school communities.
What stands out most is the way Helen has cared for our community. With warmth, wisdom and compassion, she has supported students from our youngest learners through to Year 12, as well as families and staff. Her integrity, empathy and genuine care have been a defining feature of her contribution to Camberwell Girls.
We are profoundly grateful for all that Helen has given to our School. Her legacy will be felt for many years to come in the lives she has touched and the traditions she has nurtured.
We have commenced recruitment for a new Chaplain to commence in 2027 and will celebrate Helen’s dedicated service at formal events later in the year.
Debbie Dunwoody
Principal
Mrs Dunwoody reflects on today's reopening ceremony and shares some important news with the community.
The Secondary School students had an exciting start to the Term by stepping into the refurbished Barbara Sutton Hall for the first time.
The community came together at the end of the term to conduct mock job interviews with our Year 9 students.
