Mrs Dunwoody reflects on the first 105 Year Celebration of the year and a special event she attended during her Long Service Leave.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I was excited to return to school last Friday after some Long Service Leave. My husband Cameron and I celebrated our eldest daughter’s wedding a few weeks prior, followed by time with extended family. It was a very happy and joyful time for our family with everything going to plan on the wedding day!
I would like to express my gratitude to our Deputy Principal, Mrs Davina McClure, who was Principal during my absence. Davina, along with members of the leadership team, ensured that the start of the year was welcoming for students, staff and families and that our commencement programs ran seamlessly.
A special 105 Year Celebration was held on 11 February beneath our beautiful Morton Bay Fig Tree, the only feature remaining from the original Torrington homestead. Since 1927 our Fig Tree has been a steadfast presence for our School, with its deep roots and expansive canopy. Beneath it, new students have been welcomed, parents have gathered to collect their children, it has provided extensive shade on hot days and in earlier days it was also used for climbing!
During this ceremony, a commemorative plaque was unveiled by Old Grammarian Val Dyke (1962) and Year 6 Captain Audrey C, honouring all who have contributed to the Camberwell Girls community over the decades. As Davina reflected in her speech:
The strength of our community—students, staff, families and alumni—reflects the same enduring spirit embodied by this tree. Every student, every teacher and every family plays a part in shaping the next chapter of our school’s history. May this significant tree continue to stand as a reminder of our shared journey and inspire all who pass beneath it to grow, lead and contribute to our vibrant community.
We look forward to further celebrations throughout the year.
During my leave, I attended the Valedictory Evensong in honour of The Most Reverend Dr Philip Freier (Archbishop of Melbourne) and Mrs Joy Freier OAM at St Paul’s Cathedral. The congregation, including The Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia along with representatives from the Church, Schools and Anglican agencies, gave thanks to Archbishop Philip for his long and fruitful ministry and acknowledged Joy’s faithful service and significant contribution in her own right to the Church and Anglican schools.
I was honoured to be invited to give thanks on behalf of the Anglican schools in the Melbourne Diocese and Province of Victoria, acknowledging Archbishop Philip’s advocacy for school leaders and for schools over the last 18 years. He has always brought warmth, interest and wisdom to discussions about education, governance and operational challenges and the important role of Anglican schools in the mission of the Church. Our students have also felt valued and connected in their faith journeys as they have shared time with him in student forums and combined services. His interest in young people and their concerns has earned wide respect across our schools. We pray for God’s blessing on them both in the next stage of their life.
It has been wonderful reconnecting with many parents over the last week, and I look forward to sharing further events with you during the year.
With best wishes,
Debbie Dunwoody
Principal
Mrs Dunwoody reflects on the first 105 Year Celebration of the year and a special event she attended during her Long Service Leave.
There was a buzz at the Secondary School this week as students and staff enthusiastically welcomed back the Upskill program for 2025!
The PFA welcomed more than 400 parents and staff to their annual Welcome Evening last Friday.
