College History - Our College - Mentone Girls' Secondary College

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Enriching and strengthening – 1966 - 1994

Miss Annie McLennan - second Principal The second Principal, Annie McLennan inherited over 800 students, 48 teaching staff, 2 office staff and a fine tradition, which she was determined to maintain. Eighteen prefects were elected and a chess club and folk singing club were added to the school’s activities. The Nina Carr Hall hosted drama club productions, a debutante ball, third form social and Form One fancy dress party, and the Prefects’ dance.

In 1966 the new science block was officially opened, with boys from Mordialloc High School carrying the equipment into the new rooms and joining in the celebrations. Over the next years, the athletics and swimming teams were successful in inter-school competitions and the gymnastic team produced several Victorian champions.

In the late sixties, society’s perceptions of authority changed and traditions and values at the school were challenged. Some students were influenced by anti-Vietnam war demonstrations and articles in the school magazine criticised the education system and asserted students’ independence and individuality. Miss McLennan’s response was to support the forming of the Students’ Representative Council and to seriously consider the suggestions it made. Changes in school uniform and the introduction of Casual Dress Day were minor results of the trend towards “liberation”.

Annie McLennan was Principal for 4 years and her strength helped the school to maintain its excellent academic record in spite of state-wide teacher shortages. In 1970 Mrs Ruth Nicholds took over the role and she responded to on-going societal changes by introducing drug education and encouraging teachers to wear trouser suits and eventually jeans.

Mrs Nicholds upheld the school’s concern for those less fortunate and organised fundraising for the victims of earthquakes and cyclones overseas, Melbourne’s Westgate Bridge tragedy and underprivileged children in Victoria. The HSC replaced the Matriculation course in 1970 and 41 girls achieved the certificate and 31 gained honours in one or more subjects. Also that year the school’s first careers teacher, Mrs Findlay, was appointed and prefects were abolished after being considered elitist.

Mrs Nicholds oversaw the repainting and refurbishment of the main buildings. Staffrooms were expanded and new offices carpeted before she left in 1972. Five other Principals and two Acting Principals steered the school from then until 1994. Highlights of their contributions include:

Acting Principal - Miss Joan Addinsall 1973-1974	Supported the Environment Committee and initiated the first HSC Study Camp. Oversaw expansion in the library and employment of more librarians.
Principal - Miss Gwen Northey 1975-1977	Changed the Form 5 curriculum to a major/minor studies approach, established a separate careers department and expanded student welfare programs.
Principal - Miss Noela Eury 1978-1981	Added woodwind, string and bass instruments to those taught and laid the foundations for the future orchestra and bands. Oversaw a new canteen and staffroom extension and initiated a work experience program.
Acting Principal – Mr Peter Richardson 1982	Oversaw the first computer system installed at the college. Human Movement studies were introduced as an elective in Year 10 and students were encouraged to analyse data and think, rather than memorise facts. Students achieved success in debating, swimming and athletics and the Travelling Theatre end of year activity began.
Principal – Mr Michael Constable 1983-1988	Oversaw the school’s name change to Mentone Girls’ Secondary College. Concert Band established and the successful production of “Oliver” began the tradition of spectacular musicals at the college. Pilot course in Technology introduced in Year 10. Library extension completed, along with new administrative offices. Record enrolments.
Principal – Ms Lesley Boston 1989 - 1996	Oversaw the introduction of the new two-year VCE and Technology courses expanded to Years 10, 11 and 12. The SRC played an active role in the college community and a Peer Support Program provided Year 10 mentors for Year 7 students in their first term. The Differential Education Programme and the Integration Programme catered for special needs. The Presentation Night moved from the Nina Carr Hall to Moorabbin Town Hall.

Farewell to Miss Nina Carr

1992 saw the death of Miss Nina Carr, and a memorial service was held in her honour. Her request was “no sad songs for me”, and the mood of the speeches and of the whole gathering was one of celebration of a remarkable woman’s life and achievements.

In 1993 the College became a pilot school in the Schools of the Future Programme and the Technology Centre was officially opened. A Curriculum Review Committee was formed to consider variations in studies and teams were entered in the Future Problem Solving and Tournament of Minds competitions.

A new library extension was completed in 1994 and parents worked alongside librarians in processing new books and repairing damaged treasures. Computer terminals were part of the “tools” of the new library and later a satellite dish made interactive television part of classes.