Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College

The school opened as Flinders National Grammar School in January 1858.

The foundation stone for the school was laid on 5 December 1856 by Lieutenant Governor Major General Edward Macarthur. It is believed that the architect involved was local (German) architect Frank Kawerau, of Ryrie St Geelong whom also designed many government buildings across Victoria - including Wilsmere (formerly Kew Lunatic Asylum 1864 - which has very similar architecture). The school was to be named the Geelong National Grammar School, but the Governor said that should be named after Captain Matthew Flinders, the first European explorer to visit the You Yangs.[1]url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Kawerau

When the school opened in January 1858, 116 boys were enrolled, but there was no room for girls. Falling enrolments forced the school to become coeducational in 1864. The school was extended and remodelled in December 1879 due to increased student numbers. When the extensions were opened in April 1880, it was then known as Flinders State School no. 260. The school was unofficially known as 'Link's School', after fifth headmaster George Link who was in charge from 1879 to 1894. During this time enrolments had increased to 1000 students.

By 1938 enrolments were still increasing but there was not enough space. As a result, the decision was made in 1939 for it to become "Matthew Flinders Girls School" under Ada Knowles. The school was led by Frances Higgins from 1942 to 1947.[2] In 1948 it was said to be "dilapidated" and "a dumping ground" for girls who would work in the mills as sonn as they were fourteen. At this point the school appointed Minnie Elizabeth Cawthorn as the new head.[3] She decided that the students should not be trained for housewives but to have a life. The school became the "Matthew Flinders Girls School" and the grounds were pristine. In 1950 the first students to sit the "Girls' Leaving Certificate" in Victoria were at this school.[3] In 1956 the new head of the school was Mary Lazarus.[2]

In 1966 the school gained High school status under Dr J S Bowden and it was renamed "Matthew Flinders Girls High School".[2] The school is now called Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College.

• May this be the school of progress,

through study and enterprise.

• May ideals like a beacon shine,

In youth's bright eager eyes.

• So, whether we're in the classroom,

or whether outside at sport.

• We'll show true concern for other's,

and try as we know we ought.

• The quiet and busy classroom,

The teachers that we knew,

• Will show to us through-out the years,

the worthwhile and true

• We lift our voices proudly!

As we sing with joy today!

• For dear old Matthew Flinder's school,

On blue Corio Bay.

• The spirit of Matthew Flinder's,

Be ours while time shall last.

• To show to us through-out the years;

the worthwhile and true.

• So, whether we're in the classroom

or whether outside at sport

• We'll show true concern for other's,

and try as we know we ought.

• We lift our voices proudly!

As we sing with joy today!

• For dear old Matthew Flinder's school,

On blue Corio Bay.

( Believe this is correct! Ex-student - Rachelle (1987-1992) - part of the 'lunch-time singers' choir group with Mrs. Thomas - music teacher ).

Main building of the school

The College operates on two campuses. Years 7, 10, 11 and 12 students are located on the Main Campus, whilst Years 8 and 9 are on the smaller Helen Fraser Campus.

• Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College
• Kids Voice Magazine
• Peter Begg (1990). Geelong - The First 150 Years. Globe Press. ISBN 0-9592863-5-7