My family’s history and the history of Ivanhoe Girls’ are very closely intertwined, and as such, Ivanhoe Girls’ has always been more than just a place that I went to school.

My family’s history with the School involves four generations of students, contributions on the School Boards and Committees (including the founding School Board), prizes at Celebration Night, and an entire building!

It all started with my great grandfather, John Alexander Terdich (known as Alec). Alec was born in 1882, and in 1909 he decided to purchase his first home at 127 Marshall Street, Ivanhoe. When I was at school this building was known as the Art House, I am told that it is currently referred to as M House.

In 1915, Alec married my great grandmother Blanche, and she moved into the home. In those days it was common to name your home, so Alec and Blanche named it JABATOA, which was a collection of their initials: John, Alexander, Blanche, Adelaide, Terdich, Ormsby, Amelia. To this day the building is referred to as JABATOA by the Banyule Council in their list of culturally significant heritage buildings.

Alec and Blanche welcomed a son, my grandfather Rupert, in 1916. Rupert was actually born in the front room of 127 Marshall Street! At this time Alec was heavily involved in the community and served on many boards and committees, including both the East Ivanhoe and Ivanhoe Bowls Club, the Heidelberg Golf Club, and he was also a foundation member of Ivanhoe Grammar School.

When it was time for Rupert to attend kindergarten around 1920, he attended Girton, which was located at St James Church. Around this time Miss Lowe took over the kindergarten, and a few years later established Ivanhoe Girls’. The kindergarten remained co-ed for many years.

As Alec was already a Foundation Member of Ivanhoe Grammar and believed in providing good quality education for girls as well as boys, he also joined Ivanhoe Girls’ as both a Foundation Member and member of the Board, helping in the establishment of the School. Alec remained active at Ivanhoe Girls’ for the next 25 years until 1948.

Sadly, in 1924, when Rupert was only eight years old, Blanche died suddenly. Alec donated a memorial prize in her name to honour her memory. Since then, the Blanche Terdich Memorial Prize has been presented every year at Celebration Night to students that have not only shown strong academic results but have also contributed to the community of the School.

After attending the School in kindergarten, my grandfather Rupert completed his schooling at Ivanhoe Grammar and sent my father, Garry Terdich, there too. Rupert also had twin daughters, my aunties Pamela and Susan Terdich, who began their journeys at the school in 1952. They attended Ivanhoe Girls’ from kindergarten right through until 1963 and 1964 respectively.

When Alec passed away at 76 years old in 1958, Rupert, Garry, Pamela and Susan moved into 127 Marshall Street. It was a great location for my aunts, who were able to simply walk across the lane from their backyard and into school! They lived there until 1970 when Rupert decided to sell the property to the School.

My sister Julie and I then attended Ivanhoe Girls’ from Years 7 to 12; Julie from 1985 to 1990 and myself from 1989 to 1994. When Julie joined the School, my father Garry joined the Cooerwull Foundation Committee and served as a member for 27 years until 2012.

Whilst at school, I always felt a deep sense of community and loved being in a supportive environment that encouraged us to have a go at everything. I enjoyed being involved in a range of activities and I was awarded Full School Colours, Full Music Colours, and was House Recorder for Rowena house.

My daughter, Alexandra Lock (Year 8) began her journey at the School in 2024, and at the same time, I joined the IGGSPA Committee. This year I have teamed up with Kathryn Taylor (also Class of 1994, who has returned with her children) to help run the Second Life Uniform Shop!

It is great to continue my family’s involvement with Ivanhoe Girls’ and I am looking forward to many more years of shared history.

Dr Katherine Lock
Class of 1994

A Student Perspective

My name is Alex and my journey at Ivanhoe Girls’ has been a good experience so far. I’ve loved being part of a community that encourages everyone to strive for their best. My highlights have been participating in House events, Girls Sport Victoria (GSV) Sport, Music Ensembles, and School Productions.

What makes my time at Ivanhoe Girls’ even more special is being part of a family with a long history at the School. Knowing that my relatives once walked the same halls and shared similar experiences creates a deep connection to the School.

Alexandra Lock
Year 8