As we look towards a vibrant future – energised by the transformation of learning and teaching through the empowerED program – the anniversary will also offer a moment to reflect on how far we have come as a community.

To deepen our understanding of the School’s past, we are delighted to be working with historian Helen Penrose of HistorySmiths, who has been engaged to research and write the story of Ivanhoe Girls’. From its humble beginnings as a private school under Miss Frances Lowe in 1903 with just seven students, to the dynamic school we see today, this project will explore and record its historical journey for publication as a beautifully designed and illustrated book. 

Helen Penrose brings more than 30 years of experience as a professional historian. Through HistorySmiths, she has researched and written the stories of schools across Australia. We are thrilled to have Helen’s expertise guiding this project from its earliest conception in 2024, through to its planned publication in 2028.

As part of this project, we are excited to compile a list of 125 outstanding alumni from across the decades. Their achievements – spanning Science, the Arts, Medicine,
Business, Entrepreneurship, Sport, Education, Community Service and more – will reflect the shared values that continue to define an Ivanhoe Girls’ student: Curiosity, Connectedness, Bravery, Kindness and Vibrancy.

To identify these 125 exceptional alumni, Helen Penrose and the Ivanhoe Girls’ History Committee will commission a community wide survey in early 2026, inviting nominations from across our school community. This will be a chance for all of us to reflect on our time at Ivanhoe Girls’, and acknowledge those remarkable women – friends, peers, or past students – who have made an outstanding contribution to society in any field.

Please keep an eye out for this survey in your email inbox or mailboxes soon. We look forward to hearing your nominations!

Ms Carolyn Exton
School Archivist