Oaktree connection continues legacy

Shelford Girls’ Grammar, VIC

Shelford Girls’ Grammar partners very closely with Oaktree Anglican, our local parish. As Shelford is a school that promotes their multi-faith, inclusive environment it is a blessing to have such involvement from the church.

The church across the road, St Mary’s is the main site for the Oaktree parish. Students attend Chapel programs within the church and enjoy walking across the road to the beautiful old bluestone church.

Celebrating the School’s 125th this year highlights the historical connection to the church. In 1920 Shelford was handed to the then St Mary’s Church, where students used the site’s Jubilee Hall for their studies. The school was supported by the church for some years. The parish helped to purchase the land for Shelford, providing Shelford it’s permanent home in 1922.

With the support of the Vicar of Oaktree, students began returning to the church in 2021 for the Chapel program after an eight-year hiatus. Offering Chapel in the church is an integral and intention part of our Chapel program, giving students the opportunity to step into the church and find a space that offers safety and open dialogue about issues they are currently facing.

Oaktree staff team also attend occasional services and come across to Shelford for various lunchtime faith discussions or major school events. This partnership means that staff and students recognise and stop to chat with the staff at Oaktree. We are also grateful to have major Easter and Christmas Services for our Junior School, where families are invited into the church space to watch student performances.

Images: Main Image - 100 years Helenslea. Above - Junior School nativity