Philanthropy at CGGS
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples as the traditional keepers of the
The Gabriel Foundation: An enduring legacy of giving
A century of educational excellence, connection and opportunity has endured owing to the foresight and generosity of previous generations.
The CGGS community’s culture of giving is infused throughout its history. Our long-held philanthropic efforts have continually ensured the School evolves, renews and extends its outreach to all.
The Gabriel Foundation is the unique cornerstone to the advancement of CGGS. Since its inception, the Foundation has supported the future of CGGS as a place of educational excellence.
We appreciate the many people who give in myriad ways to CGGS, from time and expertise, to monetary donations. Giving to the Gabriel Foundation enables the strategic and focused funding of key priorities, for the most profound impact for current and future generations of CGGS students.
Your donation to the Gabriel Foundation is long lasting—and life changing. Leave your mark and inspire a world where anything is possible.
“Your
actions now create a ripple effect, encouraging collective giving, amplifying the power of individual giving to truly transform the School community.”
A testament to transformation
A message from the Gabriel Foundation Board Chair and the Principal.
Together we extend a warm welcome and thank you for your interest in giving at Canberra Girls Grammar School (CGGS).
We recognise that giving comes in many forms and we are grateful to the generations of families, donors and volunteers who have enabled the world-class education for which CGGS has long been renowned. In any year, current parents’ tuition fees cover the operating costs of the School and without volunteers and donors, the School’s efforts to build community and provide exceptional facilities would be very limited.
Thankfully, at CGGS we are surrounded by people determined to ensure that for young people, anything is possible, so this publication introduces the Gabriel Foundation as the primary vehicle for giving at CGGS. Since its inception, the Gabriel Foundation’s Trusts have supported the growth and flourishing of the School, facilitated major capital projects, building projects, the annual Scholarship and Bursary Program, staff professional learning, and projects related to the School across sport, the arts, our library resources, pastoral care and the spiritual life of our community.
In addition, the Gabriel Foundation supports the annual Year 12 Graduation events and Grandparents, Godparents and Grandfriends (GGG) Day in the Junior School.
The Gabriel Foundation’s 1926 Society also honours and recognises those who offer their commitment and generosity to CGGS in the form of a bequest in their Will.
A Foundation with this level of sustained impact is very rare in a girls’ school, and so the Gabriel Foundation is something for which our entire community will forever be grateful. To enable the advancement of world-class female-focused education is a gift beyond measure and, in turn, is a source of inspiration for the CGGS culture of giving. We invite you to learn about the inspiring story of the Gabriel Foundation and marvel at the foresight and dedication of its founders and subsequent generations of volunteers that have kept the light of giving strong at CGGS. In these pages, you will also discover how to give—both big and small—and the ways in which your donations are used to honour your interest and intentions.
We look forward to bringing you a regular Impact Report to showcase the results of the Gabriel Foundation’s work and to ensure that we stay in contact with you, our wonderfully generous CGGS community.
Belinda Moss OAM
The Gabriel Foundation Board Chair
Terrie Jones Principal
The story of the Gabriel Foundation
Created for a school built on love, honour and service.
Philanthropy has always played an essential role at CGGS. The CGGS community’s culture of giving is infused throughout its history and continues to be profoundly connected to the spirit of our founders, the Community of the Sisters of the Church.
At the heart of our remarkable journey is the Gabriel Foundation, a longstanding testament to vision, commitment and generosity. The foresight and dedication of its founding and subsequent Board Members have not only shaped the School as it stands today, but continues to carry the torch of the spirit first ignited at St Gabriel’s in 1926.
Under the leadership of Belinda Moss OAM, the core mission of the Gabriel Foundation has remained unwavering: to manage, raise and grow funds that directly benefit the CGGS community. These funds enhance the educational experiences of our students and support initiatives that foster academic excellence, a deep sense of community and that provide broader access to a CGGS education.
The Gabriel Foundation is not just about sustaining the School—it is about ensuring that every student who walks through our doors has the resources and opportunities to reach their full potential.
As we embark on our next century, we look back at the incredible journey of the Foundation, from its inception, to the present and beyond.
Discover more about the unique formation of the Gabriel Foundation at: cggs.act.edu.au/the-gabriel-foundation
1980s
The Gabriel Foundation’s journey began in 1980 during uncertain economic times. Honouring the School’s original name, St Gabriel’s, the Foundation was formed to manage, raise and grow funds to advance the CCEGGS community. In the early years of the Foundation, the financially prudent, wise members ensured it focused on maximising income and capital growth to provide financial support for the School. During this time, the Gabriel Foundation contributed to the opening of The Jubilee Sports Centre and the Chapel of the Annunciation.
1990s
The Gabriel Foundation entered the 1990s with a secure financial base thanks to strategic investment and careful stewardship. During this time, the Gabriel Foundation made substantial financial contributions to the School, including equipping the language laboratories, supporting the professional development of teachers, delivering funds for scholarships and bursaries and contributing to the Gabriel Centre extension.
1987: The opening of the Jubilee Sports Centre.
2000s
As demand for the School grew, expansion was essential. In 2000, our name was changed to Canberra Girls Grammar School. The Gabriel Foundation contributed to many projects over the next few years, including the Early Learning Centre, the Junior School Hall, the Senior School Hall, the new Junior School Library, the refurbishment of the Boarding House dining room and kitchen, the Gabriel Centre Multimedia Theatre refurbishment, the Administration Hub, landscaping of the Boarding House grounds as well as funding equipment, staff professional development and educational programs.
2010s
This was an exciting time for our School: 2012 saw the commissioning of a new, contemporary Science Wing and an Innovation Centre for the promotion of STEM subjects.
In 2018, a significant build was realised—the new multipurpose learning facility, known as Yhuuramulum, opened next to the School’s Elizabeth McKay Aquatic Centre on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, providing a third campus for flexible curriculum delivery opportunities.
Today
Forty years on from its inception, the Gabriel Foundation remains as unique as it is essential.
The most recent projects include the Boarding House grounds and surrounds landscaping and the Senior School Sports Field upgrade. In addition to building projects, the Gabriel Foundation also funds the annual Scholarship and Bursary Program. This substantial contribution is life-changing for many, enabling students to access a world-class education and diversifying the CGGS community.
The Gabriel Foundation also takes pride in hosting the annual Year 12 Graduation Ceremony and Dinner so that all Year 12 students, their parents and staff can attend this spectacular event at no additional cost.
Additional funds are also given in times of urgent need—for example, to members of the community whose circumstances were adversely affected by COVID-19.
1990: The opening of the Gabriel Centre extensions.
2019: The extension of the ELC.
2018: The opening of the Yhuuramulum lakeside campus.
“We set about doing it with a minimum amount of capital but we had a long-term future in mind, and the long-term future was to build up reserves for the School so that if any unexpected event happened we, the Gabriel Foundation, could still support it.
We saw the future of the Gabriel Foundation as essential to the insurance of the School in a trusting sense for the long-term. And indeed, it has proved that way…the tributes are due to the long-term vision of the people that set up the Gabriel Foundation in the first place. They had the long-term view that to accumulate capital, to do these things was beneficial to the School and indeed to the community at large.”
Bob Nattey LVO reflects on the formation of the Gabriel Foundation.
Towards our next century: Gabriel giving
The creation of the Gabriel Foundation continues to strengthen the School community by advancing educational opportunities, furthering the tradition of philanthropy and being an exemplar in our culture of giving and service.
The foresight, commitment and expertise of this group of people has forever changed the trajectory of CGGS by securing its long-term development.
Additional to the benefits of generating growth through investment, the Gabriel Foundation is grateful for the generosity of past and present students and their families, as well as the many friends of CGGS who have become long term donors to the School. Because of the commitment of donors, bequests and the contribution of many families over many years, the corpus of funds has increased and the Gabriel Foundation has sustained its commitment to be of benefit to the wellbeing and learning of the students and staff of CGGS.
Further to safeguarding the School’s financial position, the desire to increase philanthropic support was always a collective aspiration of the Gabriel Foundation. Underpinned by the following framework of giving priorities, the foundation seeks to inspire donations both big and small, for the most profound impact.
As we head towards our Centenary in 2026, the entire School community pays tribute and is grateful for the far-reaching legacy of the Gabriel Foundation that will echo across generations to come.
THE GABRIEL FOUNDATION BOARD
Belinda Moss OAM (Chair)
Bob Nattey LVO (Deputy Chair)
Sally Clear
Brooke Disney
Alan Francis
Sue Hart
Cathryn Ingram
Terrie Jones (Principal)
Rod Sutherland KSJ
Read more of this interview with Bob Nattey LVO at: cggs.act.edu.au/the-gabriel-foundation
2023: The Boarding House grounds and surrounds upgrade.
Why donate to the Gabriel Foundation?
Change the course of a student’s life: The immeasurable impact of improving educational quality and access.
Since 1926 our mission has been unwavering: to provide an exceptional, holistic education to children and young people.
As Canberra’s first independent school, CGGS depends on the support of our community to help drive our journey forward into our next century.
By donating to our School, you’re investing in more than education. A philanthropic gift is one that can last a lifetime; you will amplify countless opportunities to inspire and shape future leaders, innovators and changemakers.
Your donation strengthens female-focused education, unlocks potential and promotes access and inclusion.
1. Bridge gaps in inequality by supporting the ongoing availability and enhancement of the Scholarship and Bursary Program, ensuring a world-class education to those who may not otherwise have such opportunities.
2. Ensure CGGS remains competitive in an evolving world via the acquisition of modernised learning resources and updated equipment. From ICT, to sporting items, to musical instruments, there are many ‘extras’ needed to teach and learn. Your donation supports and extends the learning environment.
3. Deliver dynamic educational programs and experiences, beyond the classroom.
4. Contribute to professional development programs for teachers, equipping them with the tools and skills needed to educate effectively.
5. Donations also mean we not just improve, but preserve and protect our historical site. This is especially important for a School of our size and age with Heritage listed buildings—your donation is integral to safeguarding and perpetuating the history of Canberra.
6. Support innovative capital projects and site expansion, as well as major maintenance and restoration of existing buildings and facilities.
7. See the tangible difference your donation makes to our ‘bricks-and-mortar’ presence—the physical evidence of our campus evolution can be your legacy for years to come.
However big or small, your gift is not just evidence of your generosity—it will be transformational.
“As we approach our 2026 Centenary year, there is no better time to help make our future even brighter—well into our next century. Whatever your purpose, you can find an aligned opportunity at our School—talk to us to discover a cause that deeply resonates with your personal beliefs and values, to leave your positive mark on the world.”
Belinda Moss OAM, the Gabriel Foundation Board Chair
Why donations are necessary
Independent school funding is often misunderstood, with an assumption of high levels of government funding. In fact, government funding accounted for 12.4% of CGGS revenue in 2023. Beyond the income generated by tuition fees, philanthropy plays a vital part in allowing the School to continue to provide an award-winning
How to give
To action a donation now, gain guidance on the giving options available, understand more about how to give, tiers of giving and the policies, procedures and guidelines that support donations please see: cggs.act.edu.au/giving
All donors will be acknowledged on the CGGS website and in The Grammar Report publication unless you wish to remain anonymous.
Ways to give
Your opportunity to create possibilities for the future.
Your donation today empowers their tomorrow. However big or small, your gift to the Gabriel Foundation will have a profound impact via these pillars of priority.
The Scholarship and Bursary Program.
Contribute to a life-changing education, ensuring diversity and inclusion.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Recognises student dedication and excellence.
BURSARIES
Ensures a CGGS education is available to those for whom it otherwise may not be possible.
Renew and develop learning and living environments.
Donate to create spaces and places that transform and inspire.
Your support will mean the vital work required to preserve our historical site is possible and that we can continually maintain and evolve the quality of our educational environments.
Give to make a tangible difference to enhance physical settings and improve innovative facilities.
The 1926 Society.
Leave your legacy of a lifetime by including CGGS in your Will.
A bequest is a significant and special way to give—designate an amount, asset or percentage of your estate to the Gabriel Foundation.
Your meaningful gift is an enduring and enriching way to ensure CGGS thrives, and honour your generosity of spirit into the future.
Give
in
many ways, at any time, for anything.
Give your way, as much or as often as you choose, to benefit a wide range of projects, programs and initiatives that align with your interests.
Options range from one off gifts, to annual or set monthly donations, to the volunteering of your time and expertise.
Nominate your passion or focus—or leave it to us to allocate to the area of greatest need at the School.
“When I donate to a school, I’m not just giving money—I’m giving hope, for a future filled with possibility.
By
supporting education, I’m not just changing lives, I’m making a better, brighter world for all of us.”
Why I give: Margaret Cornwell OAM
Committed to contributing to CGGS.
With her family so firmly woven into the fabric of CGGS, it’s no surprise Margaret Cornwell is a familiar face to both students and staff when she walks through our School grounds.
Yet even when she is not here, there are symbols of Margaret’s years of dedication everywhere: evidenced by the Archer bell she donated for the Chapel of the Annunciation in memory of her late father, Keith Archer OBE, to the thriving garden and rose bush at the Junior School that she tends to regularly.
Even at 90 years old, Margaret’s energy and devotion to the School has never wavered. You will often spot her rolling up her sleeves in the campus gardens or delivering newspaper clippings to the Archivist and her homemade marmalades to sample.
Margaret’s journey with CGGS began as a five-year old student in 1938, when she would catch the bus to the School from her home in Reid, crossing through bush terrain and two rickety bridges.
“It was a lovely avenue, but the School was very different to what it is now,” she said.
“There were fewer than 100 students at the time, and money was hard to come by.”
Margaret says her family’s philanthropy journey is one of generations, tracing back to her beloved father Keith. Seeing the potential in the School, he became heavily involved in the CGGS Board, Parents & Friends Association and became a foundation member of the Gabriel Foundation, playing an instrumental role to support the School to thrive during difficult financial times. Keith also started the popular Garden Stall at the now iconic School Fete, which he continued to run for decades until Margaret took over in 1970 (the stall does a roaring trade to this day).
Mr Archer’s efforts were acknowledged in 1984 when the Grammarians’ Association made him an honorary member.
“He could see the School’s potential, and he just loved this School,” Margaret said.
“The education standard of the School was always very high, and it just had to expand.”
Margaret’s mother Tilley was a Kindergarten teacher at the Junior School for three years while Margaret was a student. There is a tree planted in Tilley’s memory next to the Archives office. “She loved teaching here,” smiles Margaret. Keith and Tilley’s son also attended CGGS during his early years of education, as did four of their grandchildren and two of their great grandchildren. Margaret’s children and grandchildren have also passed through our doors as students too.
Throughout the years, the Archer family made considerable donations to CGGS, including the Baptismal Font in the Chapel of the Annunciation. After Keith’s passing, Margaret donated the Chapel bell in her father’s honour, along with a set of vestments for the Chaplain in 2023.
When asked which building she is most proud to have helped contribute to throughout the School’s journey, Margaret lists the Science Wing and lakeside campus Yhuuramulum as highlights, but it is the Chapel of the Annunciation that is closest to her heart; she still attends the weekly Eucharist.
After finishing School and returning from England, Margaret followed in her father’s footsteps, joining the School Board and the Gabriel Foundation, along with her husband and fellow supporter of the School, Mr Greg Cornwell AM.
“I always wanted to give back, it’s kept my spirit.”
“I meet so many students and staff, and I love being part of the School.”
Margaret is especially proud of her profound impact on the CGGS Bursary and Scholarship Program, as her annual donation funds the Archer Family Bursary that she and her daughter Jane Lewis established in 2022. This Bursary is specifically for a Year 10 student, supporting the duration of their senior studies in Years 11–12.
“I would see these students having to leave in Year 10 for financial reason and it broke my heart, so it’s wonderful now that these promising students who might not be able to afford it can continue on,” she said.
Ever the advocate, Margaret proudly attended the Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony and Dinner, and says it was an emotional night to witness the Year 12 students successfully depart CGGS, knowing a world of possibilities awaits.
For her dedication to service to the community, including the CGGS community, Margaret was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2020.
“I was very honoured, it’s a treasured memory,” she said.
When asked why others should contribute to the CGGS community, Margaret talks about the “joy of giving.”
“When you are giving to the School, you are seeing these young students benefit from the giving spirit. It’s a lovely environment.”
“…the Bursary has been really important for me; I’m trying to uphold the values of what it means.”
The gift of opportunity
Being provided the Archer Family Bursary is a moment Year 12, 2024 student Tamika Pillay will never forget.
“I was so grateful for the financial support, which has been a huge help over the past two years,” she said.
“It was such an emotional moment for my family.”
Tamika and her parents were invited to meet with Margaret Cornwell OAM and her daughter Jane at a special morning tea in 2022 during which she shared her hopes and dreams for the future. And it was a very special moment for Mrs Cornwell when she attended the Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony and Dinner to celebrate Tamika’s accomplishments along with the entire Year 12 cohort.
Receiving the means-tested Bursary gave Tamika the extra drive to reach her academic goals in her final years of study.
“It made me really focused and motivated on the goals I’m trying to achieve academically, and to work even harder,” Tamika said.
“I think knowing I have the Bursary has been really important for me; I’m trying to uphold the values of what it means.”
The Archer Family Bursary is an annual option for a Year 10 student that provides support in reduced tuition fees for the duration of their senior studies in Years 11–12. The Bursary is named in honour of the Archer family, particularly Mr Keith Archer OBE, a valued member of the CGGS Board, Parents & Friends Association and a founding member of the Gabriel Foundation. His daughter, Margaret Cornwell OAM, donates the funds to enable the Archer Family Bursary, established by Margaret and her daughter Jane Lewis in 2022. This generous gift has a profound impact on senior student recipients.
Tamika met the Bursary criteria of embodying strong School spirit through her work, community spirit through service or leadership, compassion for others and a strong work ethic.
Tamika is currently applying for universities across Australia, with the goal to work in healthcare.
“I would like to get into health science,” she said.
“From a pretty young age, I’ve always wanted to do something in healthcare.”
Starting her CGGS journey in Kindergarten, Tamika says her years at the School allowed her to access many incredible opportunities.
“The support from all my teachers over the years has really helped me grow academically,” she said.
“I have made so many lifelong friendships since I’ve been here, and I have had so many opportunities such as the co-curricular activities or getting to travel to new places. I played piano for many years and was in the soccer team for most of my time here.”
While finishing at the School still feels surreal, Tamika is grateful for her time at CGGS and says her last day was an emotional one.
“I am extremely thankful to the Archer Family Bursary for giving me and other students this opportunity.”
Discover more about the annual Scholarship and Bursary Program at: cggs.act.edu.au/scholarship-andbursary-program
Thank you in advance for your generous
“Donating to a school is an investment in tomorrow’s leaders. There’s no greater reward than knowing your contribution nurtures minds that will shape the future with knowledge and compassion.”
CRICOS