Twenty Years of Girls at Saint Kentigern College: A Legacy of Progress and Passion, Integration and Innovation

On1 February 2003, Saint Kentigern College officially welcomed its first cohort of female students to the campus, marking a historic moment in the school’s fifty-first year. Fast forward twenty years and the College and Old Collegians Association have celebrated this milestone event with a special gathering on 25 March 2023.

The afternoon welcomed daughters of Kentigern from the first twenty years of graduating classes back to the College campus to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the progress made since the first girls arrived at the school. The joyous occasion acknowledged the many significant contributions of female students to the College’s history and legacy. A number of past and present staff joined the gathering to welcome and catch up with the returning girls. While enjoying afternoon tea, the attendees looked through old yearbooks and class photos, reflecting on their time at the school and marvelling at how much had changed since then. The event was made even more special with the presence of the College’s new principal, Mr Damon Emtage, and a familiar face, Mr Duncan McQueen, who each gave speeches. Head Girl Kaia Ashmore also added her welcome on behalf of the students and highlighted her experiences as a female student at the College.

Following a brief update on the school, the past students were taken on a tour of the College grounds by existing girl prefects. They had the chance to see the improvements and changes made since their graduation and reminisce about the old days. The small-group setting of these tours allowed for more significant connections between Old Collegians and across generations, as current students got to know their predecessors and learned about the school’s history.

The celebrations continued at Bucks Bistro Bucklands Beach, where many attendees gathered to continue connecting over tapas and drinks thanks to the Saint Kentigern Old Collegians Association.

As the College continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges, it will do so with the knowledge that its female students have played a vital role in shaping its history and will continue to do so in the future.