Twentieth Anniversary of Girls Celebrated with Visit by First Head Girl

During the full College assembly on 24 March, Head Girl Kaia Ashmore conducted an interview with Jessie Jarvie, the first Head Girl of Saint Kentigern College. This preceded the official celebration jointly hosted by the College and the Old Collegians Association the following day, honouring the twentieth anniversary of girls attending the College.

The assembly served as a schoolwide event, with Principal Mr Damon Emtage drawing parallels to John F. Kennedy’s ‘moonshot moment’ in recognising the significant decision made two decades ago to integrate girls into the College. Jessie shared her experience as one of the pioneering girls, highlighting the excitement of venturing into uncharted territory at Saint Kentigern. She also acknowledged the challenges faced as the students and staff adjusted to the new normal.

Despite those challenges, Jessie cherished her time at the College, relishing the exceptional opportunities in productions, hockey, rowing, and leadership. She formed lifelong bonds with her close-knit group of thirty Year 11 girls amidst a predominantly male cohort. Jessie is a trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of girls to flourish in this unique learning environment. Her story underscores the notion that change brings hurdles, but the enduring rewards outweigh them.