Principal's News

Shelford's 125 Year Celebrations

This year, we celebrate Shelford’s Birthday – 125!  There have been many teachers, students and families, who have benefited from a Shelford experience during those years. We hope to connect with as many of these people as possible during this celebration year. 

Shelfordians’ Committee 

We are excited to be reinvigorating our Alumnae group by forming a Shelfordians’ Committee and opening up more opportunities for our alumnae to gather and socialise, in addition to our reunions.  Please keep in touch with our Alumni and Advancement Coordinator, Briony Hamp-Adams, if you are an alumnus: bhampadams@shelford.vic.edu.au 

Founders’ Day 

In May, we are holding an inaugural Founders’ Day at Shelford. Alumnae will present at our Junior and Senior School assemblies, sharing their memories of Shelford. They will join our current students in celebrating our Birthday, with some special surprises. 

Q Dinner 

In October, a Q Dinner “Celebration of 125 Years” will be held; a fun-filled, relaxed evening to enjoy together, to which all alumnae, past and present staff and families are invited. The evening will  offer an opportunity to reconnect, following the restrictions of the past few years. 

Shelford Foundation Re-Launch 2023 

This year, we are re-launching the Shelford Foundation with a Giving Day, to raise funds for our wonderful School in its 125th year. We are focusing on a building fund for the ongoing redevelopment of the Junior School gate entryway and causeway, playground and landscaping, and furniture and planting in other areas of the school. 

How School Fundraising Will Benefit Shelford  

By working together to raise funds, the school community can help ensure Shelford has the resources it needs to thrive. The reality is that all independent schools, including Shelford, need to raise funds, as fees and government grants cover school’s running costs, but do not provide for additional significant building works, such as those which are underway at present. Raising funds also allows us to continue to support our current community who need financial assistance and extend offers of scholarship to families of need in our community, such as refugees. 

Fundraising for the school is a great way to build community support and participation and helps create a sense of pride. By coming together to work towards a common goal, we can all feel more connected to each other and Shelford.  

In 2023, I personally look forward to giving to Shelford, so that our students can continue to thrive and so that we, as a community, can continue to enjoy beautiful and purpose-built facilities and resources, that allow for exceptional learning experiences. I know the Shelford community will support this focus as the year progresses and we celebrate 125 years of empowering women. 

Katrina Brennan

Principal