This year, Peninsula Grammar celebrates an incredible 30 years of co-education.

In the history of this school, few milestones resonate as profoundly as the decision made by Peninsula Grammar in 1994 to open its doors to female students. This transformative moment not only marked a significant departure from tradition but also heralded a new era of inclusivity and progress within this institution.

Prior to the introduction of girls, Peninsula Grammar had long been known as producing a high achieving academic environment exclusively tailored for young men. However, school leadership recognised the imperative to evolve in line with the evolving societal norms and educational paradigms of the time. Hence, with the bold vision for inclusivity and equality, Peninsula Grammar welcomed girls into the school for the first time in 1994.

This historic decision was not merely about expanding enrolment numbers or meeting quotas; rather, it was a resounding affirmation of the school's commitment to fostering an environment where diversity thrived and all students could flourish irrespective of gender. There was a strong desire in the community for a school that could offer co-education, with an unwavering focus on academics, music, drama, sport and overall student wellbeing. By embracing co-education, Peninsula Grammar sent a powerful message to the broader community about the importance of breaking down gender barriers and dismantling stereotypes. It challenged entrenched notions of what constituted a "boys' school" and redefined the parameters of educational excellence by prioritising inclusivity, collaboration, and mutual respect.

In practical terms, the integration of girls into Peninsula Grammar kicked off a positive cultural shift within the institution. It fostered a more holistic learning environment where diverse perspectives were embraced, and students were encouraged to engage critically with issues of gender equality and social justice. The once male-dominated classrooms now buzzed with the dynamic exchange of ideas, enriched by the unique contributions of both male and female voices.

Moreover, the decision to welcome girls into Peninsula Grammar empowered young women to pursue academic and personal aspirations with newfound confidence and ambition. By providing access to resources, opportunities, and support systems, the school paved the way for female students to excel academically, develop leadership skills, and cultivate a strong sense of self-worth alongside their male peers.

In retrospect, the decision to welcome girls into Peninsula Grammar stands as a testament to the school's unwavering dedication to educational excellence and social progress. It was a pivotal moment in the institution's history—one that not only transformed the educational landscape of the Mornington Peninsula but also left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who have passed through its gates.

Importantly, we want to acknowledge the incredible staff of the 1990's and beyond who brought this vision to life. We thank them for their tireless support of our first girls, as well as their efforts to create an environment that welcomed them and made them feel like they belonged from day 1. Your contributions to this era in our school's history is truly appreciated and we hope to share more about this story soon.

On the 7th of March, Peninsula Grammar hosted an International Women's Day Breakfast, commemorating 30 years of co-education.

We had three fantastic speakers, including Carla Murray '01, Cassidy Hewitt '04 and Anne Stringer (PGS Head of Wellbeing) who spoke about what inclusion means to them and shared their stories as alumni (Carla/Cassidy) and staff members (Cassidy/Anne).

‍Carla Murray commenced at Peninsula in Year 7, 1996 and left in year 12, 2001. She was one of the first cohorts of girls to start at Peninsula. Carla’s husband Shaun Payze is also an alumni from the Class of 1997 and together they have Bailey (Class of 22), Felix (Year 9) and Meadow as past and current children of the school.

Cassidy Hewitt is from the Class of 2004, having attended Peninsula from Grade 4, 1996 to Year 12, 2004. Cassidy is a teacher in the Junior School, has a son starting in kinder this year and is looking forward to the arrival of her twins this year.

Anne Stringer is Head of Wellbeing at Peninsula Grammar.  Anne has over 20 years’ experience supporting wellbeing in schools including 14 years’ in an all-girls school setting before joining Peninsula in 2021.

It was inspiring to hear from Carla and Cassidy about their memories as some of our first girls at Peninsula and the strong bonds they made with their peers, mentors and teachers during their time here. Equally, Anne shared the importance of young women needing to have a strong voice in a coeducational environment that elevates, empowers and supports their learning and how schools can help support this through their values and practices every day.

Becca Smith from Archives set up a display of photographs from 1994 to present, celebrating memories from each decade of co-education. Also on display were past and present girl's uniforms to show how it has changed across the 30 years. Lastly, we honoured all the women who have been inducted into the Old Peninsula Hall of Fame.

We thank everyone who attended and to our wonderful panel for celebrating this important milestone with us for International Women's Day.