From the Archives
Commemoration Day
An important day on the College calendar was celebrated this past term – Commemoration Day. This is the day that the College was officially dedicated, with an official ceremony. It then became known as Commemoration Day, celebrated annually with a service. Then, since 1946, it is celebrated with a chapel service. This is now held on the last Sunday in July and has a heavy ex-student presence.
The Influenza epidemic delayed the official opening and dedication of the College, which finally took place on 31 July 1919. Her Excellency, Lady Helen Munro-Ferguson, GBE* (wife of the Governor-General) dedicated the College ‘to the higher education of girls and their moral and religious upbringing’ and then unveiled the brass plaque bearing the date of the dedication and the purpose of the College. This was in the ‘assembly hall’ at the time. *Knight or Dame Grand Cross – G.B.E.
This tradition continues today and we gathered in our War Memorial Chapel to commemorate this auspicious day. There was beautiful singing from the ESU Choir, a stunning solo performance by current student Joanna Au (Year 11) and an engaging talk by alumni Zoe Robinson (2001). Some of the Alumni I spoke to said they enjoyed being part of the service this year; that they felt so uplifted by it … that it was a wonderful feeling.
Commemoration Day service and morning tea, 2025. Photos by Kate Murray, College Archivist
This is a day steeped in history but celebrated today with just as much passion and reverence as it was all those years ago. Perhaps you will join us for Commemoration Day next year?
Grey House, c1927 – 1928
In my last Alumni newsletter article, I mentioned a new building that is soon to open on the College campus – Grey House Precinct. Our Deputy Chair of the Pymble Foundation Board, and Alumni Rebecca Sullivan (1990) writes about the new Grey House Precinct development here which is due to open in Term 1 2026.
Grey House, Pymble Avenue, Pymble
I thought I might talk a little bit about how the nickname came to be for this new and glorious building and explore a little of the history behind its namesake.
Our new and emerging building coined ‘Grey House Precinct’ is so named due to its proximity to a dwelling near the north-eastern side of the campus. Here, a house remains that was purchased in 1918 to house the first College Principal, Dr Marden and was called ‘Grey House’. This was at a time when the College had 200 enrolments, and our beloved Black Watch tartan became our official uniform.
The name ‘Grey House’ for this home was so called due, simply, to the colour of the house.
Miss Jobson, Grey House, 1924
In the early days of the College, Dr Marden travelled back and forth between Croydon and Pymble as Principal of both schools. Then, in 1918, the College purchased Grey House as the Principal’s residence as well as accommodation for ten boarders. Dr Marden played opera on his gramophone for the girls on Sunday evenings, and the College Library became the beneficiary of his many books.
Some notes …
“We have a new lawn mower down here in the shape of a kangaroo. One afternoon he ventured as far as the swimming pool, where he took his maiden dip”.
Grey House notes, 1926.
“The end of term was celebrated by a supper proper and fitting to such an important occasion. The two guests of honour, Joan Chartres (1926) and Joan Hammond (1928) were entertained in the kitchen. Miss Hammond, owing to an unforeseen shortage of chairs, was forced to sit upon the garbage tin”
Grey House notes, 1929
By mid-1931, College enrolments declined to 280, with just 95 boarders. Lang House (boarding) closed to boarders. Boarders are accommodated in Marden and Goodlet Houses, and a further ten at Grey House, the Principal’s Residence.
Grey House 1924
Grey House Gates. These gates were part of Grey House Walk. A version of this walk still exists, with the same name and will re-open when the new building opens in 2026.
Grey House also closed in 1931 and alternative accommodation was found for the Principal in Goodlet House. Grey House then became a manse for the Reverend Sydney Richardson who conducted the scripture classes. His daughter, Margaret Maddrell (Richardson, 1936) and his granddaughters were to continue a long association with the College.
In 1939 Grey House was sold and the proceeds assisted in improving College finances. Grey House, for some years the Principal’s residence, later became the home of the Council Chairman, Mr George Ferguson, and his family.
George Ferguson relaxing outside Grey House
Today, the house remains in private ownership. But the new building that rises above the landscape now bares its name. Grey House Precinct will open at the beginning of 2026 … click here to see how you could become part of this piece of Pymble’s ever evolving story.
Kate Murray