Old Girls' Union

The OGU is a vibrant network of alumnae dedicated to keeping former students connected, supporting the School and celebrating a shared history.

The “Old High School Girls’ Union” was formed on 1 June 1898.  The first Headmistress, Lucy Wheatley Walker, later Mrs Garvin (1883-1918), was elected President.  The Union allowed former students to maintain contact with each other and assist the School.

In 1996 The Union was incorporated and the Constitution updated to comply with current legislation.  The OGU is overseen by a Council elected annually at the AGM.

The first prize given by the Union in 1899 was for an English essay.  Today the Lilith Norman prize for Creative Writing is given by the OGU in honour of Lilith (class of 1944) who wrote “The Brown and Yellow”, the history of the School, commissioned by the Union as part of the Centenary celebrations of 1983.  This is just one of many prizes given by the OGU which acknowledge academic excellence and leadership across all years in the School.

The 1983 Centenary also marked the establishment of the OGU Archives which is a valuable source of information for current students, former students and their families and academic researchers.  The OGU Archive is maintained by the Hon Archivist who can be contacted through the School or at archives@shsogu.info. 

Over the years the OGU has assisted the School either directly or through fundraising appeals, most recently with the construction and fitout of the Governors Centre. 

Events organised by the Union, together with social media and news letters, keep members informed and provide opportunities for networking and mentoring among both former and current students.

Membership is open to all ex-students of the school. In particular, the OGU encourages all school leavers to join. Membership forms are available via email at secretary@shsogu.info or on the OGU Facebook site  www.facebook.com/SHSOGU.