History was made at The Armidale School today (28 January) when full co-education officially became a reality, with girls making up almost half of all new enrolments.
Of the 97 new students across the school, 45 are girls, coming from as far as Sydney as well as across the New England and North West. Eight are daughters or granddaughters of Old Boys, whilst five are returning to the school where they spent their primary years.
For new boarder Charlotte George of Tamworth, it means being able to go to the same school as the one her twin brother Stirling has been attending for the past three years.
Old Boy Scott Bremner of Inverell had always hoped his son Wally would one day come to TAS – never thinking that his daughter Bonnie would also have that opportunity. The pair are the first brother-sister combination to start in TAS senior school on the same day.
“They have always been at school together and kept an eye out for each other, and we didn’t want to split them. Now that can happen at a school where they both have so many opportunities, both separately and together,” he said.
Overseeing the pastoral care of all girl students including the inaugural 15 girl boarders is Girls’ Education Director Miss Alexandra Pollitt, who lives on campus as Head of Dangar House.
“We are embarking on a journey to create a co-education environment that promotes positive interactions between all students. It is exciting being part of something we are all starting together,” Miss Pollitt said.
In welcoming all new students, Headmaster Murray Guest said it was an historic day for the whole school, not just the girls.
“This is a strong endorsement of our future path, and we look forward to providing the next generation of students with opportunities that will build self-esteem, promote a sense of purpose and instill confidence to face new challenges, just as we have been doing for the past 122 years,” he said.
“May all our boys and girls make the most of what TAS has to offer.”
The first secondary girls at The Armidale School, with Headmaster Murray Guest, Director of Enrolments Pip Warrick and Girls’ Education Director Alex Pollitt, prepare for an historic photo on the first day of full co-education at TAS.
