Principals Message
Welcome to 2026 at Canterbury Girls High School
Welcome to an exciting new chapter in the journey of Canterbury Girls High School. As we settle into the start of the year, our classrooms and playgrounds are alive with energy. It is wonderful to see students reengaging with their learning, forging new friendships, and embracing the many opportunities available. We are also delighted to welcome our Year 7 students and all new families to our wonderful community.
The year ahead holds great promise. As I enter my second year as principal, I have a clear vision for where we are headed and how to achieve our goals. Building on our broad and well-established success, we will focus on:
- Upholding high expectations for all students.
- Relentlessly pursuing academic excellence.
- Using evidence and data to inform teaching and learning.
- Providing outstanding support and growth opportunities in the creative and performing arts, student leadership, debating and public speaking, and other extracurricular activities.
Our commitment remains to open diverse pathways that prepare students not only for university but also for any future where they can excel by pursuing their passions.
Learning continues to be at the heart of CGHS. With NAPLAN just weeks away, we are confident our students will sustain our tradition of excellent results. We also have great expectations for this year’s HSC cohort. Last year, our school earned recognition as one of the top six comprehensive schools in the state for English Advanced and English Extension results, an achievement featured in the Sydney Morning Herald. While we celebrate this success, we remain focused on further growth and expanding outstanding performance across a wider range of subjects.
Beyond the classroom we encourage every student to become involved in the vibrant life beyond the classroom. A wide range of co-curricular activities offers opportunities to explore interests, develop skills, and build connections. Mark your calendars for Clubs and Committees Day on March 10th, when students can discover all that is on offer. If there is an activity your daughter would like that isn’t currently available, please let us know—we are always looking to expand our programs.
A recent highlight for me was hearing the inspiring performances of the Canterbury Girls Choir, led by Ms Knapman, alongside the School Band, under the direction of John Benson. These moments beautifully showcase the talents and school spirit that thrive here.
We look forward to partnering with families to ensure students make the most of their experiences at Canterbury Girls High School this year.
Staff changes for 2026
In the roles of Deputy Principal, Ms Andrews has returned from her sabbatical to lead Years 8, 10, and 12. Ms Delmas and Ms Ronayne will continue to job share and oversee Years 7, 9, and 11. Ms Delmas on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays; and Ms Ronayne on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Ms Flannery continues as relieving Head Teacher of CAPA, Ms Michos as relieving Head Teacher of HSIE, and Ms Jones shares the role of Head Teacher Science with Ms Delmas. I would like to thank Ms Venkatesan for her work as relieving Deputy Principal over the past few years as she returns to her substantive role as Head Teacher Secondary Studies.
We welcome back familiar staff across faculties, including Ms Vlachos in PDHPE, Ms Tsui in Science, and Ms Caprin in CAPA. This year, the teaching team includes some changes as colleagues take on new roles: Mr Ampt joins HSIE permanently from Tempe High School, Mr Diviney transitions from the library to teaching English, and Ms Lovell supports the English faculty during Ms Darlington’s maternity leave. The PDHPE faculty is strengthened by the addition of Ms Bruzzese and Mr McKenzie Hick, while Student Services welcomes Ms Ryan, who will work alongside Ms Vamvoukakis in the Inclusive Education Unit. Ms Vasiliadis will support students as the Learning and Support teacher in the Learning Centre. Along with Ms Padden who joins the team as a School Learning Support Officer for the year.
2025 HSC Results
The Class of 2025 delivered exceptional outcomes, highlighted by 28 distinguished achievers earning Band 6 results and 64 top-band results overall. Thirteen percent of students achieved ATAR scores in the 90s, with 34% above 80. Our school ranked 5th among comprehensive schools statewide for English Advanced and Extension, and our performing arts students earned multiple recognitions, including nominations in Dance, Drama and Visual Arts. Congratulations to Max Albany, our Dux of 2025 and All-round Achiever, along with Lola Di Bella, Sophia Velasi and Emma Mitsak for their standout achievements.
These accomplishments contributed to a significant rise in our state ranking, climbing 40 places to 163 across all high schools in NSW. We sincerely thank all staff whose dedication helped make these results possible. We look forward to celebrating our high achievers at the upcoming High Achievers Assembly on 24 February.
A warm welcome to Year 7 – Future Cantabrians 2031
We are thrilled to welcome our newest Year 7 students, who have already begun their high school journey with enthusiasm, including a valuable orientation camp this week. This experience helps them build friendships, grow independence, and gain confidence as they transition into secondary school. Warm thanks to the families of our Year 7 students for entrusting us with their children’s education. A heartfelt thank you to Ms Naisbet, Ms Wong and Ms Wilson for both their organisation of camp and accompanying the students on the 3 day/2night experience.
I would like to invite all parents to join our first P&C meeting of the year, held onsite this Wednesday. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other families and discover ways to contribute to our school community.
Uniform Update
The launch of our updated school uniform has been met with positive feedback from students and parents alike. It’s heartening to see so many wearing it proudly, fostering school spirit and unity.
If students are waiting for ordered uniform items and need to come to school out of uniform, please provide a note explaining this to the front office in the morning so they can receive a uniform exemption pass. Students may also be asked to wear spare uniform items available at school if necessary. We appreciate your support in maintaining a complete and consistent school uniform daily.
Please remember Wednesday is the official sports day, when sports uniform—including tracksuit pants and sports shirts—is permitted. On other days, students are expected to wear their academic uniform, as tracksuit pants are not part of the daily dress code.
Our onsite uniform shop operates in the canteen twice weekly (Wednesdays 8:00–9:30am and Thursdays 1:00–2:30pm). There is also an online ordering and click-and-collect service for convenience, https://www.rejiuniforms.com.au/canterbury-girls-high accessible using the password: lemon. Existing Lowes uniform items remain acceptable during our two-year transition. Additionally, second-hand uniforms are available each term through SRC sales, providing affordable options.
We recognise that managing uniform and school costs can be challenging. Financial assistance is available for uniforms, excursions, and elective fees. Please do not hesitate to contact the front office for support—we are committed to every student’s success and wellbeing.
Primary Links Program: Spark
This term, we are excited to launch Spark, our new primary links initiative, collaborating with Canterbury Public School and Canterbury Boys High School. Stage 2 students join us weekly to engage in creative, hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and build confidence. Just this week, students explored the science of gases by constructing bottle rockets.
Spark provides younger students with an early taste of high school life, interactive lessons, and a welcoming environment to build belonging. We are proud to deepen community connections through this program and look forward to many inspiring experiences ahead. Thank you to Ms La Grassa and Mr Luttrell for their work preparing for this initiative and delivering the lessons to our guests each week.
I hope you share my enthusiasm for the year ahead and take pride in knowing that your child attends this wonderful school. Your daughter is part of a community committed to high standards, strong support, and providing opportunities for learning and growth. Thank you for being involved in our school, and I look forward to working together to make 2026 a successful year.
Rebecca Cameron
Principal