From Ms Gyton

What a great day!

The enthusiasm, energy and sense of fun among the SCEGGS girls was truly on show yesterday at the Secondary School Swimming Carnival! The weather was beautiful, the swimming was fantastic and our House Spirit was on show all day.

I wanted to start by saying congratulations to all our swimmers – those who participated in one race and those who went in many races, those who tried an event for the very first time, and of course our champion swimmers, many of whom swam a personal best on the day. Well done to you all. Thank you to everyone – swimmers, runners, cheer squads, timekeepers, the organisers …. and particularly, a big thank you to all the staff.

And well done to all the students in every House! There was such a great sense of joyfulness, lightness and fun as we wandered past the stands throughout the day. Personally, I have always loved the costumes that emerge from classrooms to board the buses in the morning of a SCEGGS carnival day …. and yesterday’s collection didn’t disappoint: a barnyard of animals such as frogs, pigs and something that perhaps was a chicken-duck hybrid; lots of tutus, hats, masks and Spiderman paraphernalia … and even a giant whoopee cushion costume!

Why do I love these costumes so much …? I think they are a great example of each student’s individuality and creativity on show, while still dressing in their House Colours so that we can all see the family they belong to. For me, it is a visible reminder that we can be an individual, and still be distinctly part of a family or community as well.

And it is one of the best parts about the SCEGGS community: you can be yourself but also know that you belong to something much bigger!

Well done to everyone!

Holly Gyton
Head of School

From the Chaplain

It has been great to see everyone returning to school and welcoming those that are new to our community. I hope that you all feel settled and secure as soon as possible. As you have heard from many other staff, I am always open for a chat about anything at all, whether it be school related or something beyond the green gate. My hope is that knowing you are part of this community means that you can be assured that we have time for you and an interest in whatever is going on.

Harvest Festival

Just a reminder that next week is Harvest Festival, an event in the Christian calendar which focuses on what we have and what we can give. If you could bring those items in this week it would help in our decorating of the chapel. Here is a list of items that we would be suitable:

I will be delivering these items personally at the beginning of week 4. I appreciate your generosity and thoughtfulness in these difficult times.

Monday Food Delivery Program: A great opportunity that the whole community can be involved in

We continue to get new volunteers but there are still plenty of spaces to fill for this term. Each week during term time, 10-15 families or individuals cook enough food to distribute amongst the marginalised and underprivileged around Sydney. 

For those that would like to take part, we use an app called SignUp and here is the link.  The process is very straightforward and you will also find on the website a list of menu ideas, preparation requirements and other important information. If you have further questions, please email me here. It has been a great activity for us as a school community to be involved in and well appreciated by our local community. 

Rev. Garry Lee-Lindsay
School Chaplain

From the Chair of the Board

Dear Members of the School Community

On behalf of the School Board, I send our best wishes to all in our community at the beginning of the new school year. 

We extend a very warm welcome to those new to the School this year and hope that you all feel settled as quickly as possible. We are all part of a wonderful school with a vibrant and supportive community and we wish you all the very best as you begin your educational experience at SCEGGS Darlinghurst. 

We also extend a warm welcome to Ms Holly Gyton in her new role as Head of School as she brings her intellect, passion for education and deep commitment to SCEGGS into her new role.

It is important to note at the outset that the Board does not have a role in the day-to-day running of the School. We set the long-term strategic direction for the School and support the Head as she executes the mission, vision and strategy of our School.  We acknowledge the importance of good governance in all our undertakings and aim to provide broad, comprehensive and modern governance of the School. 

You can find out more information about the Board on the School website here, which includes a list of all of our Board members.

The School is owned and operated by SCEGGS Darlinghurst Limited, a company limited by guarantee. All adults within the SCEGGS community are eligible for membership, including parents, Old Girls, staff, friends and benefactors. 

The cost of membership is $100; your membership will last for six years and can be made in the form of a payment or donation. All members receive a copy of the Annual Report and may vote at the AGM.  Applications for membership are sent to every person who donates to the SCEGGS Trust and to anyone who enquires about membership. It is a great idea to join the company; doing so shows your support for the School and, at the same time, acknowledges the ownership structure of the company which is so clearly vested in our community and the School’s success. 

If you would like to become a company member please contact the Company Secretary, Sarah Walters, via email or phone the Director of Administration, Phil Rogers, on 9332 1133.

Best wishes,

Sally Auld
Chair

From the Chair of the Trust

On behalf of the SCEGGS Trust, welcome to the 2026 school year. It is wonderful to welcome both returning and new families to the SCEGGS community. We hope everyone begins the year feeling refreshed and ready for what lies ahead. We also extend a warm welcome to Ms Gyton as she steps into the role of Head of School. We value her deep understanding of the SCEGGS community and look forward to her leadership as we continue to build on the School’s strong foundations.

The SCEGGS Trust is the School’s fundraising arm. While school fees pay for our today including our excellent teaching, the Trust raises money to support our tomorrow. Through its work, the Trust has grown our scholarship fund, helping to make a SCEGGS education accessible to a diverse range of students, and has supported the development of our campus through the building fund. These initiatives benefit every girl at SCEGGS: scholarships broaden access and enriches our community, while continued investment in facilities ensures a world-class learning environment for generations to come.

The SCEGGS Trust is central to strengthening the School’s future. SCEGGS is built on a strong sense of community and a shared belief in the value of education. Over time, generations of parents, Old Girls, educators and leaders have invested in the School. The SCEGGS we know today is the result of ongoing generosity and commitment of its community over many decades. This culture of philanthropy has shaped the School and allows us to look confidently to the future.

In 2025, the Light Her Path campaign contributed further to the Wilkinson House redevelopment, a project now approaching completion. The Campaign has raised over $9.5 million to date through the generosity of our donors. We also celebrated the launch of the Jenny Allum Scholarships Fund during our fourth annual Giving Day, which set a record for participation with over 350 donors participating and raised over $545,000 for new equity scholarships in the Primary School.

Supporting the Scholarship Fund remains a core priority of the Trust and is fundamental to strengthening diversity across the School community. The scholarship program has grown significantly in recent years, enabling more students from diverse backgrounds to access a SCEGGS education and contribute their perspectives, talents, and experiences. The Light Her Path Campaign has raised nearly $4 million marking an important step toward our goal of providing means-tested scholarships to 10 percent of the school community thus supporting our shared commitment to inclusion and opportunity. We look forward to sharing further progress as the year unfolds.

If you would like more information on the Trust’s work, to share your thoughts on the Trust’s fundraising initiatives or to donate, please do not hesitate to contact me here.

Alternatively, you may contact the Development Office via email or on 9332 1133.

I look forward to continuing to build our culture of philanthropy at SCEGGS.

Christy Boyce
Chair of the SCEGGS Trust

Parents’ and Friends’ Association Welcome Cocktail Party

All parents and carers are warmly welcome to the annual P&F Welcome Cocktail Party on Friday 20 February 2026.

It is set to be a wonderful evening to celebrate the start of the school year, connect with other parents and meet some of your daughter’s teachers.

Please RSVP by Monday 16 February 2026.

Rob Jessup
P&F Association President

Year 11& 12 Parent/Daughter Breakfast – Save the Date

Click here for other P&F events. 

Secondary Sport News

A big welcome to everyone who is new to SCEGGS sport in 2026. It has been a busy time in the PDHPE Department as we get ready to commence our Term 1 Sports. Please be patient as we await final draws and match times from our various associations. We are still finalising teams and will have everything loaded onto Clipboard very soon.

IGSA Spawtz

Please see the link for information on how to access the team results and table standings for all IGSA Sports. IGSA sports this term are Tennis and Water Polo.

Click here to find more information.

Easts Touch

For all the latest Touch results please refer to the East Touch Webpage.

Summer Sun Safety – Hats required

It is a requirement that all students wear a hat for both PDHPE lessons and various outdoor sports training. Students who fail to bring a hat will be issued with a new SCEGGS cap from the Uniform Shop and invoiced accordingly.

SCEGGS First Ever Winter Olympian

Congratulations to Phoebe Cridland (Class of 2019) who has been selected to compete in the Cross-Country Skiing events at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics that commence this weekend. Some of you may have caught a few glimpses of Phoebe on TV as the Cross-Country team arrived at the Australian Winter Institute Training Centre in Italy. You can watch the video here.

The Cross- Country events commence on Saturday 7 February with the Women’s 10km at 11pm (AEDT).

The Australian Sports Foundation has set up a fundraising page to assist with expenses if anyone would like to donate to Phoebe’s Olympic Campaign. Click here to donate.

Oz Day 10km

Congratulations to Coco Espie (Year 12) who was the Junior Champion at the Oz Day 10km event.

Coco placed 6^th overall in the open women.

During the holidays Coco also went to Melbourne and placed 3^rd at the Australian All Schools Athletics Championship in the 800m. In addition, she competed at the Summer Down Under International Series where she achieved two personal bests in the 100m and 200m at the AIS.

Coco is now a member of the Para Unit Accelerate Program and is currently training hard with the NSW Institute of Sport.

Hockey

Well done to Jess Weatherall (Year 12) who represented NSW at both the Australian U18 and U21 Championships that were held in Canberra over the holidays.

In the U21 tournament, NSW won the silver medal (edged out by Queensland in a grand final shoot out) and Jess was the highest goal scorer of the tournament.

In the U18s, NSW won the gold medal, defeating Queensland 1-0 – with Jess scoring the winning goal!

SCEGGS at Play

Do you have any sporting news or photos to share in the Green Gate?

We love seeing our students being active and want to celebrate their passion and enjoyment amongst the SCEGGS community. Please send in any action shots from the weekend and any other interesting sporting highlights to Alison Gowan.

SCEGGS Training sessions before and after school plus Saturday Sport

Any cancellations or adjustments will be made in Clipboard and families will receive a notification or email when changes are made. Please ensure you have notifications enabled.

All Clipboard notifications will now come through the SCEGGS Mobile App too, so if you have been receiving notifications from Clipboard (eg when sport is cancelled due to wet weather), you will need to download the SCEGGS Mobile App to ensure that you continue to receive these push notifications.

IGSA Fixtures, Results and Wet Weather

The IGSA website and platform for accessing wet weather, fixtures and team results can be found here.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact myself on 9052 2721 or 0418 491 521.

Alison Gowan
Director of Sport

Primary Sport News

I hope your daughter has had an enjoyable and productive start back to school and settled into their routine.

A reminder that the Year 3 Basketball, IPSHA Football, and IPSHA Water Polo trials continue this Saturday 7 February. All fixtures can be located on Clipboard. Please note that teams and fixtures for the term will be released next week once we receive the draw from IPSHA and teams finalised. We appreciate your patience with this and will get them out as soon as possible.

When participating in sport, a reminder that your daughter is expected to adhere to the SCEGGS Sports Values. You might like to go through them with your daughter to start the year. Click here to read the SCEGGS Sports Values.

As we head into the season, a quick reminder for all parents and supporters taken from the IPSHA rules.

• Focus on the efforts and performance of the children rather than the result.
• Children play organised sports for fun. They are not playing for spectators’ entertainment, nor are they miniature professionals.
• Applaud good performances and efforts from each team. Congratulate all participants upon their performance regardless of the game’s outcome.
• Respect the officials’ decision.
• Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during a competition.
• Positive comments are motivational and encourage continued effort.
• Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would be no game.
• Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials’ decisions.
• Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul language, or harassing players, coaches or officials.
• Comments should not interfere with the running of the game.

Student Achievements

Congratulations to all SCEGGS students who were involved in The Little Athletics Inner City Zone Championships which were held on December 6 and 7 last year, with some students progressing to the Region 8 Championships, which were on last weekend. Quite a few SCEGGS girls participated from the Primary school, including Charlotte Willis (Year 6), Ines Allen (Year 5), Edith Herceg (Year 4) and Romy Allen (Year 3) who were all representatives of Eastern Suburbs Little Athletics Club. Special mention to Charlotte at her first ever season doing Little Athletics and well done to all competitors.

If your daughter participates in sport outside of school, such as at representative level, then I would love to celebrate their achievements in this newsletter. Please email photos/updates to Adrian Hammond.

Sporting Reminders

• For any questions or issues, please email Adrian Hammond and the SCEGGS Sport Department.
• Girls must arrive in the correct SCEGGS uniform, including a hat, water bottle and other sports-specific equipment required to play (e.g. shin pads for football).
• Any potential changes or cancellations, including for wet weather will be made in Clipboard via a push notification.
• If your child is going to be absent from Saturday sport, then you need to contact Helen Dempsey at least one week prior to gain approved leave.

Important Sports Dates

Have a wonderful week and good luck to all players at trials over the weekend!

Mr Adrian Hammond
Primary Sport Coordinator

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Courage and Commitment: Coco’s Journey to Gold

The official photographs from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Ceremony at Government House have arrived, capturing the occasion when Coco Espie, Avalon Korda, Regan Madison, Bridget Murray and Jess Weatherall were formally recognised for achieving their Gold Award.

We were especially proud to see Coco make SCEGGS shine in her role as Guest Speaker at the ceremony, where she spoke with warmth, honesty and humour about her journey through the Duke of Ed and the many people who walked alongside her. Coco’s address, which is included below in full for you to read, is both inspiring and grounded: she reflects on resilience, community and stepping outside your comfort zone, and encourages younger students to see challenge as an opportunity rather than a barrier.

Her words are a reminder of what the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is really about – not just a badge or a certificate, but the growth that comes from consistent effort, service to others and the courage to try something new.

Speech: My Gold Duke of Edinburgh Journey

“Your Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley, fellow gold recipients, friends and family”

My name is Coco and I go to SCEGGS Darlinghurst.

I am incredibly proud to be here today with all of you, receiving our Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Congratulations to you all! As we all know, this achievement takes a lot of commitment, planning, and the support of many others. I’d like to extend our gratitude and thanks to everyone who made it possible for us to be here.

When I signed up to begin my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh journey at 14, I remember working out the four different skill areas I’d need to complete, and I realised my disability didn’t allow for many options of the Adventurous Journey component. That’s when my parents began several discussions with both the Duke of Edinburgh organisation and my school about how I could take part in the Adventurous Journey in a way that would be both fulfilling and challenging – just like it is for everyone else.

At first, it didn’t seem possible with my cerebral palsy as we soon discovered there are very few accessible campgrounds in New South Wales – but that didn’t stop us. I am extremely grateful to our amazing school leaders, Doric Swain and Joanne Bower, who went far above and beyond. They trialled different campgrounds and locations, spent hours planning, and explored trails to find options that were accessible for me. Their support and dedication has made this whole journey possible.

One of my favourite highlights was catching the train with my peers to start our first hike. This might seem like a small thing, but for me, it was a huge moment: my first time travelling on a train without an adult. It gave me a taste of independence and freedom, something we all value so much. Doing the Gold Award has really made a difference in my sense of independence. It helped me understand what I need, how to manage those needs myself, and when to ask for help – on my own terms. That kind of independence has truly changed me.

Another unforgettable highlight was completing my final Gold Adventurous Journey. Doing this in a wheelchair came with challenges, but it was made possible thanks to the incredible group of girls who supported – and literally pushed – me along the way. One amusing incident was when I kept tipping over backwards as my bag on my wheelchair was so heavy, but it led to exactly the sort of problem solving and resilience that the award is all about: together we came up with the idea to put water bottles under my chair to balance it out. The result was that I collected everyone’s water bottles helping me to not be a turtle and making everyone’s packs lighter. Finishing that Gold Adventurous Journey gave us all an amazing sense of achievement – one that will stay with me forever – and reminded me that anything is possible.

Completing all the components of the Award has meant so many things to me: resilience, determination, leadership, perseverance, inclusion, independence, friendship – and most importantly, the belief that “Yes, I can.” It has helped me feel more confident about becoming an independent young adult and about facing new challenges. None of this would have been possible without the village of girls who helped me achieve my goals, and the inspiring teachers who encouraged us to think outside the box and find accessible ways to make the impossible possible.

I hope my story inspires others to look outside the box too – and to see that when you do, the world opens up to so many amazing possibilities.

Gold Upcoming Adventurous Journey

This year, our Gold participants have an exciting opportunity ahead: a 6-day Pack and Paddle Adventurous Journey planned for the next school holidays, 7–12 April 2026.

We will be travelling south to the Kangaroo Valley area to explore the magnificent beauty of the meandering Lake Yarrunga and the escarpment country. We will be exploring on foot, for the first two days and then by canoe for the last four days – an adventure of teamwork, endurance, and discovery.

For students in Years 11 or 12 interested in pursuing their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the program offers a rich blend of personal growth and service. Participants must commit to:

• Volunteering, Physical Recreation, and Skills for at least 12 months, with consistent weekly participation.
• Completing a 6-day Adventurous Journey.
• Taking part in a Residential Project, which involves staying away from home for 5 days and 4 nights while connecting with new people in an unfamiliar environment.

Residential Project ideas are wonderfully varied — from environmental conservation and charity work to youth camp volunteering, learning new skills at a surf or sailing camp, or joining immersive trips such as the school’s Cape York or Cambodia.

To quote Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales:

Achievers of today, leaders of tomorrow… You have put yourself outside your comfort zone, learned new skills, and refined old.

Interested students can register for the Gold Adventurous Journey Pack and Paddle via Cognito.

Ms Jo Bower
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Leader

Click here for more Co-curricular news 

Air Force Cadets (306 Squadron) Information Evening

306 Squadron, the Air Force Cadet unit that parades at SCEGGS Darlinghurst and Sydney Grammar School has opened cadet applications for Year 8 boys/girls in 2026.

We are excited to welcome a large number of girls and boys each year to participate in one of Australia’s leading youth development programs, including flying training, fieldcraft activities, and experiences in the history and traditions of the Royal Australian Air Force.

Last year our unit was recognised as “Squadron of the Year” in NSW against over 40 other units.

Further details for how to apply, including contact information, can be found here.​

On Friday 13 February, the 306 Squadron staff will be holding a Parent Information Evening at SCEGGS Darlinghurst. We encourage any parents and Form II/Year 8 boys and girls interested to attend this session.

Parking will be available at SCEGGS. There will be a BBQ for prospective cadets at the conclusion of the event.

Please contact the Squadron Executive Officer, Flying Officer (AAFC) Blue Barlow here, with any questions about the event: 

CPL (AAFC) Blue Barlow
Executive Office
206 Squadron

Click here for more Co-curricular news 

Years 7 and 10 Vaccination Clinic Dates and Online Consent

Year 7 and 10 Vaccination Clinic Dates and Online Consent

If your child is in Year 7 or Year 10 in 2026, they are able to receive vaccinations offered through the NSW Health’s School Vaccination Program. The vaccination program requires parents to provide consent for their children to be vaccinated at school.

SCEGGS Vaccination Clinic dates for 2026 are as follows:

How to provide consent:

1. Visit the NSW Engage Health website and choose the School Vaccination Program. The Vaccination Portal works best on Google Chrome
2. Follow the steps to log in to your existing ServiceNSW Account. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s licence. If you don’t have a ServiceNSW account, refer to ServiceNSW to create one.
3. Update or confirm your personal details with ServiceNSW as required.
4. Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child/ren. You will need to:
   • Enter your child’s personal details
   • Provide Medicare card details for you and your child
   • Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and Privacy Statement
   • Provide consent
   • More detailed instructions can be found on the NSW Health website, including instructions for how to withdraw consent.
5. You will receive a text and/or email when your online consent has been completed.
6.  If you or your child does not have a Medicare card, consent can instead be provided by requesting a paper consent form from SCEGGS Student Services.

If you have given consent for your child to be vaccinated at the school clinic, but they are absent on the day of the clinic visit, the school immunisation nurses will try to catch them up at their next visit. Alternatively, you can speak to a GP or pharmacist about catching up on vaccinations.

For more information on school vaccinations visit here or if you have any questions, please contact South Eastern Sydney Public Health Unit on: 9382 8333 (Ext 2).

Phil Rogers
Director of Administration