Methodist Ladies’ College Kew celebrates 140th anniversary

From an Oscar winner to Olympic gold medallists, Methodist Ladies’ College has an impressive roll-call of former students. Take a look back at the history of the school.

MLC students Sophie Chiew, Chloe Taylor, Irene Ma and Cassandra Stavrou celebrated their International Baccalaureate results earlier this year. Two of the four received perfect scores. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ David Crosling

One of Victoria’s first all-girls’ schools is celebrating its 140th birthday.

Kew’s Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC) first opened its doors in 1882, and has been instrumental in pioneering education for young women, according to current principal Diana Vernon.

“Not only were we one of the first all-girls schools in Victoria, but we were one of the first all-girls schools in the country to commit to offering the same standard of education to girls as was available to boys,” Ms Vernon said.

“MLC has always delivered a holistic education, and we were one of the first girls’ schools in Melbourne to have a swimming pool.”

Built in 1890 and located in the ‘Baths Building’, it was boarded over in Winter to provide a space for callisthenics and drills.

“At MLC, we are also proud to have been the first girls’ school to teach business studies and build a business centre in 1917,” Ms Vernon said.

She said students had always been encouraged to step up and help play a role in shaping MLC’s future.

“The idea for our remote campus Marshmead came from our Student Representative Council, and today, the Education Outdoors program at Marshmead for our Year 9 students and at Banksia (a unique, curriculum-based program) for our Years 5 – 8 students is renowned for its focus on sustainability – of self, of community and of the environment.”

Notable past students include Oscar winner Cate Blanchett and Olympic gold medallist Alisa Camplin.

Jeanette Findlay, the first of three generations of her family to attend MLC in the 1960s, said the school gave her the space to pursue many interests.

Jeanette Findlay, her daughter Louise Ward and her granddaughters Emma and Sophie.

“I’m so grateful to the College for providing me with the tools and encouragement to explore and subsequently undertake a fulfilling career in physiotherapy,” Mrs Findlay said.

Her daughter Louise Ward said the extra-curricular offering at MLC was one of her most valued experiences from her time at the school in the 1990s.

“For me, I found my passion for rowing during my schooling years and was lucky enough to have the opportunity to teach the sport to other MLC students while I was studying in university.”

Mrs Ward’s daughters Emma and Sophie Ward, current students at the school, said it was the innovative use of technology available in the current day that truly stood out to them.

THE CHANGING FACE OF METHODIST LADIES’ COLLEGE

MLC was one of the first girls’ schools in Melbourne to have a swimming pool.

The early days of the campus.

The modern day campus.

Students using typewriters in the early days.

Students now have access to the latest technology.

The school in the early days.

The modern school today.