“ At St Leonard’s College, our House system serves as a cornerstone of student life, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging among our diverse student body.”
Comprising six distinct Houses – Allen, Cullen, Forster, McMeekin, Munro, and Newman – each student, from Prep to Year 12, plays an integral role within their respective House community.
Throughout the academic year, students eagerly engage in a variety of House Events, ranging from traditional sporting competitions such as swimming, cross country, and athletics, to performing arts events like the House Music competition.
These events not only showcase students’ athletic and artistic talents but also promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and House spirit.
“ Participation in House activities provides students with opportunities to explore their passions, develop skills, and foster meaningful connections with peers across different year levels.”
The House experience at St Leonard’s extends beyond mere camaraderie; it cultivates a sense of responsibility, leadership, and belonging among students.
Through shared experiences and collaborative endeavors, students develop lifelong friendships and memories, enriching their educational journey and contributing to a vibrant and inclusive school culture.
House History
“ Discover the history of our six St Leonard’s College Houses below.”
Allen
Mr Ronald F Allen was a member of the College Council from 1948 to 1971, being Honorary Secretary and Treasurer up to 1957. He worked tirelessly to promote the interests and growth of the College, including the transfer from Were Street to South Road in 1954.
Cullen
Miss Rebecca M Cullen purchased the school in 1915 from its previous owner, Miss Wallace, at which time it was conducted in St Leonard’s Church Hall in Wolseley Grove. She moved the school to Were Street in 1930, gave it the motto ‘Nulla Dies Sine Linea’, introduced the uniform and school badge (since changed),and guided it through wartime, depression and epidemics. Miss Cullen remained Owner/Principal until retiring in 1936, and is generally acknowledged as the founder of St Leonard’s Girls’ College. Up to her death in 1955 she had seen the school grow in numbers from fewer than ten in 1915 to 595.
Forster
Mr K Murray Forster was foundation Chairman of the College Council in 1946, a position he held until 1956 although he continued as a member until 1966. He was instrumental in assisting Miss Munro to sell her school to the Presbyterian Church of Victoria in 1946, and in the finding, purchasing, and moving of the school to ‘Merton’ hospital at South Road in 1954. Mr Forster was a distinguished architect and honorary architect to the school and designed both the original outdoor swimming pool and the Middle School building. He also designed the present school badge.
McMeekin
Mrs Betty M McMeekin first joined the staff of St Leonard’s Presbyterian Girls’ College in 1958, initially teaching English and History and later specialising in Mathematics. She held many offices, including Upper School Coordinator, Senior Mistress, Vice Principal, and in 1980 served as Acting Principal. Mrs McMeekin was Deputy Principal of St Leonard’s College when she retired at the end of 1983,having served the College continuously for 24 years. She was instrumental in the introduction and implementation of coeducation in 1972.
Munro
Munro House was named in honour of Miss Florence Munro who became Owner/Principal in 1937 after buying the school from Miss Cullen. She had originally joined the school in 1919 as Miss Cullen’s assistant. When the Presbyterian Church purchased the school in 1946 it invited Miss Munro to continue as Principal, which she did for another three years. Miss Munro guided the school through the difficult years of the Second World War whilst dealing with two statewide polio epidemics. We acknowledge her resilience, dedication and leadership through challenging times in our College history.
Newman
Newman House was named in honour of Mrs Una Newman who was Head of Middle School and instrumental in the transition to and implementation of coeducation at St Leonard’s College. She joined the staff of St Leonard’s Presbyterian Girls’ College in 1959 and in 1966 was appointed Head of Primary and Middle Schools, holding this position for six years. In 1972 she was made Head of Middle School, as a result of increasing student numbers over the years and the move to coeducation. Upon her retirement in 1981, Mrs Newman had served at the College for 23 years. In addition to her administrative and pastoral duties, she was a classroom teacher of General Science and Religious Education. Mrs Newman was a passionate, insightful and inspiring educator who has left a great legacy for us to follow today.