Canberra Girls Grammar School

100 years ago to this very week, our School first opened its doors. On Thursday 10 June 1926—to be exact—St Gabriel’s, as we were then known, commenced classes with just 10 excited students, four of whom were boarders.

But did you know, the first site for CGGS was in the suburb of Reid? Located with the Old Rectory of St John’s Anglican Church, ‘Glebe House’, as it was soon called, was home until a new site was located in Red Hill. Seniors moved to Melbourne Ave in 1927, while Juniors remained at Glebe House until 1929. Glebe House was sadly demolished in 1954.

Visit our Centenary microsite to retrace our history yourself: cggs.act.edu.au/centenary

An IB world-first, inspiring our youngest learners capacity for action, right here at CGGS.

Yesterday students from across the ACT PYP Network gathered at Yhuuramulum as we hosted the inaugural IB Festival of Hope. This was a powerful day designed and led by students, for students, with over 120 Year 5 thinkers guided by 10 Year 6 leaders through a shared pursuit of hope: encouraging opportunities to transform thoughts and quiet intentions into hope-filled action.

Students participated in collaborative design thinking workshops as they worked together to imagine solutions to real-world challenges. Students also heard from changemakers from Canberra PYP schools and engaged in a panel discussion, skillfully led by CGGS student Maddie, which provided a powerful moment of reflection with thoughtful questions and authentic dialogue.

The festival concluded with a collective ‘Seeds of Hope’ installation, a visible reminder that even the smallest ideas, intentions and actions can grow into meaningful change over time.

A special thank you to keynote speaker Anjali Sharma, whose work in climate justice continues to inspire young people across Australia and the world, and to CGGS Director of Junior School (Learning and Innovation) Belinda Reitstatter for overseeing such an inspiring event for local PYP students.

As Canberra’s first and only authorised IB continuum school, the PYP at CGGS is a pivotal educational foundation for our students, preparing them for a lifetime of learning. Learn more: cggs.act.edu.au

International Baccalaureate

It was just one day, but with one ambitious goal. And together, we didn't just meet it, we EXCEEDED it! 🎇

We came. We gave. We wanted you to be the first to know that YOU have raised $285,035 towards the Lucerna Scholarship!

From all of us, thank you for believing in the power of community, inclusion and opportunity and for making such a meaningful difference.

More details to come later today.

💕Get ready, get set, to DOUBLE YOUR DONATION!💕

Your donation just got 2x more powerful.👯

A generous bequest from Judith Baskin means that every dollar you give to the Lucerna Scholarship is MATCHED—up to $50,000—but only until 8pm tonight.

This is your moment to make twice the difference! Donate now: https://cggsgivingday.gofundraise.com.au/

The Pantano family has shown up with astonishing support! They have donated $20,000 towards the promise of a CGGS education as a Centenary donor—what a gift! Our deepest thanks.🎉

"We gave because we have four daughters at CGGS—we know firsthand what this School does for a girl."

You too can donate now to light her way:
https://cggsgivingday.gofundraise.com.au/

A big shout out to Construction Control for a $10,000 donation as a Centenary donor.💫

Construction Control is a construction and project management firm and a valued commercial partner of CGGS. They share and improve our spaces and places, having built iconic campus facilities such as the Admin Building and the new Gabriel Centre. Construction Control are committed to making a difference to the communities in which they call home, live and work, and we thank them for their generosity today.

You too can donate now to light her way:
https://cggsgivingday.gofundraise.com.au/

The Cowen Family has committed to our goal with an amazing donation of $10,000 as a Centenary donor. We appreciate it and the impact you have made!🌟

“We gave to Giving Day because we wanted to help a young girl, who otherwise wouldn't, have the same opportunities to learn and lead as our daughter at Canberra Girls Grammar School.”

You too can donate now to light her way:
https://cggsgivingday.gofundraise.com.au/

The CGGS Parents and Friends Association has committed $10,000 as a Centenary donor—a testament to the strength of this community. We're so grateful.🙌

“We gave to Giving Day because, in keeping with the Canberra Girls Grammar School Parents and Friends Association’s purpose, we wanted to support the School’s educational vision and mark its Centenary year by helping make the CGGS experience available to a girl who may not otherwise have that opportunity, through the inaugural Lucerna Scholarship.”

You too can donate now to light her way:
https://cggsgivingday.gofundraise.com.au/