A century ago, 52-year-old Grace Lawrance and 32-year-old Beatrice Rennie stood on Balmoral Beach, looked up the hill to 47 Mandolong Road in Mosman, and dared to dream what the house and land might become. In a world where opportunities for women were limited, their decision to establish and independently run a school was revolutionary. They envisioned a place where girls could come to live and learn, and laid down the foundations for a school shaped by their mission. They encouraged their students to read the papers, engage with their local surroundings, and embrace a curriculum rich in reading, writing, sports, and the arts. They cared for their students as if they were their own children. In 1929, Violet Medway arrived and later devoted 67 years to the School, playing a vital role in carrying this vision forward.
In 1925, it was rare for two women to start a school on their own and remain steadfast in maintaining ownership. Their leadership allowed them to teach a curriculum they valued and provide opportunities that would shape young women of integrity and character. This was self-governance in practice: they were driven by their faith and their belief in girls' education. Lawrance reflected, "The beginning of any undertaking is usually much uphill work. The foundation of a good school is no exception to this rule. Our motto 'per aspera ad astra' sets us a very high ideal, and I feel sure that with a promising beginning, we may look forward to the time when Queenwood will have made for itself a good name among the Girls' Schools of Sydney."
To mark this milestone, the Centenary was celebrated with a play that brought the founding women to life and invited the community to experience the School's early years. Shiloh, who portrayed Grace Lawrance, reflected, "Having been at Queenwood for most of my life, I have always wondered how it began. After being involved in this play, my questions have been answered. Ms Lawrance was a gentle soul. She was an inspiration to everyone she taught, and I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to bring her story to life."
Gemma, who portrayed Beatrice Rennie, said, "The play made me realise the importance of Queenwood's Centenary. Ms Rennie defied and redefined what society expected from women and girls. From coaching Queenwood's first basketball team to encouraging girls to speak clearly and directly, she embodied courage and vision. Through portraying her, I was able to understand her commitment and the sacrifices she made for her girls." Rennie co-founded the School and led it for 46 years, guiding it through economic depression, war, and social change while maintaining rigorous standards and personal care for every student.
Isabella who portrayed Violet Medway, reflected, "I feel so fortunate to be involved in the telling of the Queenwood story. Now when I look over the balcony, and see Balmoral, I can picture Miss Lawrence, Miss Rennie and Miss Medway looking out, and I'm proud to call myself a Queenwood girl." Medway devoted 67 years to Queenwood, serving as assistant, co-owner, co-principal, and eventually sole principal. She combined strategic thinking with deep care for her students, guiding the School through expansion, war, and social change while ensuring its values endured.
Their courage to dream, lead, and persevere offers a quiet and powerful message for our girls: take ownership of your ambitions, lead with purpose, and leave a lasting mark. As Rennie once wrote, "(A Queenwood girl) realises that power means the power to serve - can we not all strive to attain that queenliness - to bear ourselves with dignity, and yet with gentleness, to be courteous to all, in all places, at all times, and to make service the motive of our lives."
In honouring our founders, the Centenary also acknowledges Alison Stalley, Judith Wheeldon, Kem Bray, James Harpur, Elizabeth Stone, Marise McConaghy, alumnae, faculty and all generations of girls since 1925, who have carried forward the vision and values established by these remarkable women.
Thank you, Grace Lawrance, Beatrice Rennie, and Violet Medway. Happy birthday, Queenwood!
A School of Her Own was an original play commissioned for our Centenary and written by Lucy Stewart.
It was produced by the Drama Department and performed by our Curriculum Drama students.