Our Heritage
Aged just 20, Edith opened Wenona’s precursor, Woodstock, in a cottage on West Street, North Sydney. At the time, women’s education was mostly limited to preparation for marriage. But Ms Hooke established a full complement of subjects: languages, science and sport. Her aim was to equip young women to live lives of purpose, in line with the Motto she chose, Ut Prosim, that I may serve.
Growth and Relocation
Taking in both day students and boarders, Woodstock quickly flourished. By 1913 it had become Wenona and begun to outgrew its original home. In 1920, former Head Girl Miss Edith Ralston, purchased the School and a year later, relocated it to 176 Walker Street, where student ambitions continue to take flight today.
A Legacy Of Female Leadership
For more than 130 years, Wenona has been led by visionary female leaders who recognised the value of girls’ education. of Miss Barbara Jackson who helped the School for almost three decades, continues to this day. Since current Principal Dr Briony Scott, an Old Girl under Miss Jackson, arrived in 2011, she has carried out her vision to educate ‘Renaissance women’.
Wenona Today
Wenona may not be the same little school on West Street, but what remains from Miss Hooke’s Woodstock is a strength in relationships, a culture of service and a vision to empower women to revel in the challenges ahead of them now and into the future.