Originally published in 1986 as: A school on a hill : Strathcona 1924-1984.

The author has chosen to centre her story of Strathcona Baptist Girls' Grammar School on the achievements and character of its principals. She traces the development of the school as an institution and the effects wrought by the differing personalities of successive Heads. Miss Hughes and Mrs Livingstone began the venture in 1924, investing their whole capital to start their small school in the developing suburb of Canterbury. The school's very modesty contributed to its success, and it developed the character of a `family school' which remains an important part of the ethos of Strathcona today. A turning-point in the school's history was its acquisition in 1942 by the Baptist Church, as the Baptists' first venture into girls' education in Australia. Although this enterprise had been discussed for years, its beginning was shaky, and the school went through lean times. Miss Featherstone's long period of sound administration consolidated Strathcona as a church school; she was responsible also for an increasing academic emphasis, and the development of laboratory and library facilities. Miss Menzies Smith proved to be ahead of her time resulting in her departure and the appointment of a male principal. Strathcona prospered under the leadership of Rev. John Morley. The second male principal, Mr Kenneth Lyall, consolidated his predecessor's achievements: his educational and administrative skills further established Strathcona's reputation and solid, financial base, while his enthusiasm turned around the trend towards student non-involvement. With the appointment of Mrs Ruth Bunyan in 1990, Strathcona returned to its earlier tradition of female Heads. In a time of rapid educational, technological and social change, she ensured that the school not only kept abreast of these changes, but in some instances, led the way. Mrs Helen Hughes who succeeded her in 2001, has seen the realisation of the long-awaited Senior Centre and is now presiding over the exciting development of a new junior School. The publication of this updated history marks, and celebrates, the school's 80 years' contribution to the education of girls in Victoria. [Book jacket, ed]

Previous ed.: 1995.
Bibliography: p. 180
Includes index.