1978-1995
Background
Diana Bowman was the first SCEGGS Old Girl to be appointed Head of School. She was also the first Australian-born Head. A keen sportswoman during her school years, she went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts at Sydney University (1958) and Diploma of Education at the University of New England (1960). Ms Bowman taught Classics at SCEGGS Wollongong and Hornsby Girls’ High School before becoming Headmistress of Girton Girls’ School in Adelaide in 1965. She taught at State schools in Sydney between 1970 and 1976 and was Second Assistant at Ravenswood.
Career at SCEGGS
Diana Bowman was appointed as SCEGGS Head in 1978. Under her leadership the School pulled out of a financial crisis and once again became a thriving and prosperous place. Enrolments increased, the curriculum was redesigned, and technology was integrated to become more and more a part of school life.
The School’s physical boundaries were also extended with the important addition of the St Peter’s Church site in 1993, new art and primary classrooms, a computer laboratory, drama facility, language centre and, finally, the Centenary Sports Hall opened in 1995.
Much loved by students and staff, Miss Bowman was admired as much for her grace, warmth and compassion as her leadership and progressive educational thinking.
In 1998 she was awarded the A.M. for her “contribution to the education of young women, to the professional development of their peers and to educational management”.
At SCEGGS we do not want you to conform to any external standards or fashions, but to let your own individual qualities develop in their present form, to the benefit of all – in other words let your light shine. Luceat Lux Vestra.
Miss Bowman, Foundation Day Address, 1983