Abbotsleigh

Abbotsleigh is an independent Anglican early learning, primary, secondary day, and boarding school for girls located in Wahroonga, on the Upper North Shore of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

The school then moved to Parramatta; first to Honiton House, then to more spacious premises at the corner of Church and Marsden streets, a site now covered by a car park.

The school proved successful in Parramatta, but in 1895 Clarke left 80 pupils behind to set out for a year in England to visit her family.

[12] By the time Gordon Everett retired in 1954, there were 660 students, a separate junior school had started, and there was still a waiting list.

[citation needed] There is also a nearby Junior School, also located in Wahroonga, which houses the Early Learning Centre, Transition and Kindergarten to Year Six.

[18] The senior and junior campuses cater for 1400 students in total from Transition to Year 12 (Higher School Certificate).

Sporting facilities include a large oval, outdoor pool, three tennis courts, and various play areas.

Sporting facilities feature 11 tennis courts, three indoor gyms, two weights gyms, two cricket nets, a 25-metre indoor pool, and two large ovals for hockey, touch football, and soccer, including a multi-purpose synthetic turf oval with spectator stands.

[20] Vindin House was converted into the Grace Cossington Smith Gallery (named after Old Girl Grace Cossington Smith),[21] In addition to this, a new canteen was built in 2008 to join with the Saturday morning sports canteen, featuring new outdoor café-style eating areas overlooking the oval.

[22] The Abbotsleigh motto, Tempus celerius radio fugit, may be translated from Latin as "Time flies faster than the weaver's shuttle".

Some members of the school community have called for the motto to be changed to keep pace with modern views on feminine rights.

[citation needed] In the Upper School, students have an wider range of subjects to choose from, which follow the Board of Studies HSC syllabus.

Abbotsleigh has a number of students achieve the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award each year, which is presented at the school's Speech Day in December.

The school also has an Agricultural group (Ag Club) where chickens are raised every year for a number of competitions including the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

[citation needed] The school participates in Independent Girls' Schools Sporting Association (IGSSA) sports including softball, tennis, swimming, diving, basketball, soccer, athletics, cross country, hockey, netball, water polo, touch football, and cricket.

[citation needed] Additionally, Abbotsleigh's Junior School offers a Year 2 String Program, where girls are required to learn either violin or cello.

Girls then have the option of continuing these studies in the Extended Tuition music program and Junior School co‑curricular ensembles.

[citation needed] Abbotsleigh caters for a range of creative talents and provides an performing arts program.

In addition to drama classes (compulsory in Middle School), it is offered as a subject in Senior College years and the HSC.

Abbotsleigh has consistently achieved championship results in these competitions, fostered due to extensive coaching and development squad programs.

A number of student-run charity clubs exist within the school, with elected positions such as president, treasurer and secretary.

The Weaver for May 1931 explains: "Points are awarded for work, conduct and sport and a shield will be presented annually to the winning House".

The house system has been modified over time to reflect the changing needs of the school, and its increased enrolment.

Marian Clarke Building, Abbotsleigh (Elevation)