Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College is very proud of its long history and its traditions which permeate the College. The school was opened in 1928 in the red brick building that it shared with East Camberwell Elementary School until the 1940s. In those days it was called East Camberwell Girls’ School, but was often referred to as Mangarra. This name was adopted by the former students’ association when it was re-established during the Colleges’ Diamond Jubilee year.

Throughout the 1950s the official name of the school was changed several times and it was not until 1961 that the name Canterbury Girls’ High School was adopted. In 1989, after consultation with the school community, the school’s name was changed in line with Government policy to Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College. Miss Kate Flynn, Canterbury’s first principal, chose the school motto, Fervet Opus, which appears on the College blazer pocket. It expresses the notion of working diligently.

The historical signage around the school, the honour boards and the buildings themselves remind the current students that they are part of a long history. 

The College, though, is ever changing and responsive to the modern requirements of education, especially education for girls. The classroom and sporting facilities and the availability and use of information technology allows us to focus on the 21st century challenges that students will face.

Our historical values continue to be perpetuated today by providing students with opportunities to excel, to question, to be challenged and to achieve.

Today Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College is a high performing school with outstanding VCE results, and is sought after by parents and carers as a school for their child.