Discover
Historical TimelineFor 120 years, Moreton Bay College has been offering an outstanding student experience. From humble beginnings at Bay Terrace in Wynnum, we have grown into one of Brisbane’s top performing schools. Please enjoy some of the milestones in our historical timeline below.
In the beginning
Moreton Bay Girls’ High School is opened by Miss Alice J Alison Greene (Principal) and her sisters, Miss Anne and Miss Helah. It is situated on Bay Terrace, Wynnum in a purpose-built building constructed by their father, Mr John Iley Greene. The building accommodates day pupils and boarders.
Commercial Courses
By 1910, Moreton Bay Girls’ High School was offering a two year-long comprehensive Commercial Course. Students were trained in “Bills of Exchange, Consignments, Insolvency, Banking, Shipping and Customs work, Typewriting and a full course in Pitman’s Shorthand.
Moreton Bay Girl Guides
On July 26 1924, the first Moreton Bay Girl Guide Company was formed, and the girls met every Saturday on the grounds of the College. In 1926, Miss Nicoll became a Brownie Warrant and the MBGHS Brownies were formed.
A boarder's life
In 1938, the cost of residence for a boarder was £6.12.0, and tuition was £1.3.0 a term. School books were ten shillings, and students paid sixpence to belong to the sport club!
The PMSA transition
Miss Alice J Alison Greene retires and the school is gifted to the Methodist Church. The Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA) agrees to operate the school.
Mrs Drewe and Mrs Boswell
Mrs Millicent Drewe is appointed Headmistress, and during her leadership, introduces the famous “pink checked” summer uniform. Mrs Leita Boswell commences on staff as a primary teacher, later becomes Head of Primary, and serves for 40 years.
Miss Oriel Handley
Miss Oriel Handley commences on staff as a speech and music teacher, later becomes Senior Headmistress and Vice Principal, and serves for 42 years. The school’s name changes to Moreton Bay College.
A new Headmistress
Mrs Viola Owen-Winchester is appointed Headmistress. The PMSA purchase land at Manly Road designated as the site for a new MBC campus. Many years later this becomes the Moreton Bay Boys’ College campus.
The Uniting Church
The PMSA announces the closure of MBC, however, the decision is rescinded due to pressure from families and friends of the school. Enrolments drop to 65. The Uniting Church takes over governorship of the school and appoints a local Board of Governors.
The first Headmaster
Mr Ken Waller commences as the school’s first Headmaster, and the boarding house closes after 80 years of operation. Land is purchased on Wondall Road and the students move into the new campus.
Olympic size pool
The new 50m swimming pool was built and “Aurora” the lion became the new mascot. Leita Boswell retired after 40 years. The new multi purpose Primary Hall was named in her honour.
A brother school begins
Moreton Bay College Celebrates 100 Years. Moreton Bay Boys’ College, is officially opened, with lower primary classes operating on the Wondall Road campus.
Mrs Jennifer Haynes
Jennifer Haynes is appointed as Principal, and under her leadership a memorandum of understanding is signed between MBC and MBBC, followed by the amalgamation.
120 Years
Moreton Bay College celebrates 120 years of providing an outstanding educational experience for girls.