On 20 July 1885 Abbotsleigh opened its doors in a small terrace house at the top of Mount Street, North Sydney under the leadership of Miss Marian Clarke. Twenty children, including young boys, were taught by two teachers.
Marian Clarke’s health soon declined, so her doctor recommended that the school be moved to a drier climate. Abbotsleigh relocated to Parramatta in January 1888. Abbotsleigh flourished there, but after several years Miss Clarke was again required to relocate for medical reasons. This time Wahroonga, on the burgeoning Upper North Shore, was chosen.
Thirteen boarders and 10 day girls followed Miss Clarke to Wahroonga in October 1898. Abbotsleigh’s move was the beginning of many changes and greater opportunities for the school, most notably the exclusion of boys.
Abbotsleigh was the first girls’ school to have a sports field, and the sporting life of the School draws firmly on a long tradition of physical exercise, team spirit and fair play. The introduction of ‘houses’ by Miss Everett in 1931 did a great deal to foster sporting spirit in the School.
Achievements in music and performing arts have also been a significant part of Abbotsleigh’s heritage. Music forms part of worship services and the building of a beautiful baroque organ in 1992 added significantly to both services in the Chapel and the musical life of the School. Some of today’s established stars of the stage and screen first walked the boards in an Abbotsleigh production.
Thurles Thomas Archives
Ms Julie Gleaves, School Archivist
Phone: +61 2 9473 7735