Every student who completed her schooling at Shelford is automatically a Shelfordian.
2025 Event
We enjoyed a Reunion for the Girls of 2020-2025 on Thursday, 15th May at Brix Bar in
Brighton. Such a joyful evening with much chatter and affection.
Some comments from the Reunion Sub Committee Members present:
Chris Riley 1980 – “The girls from the classes of 2020-25 collected for a reunion to reminisce about their time at
Shelford. Of course, there was lots of laughter, and a rousing rendition of the School Song was sung! A couple of staff members also dropped in to catch up with the girls, which they greatly appreciated.”
Lyndy Clarke 1972 – “It was wonderful to see so many fresh, enthusiastic young faces at our reunion last Thursday night. As Karen so succinctly mentioned in her Welcoming Speech, these strong, resilient young women had been through a great deal in the last few years: Covid, graduation and the demise of our beloved Shelford. We were so grateful that they came to our reunion, but most importantly, that they want to continue to be part of our vibrant, nurturing community.”
Helen Brown 1974 – “What a delightful evening for the reunion for the 2020 through to 2025’s. Brix Bar was a great venue. It was a delight to see these young women and hear what they were doing. There was a bubble of delight and excitement all evening. Looking forward to future reunions!”
The class of 2015 gathered at Brix Bar on Friday, 20 June, for their 10-year reunion. It was a night full of laughter and reminiscing about their time at Shelford together. It was also an opportunity to catch up on news about what each other has been doing for the past decade. The girls were thrilled to see some of their teachers join them at the reunion.
From Karen Boyd-Jones (President)
“What a pleasure our 20th and 30th Reunions were on Friday night, 22 August.
I so enjoy seeing and hearing the Girls greet each other excitedly at the Reunions.
What a great bunch of young women! Well presented, well-mannered, capable, confident, and sparkling. I was so proud that they are Shelford Girls!
Noise, laughter, stories, affection- just what you want at a Reunion!
Tons of tasty food too.”
From Lucille Nicoll (Class of 2005)
“The 2005 girls loved catching up and are now planning an annual drinks get-together. If you couldn’t be a part of the 20-year reunion but would like to be included going forward, please reach out!”
From Karen Boyd-Jones (President)
“What a pleasure our 20th and 30th Reunions were on Friday night, 22 August.
I so enjoy seeing and hearing the Girls greet each other excitedly at the Reunions.
What a great bunch of young women! Well presented, well-mannered, capable, confident, and sparkling. I was so proud that they are Shelford Girls!
Noise, laughter, stories, affection- just what you want at a Reunion!
Tons of tasty food too.”
From Dylan Payton (Class of 1995)
“On Friday, 22 August, the class of 1995 gathered to celebrate our 30-year reunion. It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces, reconnecting and comparing stories about careers, families and school memories.
Thank you to the Old Shelfordians for their support in reconnecting us and setting up this event. Hopefully many more to come!”
The 1985 year enjoyed a wonderful night celebrating our 40-year reunion on Friday night, 2nd May, at the Brix Bar in Brighton.
The laughter and chatter were so loud, we didn’t need music! It was as if no time had passed and we’d seen each other yesterday, sharing all the memories of our school years and beyond.
The venue was perfect, with lots of good quality food and drinks to make the night a success.
We all agreed that we should have another catch-up before our 50-year reunion!
On Thursday, 29 May, nearly 50 Shelford staff (from the 1990’s, 2000’s, 2010’s and the 2020’s) caught up for a reunion to reminisce about their time together as work colleagues. It was a night full of laughter and memories as they looked at official staff photos from their time at the school and talked about what they are doing now.
From Karen Boyd-Jones:
On 26th July 2025, I attended the 1961 Reunion Luncheon at the Glasshouse Restaurant at Caulfield Racecourse.
The 1961 Cohort has had its annual lunches for about 20 years, organised by Lynne Guala (nee Parkes). Recognise the name? Thank you, Lynne!
The Shelfordians came from all over Victoria and interstate as well. But also, various women still meet monthly. I think it is a wonderful tribute to their lasting connections and the legacy of Shelford. They have always been a tight bunch.
What a joyous, vibrant and active group of women. We laughed a lot.
They were very interested to hear about the tragic demise of Shelford, but of course, also about what is happening now and into the future.
There were many amusing anecdotes. They remembered their Headmistresses well, like Miss Thewlis and Miss Baddams.
Miss Thewlis “was like a mouse”, but Miss Baddams “was a large, dominating personality.” Somewhat intimidating, with very strong opinions.
eg “Look left when you walk past Caulfield Grammar on your way home!” “Behave like a Lady!” Miss Baddams commented on “inappropriate” hairstyles and colour too!
However, Miss Baddams was also defensive of her Girls and supported them fiercely when necessary.
Remember the uniform length checks being measured above the knees and the colour of those Bonds “Cottontails” underpants with blue for Sports days and grey otherwise?
There were many other tales too… of the hijinks that the Girls got up to! It was all so entertaining.
I hope to be invited again.
Thank you, Girls of 1961.
From Jenny Williams (nee Lynn)
The reunion for the “Year of 1961” was held at The Glasshouse, Caulfield Racecourse on Tuesday, 29th July. Seventeen people attended; a great result! The usual ‘catch-up’ conversations were stimulating and informative, with many memories shared. There was an underlying sense of pride in the fact that we have maintained our connection to Shelford and each other for sixty-four years through these class reunions. Karen Boyd-Jones, President of Shelford Alumnae, spoke about Shelford and its future in the coming changes, and we concluded with a unanimous decision to make our reunion an annual event.
From Chris Riley (Class of 1980)
The class of 1980 enjoyed an evening of reminiscing about the fun times at school at their recent reunion. It was an opportunity to find out what people are doing in retirement, how children and grandchildren are progressing, and, sadly, to find out which former class members have passed on.
From Karen Boyd-Jones (President)
Interestingly, 8 Girls started at Shelford in Prep and went all the way through to Year 12 together. (Some started in 4yo kinder!) A long time together, considering it was their 45th Anniversary of leaving School! Then, 3 Girls went on to do Nursing at the Alfred and stayed in the nurses’ home there together for 3 more years. You can imagine the strong and lifelong bonds of firm friendships between these Girls. Wonderful to see.
Shelford 1975 Cohort 50th Reunion
“Oh what a night!!”
21 of us gathered, having last held a formal reunion 20 years ago. In addition we had “My life now and/or since Shelford” stories from 9 of those who were unable to attend. So in total 30 lives to catch up on.
We started with an optional tour of the school that 13 attended. We can report that the gardens still look just beautiful! And of course the memories flooded back. The assembly hall looked much smaller than we remembered…and reminded us of the “concerts” we used to hold there during lunchtime in form 6…with permission?? It was great to see the House honour boards hanging in the entrance to the assembly hall but we were curious about the other honour boards…which are in storage and hopefully will also have pride of place in due course.
And then to the Brix Bar for the main event. What can I say, so many conversations all happening at the same time; a fabulous slideshow; and great 70’s music in the background. Plus lots of other memorabilia including Sally James’ (Farnan’s) school uniform…which had seen better days! A rendition of the school song (and the other “unofficial” naughty version pf the school song which we performed in the assembly hall at the end of form 6…how did we ever get away with that!!).
Everyone just loved reconnecting. Some had been to our 10th, 20th and/or 30th reunions, and some keep in touch regularly with those who they were particularly close to at school. Butfor some it was the first catch-up in 50 years and for all of us it was the first big gathering for 20 years. Everyone left at the end of the night with big smiles on their faces and the promise of much more regular catch-ups going forward. We were all reminded of the very special bonds we formed at Shelford, for which we are all very grateful. These bonds definitely become even more special the older we get.
A special thanks to Karen Boyd-Jones, Jenni and other members of the Alumnae Committee, including those who helped out on the night, for helping us to make this event happen. We are thrilled that our Alumnae Association is still alive and kicking post the merger with CGS.
To all our Shelford Alumnae girls,
We had our annual Shelford Nepean Branch lunch on Friday the 19th of September, down at the Sorrento Sailing Club.
It was heartwarming to see the girls’ excitement and affection on arrival. The day continued with happiness, anecdotes, and laughter. The venue was attractive, plus it overlooked the sparkling waters of the bay. The food was delicious and well presented.
I would like to thank Virginia Cable for organising all of her annual Nepean Branch lunches and for instigating the idea of inviting all Alumnae. 40 girls were present.
Due to the enthusiasm of the event and a revisit to the old school song on the day, we hope to continue this annually in future years.
Keep a lookout for next year’s annual Shelford Alumnae event – Friday the 18th of September 2026!
Karen Boyd-Jones (President)
