In early Term 1, our School Council and Executive team were delighted to formally open the Ken Jasper AM Wing for Year 11 and 12 humanities students. This occasion marked the naming of this space in honour of Ken Jasper AM, recognising his legacy and invaluable support of Melbourne Girls Grammar, shaping the future of our school.
Throughout 2024, the first floor of the beautiful Phelia Grimwade House underwent an extensive transformation to become four dedicated learning spaces for our Year 11 and Year 12 students studying philosophy, history, languages, literature and more. The classrooms have been designed to take full advantage of the natural light and the quiet space, away from busy walkways or communal spaces, to stimulate thinking and connection through class discussion. With gorgeous views overlooking the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Yarra River, Melbourne Park and the CBD, our senior students are privileged to have these tailored classrooms to inspire their learning.
Ms Lynda Wall, Deputy Principal: Educational Leadership, Academic, is pleased to share that our Senior Years students are enjoying being in the space. She added, “These specialist spaces complement the specialist Science, Arts and Sports precincts, and reinforce the breadth and rigour MGGS provides for every Grammarian.”
Teacher Jessica Ashenden says, “Teaching Latin and Classics in the Senior learning space in the Ken Jasper AM Wing has been an exciting and refreshing start to 2025. The space itself embodies what these subjects represent: preservation of the past and the examination of ancient cultures through a modern lens. Having a space dedicated to this is very special. The bookshelves are stocked with current and historic resources – it has been fun to compare the Latin texts from MGGS’s early years to today’s.”
Principal, Dr Toni Meath reflected on the new space:
“It was a great privilege and a special moment for me to officially open the Ken Jasper AM Wing at Melbourne Girls Grammar on 28 January. Ken Jasper AM has enjoyed a long and deep connection with the School, as father and grandfather of Grammarians, and he values a MGGS education and the profound impact it has on moulding future leaders, nurturing minds and shaping futures. Ken Jasper AM wished to contribute to the next generation of women and, when the opportunity of opening a special wing specifically designed for the study of the Senior humanities arose, he made the munificent gift of funding the entire renovation. He has always believed that empowering young women with the right tools and opportunities is one of the most powerful ways we can ensure a better world for the future.
On opening the Ken Jasper AM Wing, we are not just unveiling new classrooms, but rather, we are celebrating the creation of an environment designed to foster the development of ethical women of action – women who will go on to lead, inspire and make a positive impact on a global scale. The Ken Jasper AM Wing is a space specifically designed for Year 11 and 12 students to immerse themselves in the study of Global Politics, Classics, Literature, Languages and Philosophy. These subjects are at the heart of understanding the world around us, encouraging critical thought, challenging assumptions and pushing boundaries.
On the significant heritage window leading up to this wing, there is a motto etched into the glass, “Quocunque jeceris stabit”. This is a Latin saying meaning “whichever way you throw it, it will stand” or “wheresoever you cast it, it will find its feet”. It is the motto of the Isle of Man and is associated with the island’s national symbol, the Three Legs of Man. The perfect motto for young adults reminding them to be resilient and flexible!
It is my hope that this space becomes a place where our Grammarians will engage with these ideas in a way that prepares them for the complexities and challenges of the world beyond school. This wing is a symbol of what we can achieve when we support young people, especially young women, in their academic and schooling journeys. This contribution today is my way of supporting the incredible work that Melbourne Girls Grammar does in nurturing minds and shaping futures. Our community is deeply grateful to Ken Jasper AM for this fine legacy, and I have no doubt that the students who study here will leave with the skills, passion, and ethical grounding to take on the world in meaningful ways. I am pleased to report that our senior Grammarians have taken to the space gratefully and respectfully!”
It was lovely to share this special opening with Mr Jasper and his family, many of whom joined us for the celebration including current Grammarians, Sara Jasper (Year 10) and Isabel Popplestone (Year 12), and Old Grammarians Eliza Jasper (2021) and Sally Popplestone (Jasper, 1993).
With heartfelt gratitude, we thank Ken Jasper AM for his incredible generosity in making this space a reality for our Grammarians. This beautifully curated learning space will inspire generations to come. It is through the continued support of our Melbourne Girls Grammar community that we can provide exceptional educational opportunities for both current and future Grammarians.