Ms JENNY ROWSE – School Principal St George Girls High (1985-1992)
Jenny began her teaching career at Griffith High School and taught at a variety of schools including Blacktown Girls High School and Petersham Girls High School. She was the Deputy Principal of Davidson High School before her appointment to St George Girls High School.
One of the former students declared that this Principal introduced her to feminism, while another described her as a wonderful woman, a true feminist who really had a great way of instilling confidence and bravery in us “ladies”.
She was “ very fussy about uniform’ but also inspirational and dramatic in her appeals for the “ladies” of St George to achieve.
FROM INDEPENDENT MINDS – A History of St George Girls High School by Pauline Curby page 157
MY COMMENT FROM THE ST GEORGIANS SITE
Ms Rowse – a colourful personality as School Principal who led the school with vigour and a determination that the students will achieve. And achieve they did. She was a fair Principal.
She was always well presented and kept herself in shape with her yoga. She loved her trips to Hong Kong where she had friends, who lived near The Peak. Alas, those gorgeous shoes – no doubt some of her Hong Kong purchases!
I recall that she attended a Mock Trial in Kogarah Local Court House in the evening. She sat and did her work, as well as listening to the proceedings. The Mock Trial was held in 1991 to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the School.
Jenny, in the morning prior to classes starting, would often be seen outside in the front garden cutting her daily “fleurs” for her desk.
Fond memories Jenny. Vale Anne Field Social Science 1977-2011.
Students have commented on many different things……
One said i ‘m sure that many of you will recall the indomitable stare and a voice that stopped you in your tracks if you were wearing non -sanctioned jewellery.
She was a very caring woman, who worked hard to ensure everyone at St George achieved their best.
Another said she was a strong admirable woman. I was terrified and in awe at the same time. A great role model for us girls.
Jenny Rowse, Principal and the Deputy Bob Scott both arrived at the beginning of 1985. Bob was a practical man whereas Jenny was the academic. They were a great team. They were very very different to one another, but they worked well as a team (Page 170 Pauline Curby in Independent Minds)
Bob Scott, Deputy Principal would often sneak new agenda items into the weekly School Assembly. One day on School Assemby, Ms Rowse, when addressing the school noticed, and said “Mr Scott has done it to me again.” The School Assembly-staff and students erupted into fits of laughter .
If students were wearing incorrect uniform or wearing unsanctioned jewellery it was a shrill “come here young lady. If it was jewellery take it off, it will sit in my safe until the end of term. If it was uniform, it was a please explain “
One former student recalls that her Year 7 in 1989 were told that “it was not Billabong High School “–a reference to the surfie school bags of some students as opposed to the regulation St George Girls School back pack .
Jenny Rowse leaves a huge legacy to St George Girls and its former students. She is remembered fondly and with respect.
An obituary was published in the St George Leader March 10 2021.
