Shirley Smith High School, led by principal Rebecca Pearce (right), will welcome its first students next year including Avery Burley (left) and Ben Franklin (middle).
04 August 2023
Construction is ramping up on the site of Canberra’s newest high school.
The new school in Kenny has been named Shirley Smith High School following close consultation with ACT Placenames, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body and the United Ngunnawal Elders Council.
Gungahlin continues to be one of the fastest growing regions in Australia and enrolment demand is increasing across the area’s public schools. Opening in 2024, the Shirley Smith High School will cater for up to 800 year 7 to 10 students and provide high quality general and specialist learning environments.
Shirley Smith’s advocacy and influence
Shirley Smith (‘Mum Shirl’, born Shirley Perry) was born near Cowra and was a Wiradjuri woman and prominent activist.
Her family moved to Sydney in the mid-1930s and soon after she began to visit and support Aboriginal people in jail.
She assisted Aboriginal people facing criminal charges in the courts and supported children placed in her care to regain health and focus and find their families.
Shirley Smith was a founding member of many important community services in Redfern, including the Aboriginal Medical Service, Aboriginal Legal Service, the Aboriginal Housing Company, and the Aboriginal Children’s Service.
She was involved in the establishment of the Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs and in ongoing activism for land rights for Aboriginal people.
Shirley Smith’s advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people influenced other communities to establish similar services.
Shirley Smith High School principal Rebecca Pearce.
Shirley Smith High School will be headed by experienced ACT school principal Rebecca Pearce. The construction of the school is advancing well and it will welcome its first students next year.
Following the announcement of the new school’s name, the Education directorate will run a community consultation on options for the school’s logo and uniform.
Shirley Smith High School buildings under construction.
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