The Early Days
Gordon Road Girls’
School was Established in 1912, then known as the Florida Road Government
School. The school began with 30 learners in the infant range and Mrs
Nelson Palmer as the first headmistress. The school quickly gained a good
reputation which we confidently claim it still maintains today.
On 1 February 1917
the school moved to its present premises and became known as Gordon Road
Government School. In 1918 the first school library was opened with 88
books. Our library today boasts both a Junior and Senior section and offers
16 000 books from which the girls can choose.
By 1925 there were
545 learners and 1927 saw the addition of the new office for the principal and
the tennis courts. The fig trees planted around the courts at this time are
still a splendid asset to our grounds.
In 1934, Gordon
Road white uniforms were introduced and 1938 saw the end of boys as learners at
Gordon Road. In 1948 the Junior Primary block was built and the original
building "The Shed", as it is still affectionately called, became the
Music Room. Music received a brand new home in 2015.
The Hall was completed in 1961 and the swimming pool was built in the early 1970's.
Recent History
In 2003 the
additions were made to the admin block and a new staff room was built.
In 2007 the new
Arts Centre was opened, encompassing the Visual Arts as well as Performing
Arts. Two time capsules were sealed and preserved in the wall opposite the
Computer Lab in the Friendship Corridor. To be opened after 50 years and 100
years.
Birthday
celebrations are held on the 1st February each year. In 2012 the school
celebrated our Centenary and "Look Back with Pride" the story of GRGS
was launched.
The Learner Support
and Enrichment Centre was built in 2015 and opened its doors in January
2016. Used for both support and enrichment of our girls. The centre
further offers spaces for Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and welcoming
rooms used for counselling when necessary.
There have been
fourteen principals and the last few years have seen some changes in the
outward face of Gordon Road, but our ethos remains unchanged with a wonderful
blend of the old and the new.