Florence Muriel Fysh

Principal from 1934 - 1943

Miss Fysh joined Kilvington after eleven years at Rosbercon Girls’ Grammar School. Prior to this, she had taught at Lindula Girls’ High School in Devonport, Tasmania, and Queen's College, Maryborough. Miss L Bury, who had taught with Miss Fysh at Rosbercon, accompanied her to Kilvington.

Miss Fysh worked to raise the profile of academic studies, and was committed to the education of girls. She remained abreast of current educational practices and trends, and was the first Principal to introduce ‘Honour Prizes' for pupils who gained 70 per cent in at least six subjects in all their tests. Miss Fysh also acknowledged that not all girls would be inclined to pursue academic examinations; however, she stressed the importance of encouraging them to pursue their best in ‘practical’ work.

True to the School motto, Miss Fysh was keen to ensure the girls were involved in activities that would help others in need. A former pupil describes her as a wise and loving lady with a rare gift for imparting knowledge. Learning how to learn was part of her philosophy, and Miss Fysh was well known for saying, ‘I can show you how to learn, the rest is up to you.’

The philosophy imbued by Miss Fysh was that it is not enough to talk about something, you must go out and do it. Past pupil Keera Cameron believes that the most important thing that Miss Fysh taught was involvement. Alongside this was the philosophy that you must stand up for what you believe in and trust and love one another.

Miss Fysh recognised and valued the uniqueness of each of her students, and worked to ensure that the education offered provided academic, practical, personal, cocurricular, spiritual and social service strands. Over 65 years after Miss Fysh concluded her work as Principal, we can recognise her wisdom and her great contribution to the journey of this very special School.

Miss Fysh’s spirit and philosophy of the all-encompassing nature of education, focused on the individual, is one that stands strong and true today.