Cheltenham Girls High School

Cheltenham Girls High School was established in the academic year of 1957–1958 by Bessie Mitchell, who served as the inaugural Principal. The institution is situated on the former residential property of the Vicars family, who generously donated the land specifically for the establishment of a school. A leadlight window from the original residence is now displayed in the administration foyer, alongside a larger window depicting a ship located in the E block. This ship image is featured in the header of the school newsletter, Yarrabee.

During its inaugural year in 1957, the first cohort of students was temporarily housed in the facilities of Epping Boys' High School, as the construction of Cheltenham Girls High School was still underway. The playground at Epping was divided, with one section designated for girls and the other for boys, and boys faced disciplinary action if found in the girls' area. In 1958, these students transitioned to the newly constructed buildings on the Cheltenham site, which included four second-year classes and ten first-year classes. A common misconception regarding the school's uniform is that its pink color originated from a bequest mandating this choice. Contrary to popular belief, it was not Bessie Mitchell who determined the pink dresses; rather, this decision was made by the Vicars family, the previous landowners. These distinctive dresses continue to be worn today and are well recognized in the community.

A significant event in the Cheltenham school calendar is the annual Presentation Day, held at the Sydney Opera House. On this occasion, most students, staff, and parents travel to Circular Quay station via a special train designated for the event, known as the "Cheltenham Express." During Presentation Day, students perform Handel's 'Hallelujah' chorus along with another selected song, such as Pharrell Williams' 'Happy,' as a choir. This performance necessitates extensive practice over several lessons and has been adapted to virtual formats through Zoom meetings or lipsyncing in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years.