Founders’ Day Service 2026

We recently celebrated a truly significant day in our School’s history. On 3 March 1923, 103 years ago, Mentone Grammar first opened its doors to a small group of students, and the rest, as they say, is history. Founders’ Day is a special opportunity for our community to reflect on where we began and how far we have come.

In 2026, Mentone Grammar proudly marks 20 years of coeducation. This milestone invites us to reflect on the journey that has shaped our School and to celebrate the vibrant, inclusive community we are today. We were also thrilled to welcome back many of our Head Prefects from the past 20 years, recognising their leadership and the important role they have played in shaping our coeducational story.

During our Founders’ Day Assembly, we acknowledged the diverse and connected community that continues to grow from our shared School Values: Caring, Discipline, Endeavour, Integrity, Resilience, Respect, and Service.

A highlight of the assembly each year is the traditional cutting of the Founders’ Day cake. For this special moment, we invite Mentonians to join our students on stage. This year, we were delighted to welcome Katie Yeats (Class of 2009) and Andrew Kemp (Class of 2010), who joined our Head Prefects Ben C and Ella W (Year 12), along with ELC students Maggie and Jackson, to cut the cake.

The ceremonial sword used for this tradition once belonged to distinguished soldier Colonel Charles Weir, who played an important role in the founding of Mentone Grammar. Many years ago, his wife Marion brought the sword to Founders’ Day and cut the cake herself, a tradition she continued until she turned 101. On Founder’s Day, we proudly continue this tradition in honour of those who came before us.

Happy birthday, Mentone Grammar!