About Shirley Smith High School
Grow With Us
Shirley Smith High School is located in Kenny, in Canberra’s north, close to Harrison and Throsby. Bounded by the Federal Highway to the east and Horse Park Drive to the north, our school sits at the centre of a rapidly growing community — and we are growing alongside it.
Located approximately 4km from the Gungahlin Town Centre and 9km from the Canberra Centre, we are well connected by public transport, including the nearby Well Station Drive light rail stop.
As Canberra’s 91st public school, Shirley Smith High School is designed to cater for up to 800 students in Years 7–10. Since opening in 2024, we have steadily grown each year level, building a strong culture grounded in high expectations, inclusion and opportunity.
Our motto, Grow With Us, reflects our belief that learning is a shared journey. We grow as individuals, as learners and as a community. We support every young person to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to thrive — now and into the future.
At Shirley Smith High School, we are proud to nurture Curious, Connected Learners. We encourage students to ask questions, think deeply, build relationships and understand their role in shaping a just and compassionate world.
Our Namesake: Shirley Smith
Shirley Smith High School is proudly named after prominent activist and Wiradjuri woman Shirley Smith, affectionately known as “Mum Shirl”.
Born Shirley Perry near Cowra in 1924, she moved to Sydney with her family in the mid-1930s. Shirley dedicated her life to supporting Aboriginal people, particularly those in prison or facing court. She advocated tirelessly for dignity, fairness and justice, while also providing practical care and support to individuals and families.
She opened her home to children in need, helping them regain their health, reconnect with family and rebuild their futures.
Shirley was a founding member of significant organisations in Redfern, including:
- The Aboriginal Medical Service
- The Aboriginal Legal Service
- The Aboriginal Housing Company
- The Aboriginal Children’s Service
She also helped establish the Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs and was a strong advocate for Aboriginal land rights.
Shirley Smith’s life exemplified compassion, courage and commitment — values that continue to guide our school community. Her legacy challenges us to be learners who are not only curious, but deeply connected to the wellbeing of others. Through her example, we inspire our students to grow into young people who act with integrity, empathy and strength.
Her extraordinary contribution was recognised with the award of Member of the Order of the British Empire (1977) and the Member of the Order of Australia (1985) Our Logo and Uniform: A Community Symbol of Growth.
In 2023, our founding community selected our logo and uniform through a consultative process, ensuring our visual identity reflected who we are and who we aspire to be.
The chosen design — the “Curly S” — represents:
- The initials of Shirley Smith
- The coming together of the handwritten and the mechanical
- The connection between people, community and the institution of education
The blending of these elements symbolises our belief in developing Curious, Connected Learners — young people who balance creativity and structure, individuality and belonging.
The community selected fresh green as our signature colour, symbolising growth, renewal and possibility — a direct reflection of our motto, Grow With Us.
The Curly S features proudly on our uniform, reminding our students each day that they are part of a school community built on connection, growth and shared purpose.