At the weekend, the term was re-coined to describe present St Hilda’s Collegiate principal Jackie Barron and former principals Melissa Bell, Christine Leighton, Elaine Hesse Steel and Pat Braddick.
The five met face to face for the first time at the weekend for the school’s 125th jubilee celebrations, where they made sure everyone was very well behaved.
Principals are well known for their role modelling, and once a principal, always a principal.
Ms Braddick said being among so many former principals and staff was overwhelming.
"As long as I can recognise them and name them, it’s not too bad."
Ms Hesse Steel was amazed by the memories which came flooding back when she stepped on to the school grounds again.
"I think when you come back, you remember all of the different aspects that happened.
"You just feel memories come flooding back.
"The joy of seeing girls who flourish, sticks in my mind — especially those who have been through some rough times."
Ms Bell said it was humbling to be a link in the chain of principals who had helped build the school into what it was today.
"St Hilda’s have had a legacy of really strong female leaders, and I think that when you’re in the role, you’re really honouring the work that’s been done in the past.
"And when you leave the role, it’s really nice to see the work continue."
The meet-and-greet was part of a weekend of activities, which included an anniversary chapel service, a gala lunch at the Glenroy Auditorium and a panel discussion on the topic of 125 Years of Inspiring Women, featuring distinguished alumnae Margo Barton, Catherine Fitzgerald, Anna Guenther, Carrie Hobson, Katherine Rich and Lucy Strack.
