Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2010

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In 1875, no thought had been given to the introduction of a school uniform. It would appear, however, that a sports uniform started to take shape in the early part of the twentieth century. The reasons for this evolution appear unclear. Possibly it was in response to the fact that an easily recognised uniform enhanced a school’s identity and esprit de corps on the sporting field. Given the dress etiquette of the time, it was obvious that first and foremost, a sports uniform would need to protect a lady’s modesty while simultaneously facilitating a great deal of movement. A white blouse, tie and bandana, together with voluminous Bombay pants and long hose appear to have been amongst the first versions of the sports uniform.

In terms of the daily dress, it was apparent early in Miss Mackay’s leadership that small additions and ad hoc changes were occurring so that more and more students were appearing in similar dress. The School has in its collection a very tiny badge from 1916 and photographic evidence shows that blazers were becoming more common. A hat, consisting of a white panama, royal blue under brim and a royal blue band with a badge embroidered at the front was also making an appearance. The stimulus for this change may have stemmed from seeing women in uniform during the war.

continued until 1903. She became president of the Association in 1906, and in what could be regarded as a rather strange situation, remained in that position on an ad hoc basis during 1914–1917 while simultaneously functioning as Headmistress. The aim at all times was to keep up the connection between past pupils and the School and to promote good fellowship among past pupils. As the person responsible for framing and ensuring that the academic programme was delivered, Miss Mackay appeared to have an innate understanding of a growing interest in science by her students. While it proved a little difficult to keep female science teachers, as they either accepted other positions or left to be married, Miss Mackay seemed to find innovative ways to ensure students received the best possible understanding of this subject. When Physiology and Biology were introduced, the practical teaching rested with the Director of the Museum who visited the School giving lectures with appropriate models. The physical environment also proved to be challenge and appeared to frustrate her. In 1915, the first section of W Block was opened with three classrooms and a large, airy art room. The presence of this building indicated the trustees commitment to humanities and drawing, but it did not solve the issue of subjects, which the School continued to offer and which required specialised facilities. In particular, Miss Mackay wanted a science laboratory. At her request, Mr Thwaites, the science master at Brisbane Grammar School, undertook a review of the Girls’ facilities and recommended the building of one large laboratory for Botany and Physiology and one smaller laboratory for a class of some ten senior students in both Chemistry and Physics. Owing to a shortage of funds, the trustees decided that a room

WE ARE THE PREPARATORY FORM AND ALTHOUGH THE ELDEST GIRL IS ELEVEN YEARS OLD WE ARE GENERALLY CALLED “THE BABIES”

In terms of the development in the School’s uniform, Marjorie Puregger (nee Bulcock) a former student at the time of Miss Mackay remembers that: existing interschool rivalry with other girls’ schools was the catalyst as some of these schools had already adopted distinctive uniforms... the Fifth Form students took the initiative and sketched the ideal uniform. Miss Mackay displayed a rather open, modern approach indicating she would not force the wearing of uniforms since many parents might object to the expense... the initial outing for the student agreed uniform of a crisp white blouse and royal blue tie was the occasion of the Brockway Cup at the Ithaca Pool in 1922. Miss Mackay and the parents subsequently endorsed the students’ choice... and hence the essence of today’s uniform was born. The needs of current students were not her only concern; Miss Mackay also supported the Old Girls Association and in 1899 became the Association’s first secretary, a position she

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