Objects of Substance- The Blue

represented by gold tacking around the crest on the pocket with the sport and date in gold thread under the badge.

1963 Elizabeth Hatton’s “Blue” Criteria for pockets, in general, changed across the next two decades, and in 1979, the criteria for a “blue” shifted to State representation and two years’ service in A Grade (now defined as the “Open” competition), making this pocket more prestigious and decidedly more difficult to achieve. In 1985, as Director of Health, Physical Education and Sport, I submitted a proposal to make the “blue” a separate pocket on the top right-hand side of the blazer. The design was to reflect the original “blue” with BGGS in royal blue script with the embroidering of the sport and date below. I did this for three reasons: the blue was the most difficult and prestigious pocket a Grammar girl could receive and warranted a more substantial display; it presented an opportunity to honour the blue’s original design; and I had always admired the BGS elegant and elaborate blazer with the balanced design of two top pockets. Principal, Mrs Judith Hancock, approved the concept and the design. In 2016, as Dean of School, the Principal, Ms Jacinda Euler, asked me to submit a proposal for the awarding of academic pockets. The submission reflected the co-curricular awards system with pockets to be awarded being the Blue, a full pocket, a half pocket, and a general pocket. The new academic “blue” is now awarded to the Dux of the School (Year 12) as the Lady Lilley Gold medallist and the dux in Year 11 as the Annie Mackay Bursary recipient. The first in this category of Blues were awarded at Speech Day in 2016. Is this 19th century concept an anachronism? Just how important is the “blue” in the 21 st century? Does it still carry significant meaning for the Grammar girl? Matina Samios, Lady Lilley Gold medallist 2020 states: “Receiving my Year 11 Annie Mackay Bursary Blue, and being compared to the likes of state and national representatives, was a huge honour, and I was so thrilled to have it embroidered on my blazer. In particular, I appreciated the acknowledgement of the time and effort I dedicated to my studies…” (Email 15.09.21)