Objects of Substance- 2002 Boarders’ Plaque

Boarders were the responsibility of the principals who largely resided in the Boarding House. This practice began in earnest with Sophia Beanland and ended with Judith Hancock. In 1979, Mrs Hancock moved into a residence built on the campus, but she later moved off-campus to a townhouse in Torrington Street, Spring Hill, leaving the running of the Boarding House to specialist staff. Boarding life was portrayed positively across the decades with the first boarders’ magazine report in 1913 detailing happy weekends spent on long walks to North Quay and the Acclimatisation Gardens; performing plays on a Saturday evening often written “… by some of the boarders who have brains enough to write the plays”; swimming at the Spring Hill Baths on Tuesday afternoons; and attending orchestral performances and lectures. These reports were a regular feature in all School magazines and usually written by the Head or Senior Boarder.

1940s Boarding cubicle.

In 1945, Senior Boarder, Norma Karoll wrote her report that included an apology to Miss Lilley. Norma thanked the Headmistress for their tennis parties and a dance with “the boys from our brother school” but continued with “our gratitude however did not appear very sincere, as a voluntary labour squad, through an over exertion of ‘elbow grease’ on Senior Dormitory floors, caused Miss Lilley to slip and break her ankle. For this accident we extend our heartfelt apologies.” (BGGS December Magazine 1945 p27) Boarders added a certain quality to the Grammar landscape. Ann Fielding, Head Boarder and Prefect in 1960, wrote, “Who is the most loquacious person in your Form? Does she know the results of every school match, the number of days till the end of the term? Does she lose her books, water courts, carry furniture and hose lawns? If so, then you have amidst you – a boarder.” (BGGS 1960 December Magazine p15) They brought a different perspective to the classroom, and an eclectic range of experiences and skills totally unknown to the city slicker or “Day bug” as non-boarding