Objects of Substance – Confidential Report Book

1913 Miss Atkinson Williams and her staff Back row: Miss Carson, Unidentified, Miss Lyons B.A. (Syd), Miss Mackay, Miss Hunt BSc. (London), Mrs Burke, Unidentified Seated: Miss Jensen M.A. (Syd), Miss Atkinson Williams B.A. (London), Miss Copas M.A. (Melb) Inspectors could be equally forthright in their appraisals. Inspector George wrote in 1923 when observing French, ‘in at least one of lower drafts the pronunciation of the French and the thoroughness of the teaching were not satisfactory’ (1923). Miss Mackay’s response to this comment was ‘this refers to Miss Knowles, one of the temporary mistresses now left’ (1924). However, the responses of the headmistresses showed an in-depth knowledge of their School and the staff, with often compassionate responses for the Trustees. Miss Mackay, in the same report, stated, ‘I regret that the mistress referred to here (Miss Steedm an) is at her very worst during inspection owing to nervousness’ (Confidential Book 2, 1924).