Objects of Substance- Head Girls Honour Board

It appears that prefects, Head Girls, and Head Boarders were an important part of the School from our early days and leadership and service were important elements in every Grammar girl ’ s education. It would have been considered an honour and it appears that during the mid-1970s senior students and staff were able to vote for this position, with the Principal and staff having a strong influence on the appointment decision. By the late 70s, the student vote for Head Girls became the determining factor, a tradition and responsibility which has continued until present day.

1978 Prefects with Mrs J Hancock and Mr A Faragher. Back row: Caroline Somerville, Susan Chalk, Anna Blocksidge, Sandy Wilson Seated: Jane Baxter, Gale Tyson, Mrs Hancock, Mr Faragher, Susan Gordon, Janette Knudsen.

Other interesting questions arise when studying this honour board. One such question is observing that once there was a student named as Head Girl in two successive years. What is the story behind this occurrence? Margaret Bryan was named Head Girl in both 1946 and 1947. Sadly, Margaret is no longer with us; however, her brother, Bob, cast some light on the reason. “I’m not sure it has ever happened before or again [Head Girl for two successive years]. You can blame our Pop, bless him! Margaret was very young, and Pop just thought she was too young to go to University – no other reason that I know of. It obviously put “Bloss” (Miss Lilley) in a tough spot, but she was a tough lady.” (Text message from Bob Bryan 7.3.23)