Objects of Substance- Sock and Custard

Readers can learn the intimate details of the day to day school life of Grammar girls. The articles and cartoons do not hold back from revealing the good, the bad, and the silly. However, that is not, in any way, to belittle the purpose and the content of what could be perceived, naively, as an ephemeral artefact hastily “run off on the Roneo machine”. Oh, how those purple-printed pages bring back memories! One edition, 18 th September 1978, includes an interview with the Principal at the time, Mrs Judith Hancock. Her answers to the questions were informative and considered. The students [Helen Rose, Amanda Hirschfeld, and Rowena Harris] asked their Principal what she hoped a student has gained by the time she leaves in Year 12. Mrs Hancock answered, “To respect her fellow man and herself, and to be able to take her place in the adult world.” Illustrations in the form of drawings, patterns, and cartoons were a feature of every edition. Many were witty and pointed caricatures of student behaviour – and dress. However, teachers did not miss out and drawings of them reveal that they were acutely observed.

1978 Sock and Custard illustration of assembly with staff and students.

Teachers’ quotations were a recurring addition. “I don’t know how solubility equilibrium might be interesting, but I’m sure it’s possible.” “I’m on a little platform out front here. I could fall off at any time.” “These sums are almost mental.” In addition, staff involvement in school camps was noted. One Third Form camp was reviewed in detail. Mrs Mills brought her young son. The writer particularly enjoyed the final night concert and asserted that “the highlight … was a tie between Mrs Mills son who kept appearing on stage and the male members of staff – showing off their grace at dancing in bikinis.” [My recollection of this very popular item was that the teachers had donned bikini tops over their regular clothing - but the dance was definitely enthusiastically cheered.]