Objects of Substance- Year 12 “Reimagined” Blouse

This vibrantly decorated Year 12 blouse not only channelled Diana’s thoughts but represented years of Grammar girls “dressing up”. Indeed, Grammar girls have a “colourful” history of dressing up that carries right into the present traditions of Blue Days, Galentine’s Day, and the like. It even extends to dressing up the School. Historically, Year 12 have always celebrated that bitter-sweet final day or week of their secondary schooling. Celebrations in our early years have been lost in time. However, photographic evidence from 1940 shows the VI Form “breaking up” day concert. Grammar girls, it seems, have always been ready to perform!

1940 Breaking up day VI Concert (Leah Potter collection)

The 1950s continued the tradition of “breaking up” although it was somewhat compromised by external examinations. Ann Caston (1958) remembers no real celebrations except for a visit to The Oasis Swimming Pools and Gardens at Sunnybank post examinations. However, dressing up was still central to the celebration of individual classes where the everyday uniform – be it gym tunic or School uniform – was creatively enhanced.

1959 last day dress up .