knox grammar school

CENTENARY STORIES

The women of Knox

Community

01 Jul 2023
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The influence of women on the School has been strong for nearly 100 years. The wives of the early Headmasters worked as equal partners with their husbands to ensure the smooth running of the School. Up to the 1960s at least ten major financial benefactors of the School were women. Female staff have also made significant contributions to Knox serving in teaching and administration and nursing roles. Of course, we must not forget the contribution of the mothers of our students is ongoing.

The first woman of profound influence over Knox Grammar School was Mrs Isobel MacNeil, the wife of our first Headmaster Neil MacNeil. The MacNeils served the School from 1924 to 1939. Mrs MacNeil was committed to the performing arts. She conducted the School Choir, prepared the House Choirs for the House Singing Competitions, started the Music Club and served as its President, and was involved in the production of House Plays. She also awarded prizes at sporting competitions, drove students to Associated Competitions, served warm drinks at Life Saving competitions and hosted Back to School Old Boys’ events, among other School commitments. It is easy to see that Mrs MacNeil’s contributions were an asset to the School.

The benefactors, in the early days of the School, were many. A parchment scroll inscribed in Old English text lists the names of seventeen, who contributed at least £1,000 towards the School’s development in the first 15 years. The roll lists the name of nine women, thus, most of the School’s early benefactors were women.

Margaret Gillespie, Frances Mary Gillespie, Edith Agnes Kello Gillespie, Nancy Alison Gillespie, Jessie Clarke Gillespie, Florence Armstrong, Jessie Jean Gillespie, Mary Emily Purdie and Margaret Reid.

The timing of the creation of the roll excluded the significant donation of Catherine McIlrath, who donated £50,000 to build a chapel in memory of the School’s Old Boys killed in WWII. The building of a School Chapel had been her husband William’s long-held wish.

Currently 56.9 per cent of Knox staff are women and positions are held at all levels and in all departments.

The contribution of the mothers of our students must also be recognised. For nearly 100 years, events such as class morning teas, Garden Days, barbecues and many more, have been organised and staffed by mothers. The Knox Parents and Friends Association started in 1954 and women have served as presidents and committee members. Now known as the KPA this group continues to support the School.

Women have contributed significantly to the School, the Clinic, Chapel, sports fields, Ewan House, many scholarships and prizes, community events; in fact, the running of the School is made possible by the Women of Knox.