History of the tussore

As we welcomed new students, staff and their families to St Margaret's College this week, students began the new school year in their formal uniforms. For our Senior students this comprises the tussores (the cream pinafore dress), shirt, tie and blazer.

Previously the St Margaret's day uniform, the tussore is now reserved for special occasions. The tussore was first made in 1923 and the following excerpt, from From Boaters to Back-packs, describes how the tussore came about:

"Mrs McDonald bought, for herself, several yards of fine quality Assam silk, and because she thought it suitable, enough extra material for two gym tunics and blouses, plus several pairs of bloomers, inevitable in the early 1920s, and asked Ballantynes to make them for her daughter."

Betty, Mrs McDonald's daughter, then had the pleasure of wearing the dress to school and presented herself to Head Mistress Sister Winifred. Sister Winifred's genuine pleasure was evident when she said:

"I can not make any announcement until the girls and staff have seen you. They must share in this decision, and I should like you to parade in front of them immediately after Morning Assembly."

Everyone clapped and cheered delightedly at the sight of this new uniform, thus confirming the acceptance of Mrs McDonald's wise choice."

Today tussores are worn by girls in Year 11-13 on formal College occassions including the first day of the school year, prizegivings, Founders' Day and Sunday Chapels.