Ida Woolcock Challenge Cup

On 27 July 1928 at a BGGS Board of Trustees’ meeting in Mr Justice John Laskey Woolcock’s chambers, a formal submission was minuted for the presentation of the Ida Woolcock Challenge Cup for that year’s Annual Speech Day and Distribution of Prizes. Donated by the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Mr Justice Woolcock, in honour of his wife, the Ida Woolcock Challenge Cup was first presented that year.

The trophy was to be awarded annually to either a V or VI form girl who demonstrated the best public spirit as a schoolgirl. The girls in the upper school were to be consulted, as well as the opinions of staff, and especially the sports mistresses. However, the final awarding was to be at the sole discretion of the Head Mistress.

Carrying the motto—Hoc habeo quodcunque dedi (I possess (have) whatever I have given away)—the powerful message of service and unselfish giving resonates with the woman honoured in the cup’s naming, as well as its 99 recipients.

During the stewardship of former Principal, Mrs Judith Hancock, the award criteria shifted from the sole discretion of the Principal to the result of the students’ vote, with only Year 11 and 12 voting.

Of the 99 recipients, 58 have been Head Girls.

The Ida Woolcock Challenge Cup holds a particularly significant place at Girls Grammar. It recognises what a Grammar girl aspires to be, underpins our guiding principles and celebrates our capacity to serve.