College founder and headmistress, Miss Isobel Davies, and her sister, Lillian, were renowned for their compassion and love of the children in their care.
Archivist, Miss Jessica Moore, was curious about Miss Lillian’s place in the young Roseville College and discovered a woman rich in Christian character.
We know It is in the fibre of the college culture to think of others and practice virtues of kindness, selflessness and moral fortitude, even through the challenging times.
Jessica asked from whom did we inherit this previous culture that upholds our students, their families and our staff in “ordinary” life, and especially at times of great uncertainty?
Lillian Davies, sister to the first headmistress, Isobel Davies, was affectionately known as Miss Lillian. She is remembered as a gentle, lovable and selfless woman, who was always bright and happy.
Lillian shared her sisters’ passion and dedication for the growth and care of Roseville College, and supported the new school even while continuing her own position teaching at Willoughby Public School. Despite the demands of her own work; she was there for the children at Roseville College every single day – in ways many may not appreciate.
Lillian lived on site with her family, assisting the boarders at Roseville by night, supervising them, cooking dinners, mending their clothes, and providing medical care and emotional support.
In times of illness, Lillian nursed children as best as she was equipped. In the Scroll of 1933, bemused boarding students fondly recall:
“Two of the boarders had operations for appendicitis this year … There was an epidemic of influenza at the house at the end of the second term, and I am sorry to say that one of us suffered very much. Miss Lillian’s infallible remedy of a cup of water and half a tin of mustard afforded great relief – not only to the sufferer, but to everyone else!”
On weekends, Lillian would spend Saturdays directing chores, supervising the washing of hair and clothes, and taking the students on outings. Sundays were for church, so Lillian led boarders in their white dresses, hats and gloves to a nearby church, where she also taught Sunday School classes.
Lillian always retained her cheerful and kind demeanour, ensuring each student was cared for and supported.
“As a school community, it is important that we are appreciative and grateful to those who go above and beyond their call of duty, in particular our teachers, who have had to rapidly adapt to this new environment,” says Roseville College.
Roseville College is an independent day school for girls in Kindergarten to Year 12, in the Anglican faith tradition. Founded […]