Historical information

This book contains a collection of poems written by English poet and cultural critic, Matthew Arnold, with an introduction by Sir A. T. Quiller-Couch. Matthew Arnold was characterised as a sage writer, a type of writer who chastises and instructs the reader on contemporary social issues. He was also an inspector of schools for 35 years, and supported the concept of state-regulated secondary education.

Ruyton Girls' School has a long tradition of awarding prizes to students at annual "Speech Night" events. Speech Night at Ruyton is an extraordinary occasion. It is a time when we gather to celebrate both the year just lived and the contribution of our Year 12 girls to the life of our School. It is a night of stirring student speeches, acknowledgement of student endeavour and excellence and awe-inspiring performances by School choirs and ensembles.

Significance

The record has strong historic significance as it was awarded to a former notable student, Helen Gordon (maiden name Cole). Helen started at Little Ruyton in Prep 1940 and finished Year 12 in 1952 as School Captain, Bromby Captain, Form Captain for Matric, Tennis Captain, Hockey Captain, Swimming Vice Captain, and an award for Best All-Round Girl. She also played baseball for Victoria. After finishing school, Helen went on to graduate from the University of Melbourne as a physiotherapist in 1956. Her first position at age 19 involved setting up clinics with the Victorian Health Department Poliomyelitis Rural division.

Helen’s strong ties to Ruyton continued when she held the position of President of the Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967.

In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House.

Helen passed away in July 2023 at age 88.

The record's significance is further enhanced by its strong provenance, having been produced by Ruyton Girls' School and donated to the Archives by a familial connection.

Physical description

Navy leather hardcover bound book with gold detailing on front cover and spine. 494 pages.

Inscriptions & markings

Front Cover:
R /
RECTE ET FIDE LITER /
RUYTON /

Spine:
MATTHEW /
ARNOLD'S /
POEMS /
OXFORD /

Inside Cover:
R /
RECTE ET FIDE LITER /
RUYTON /
PRIZE /
AWARDED TO /
Helen Cole /
FOR /
Best all-round girl /
Form Matriculation /
H. Daniell. /
December 11 1952 /
Gift of the Old Ruytonians /