Experience the GNS Effect. Attend an Open House.
News / Authors / Stuart Brambley, Archivist
This month is the 40th anniversary of the amalgamation of Norfolk House and Glenlyon Preparatory School, becoming Glenlyon Norfolk School. … Continued
The upcoming School production of The Wizard of Oz on March 4 to 7, is the fourth time the school … Continued
The number of students graduating from GNS in recent times has been upwards of 80 students with this year being … Continued
By sheer chance, I watched an excellent Peabody Award winning documentary over the holiday period called Batata. It is about … Continued
Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth is British Columbia’s Representative for Children and Youth. She was appointed as Acting Representative effective Aug. 31, … Continued
A generation from an historic perspective is typically around thirty years. That being said, a generation ago in the Fall … Continued
The amalgamation of Norfolk House School and Glenlyon Preparatory School into GNS was signed, sealed and delivered in March 1986. … Continued
A number of the GNS community will have good memories of David Auld, long time PE teacher at Glenlyon and … Continued
In the spring of 1986, Glenlyon Norfolk School was created by amalgamating Norfolk House and Glenlyon Schools. It had been … Continued
On March 26, 1983, Norfolk House Board of Governors announced the appointment of Mrs. Margaret Wilmot as the new Headmistress … Continued
This Saturday promises to be an emotional and historic moment for all Canadian rugby fans and hopefully many of you … Continued
It has been sixty-one years since Pat Ferns was at Glenlyon as a GAP student. It was both a surprise … Continued
Canada has a long history of involvement in space exploration, beginning with its third-place status in launching an independent satellite, … Continued
As the school year closes don’t let it be the end of your journey—staying in touch can be a lifetime … Continued
St. Christopher’s School was founded in 1913 by Miss Mary Ashworth. It was the same year that Miss McDermott and … Continued
Conceived by renowned Victoria architect Francis Mawson Rattenbury, the original builder and owner on the waterfront where Glenlyon Norfolk School’s … Continued
Hamish Ian Fisher Simpson, former headmaster of Glenlyon School, passed away peacefully during the morning hours of May 31, 2025. … Continued
Forty years ago Jeremy Smith was the first Head Boy at the newly amalgamated Glenlyon Norfolk School in 1986-87. Twenty … Continued
Hilary Spicer attended Norfolk House School from 1954-62. In her graduating year she was a Prefect, Games and Grass Hockey … Continued
Quite often alumni or former staff of GNS that includes Norfolk House and Glenlyon Schools stay in contact with their … Continued
Wow! What a wonderful Homecoming weekend GNS has just hosted. Well done to everyone who played a part and made … Continued
As the 2025 Federal Election draws to a close, let us give kudos to last week’s announcement of the newly … Continued
Opportunities for alumni to return to their alma mater to reconnect with friends, classmates and staff and celebrate their memories, … Continued
At some point during the latter part of the war years of 1939-45, Major Ian Simpson, Headmaster of Glenlyon Preparatory … Continued
Although Batman and Robin were first mentioned as the Dynamic Duo after the 1941 Batman #4 comic edition, let’s not … Continued
James Isaacs attended GNS from 1994-06. During those years at school, James was always a strong student and athlete, keen … Continued
There are three years in particular that are significant landmarks in the history of Glenlyon Norfolk School, 1913, 1932 and … Continued
Julia McDermott was the founder and first headmistress of Norfolk House School, a founding school together with Glenlyon Preparatory School … Continued
If you were to Google Victoria’s storm of 1996 you would immediately get information about the record-breaking snowfall of December … Continued
GNS has certainly been very supportive of either current or recently graduated students having them work through the holidays, after … Continued
In 1978, after the much lauded years of Winifred Scott’s time as headmistress, her replacement was going to be a … Continued
Allen Upward taught at Glenlyon Preparatory School during the years 1934-38; 1939-53; 1959-60. In 1985 he presented his memories while … Continued
School traditions are elements of school culture that endure over time. These might include customs, practices, programmes, events and co-curricular … Continued
At Glenlyon Norfolk School, our students are expected to participate in service learning. But why is this such an integral … Continued
The Norfolk House motto was adopted from the Norwich High School for Girls by Julia McDermott and Dora Atkins, both … Continued
This summer will be 41 years since the first Setagaya Gakuen/Glenlyon Norfolk School exchange, but how did this successful international … Continued
In the 1972-73 school year, Glenlyon first played both cosom (floor) hockey in their gym and ice hockey at the … Continued
Basketball at GNS really only took off as a school wide activity for all ages after the Amalgamation in 1986. … Continued
The future of Pemberton Woods Campus looks towards changing the old and building the new. A new that provides long-term … Continued
Rosemary Maud Penn (Bridgman) joined NHS in September 1971, hired by Winifred Scott as her Vice-Principal and senior English teacher. … Continued
I was born two years after the end of WWII. We lived in Sutton just south of London. Some of … Continued
The tradition of Hallowe’en originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. This day marked the end of summer and … Continued
Conkers has been a British pastime for children dating back to at least the mid-19th century and who knows maybe … Continued
From Abby’s Favourite Cookies to Zuppa Inglese. Over the years of GNS history, stretching as far back to Norfolk House … Continued
When Norfolk House School moved to the Pemberton Woods site in 1932, it was originally planned that a building, in … Continued
Following on from the recent article: From Student to Mentor: Steve King’s Enduring Bond with GNS (Vol.8 Issue 2, Sept … Continued
David Keith Brumby passed away far too early on June 5th 2024 after a courageous and inspiring battle with cancer. … Continued
After building the first gymnasium at Norfolk House School in 1933, drama flourished under Mrs. Cheetham’s enthusiasm and directing skills, … Continued
Simon James Pearson, D.C. grew up in Victoria, attending Glenlyon/GNS from 1983-89. He was a member of Caister-Mackenzie, receiving Effort … Continued
Megan Atchley, Claire Banister, Rasma Bertz, Davina Bhandar, Judy Chiu, Kit Lee, Joanne Damant, Carolyn Deeprose, Karen Ellis, Celeste Hambleton, … Continued
We are in the final days for 78 Grade 12s engaged in a very busy countdown towards their graduation ceremonies. … Continued
In September 1958, Mrs. Gore-Langton joined the staff at NHS as a Social Studies teacher. She was very generous with … Continued
We know from previous Gryphon Galleries that Miss Helen Riach conducted ‘interesting’ Botany classes during the 1920’s and that Mrs. … Continued
In 1934 a father being interviewed by Major Ian Simpson for a placement of his son into Glenlyon, voiced his … Continued
As mentioned previously, Primrose Adamson was GNSs (NHS) first Art teacher from 1929-1945. Talented and self-trained, she encouraged and inspired … Continued
Anne Spicer taught at GNS (Norfolk House School) from 1960-69. From the time she left the comforts of privileged life … Continued
One of the greatest achievements a school can boast is that long after their students have left, they will be … Continued
Apart from the founding of GNS (Norfolk House School) on September 10th, many other exciting new happenings were going on … Continued
In the summer of 1985, a young student, possibly serving a Saturday “Defaulters,” discovered a set of 283 drawings of … Continued
Mrs. Ivy Leila Cheetham (née Watkins) arrived in Victoria with her small son, and a need to earn her living … Continued
“Big Jim” as he was affectionately called by his colleagues joined the Glenlyon staff in 1978 through to 1987. A … Continued
While visiting Victoria’s Inner Harbour you most likely have heard the chimes from the tower outside the RBC Museum. The … Continued
Main House has a rich history of transformations. While echoes of familiar sounds from Grade 6 students from the upper … Continued
The roots of our House system were introduced into the founding schools, Norfolk House and Glenlyon, early in their development. … Continued
These days at our school, we are used to the idea of a Board of Governors, headed by a Board … Continued
Joan Cooke, a native of Jamaica, lived in Victoria most of her life and was a graduate of the University … Continued
You may have noticed that the B.C. Curling Finals were held at Esquimalt’s Archie Browning Arena this past weekend. It’s … Continued
If you were to search an atlas gazetteer for Locarno, you would discover it to be an Italian-speaking resort city … Continued
Where Was The Original Site of Norfolk House School in September 1913? This has been an unresolved question, but there … Continued
The first Senior Master at Glenlyon Preparatory School. In the same way, as Julia McDermott was joined by Dora Atkins … Continued
Helen Riach taught at Norfolk House School (GNS) from 1922 to 1938(?)—although the photo above right, is titled Staff Picnic … Continued
Boarding existed at GNS (Glenlyon) right from its start-up in September 1932. It continued to be offered for forty years. … Continued
When you consider the current and amazing variety of activities available for GNS students at two large gyms, turf fields … Continued
Keith was born on August 26, 1927, in Surrey, England, and passed away on March 28, 2017, in Victoria, BC. … Continued
A lifelong learner, educator and adventurer.
GNS (Glenlyon & Norfolk House) supporting the war effort.
Actor, Director and always a Teacher.
In the mid-1960’s, after the death knell of the boxing programme at Glenlyon due to a few mishaps and parental concerns, the sailing programme was initiated.
For the love of singing!
Christopher W.N. Pinckard was born on the front seat of his grandmother’s 1957 Lincoln while being rushed to the Royal Jubilee Hospital, which may account for his lifelong interest in classic cars.
He played for Canada as a ROP and WK—can you guess what sport?
Part 3 of the story of the start of Norfolk House School, which is also recognised as the beginning of GNS.
Part 2 of the story of the start of Norfolk House School, which is also recognised as the beginning of GNS.
Stepping outside
A driving force behind Norfolk House School’s survival.
In whom talents abound
Giving his all to be the best he can be.
Timothy Williams is a well-known composer, conductor and orchestrator for film, television and video game scores.
A sportswoman of outstanding ability and success.
Richard “Rico” Roberts attended GNS (Glenlyon Preparatory School) from 1979 to 1983.
A leader of men before boys.
Truly exemplifying the GNS motto.
Doing it Her Way.
The Glenlyon years
Mr. Hospitality
Following in the footsteps of her great-great-great aunt.
Grease was written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey in 1970.
The first “GNS” alumni to return as a teacher.
David Raeside Auld had his 80 birthday in January.
GNS(NHS) boarding opens up to overseas students.
Robert Piers Henwood attended Glenlyon Prepatory and GNS from 1981 to 1991.
Thirty-six years after the amalgamation of Glenlyon and Norfolk House Schools, it actually took a Grade 1 student to ask “Why do we have a Gryphon?”
Eve Egoyan is an internationally celebrated Armenian-Canadian pianist.
James and Iain Brambell were both good athletes as schoolboys.
Allison attended Glenlyon Norfolk from 1992 to 1999.
Miss Atkins, or “Atty” to many of her students but never, ever to her face, served at Glenlyon Norfolk School (Then Norfolk House School) from its founding date in 1913 to 1956, and 39 of those years were as Headmistress.
Caileigh attended GNS from 2006–2009 for Grades 5 to 7, and during those years she had lots of fun and participated in many of the things the school offered.
Jennifer Jane Bennett (Jen) taught at Glenlyon Norfolk School as the PE teacher on the Junior Girls campus from 1987 to 2000.
They became valuable members of the team in the fledgling GNS that started out with many similar traditions, values and a culture adopted from their respective schools.
Jessica joined GNS as a Grade 1 student in 1990 and graduated in 2002.
Liam Stanley is a GNS “lifer” attending from 2003 to 2016.
Michael James Audain attended GNS (Glenlyon Preparatory) from 1946 to 1951.
Benjamin Butterfield attended Glenlyon Norfolk School (Glenlyon Preparatory School) from 1973 to 1976 and is currently Head of Voice studies in the School of Music at the University of Victoria.
Capt. G. Barry was born in 1889 and taught at GNS (Glenlyon Preparatory School) from 1942 to 1955.
The Bridgman Cup Tournament was played for the first time during a cold November weekend in 1937.
Gerald Yung attended GNS from 1977 to 1980, and his brother Darryl attended GNS from 1986 to 1990. Both students were young proteges in tennis and badminton respectively.
Joan Frances Willsher was born in 1925 and attended Glenlyon Norfolk School (Norfolk House School) from 1933 to 1942.
Craig Doell attended Glenlyon Norfolk School from 1985 to 1989.
Atom Egoyan attended Genlyon Preparatory from 1968 to 1976.
First student to register at Glenlyon Preparatory School.
Iva was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1927, to a former Czech representative of the League of Nations.
Samuel Andrew Malin was registered at Glenlyon Norfolk School (Glenlyon Preparatory) on January 3, 1972 as a Grade 3 student.
Rosemary James was born on April 26, 1924
Geoff Bowes attended Glenlyon Norfolk School (Glenlyon Prepatory) from 1964 to 1966.
Matt Pettinger attended GNS from 1989 to 1991.
Judy Nicholson, born October 16, 1938.
Derek Porter attended Glenlyon Norfolk School (Glenlyon Preparatory) from 1976 to 1983.
Strongest organist in the world?
A childbirth advisor to royalty and celebrities.
Jenny John taught at Glenlyon Norfolk School (Norfolk House) from 1970 to 1974, having just arrived from England.
Dalton attended Glenlyon Norfolk School from 1991 to 1994.
Matt Frewer was born in 1958.
Gina Wilkinson was born in 1960.
As the 2022 Vancouver Whitecaps season gets underway, it is the perfect time to mention GNS’ only professional soccer player. … Continued
Marius Felix attended GNS (Glenlyon Preparatory School) from 1971 to 1974. He spent his final two high school years at … Continued
Walter Prossnitz was born in Victoria in 1959 and attended GNS (Glenlyon Preparatory School) from 1966 to 1973. Walter studied … Continued
Joyce Anne Marriott was born in Victoria in 1913 and attended GNS (Norfolk House School) from 1929 to 1931. She … Continued
Vicky Husband was born and grew up in Victoria. She attended GNS (Norfolk House School) from 1946 to 1957. Husband … Continued
Robert J. (Bob) Wheaton was born in Victoria and went to GNS (Glenlyon Preparatory School) from 1950 to 1955. As … Continued
Colin Skinner was a teacher at GNS (Glenlyon Preparatory School) from 1968 to 1975. For more than 30 years he … Continued
Ian Auld attended GNS (Glenlyon Preparatory School) from 1977 to 1985 and was arguably one of the best all-round athletes … Continued
Dorcas Susan Butt attended GNS (Norfolk House) between 1947 and 1953. By the age of 18, Susan was already establishing … Continued
Margaret Sutcliffe was a student at GNS (Norfolk House School) from 1928 to 1932. Born in 1918, she became interested … Continued
John David Elison Dalton boarded as a young boy at Glenlyon Preparatory School from 1948 to 1952. He is a … Continued
Walter Franklin McLean was a student at Glenlyon Preparatory School from 1944 to 1950. He studied at the University of … Continued
Ian Tyson country/folk singer and songwriter.
Myfanwy Spencer Pavelic attended Norfolk House School from 1929 to 1933, possibly as a boarder even though her home was … Continued
Julia McDermott, founder of Norfolk House School, was also a fine tennis player. She was born in Lewisham, England in … Continued
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