changing needs of the school, and its increased enrolment. One of the most significant changes occurred in the late 1960s under then Headmistress Betty Archdale. Senior school houses had previously been named after well-known male Australian poets, and Archdale introduced new house names recognising accomplished Australian women. This was the basis for the senior school houses in use today. Houses now compete for the House Choir banner and the Spirit Cup, as well as the Sports Cup. Since 2008 girls have organised get-to-know-each-other events and House Days where students of the same house assemble at lunch time and have a large "house picnic". Boarding Abbotsleigh has offered boarding since its establishment, and currently caters for boarding students from the greater metropolitan area, rural New South Wales and overseas. The school currently has five boarding houses: Hirst, opened in 1980 and 1985. Catering for Year 12 boarders. Now replaced by the newly opened Wheeldon House. Lynton, opened in 1969. Catering for Year 7 boarders. McCredie, opened in 1990. Catering for Year 9 to 10 boarders. Read, opened in 1931. Catering for Year 8 to 9 boarders. Wheeldon, opened in 2008. Catering for Year 11 to 12 boarders There are currently approximately 150 boarders at Abbotsleigh from Years 7 to 12. Boarders make up about one-sixth of the senior school population. Notable alumnae See also List of non-government schools in New South Wales List of boarding schools in Australia List of Anglican schools in New South Wales References External links Abbotsleigh website Educational institutions established in 1885 Boarding schools in New South Wales Anglican secondary schools in Sydney Anglican primary schools in Sydney School buildings completed in 1885 Rock Eisteddfod Challenge participants Girls' schools in New South Wales Association of Heads of Independent Girls' Schools Junior School Heads Association of Australia Member Schools 1885 establishments in Australia Hornsby Shire Alliance of Girls' Schools Australasia