Alumni
Over the years, The University High School has had two formal organisations for former students.
- The Old Pupils Association (OPA) was formed in 1913 and withered away in 1969. It was, in its day, quite a substantial organisation, deriving much of its strength from affiliated clubs. There was, at one time, a dramatic society and there were various sporting teams, including a lacrosse team, a women’s hockey club, a women’s athletic club and a rifle-shooting club.
- More recently, there has been an Alumni Association, which was founded in 1986 and ceased to function in 2006. This Association, though never large in numbers, benefitted the School by sponsoring academic awards and by funding improvements, such as the refurbishment of the curtains in the Sharman Hall.
School Centenary 2010
The School celebrated its centenary in 2010, and many former students (and teachers too!) used that anniversary to re-establish old friendships and re-establish connection with the School. Most of those who look to UHS as their alma mater do so with fond memories and a deep sense of gratitude.
Our School is keen in building and maintaining a database of former students and teachers. The intention is not to try to re-establish a formal organisation of former students and staff members, but rather to establish and maintain a register of those who would appreciate keeping in touch with the School and would like to be informed of current School activities, group reunions, and other ways in which you can support the School in its endeavour. There will be no formal association structure and no affiliation fees.
A brief history of
University High School
Before our present school came into being, there existed in Melbourne a privately owned and operated school by the name of “University High School”.
This institution was founded in 1893, and was, at first, located in the then disused Teachers’ College (now part of the Melbourne College of Advanced Education) on the corner of Swanston and Grattan Streets, Carlton. In 1900, the school was moved to a building opposite the Trades’ Hall in Victoria Street, and in 1912, it was closed.
photographed in 1966, just before its demolition
The school song
A special version has been specially recorded for us by Alan Nott (Class of 1956), using the latest “virtual organ” technology. Many of you will, of course, remember the song being played on the organs at the Melbourne Town Hall and at Wilson Hall, within the University of Melbourne.
“Strenue ac Fideliter”, the School Song’s music was written by former Principal, Matthew Stanton Sharman, and the words were by Mary Bechervaise.
When we’re together, sitting in the classroom
Or playing games upon the sunlit fields,
Whatever doing we will do our utmost
To give this School of ours the best life yields.
Honour and fame – a reverent adoration,
We’ll pledge to serve it, wheresoe’er we be
And always in our hearts keep its great motto
With zeal and loyalty,
With zeal and loyalty.
All honour to this School of ours
Whose flag we proudly fly.
We’ll strive to serve it strenuously
And keep its colours high.
The well-loved words will take us back
When youth’s a memory –
Strenue ac Fideliter,
With zeal and loyalty,
With zeal and loyalty.
And oft before life’s final ties are broken
We’ll gaze back o’er the years and try to see
If we have played the game with hope and courage,
If we have been all that we wished to be.
And in those hours we’ll live our past life over,
The dear old School – the afterdays we’ll see.
And know that we have served our God and country
With zeal and loyalty,
With zeal and loyalty.
(All honour to ….)
The UHS Alumni of Past Students & Past Staff
How to register
The easiest method is to email the school at university.hs@edumail.vic.gov.au, indicating you would like to register as an alumni.
If you wish to write to the school please address your letter to:
Alumni
The University High School
77 Story Street Parkville Vic 3052
Class Year reunions
If you are thinking about organising a reunion for your class or year group, please contact us in advance. We may be able to help you to locate your school friends and we will, of course, be grateful for any names and addresses which you may compile. You may wish to use School facilities for your get-together and you may wish to organise a guided tour of the School. We can help!
Contact the school on university.hs@edumail.vic.gov.au
UHS Old Boys Football Club
The UHSOB football club started in 1932 and continue play on Saturday afternoons in the Victorian Amateur Football Association. UHS-VU FC (also affiliated with Victoria University) is based at Brens oval in Parkville and still proudly wear the ‘Green and Tan’. New players or supporters from the UHS community are warmly encouraged to come and enjoy the quality football, social atmosphere and top-class facilities. For more details see www.uhsobvu.com
Centenary history book
Dr Carolyn Rasmussen’s specially commissioned work, “A Whole New World” is now available to write a new comprehensive history of UHS to mark our Centenary.
Dr Rasmussen taught briefly at UHS before embarking on a successful career as a professional historian.
