"In managing present-day programmes and in planning for our future, we need to be mindful of the past. Not only to avoid short-sighted meddling with worthwhile and much-loved traditions but also to gain ideas and strength from the vision of those, who with such energy, built our School and its community. The Archives Project will make a big difference to our shared futures."

- Jeremy Madin (Headmaster 1988-2000), April 1993

Background

In 1991, the School Council and the Old Boys' Association (OBA) decided to jointly fund a five-year Archives programme. In his Headmaster’s Report of that year, Mr Jeremy Madin said 'the time was ripe' for Christ Church to embark on a major Archives project. He went on to say that in 1992, the OBA would celebrate its 75th anniversary and it was fitting that such an event would encourage members of the School Community to reflect on the values and achievements of the past as they planned for the future. In June 1992, a part-time archivist was appointed and the aims of the project were to collect, preserve, arrange and describe the School collection; to research and write articles on the School's history and its personalities; to support investigative history and social science class work and to prepare a school register. Ultimately, the aim of the project would be to make possible the writing of a formal history of the School.

In 2010, A School with a View – A Centenary History of Christ Church Grammar School Perth 1910-2010, by Peter Edwards and Wendy Hillman, was published. The publication contained a school register of students and staff, researched and compiled by volunteers under the direction of School Archivist Freida French.

Current students at Christ Church participate in a School History and Archives unit developed by the School Archives, History and Geography departments with the aim of helping students to become more familiar with places, personalities and events that have been, and are, part of the history of Christ Church Grammar School.

Volunteering

We are currently seeking volunteers to assist in the Archives. The work involves the organisation, preservation, conservation, storage and research of the School's collection of historical materials. The Archives are open from 9.00am to 3.00pm, Tuesday to Thursday, and volunteers are most welcome at any time. Please contact the School Archivist, Freida French, on 9442 1532 or email ffrench@ccgs.wa.edu.au.