The Old School Tie

Having worked in and had my children educated at Independent Schools in Sydney I am aware of the amazing amount of information these schools have in their archives about alumni.

If you have an ancestor who attended such a school in Sydney or elsewhere it would be worthwhile approaching that institution to see if they have any photos on file of granny in the orchestra or great uncle playing cricket.Perhaps you might read your Dad's literary contributions in a school annual.

Sydney Grammar School on its Archives Page states:
Sources available to assist Old Boys, biographers and others interested in the school are:

• Registers (on disc and printed), 1835 +
• Prize Lists, 1859 +
• The Sydneian Magazine (indexed), 1875 +
• Oral recordings
• Photographs
• Correspondence 

The SCEGGS, Darlinghurst Archives Page says:

The SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives is responsible for the care of SCEGGS' records of permanent value. The Archives were established in 1983. Since then it has grown to include the School’s official records and publications, an extensive collection of photographs and school and student memorabilia including school uniforms. The Archives also hold some records from the SCEGGS Branch Schools....

Researchers who would like to use the Archives are asked to make an appointment with the archivist. Some records held in the Archives may have restricted access.

MLC School, Burwood  on its Archives Page states:


(The archive) includes an important collection of historic photographs, progressing through the years from an extraordinary picture taken of the first pupils and staff in January 1886.
All records, photographs and museum items are meticulously catalogued with the Australian Series System, and can be easily located by a number of computerised databases.

The air-conditioned room can be used for research by visitors, and photocopy facilities are available.

The Archives Page of St Ignatius College, Riverview states:

The purpose of Riverview Archives is to promote and share the rich heritage of the College and the Jesuit tradition with the students, the wider Riverview community and the general public. 

Just as a person can not function properly if they have lost their memory - neither can an organisation such as Riverview. Knowledge of where we have come from helps us to understand the present and gives us direction for the future.

The Archives is open by appointment only Monday to Thursday during term time.