Launch of the Langdon Archive Centre
In February 2006 a group of interested parents were invited to form an Archives Committee to consider what could best be done with the records of St Andrew’s Cathedral School. Although the School had a large collection of records, including photographs and memorabilia dating back to the founding of the School in 1885, there were no formal collection policies, no separate archives area and no Archivist employed to collate, store and manage the records.
The launch of the Langdon Centre on Wednesday 1 April 2009 was the culmination of three years work that now enables archival work at St Andrew’s Cathedral School to continue in a dedicated space.
Looking back over that time, since my appointment as Archivist in Term 4, 2006, I am able to recognise milestones achieved and acknowledge the support and help of a great many people who have contributed to the development of Archives at St Andrew’s.
From the School I have had the unfailing support of the Head of School, Mr Phillip Heath, who helped to find us a space in the School that we could call our own. Mr David Lawrence, former Director of Development, was a great mentor during our first years and we continue to have welcomed support from the Development Office. Ms Elizabeth Greef from the Library and Mr Richard Ford and Mr Matthew Leeds from the History Department have consistently encouraged and supported our activities and continue to do so. The input from Mr Mark Robinson ’76 has been invaluable. Mark started at St Andrew’s when he was in Year 3 and is now working in the Accounts Department of the School.
From the parents, the Archives Steering Committee, currently comprising of Ms Lesley Young (Chair), Ms Judith Casson and Ms Judy Simpson, have guided and supported me through our regular meetings. The Volunteer programme that has been set up has introduced me to many interesting and talented St Andrew’s parents who have given freely of their time and expertise to assist with archival work and projects of many kinds. Mrs Susan Stewart, mother of John Stewart ’04 tirelessly helps out each Tuesday and Mrs Lynne Marshall, mother of Luke (Year 9) has started the huge job of entering all the archive material onto a database. Our new Mums, Mrs Jenny Courtney, mother of Chelsea (Year 9) Mrs Vicki Hayes, mother of Sarah (Year 9) and Chris (Year 11) and Mrs Jane Bannon, mother of Eliza (Year 12) have all helped greatly during the preparations for the launch.
From the Schools/Religious subcommittee of the Australian Society of Archivists, I have made a wonderful network of contacts with other school archivists who have shared their knowledge and experience freely as we set up our systems, processes and policies.
From the beginning I knew that displays and exhibitions would form a regular part of the work. The opening of the new School Entrance and the purchase of the large display boards have given us a wonderful space to showcase materials. We now have annual exhibitions such as for Foundation Day and the Year 12 Farewell that help to enhance the School year. We also contribute to special events at the School as required.
We moved into our new Archives space last year. Mr Heath invited Canon Alan Langdon and Mrs Langdon to visit, and Canon Langdon kindly agreed to the use of his name for the Archives Centre.
As part of the launch we invited Mr Peter Stewart to tell us about the early days of the School’s archives. It was Peter’s work in the 1990s with St Andrew’s school records that provided the firm basis on which we could build. Both his and Canon Langdon’s anecdotes of past school life and events reminded us of the purpose of archives to preserve the record of the past for the enjoyment of future generations. As Peter said, “Central to the Archives is the School’s motto: The Way of the Cross is the Way of Life. Essentially the Archive documents:
- Christian leadership since the School’s foundation;
- The service of men and youth in Worship and in teaching;
- A record of those youth who as adults have expressed the life developed at St Andrew’s Cathedral School.”
He also said, “May all who research and keep this Archive be challenged to walk the Way of the Cross and find Life.” I look forward to the future, in service with colleagues and parents, to preserving the past at St Andrew’s Cathedral School.
Click here to view photos taken during the Launch of the Langdon Archive Centre.
Ms Annie Zimmermann
School Archivist
