The Haileybury Heritage and Archives Student Club allows students who are interested in the School’s history to help preserve important stories for generations to come. 

The Club itself has a long history and was known in its early days as the ‘Archives Committee.’  

“Through the years, many dedicated and curious students have passed into and out of the Club. The format of the meetings is centred around presentations and interviews, usually given by long-serving or senior Haileybury staff members,” says Matthew Wootton, Chief Archivist. 

“A typical meeting involves hosting guest speakers, including current staff, past students in leadership roles and contributors to key programs,” explains Elvis, Boys Captain. 

Matthew says that being asked to speak at the Club is often regarded as an honour and reflects respect from the student community.  

In recent years a stage was built in the Archives room by Haileybury carpenter, Mark Gardiner, from which Club proceedings are led. Head of Keyboard, Wendy Dwyer, and Haileybury pianists often perform background music during the opening festivities of functions.  

Matthew is grateful for the assistance of all of those who contribute to the Club and preserving Haileybury’s stories for generations to come. “The Heritage and Archives Team, including volunteer, Mr Trevor Jones, Head of Archives, Mr Bill Waters, and Archives Administrator, Dr Glen Garden, all lend their considerable skills and efforts to providing a calendar of high-quality events,” he says.  

Matthew also says the students’ involvement is the cornerstone of the Club. “It is their passion for Haileybury, its people and traditions that brings the Club to life and makes participation so enjoyable for all involved,” he points out. 

In addition to speaker sessions, part of the club involves hands on activities, planning future meetings, organising questions, and developing ideas to further document and engage with the school’s heritage and ongoing story. It is these activities that Club Captain, Zimo particularly enjoys.  “We do extremely engaging activities, such as crafting a wooden OHA stationery box and hosting international students,” she says. 

Zimo says that the most interesting fact she has learnt was discovering that Haileybury was founded originally as a school for boys in 1892.