History hangs vividly over Melbourne High’s Memorial Hall, and nowhere in the school arouses such deep emotion and feelings of belonging.

As we approach the centenary of its 1927 construction, the Melbourne High School Foundation is reaching out to Old Boys and other donors to launch a long-term refurbishment of the 700-seat hall, which will begin where you arrive – in the entrance foyer.

“History is very important to all of us at Melbourne High,” says Principal Tony Mordini, “and we want to make sure that we properly celebrate and venerate this beautiful place.”

Each time they pass through the foyer, students and staff are in a way celebrating – or more accurately, commemorating – the memory of those who gave their lives in the First World War. An Honour Book in a glass cabinet lists the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, while opposite the doors is a brass tablet bearing the inscription “Qui procul hinc. Qui ante diem perierunt” (“Those far from here, who died before their time”).

In fact, the hall itself famously stands as a monument to those who died in the Great War. After the war, past students and the school community raised funds to establish a lasting monument – and when the school relocated to Forrest Hill from the city in 1927, the hall was built as a focal point for the main building. Today it stands as the ‘sacred heart’ of the school’s Anzac traditions – the venue where our cadets and distinguished guests gather each Anzac Eve to commemorate fallen alumni.

Beginning at the entrance

As well as our Anzac commemorations, the Memorial Hall hosts a multitude of events throughout the year – from assemblies and exams, to debates, presentations, musicals and concerts. It’s where several famous Old Boys developed their talents, including the actor, Max Gillies, Skyhooks guitarist Bob Starkie, and members of The Seekers – Bruce Woodley, Athol Guy and Keith Potger – who all met at Melbourne High.

But it is in the foyer where, before next year’s centenary, a small renovation project will get underway to bring new vigour to this precious place.

Dr Mordini hopes it will be the first step in a long-awaited redecoration of the entire hall (although at three storeys high, this will obviously entail a much more significant job). But he says, it’s extremely fitting for the refurbishment to begin at the entrance.

“The foyer is where we meet and greet students for the first time,” says Dr Mordini. “We emphasise that they’re in a hard-fought place – among just 20% of the boys who applied for places at the school. We tell them they’re going to spend the next four years in a place of serious history… that it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, and they’ll be building a network of friends here who will be with them for life.”

Dr Mordini estimates it will cost around $50,000 to paint the walls and ceiling in their original colours, gently clean the marble mouldings, install new lighting, and add some new seating for visitors. It will be a “modest job”, he says, although he would love to see a small storytelling feature here – perhaps a digital board with some text and photos illustrating the building’s rich history.

“For now, we’ll be starting with a modest refresh,” Dr Mordini says. “But I hope it will ultimately be the first stage in a comprehensive, long-term refurbishment of the entire hall.”