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From the collection of Waverley RSL Sub Branch

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Plaque Melbourne Boys High School, Melbourne Boys High School

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Historical information

Melbourne High School originally opened in 1905 at the top of Spring Street (where the Australasian College of Surgeons building is now located). The school was co-educational and was the first state secondary school in Victoria. It was originally named the Melbourne Continuation School. The intention was to cover the gap between state schools (which may have had classes up to year 8) and the University of Melbourne, hence the expression ‘Continuation’. Prior to 1905, post year 8 or secondary education was the sole domain of private church schools.

Melbourne High School took over the Model School building, which was constructed in 1854. The Model School closed at the end of 1904. The first Melbourne High School Principal was Joseph Hocking.

In 1927, the boys moved out to the new ‘castle’ school building at Forrest Hill, South Yarra. The boys actually marched from Spring Street to South Yarra to their new building. The girls eventually moved to Albert Park in 1934 and this became the Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School