Traditions of Ainslie

Traditions are important to Ainslie. They give our students a sense of 'belonging' to a unique school with an important role in the history of Canberra.

School Badge

The School Badge was drawn in its present form by Mr E. Smith from a design by Mr R Harris, who was Principal between 1936 and 1944.

School Motto

Altiora Conde Templa

This was adopted and translated into Latin from a poem The Chambered Nautilus - Build thee more stately mansions, O my Soul, and was read by Mr K. Cunningham at the opening of the Primary School.
Loosely translated it refers to building ever higher temples and its meaning for us is that we continually strive to improve upon what we are doing, in the pursuit of excellence.

School Song - The Altiora
Our school it bears the old and honoured name
Of one who was a sturdy pioneer,
Who well upheld the right and earned his fame
For valiant deeds and skill in tasks severe
Altiora. Altiora. Altiora.

We dearly love this second home our school,
A consecrated place, for here we learn
In work and play to make the golden rule
Our pattern true, wherever we may turn.
Altiora. Altiora. Altiora.

The School Song was written by Mr C.S. Daley, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Interior, who had extensive associations with the School from its inception. At the opening ceremony of the School the pupils sang 'Advance Australia Fair' as the national flag was raised. The same anthem has been sung at all subsequent School Assemblies.

School Prayer
This is our school
Let peace dwell here
Let the school be full of contentment
Let love abide here
Love of one another
Love of mankind
Love of God and
Love of life itself.
Let us remember that
As many hands build a house
So many hearts make a school.
Altiora Conde Templa.

School Pledge
I shall pass through this world but once
Any good deed therefore that I can do,
Or any kindness that I can show,
Let me do it now.
Let me not put it off nor neglect it,
For I shall not pass this way again.
Altiora Conde Templa

School Houses
The School named its four Houses in honour of people who contributed so much to the early development of the School and its activities. House captains are elected each year by students. The many sporting activities throughout the school year are organised around the four School Houses.
GILLARD - dark blue
Mrs Gillard was a member of an early P & C Association.
RUPERT-SMITH - red
Mr Smith was the Principal of the School between 1929 and 1935.
GOODWIN - light blue
Colonel Goodwin was President of an early P & C Association. He was also founder of the Goodwin Homes, a centre for elderly people.
GRIFFITHS - gold
Mr Griffiths was the first Post Master in Canberra.