The story behind the crest

Each day, Clarendon students walk through entrances marked by the school crest at both the Sturt and Mair Street campuses and wear it on their blazers with pride.

As the Clarendon community continues to grow, with new generations of learners and leaders, evolving technologies and an ever-changing world, the history of Ballarat Clarendon College and the schools and people who came before it remains an enduring part of everyday life at Clarendon.

Learn more about Ballarat College and Clarendon Presbyterian Ladies College, their school emblems and the meaning behind the symbols that appear in Clarendon’s crest today.

Ballarat College (BC) (1864-1973)

School motto: E Studiis Claritudo Venit – From hard work comes clarity and renown.

  • Minerva – The Goddess of Wisdom and Justice. Her influence was likely inspired by the Ballarat Mechanics Institute, where BC’s annual speech days in December were held.
  • Belt buckle framing – A classical symbol for moral and intellectual preparation.

Clarendon Presbyterian Ladies College (CPLC) (1876-1973)

School motto: Suivez La Verite – Follow the truth.

  • The Bible – Represents earnest study of the bible, while the open book also symbolises the pursuit of knowledge and learning.
  • Guiding star – ‘The Star of the East’, a beacon of light for guidance.
  • Oil lamp – Symbolising illumination, wisdom and truth revealed.
  • Sheild background – When used in education crests, represents the protection of values, tradition and knowledge.

Ballarat Clarendon College (1974-present)

School motto: E Studiis Veritas et Claritas – Out of enthusiastic endeavours comes truth and understanding.

When the schools amalgamated in 1974, a council was established to design a new crest that honoured both BC and CPLC by combining elements from their original crests. These included:

  • Open book on CPLC colours.
  • Minerva on BC colours.
  • Oil lamp from CPLC on BC colours.
  • Shield representing the protection of Ballarat Clarendon College’s values and the coming together of its school histories.

If you have memories to share or information about the school’s symbols, please share them with our Archivist, Hugh McKenzie-McHarg, at archives@clarendon.vic.edu.au.