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School Motto, Uniform and Houses

ALEXANDRA HIGH SCHOOLRef: https://www.alexhigh.org.za/about-alexandra-high-school/houses-and-motto/

Official source

Source domain: alexhigh.org.za

Collected on 30 July 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

What this means

This document is a webpage section from Alexandra High School titled “School Motto, Uniform and Houses.” It explains the origin and meaning of the school motto (French and Latin translations), describes historical uniform elements and colours (sky blue/maroon changed to navy blue; “bashers” headwear), and outlines the symbolism and naming of the school’s houses (Mr Udal, Boyd, Downs, Allison, Shepstone, and Trollip) including specific emblems and permissions related to city/royal coats of arms. It ends with a link to “Download the Uniform Requirements.”

What this document offers

Read out of this document by Govermate's AI, in its own words. Each one quotes the line it came from — confirm on the official source before acting.

downloadable policy documentOngoing

Download the Uniform Requirements

This document provides the official uniform requirements for students at Alexandra High School. It includes details on approved colours, styles, and accessories, including information on the current navy blue blazer and headwear standards.

Who it is for: students at Alexandra High School and their parents
How to act on it: Visit the school website and click on the 'Download the Uniform Requirements' link

Show the line this came from

Download the Uniform Requirements

How to apply

Facts

Places

KwaZulu-Natal, Msunduzi Local Municipality

Reference

https://www.alexhigh.org.za/about-alexandra-high-school/houses-and-motto/

Key Takeaways

School: Alexandra High School
Motto: Tant Que je Puis (archaic French) meaning “I do my very best”; Latin: Summa diligentia laboro meaning “I work with diligence”
Original colours: sky blue and maroon; changed to navy blue in early 1980s due to fabric sourcing
Compulsory headwear: straw “bashers” until late 1970s; Founders’ House continued until early 1990s
School emblem designed by first headmaster Mr Udal using Maltese Cross, elephant (Pietermaritzburg), and wildebeest (Natal)
Boyd’s House symbol: Maltese Cross; Leo Boyd was an education MEC and a Knight of da Gama
Downs’ House symbol: elephant from Pietermaritzburg coat of arms; permission approached via Mayor C. B. Downs
Allison’s House symbol: stars from City’s Coat of Arms; named after A. T. Allison (Natal Provincial Council)
Shepstone House symbol: crown; named after D. G. Shepstone; he attended Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953
Trollip’s House symbol: wildebeest from Natal badge; permission granted with conditions (correct facing, white manes and tails)
Includes: “Download the Uniform Requirements”
Alexandra High School
Mr Udal
Mr Leo Boyd
C. B. Downs
Mr A. T. Allison
Mr D. G. Shepstone
Mr A. E. Trollip
Queen Alexandra
Pietermaritzburg
Natal
Natal Provincial Council
N.P.A.
Roman Catholic Church
Queen Elizabeth