Our Name, Our Heritage
Campbell High School proudly carries a name rooted in Scottish tradition. The name "Campbell" comes from the Gaelic "Cam Beul", meaning "crooked mouth", a nickname given to Dugald of Lochawe an ancestor whose descendants formed the influential Clan Campbell of Argyll.
Clan Campbell played a major role in Scottish history, known for their leadership, loyalty to the crown, and enduring legacy. Their identity is symbolised by the Campbell tartan, most famously represented by the Black Watch pattern, a deep green and navy design that reflects the clan’s strength and unity.
When Campbell High School opened in 1965, this connection to heritage was made tangible through the school uniform. A newspaper article from that year proudly announced that the school would feature authentic Campbell tartan, specially imported from Scotland. The tartan was used in girls’ sports tunics and boys’ ties, while the boys’ blazers bore the Clan Campbell crest, featuring a boar’s head and the Latin motto “Ne Obliviscaris” “Do Not Forget.”
This thoughtful incorporation of the clan’s tartan and crest into the school uniform was more than a design choice; it was a tribute to tradition, identity, and pride. Today, Campbell High School continues to honour this legacy with the tartan skirt still an integral part of our high school uniform.
Article taken from The Canberra Times, issue date: Wednesday 27th Jan, 1965
