1. How long were you at St Joseph's and what did you teach? I taught at St. Joseph’s for 23 years. My subject was Geography, but for one year I taught Maths and really enjoyed the difference between having one class for four periods a week rather than only two.
2. What inspired you to stay at St Joseph's for 23 years? Why stay so long? Well, to begin with, St Joseph’s was a relatively small school (compared to the local comprehensives) and so it was easy to feel part of the school even though it was only part time to begin with. The staff all worked together to make the school run smoothly and the girls were all friendly and eager to work (with the odd exception).
3. What are your fondest memories of your time at St Joseph's? So many memories! But some that we still talk about are the staff productions, usually for St Joseph’s Day. I remember the production of Winnie the Pooh with Bridgeen Fox as Pooh, Betty Wyatt as Eeyore and Eunice Lacquiere as Piglet (that brought the house down). I was a tree (with Gill Sheffield).
Another production included Godfrey Williams, who taught Physics, dressed as a fairy! It stopped the show!
I also recall Geography field trips to Juniper Hall with Year 10 and Mrs Cross’ History visits to Ironbridge, staying in the Youth Hostel there.
4. What changes at the school have most impressed you most and why? I left St Joseph’s 24 years ago but I kept closely in touch through the Old Girls Association and Alumni. I have been on the committee for all those years helping to run the Annual Reunion and writing the Old Girls newsletter. Now that the school has taken over the running of the Alumni, I have a lot more time on my hands.
During that time the school has greatly changed with the introduction of boys, which has allowed the school to expand and gives a different feel to the school. The changes to the fabric of school have been extensive and I was particularly impressed by the new Music block. Music is such a large part of the school ethos and for long had struggled in a few small rooms. Mrs Kesel certainly deserved better.
5. Who are you still in touch with from St Joseph's? Have you been to any reunions? I am still in touch with quite a few ex-staff members and we meet regularly for lunch. I play bridge with Eunice Lacquiere, Diana Mason and Kathy Turner. I always try to attend the Annual Reunion and it is so interesting to see girls that I have taught, sometimes 40 years ago, and hear how their lives and careers have developed.
I hope the Annual Reunion continues to flourish – it is so interesting to see how the school is developing and old girls love to see their old haunts. Even with the changes there is still the feel of traditional St Joseph’s.
