After 26 Years...

Felicia Koh

After 26 years, on the 26th of August 2023, we decided it was time to reunite and gather the Class of Year 7 (1994) to Year 10 (1997).  We were the final cohort at the College before VCE was offered. 

When we parted ways in 1997, there was no social media, no mobile phones and no emails. Despite this, we were able to find most of each other. 

We wish to thank our classmate, Simon Dickey, for opening up his home to host the night. Thank you also to the College for funding the catered dinner for us. 

We were able to get in contact with most of the teachers with good detective work, and the following were able to attend - Mr Sheahan, Mr and Mrs Suter, Miss Kirkpatrick and Mrs Foley. Thank you to our teachers for finding the time to reunite, for your faithfulness in teaching us and for showing us with your own lives, what matters most.  

26 years brings a lot of change. It’s fair to say that pretty much all of us have had unexpected and sometimes difficult times to work and process through. Life didn’t quite turn out as our childhood selves may have envisioned 26 years ago.  Yet, we were able to witness and share stories of still finding joyful moments through the healing, still moving despite the valleys and still shooting for the bigger picture through the simplicities often forgotten. 

✍️For memories’ sake, let’s put on permanent record some important reunion matters: 

🥇Most Changed Award = Matthew Lokot

🥇Most Unchanged Award = Mr Sheahan 

A few reflections from those who attended that reunion night: 

“It was a pleasure and a privilege to be included in the 26 year reunion  of WCC’s Class of Year 10, 1997, hosted by Simon Dickey & Felicia “Koh”. Despite the cold weather, the warmth of the ex students toward each other and past staff, permeated the atmosphere and it was a delight to see how these young men & women had evolved. The continual chatter & laughter, left no doubt that it was a joyful experience for all and one to remember” - Ms June Kirkpatrick, Year 7 co-ordinator and English teacher

“Loved seeing faces that I've missed without even knowing it. Thanks Felicia and Simon for bringing us back together" - Tim D’Souza 

“Loved it! Great food! Cold air; it was warmest wherever I could wear my cosy quilted parka!  The School Teachers’ work with Young People is mostly quite enjoyable, guided by the overall goal of preparing them for situations they are going to meet later in life. After a quarter century, however, the large numbers of honourable, independent life achievements of their former students allow former teachers enormous delight as they witness some fruits of those labours they had earlier shared.” - Mr Ron Suter, Science teacher 

“It was a surprising and merry evening, filled with laughter and reminiscing. Our devious hosts had decided inviting our former teachers was a great idea and after the initial shock, it definitely turned out to be so!  Thank you for joining us, Peter, June, Daisy, Ron and Margaret. It was lovely seeing you!” - Kerrie Anne Butler