Patricia Seccull, former alumna

Patricia Seccull, former alumna at our school

A few weeks ago, a family contacted us and asked if their mother could tour her old school. An elderly lady in a wheelchair, battling Alzheimer’s and mobility issues arrived in the office and proceeded to laugh and retell stories of her time at our school almost 80 years ago. What a great experience for our younger students who shared their classrooms and what they were learning.  

Here are some interesting facts about this photo: Mrs Seccull is the is the tall blonde student standing just below the teacher (one of the cool kids!).  Notably, sitting with his legs crossed on the ground 2nd from right is The King, Graham Kennedy.  Also, two students to the left is the RDNS carer who comes to assist Mrs Seccull in the shower three times a week!

Mrs Seccull's daughter wrote to Mrs Percil, who had kindly coordinated the school tour, on that same evening to thank her, Mr Chant and the students for bringing so much joy to her mum, in those kind words:

"I would just like to say thank you again for today.  We were in awe of the warmness and caring of all the staff and of course special thanks to Chris Chant for taking the time out of his day to show mum how the school has changed and grown.  Not for one minute did I expect to speak to any of the students and mum simply loved it.  Due to the Alzheimer's she will probably forget in the next day she was ever there but it doesn't matter.   She enjoyed herself and couldn't believe it when we pulled up outside the front door and of course I will always remember. 

I was also very impressed with the school in general.  Such well-behaved, happy looking children. I didn't realise there was a French component to the school, so I found these two photos of mum and myself in France in 1992.  I lived in England for a short while but this was the only time I visited France.  Great memories.  I also included a "portfolio" of sorts that mum typed herself some years ago.  She volunteered in a hospital for 18 years after she retired and was the president of the Ladies Auxiliary for some time, so she never stopped until she was 81yo.  She has had an amazing life.  

Again, please pass on my thanks.  Today was an amazing experience I wont ever forget."

- Linda Seccull