Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua - We walk backwards into the future with our eyes fixed on the past.
I was delighted to have morning tea with members of the Marlborough Colleges Old Girls' Association last week. Earlier in the day I had shared with some Year 9 and 10 students that I was heading out for coffee and scones with some of our "old girls". They were keen to know what school had been like for them.
I was delighted to connect again with Barbara Pratt who was the Head Girl at Marlborough College in 1945. She had wonderful stories of her school days, including travelling in on the train from Springcreek everyday. Now in her 90s, Barbara has led a remarkable life and talked with great pride of her children and grandchildren.
Bev, Fern and Joanne had many tales to tell. They recalled assembly in the Hall every morning, with singing, which was run by Prefects. They were not allowed to wear their hair down below their collar or in a pony tail - the uniform rules were very strict! They told stories about a few teachers who were very memorable characters. All of the "Old Girls" have very fond memories of their time at either Marlborough College or Marlborough Girls' College. They recounted how school and their teachers shaped their lives.
The values and friendships that underpinned life at school 40 or so years ago are still those that we hold dear today: strong relationships - Manaakitanga; a supportive community - Whanaungatanga; the fun, hard work, successes, challenges and pride in being part of a great school - Kotahitanga.