Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Reunion 2024
Hi everyone.....thought I would use to connect with people.
We are on ........last weekend September 2024.
Ideas and suggestions please.
Friday, June 26, 2020
RIP Miss Marsden
Best link is
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wrj-wLPKUA8&feature=youtu.be
Joan gave a great speech. Transcript below:
Dorothy Marsden - 17 January 1919 to 19 June 2020.
Were it not for Corona Virus restrictions, this Church where we are gathered today, would
be bursting at the seams. There would be standing room only and crowds would be
outside looking through the windows and doors.
A great many of Dorothy Marsden’s former pupils would have been in that crowd - drawn
together by their love of an exceptional woman who taught and lived for 39 years at
Ipswich Girls Grammar School. Her influence and impact as a teacher and boarding
mistress during those years were such that a vast number of her students remained her
life-long friends. For most of us, Dorothy walked on hallowed ground.
I speak today as a former pupil of Marsy, as we most affectionately called her, and as a
friend who was privileged to know Dorothy over the last twenty years of her life. My
husband Maurie, and my two children also count Dorothy as a friend, having spent many
convivial lunches with her in our home.
The words people use to describe Dorothy are invariably along the lines of “gracious”,
“charming”, “elegant”, “delightful”, “lady-like”. Former students also speak of “the
twinkle in her eye”, “the great example she set”, “the great influence she was”, the fact
that “she was much more to all of us than a teacher”. These outward descriptors point
to the inner beauty of this remarkable woman.
I often felt that her inner beauty was reflected in the flowers she so loved. Any flower
was a joy to her and she delighted in receiving bouquets and bunches. It did not matter if
it were the most extravagant arrangement or one simple flower; Dorothy marvelled at
their beauty and took immense pleasure from them.
She was constant and grateful in her world. She accepted her role in life with an
equanimity that was admirable. When her closest friend Alison Goleby died, Dorothy was
sad but sanguine. She knew she had done all that was possible as a friend and so got on
with her own life.
In her nursing home at Seaton Place, while initially missing her home in Graceville, she
became a friend to those around her. The staff adored her. She would benevolently
survey the dining room there - much as she had done at IGGS - confiding at times that
“this one” wasn’t too happy today, or “that one” was struggling just a little. As always,
her focus was on the welfare of others.
Dorothy’s love of conversation was legendary as was her genuine interest in every aspect
of people’s lives. Before her more recent declines in health, Dorothy could remember
married and maiden names, the names and ages of children, years at IGGS, and
occupations and professions of her students. Truly phenomenal!
To watch her interacting with people was inspiring. She could charm at one hundred
paces and everyone stood a little taller after being in her presence.
Dorothy’s use of language was a joy to hear. Distasteful or bad language was never used
- it wasn’t necessary, such was her command of the Queen’s English. Her diplomatic and
entertaining ways of describing events not to her taste were very amusing.
Her responses such as “We don’t say words like that here” to some bad language in the
boarding house were far more effective than harsh admonitions. This did not mean she
was insensitive to injustices or wrongful behaviour. I personally am grateful for her wise
counsel on how to deal with such issues.
Dorothy was the last of an amazing cohort of women teachers at IGGS - Thalia Kennedy;
Joan Benson; Deidre Brown; Alison Goleby in my time, and others in earlier days. These
women remained close friends and staunch supporters of the school and the Old Girls
Association all their lives. They devoted decades of their lives to young women’s
education.
Dorothy’s teaching legacy, in particular, lies in the scores of girls who learned to speak
and love the French language, as well as to understand France and its culture. Former
students tell of going to France and being able to converse with ease because of the
standard of Marsy’s teaching. Bastille Day was always celebrated with great gusto,
continuing for Dorothy until a few years ago with former students at lunch in the City.
In summing up Dorothy’s influence on my life, I believe I speak for a myriad of her former
pupils when I say:
We first knew Dorothy as a TEACHER and we loved her then - elegant, cultured, gentle,
generous, kind and wise;
She quickly became a ROLE MODEL - one many of us could never emulate; and she
continued to provide the most wonderful example of a life well-lived throughout her entire
life;
For many of us Dorothy also became a MENTOR, providing apt and wise advice and gentle
input without ever realising just how powerful her influence was;
Most preciously however, Dorothy became a trusted and valued FRIEND, one who was
quite beyond compare.
Rest in Peace Miss Marsden. We will always speak your name.
Joan Meecham
Spoken at Dorothy’s funeral 26 June 2020.
Here are some photos which captured the event. Resolution not the best.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Joan gave a great speech. Transcript below:
The Death of a Friend
Dorothy Marsden - 17 January 1919 to 19 June 2020.
Were it not for Corona Virus restrictions, this Church where we are gathered today, would
be bursting at the seams. There would be standing room only and crowds would be
outside looking through the windows and doors.
A great many of Dorothy Marsden’s former pupils would have been in that crowd - drawn
together by their love of an exceptional woman who taught and lived for 39 years at
Ipswich Girls Grammar School. Her influence and impact as a teacher and boarding
mistress during those years were such that a vast number of her students remained her
life-long friends. For most of us, Dorothy walked on hallowed ground.
I speak today as a former pupil of Marsy, as we most affectionately called her, and as a
friend who was privileged to know Dorothy over the last twenty years of her life. My
husband Maurie, and my two children also count Dorothy as a friend, having spent many
convivial lunches with her in our home.
The words people use to describe Dorothy are invariably along the lines of “gracious”,
“charming”, “elegant”, “delightful”, “lady-like”. Former students also speak of “the
twinkle in her eye”, “the great example she set”, “the great influence she was”, the fact
that “she was much more to all of us than a teacher”. These outward descriptors point
to the inner beauty of this remarkable woman.
I often felt that her inner beauty was reflected in the flowers she so loved. Any flower
was a joy to her and she delighted in receiving bouquets and bunches. It did not matter if
it were the most extravagant arrangement or one simple flower; Dorothy marvelled at
their beauty and took immense pleasure from them.
She was constant and grateful in her world. She accepted her role in life with an
equanimity that was admirable. When her closest friend Alison Goleby died, Dorothy was
sad but sanguine. She knew she had done all that was possible as a friend and so got on
with her own life.
In her nursing home at Seaton Place, while initially missing her home in Graceville, she
became a friend to those around her. The staff adored her. She would benevolently
survey the dining room there - much as she had done at IGGS - confiding at times that
“this one” wasn’t too happy today, or “that one” was struggling just a little. As always,
her focus was on the welfare of others.
Dorothy’s love of conversation was legendary as was her genuine interest in every aspect
of people’s lives. Before her more recent declines in health, Dorothy could remember
married and maiden names, the names and ages of children, years at IGGS, and
occupations and professions of her students. Truly phenomenal!
To watch her interacting with people was inspiring. She could charm at one hundred
paces and everyone stood a little taller after being in her presence.
Dorothy’s use of language was a joy to hear. Distasteful or bad language was never used
- it wasn’t necessary, such was her command of the Queen’s English. Her diplomatic and
entertaining ways of describing events not to her taste were very amusing.
Her responses such as “We don’t say words like that here” to some bad language in the
boarding house were far more effective than harsh admonitions. This did not mean she
was insensitive to injustices or wrongful behaviour. I personally am grateful for her wise
counsel on how to deal with such issues.
Dorothy was the last of an amazing cohort of women teachers at IGGS - Thalia Kennedy;
Joan Benson; Deidre Brown; Alison Goleby in my time, and others in earlier days. These
women remained close friends and staunch supporters of the school and the Old Girls
Association all their lives. They devoted decades of their lives to young women’s
education.
Dorothy’s teaching legacy, in particular, lies in the scores of girls who learned to speak
and love the French language, as well as to understand France and its culture. Former
students tell of going to France and being able to converse with ease because of the
standard of Marsy’s teaching. Bastille Day was always celebrated with great gusto,
continuing for Dorothy until a few years ago with former students at lunch in the City.
In summing up Dorothy’s influence on my life, I believe I speak for a myriad of her former
pupils when I say:
We first knew Dorothy as a TEACHER and we loved her then - elegant, cultured, gentle,
generous, kind and wise;
She quickly became a ROLE MODEL - one many of us could never emulate; and she
continued to provide the most wonderful example of a life well-lived throughout her entire
life;
For many of us Dorothy also became a MENTOR, providing apt and wise advice and gentle
input without ever realising just how powerful her influence was;
Most preciously however, Dorothy became a trusted and valued FRIEND, one who was
quite beyond compare.
Rest in Peace Miss Marsden. We will always speak your name.
Joan Meecham
Spoken at Dorothy’s funeral 26 June 2020.
Here are some photos which captured the event. Resolution not the best.
Friday, June 19, 2020
FROM
IGGS OGA
June 19, 2020.
IGGS OGA
June 19, 2020.
Today brings to a close the end of an era for many decades of Ipswich Grammar girls with the death of a much-loved teacher and colleague.
Miss Marsden, or Marsie as she was affectionately known, was one of a group of dedicated mistresses who devoted their lives to the students of IGGS. Together with her life-long friends, Thalia Kennedy, Deirdre Brown, Joan Benson and Alison Goleby, Dorothy Marsden was one of a special breed whose care and nurturing of their students went way beyond classroom teaching.
Miss Marsden commenced her career at IGGS as a young teacher in 1944. Most of us remember her best as our French teacher or live in boarding mistress. She was, to us, the epitome of elegance, dressed always in soft coloured classic garments. She was such a gentle person, but this in no way meant she was not respected. Her expectations of us set high standards.
Every student will have her own memories – being trained to compete in Alliance Francaise competitions, dancing the can-can on 14 July to celebrate Bastille Day or working in the French Terrasse de Café at School fêtes.
Many of her students became French teachers and many more found that they could navigate the streets of Paris just by remembering what had been so assiduously taught years before in Marsden's lessons.
She served as Deputy Principal of the School from 1965 to 1980 and was greatly admired by her teaching colleagues. After her retirement in 1982, Miss Marsden devoted time to fostering attendance at Old Girls Meetings and was a relentless recruitment officer for the Brisbane Branch in particular.
Her faithful attendance at both School and Old Girls’ functions was extraordinary and she was always surrounded by her past students who had such affection for her.
Since her 100th birthday in 2019, Miss Marsden’s health has slowly declined. She will be mourned, but will remain in our hearts.
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
Catch up news
Hi everyone,
Just a few catch-up posts....in no particular order.
A small group of us had Christmas lunch ….we hope to make this an annual event.
Christine White had a catch up with Annette Pownall who was disappointed she couldn't make our reunion.
‘We drove up to Caloundra and enjoyed a lovely catch-up with Annette recently. We have followed each other’s caravan travels on fb for a long time and even though we have come close, our paths have never crossed. It was nice to meet her husband David and for Bevan to meet them both. We had a great day.’ (Christine)
Glenys Stephens caught up with Anne Gerken recently as well.
Christine White is our unofficial IGGS archivist.....she has thrown nothing away.
She's done the album....still think that we got the perfect cover girl!
Showing there must be some longevity in the Roche genes, Bridie's younger brother Mick, aged 95, was there with his wife to congratulate her.
A devout Catholic, she went away to become a nun, a commitment she maintained until she was well into her 40s.
Just a few catch-up posts....in no particular order.
A small group of us had Christmas lunch ….we hope to make this an annual event.
Christine White had a catch up with Annette Pownall who was disappointed she couldn't make our reunion.
‘We drove up to Caloundra and enjoyed a lovely catch-up with Annette recently. We have followed each other’s caravan travels on fb for a long time and even though we have come close, our paths have never crossed. It was nice to meet her husband David and for Bevan to meet them both. We had a great day.’ (Christine)
Glenys Stephens caught up with Anne Gerken recently as well.
Christine White is our unofficial IGGS archivist.....she has thrown nothing away.
She's done the album....still think that we got the perfect cover girl!
Here's an amazing photo Christine has unearthed.
This is so fantastic!
How many do you recognise?
Plus this story on Miss Roach
by ANDREW KORNER
20th Jun 2017
BRIDIE Roche's decision to become a nun early in life meant she would never have a child of her own.
But the retired Ipswich Girls' Grammar School teacher was never short of family, and that showed on the weekend, when Bridie celebrated her 100th birthday.
20th Jun 2017
BRIDIE Roche's decision to become a nun early in life meant she would never have a child of her own.
But the retired Ipswich Girls' Grammar School teacher was never short of family, and that showed on the weekend, when Bridie celebrated her 100th birthday.
Appropriately, about 100 members of Mrs Roche's huge extended family helped her mark the special occasion at United Services Bowls Club on Saturday.
Showing there must be some longevity in the Roche genes, Bridie's younger brother Mick, aged 95, was there with his wife to congratulate her.
One of eight children, Bridie grew up in the small town of Danderoo, east of Warwick.
A devout Catholic, she went away to become a nun, a commitment she maintained until she was well into her 40s.
She then turned her talents to teaching, becoming a mentor in French and maths at Ipswich Girls' Grammar School, where she remained until her retirement about 35 years ago.
Mrs Roche travelled extensively following her retirement from school teaching, visiting South Africa and much of Europe. She enjoyed a regular walk up until moving into aged care recently, something which family members believe has contributed to Bridie notching up triple figures.
The husband of Mrs Roche's nephew, John Booth, said Bridie was still in good health, despite her age.
Although she lived alone and never had children, Mr Booth said Bridie loved being around her big, extended family.
Now a resident of the Villa Maria aged care home in the Ipswich CBD, Mrs Roche was also joined at the weekend by some more recent arrivals, including her great-great-grand-nephew, Julian Ward-Booth, aged one.
Plus this recent article on Jane Wood.
THERE’S an old saying that goes “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life”. Jane White has been working at Ipswich Meals on Wheels for the past 30 years, and she still loves what she does because she knows that every day she’s making a difference in the lives of those who rely on the service. Married to a man in the RAAF, Jane was used to moving around, and it was back in 1985 that she returned to the town where she went to school, then realised she wanted to stay.
(Rest behind paywall ..arrrghhh!)
Saturday, September 28, 2019
IGGS 2019 celebrations
Click on photo to enlarge! Right click to save. Post on your social media sites etc!
Not in order!
A BIG THANK YOU TO THE COMMITTEE GIRLS!
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