"I
have never been shown round a more impressive
educational institution…."
• Jocelyn
W. Gill was a teacher at ISA from 1973-1977.
For the last fourteen years she has been a
British primary adviser and inspector. Tom
her husband devised a surprise for her in February
2002—and Voices is glad he did! Jocelyn's
stunning letter attests to exceptional strengths
and continuities in ISA's development.
"My
husband Tom, an architect/urban designer, has
never shown anything but a detached interest
in my early career as a teacher, and even less
in tales of adventures whilst living in Amsterdam!
So imagine my surprise when he not only suggested
a long weekend break in the city I had last
seen in 1977, but showed me an email he had
just received which began, 'Naturally I remember
Jocelyn as if it were yesterday and would love
to see her again and meet you while you are
in Amsterdam this weekend'. Unknown to me,
Tom had found the ISA web site, written to
Don Morton at Alumni and arranged for us to
visit the ISA. He knew how much I enjoyed teaching
at the school but was also aware that I would
have been too anxious to make contact myself
in case no-one recalled my having worked there!
"Don Morton has certainly made sure through his dedicated work with Alumni
that no past student or member of staff has been forgotten. This made our visit
very special. The excitement of meeting valued colleagues again after twenty-five
years was terrific. It is wonderful how people do not essentially change and
a forgotten rapport can so quickly be re-established. Great memories of working
with Don Lebeau, Anthony Cowl and Alyce Westerman came hurtling back, including
our first drama production, 'Oliver', rehearsed in one of our 'barrack' rooms
and staged in some nameless hotel! You can imagine how in awe I was of the current
drama facility at the school.
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"I
wonder how many past students remember that production
of 'Oliver'? Who played the 'market people' for
instance? I was thrilled to see the names of
some of the students I taught in the Alumni visitor's
book, Ajit Menon, '84 for example. I remember
very well teaching both him and his elder brother
Rajiv Menon, '82. Mark Speer, '84, apparently
still living in Amsterdam, has also signed the
visitor's book. I clearly remember a lively and
enthusiastic student in Mark!
"As
a primary adviser and inspector, for the last
fourteen years, I work in a wide range of schools
from those that are highly successful to those
that are failing. I can honestly say that I
have never been shown round a more impressive
educational institution as the current ISA.
The high quality of the facilities and the
overall atmosphere communicate a commitment
to high standards and a valuing of pupils'
individual achievements.
"However, although the school is much changed in size and quality of provision
since 1977, the ethos remains instantly recognizable. Warm and welcoming, a relaxed
but orderly environment prevails. It was wonderful to be reminded that students
of all ages and backgrounds can mix positively together, and are able to interact
with adults with confidence and humour.
"I have no idea why I stayed away so long!"
Jocelyn W. Gill
Back
to Voices 2003 |
A
Welcome from our Alumni Coordinator Don Morton
