I have been lucky to have taught all grade levels at 8 different schools, as well as a short stint at La Trobe University.
In that time various kids stand out for various reasons, and also some classes stand out more than others for a variety of reasons too. By the same token, others fade very quickly from the memory.
There is nothing worse than running into someone you have taught a few years later and they are excited to see you, and all you can think is "Who the hell is this?"
It is embarrassing I can tell you!!
Then there are the others that you recognise instantly, and it's always great to see them again.
Early in my teaching career I taught a particular class at St Alipius Primary in East Ballarat. I had them for one year, then again 1 year later. For some reason this class holds such special memories.
I reckon if I saw any of them today I'd know straight away who they are. I think I could even name their parents and siblings as well. This group just 'had it', meaning they were so easy to teach and we had the best relationship. I remember the two years of teaching them so clearly, we were able to do so many things that I would never have dreamed about doing with other groups, they were just so receptive to learning.
They were clearly the two most memorable years of my teaching so far because it was so much fun and I was able to really get to know my students.
So, imagine my surprise two years ago when out of the blue I got a message from one of them to say they were having a 25 year reunion, and wanted me to come along. At first I thought of not going, as I was still picturing them as 12 and 13 year olds, but when I got around to realising that they were all in their mid 30's now, it didn't seem so bad.
The next few months involved a lot of emails and renewing contact with people who I never thought I'd see again as I no longer lived in Ballarat.
The day of the reunion finally came, and it was with some trepidation and nervousness that I entered the Lakeview Hotel in Ballarat not knowing what to expect. Immediately I was greeted by a few of them, and apart from the shock of now seeing them as fully fledged adults, it was like seeing old friends again.
We laughed at so many things, shared stories, looked at photos, and they had even arranged for me to do a roll call!!
Sadly we had lost 4 of our group in the ensuing years which was tragic to learn about.
It was just a fantastic day, with the odd part being that many had to leave late in the afternoon as they had kids at home to look after and get to bed, whereas when I was teaching them I was just about to enter the parenting phase of my life.
Fast forward another two years and I noticed a message from one of them on Facebook, which I replied to. This then started a line of discussion about how to use a slow cooker to cook a roast!!
Imagine that, 26 years later I am still offering some of them advice, and in cooking of all things!!!
It just goes to show that some connections can remain solid throughout the years.
It all started with Kellie asking about her slow cooker...
And having just cooked a frozen chicken in ours just a day or two earlier, I had to add my bit...
This exchange made me realise that although we may think that some people may have passed through our lives, we just never know where or when we we will catch up with each other again.
I look forward to our next reunion.
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