It was a different setting at St Joseph’s Secondary School back in 1962, says Lindy Clark.

Ms Clark shared her memories of the first time she entered the gates of the school as the school’s 60th Diamond Jubilee celebrations continued yesterday.

She described the setting back in the days, as a very small school without a hall.

Ms Clark is a mother of two, who later went to law school in her mid 30s. After graduating she then then worked as a judicator in Auckland for 25 years.

Yesterday, she spoke to the entire student body during the Careers Talk and asked the girls to raise their hands if they were interested in studying Law.

One student made her laugh because the only reason she wanted to become a lawyer was to earn money.

“I told her that you need to take law for the right reason,” she laughed.

Ms Clark advised the girls to appreciate that they are in one of the best schools and they should take advantage of it.

“Sister Joseph was quite a feminist in her own way and she inspired me a lot, especially when I went to University,” said Ms Clark.

She says that a lot of people constantly ask her why she attended a Catholic school when she was not a Catholic.

In response, she would turn around and tell them: “My mother saw the light” as her mother first told her that if she wanted to live in Fiji with her parents then she would have to attend an all-girls school.

After migrating to Auckland, Ms Clark lost contact with her high school friends for 40 years and then reconnected with them about 10 years ago.

“In 2006 checked the school’s website while I was at work and a pop up of the previous anniversary came and I said to myself that I just missed it.

“But there were a few names in the newsletter and I clicked on them and sent an email to Katalina asking if she remembered me after 40 years.

“Within hours I got emails from Canada, USA and Australia which was so exciting.

“And then one of the girls offered to have a mini reunion in Sydney so there was about 10 of us and it was lovely,” she said.

The Diamond Jubilee celebrations will continue throughout the week. Today will be their Family Fun Day from 8am to 9am followed by a Masquerade Party at 6pm.

Edited by Maraia Vula

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