DIANA & NANCY
On Friday , March 8 , 2024 , the School celebrated its annual birthday . More than 100 alumnae joined us throughout the day for a number of special events . The day started with a whole school assembly , followed by opportunities for alumnae to meet Junior and Senior School students . The annual lunch was held in the Heritage Dining Room , and tours of the campus and an evening reception completed the day .
On the day , we had a wonderful opportunity to sit down with two alumnae , Diana Filer ’ 50 and Nancy Gordon ’ 50 , to talk about their experiences at CHS and what has stayed with them from their time at the School . Diana and Nancy have maintained their close friendship — and connections with other girls in their graduating class — for over 70 years . These friendships have been a source of connection and support . “ Whenever we saw each other , we could pick up where we left off , whether it was Grade 7 , Grade 9 or university ,” said Nancy .
The conversation started with their headmistress , Ms Bryan , and her love for drama and Latin . “ She was a legend — and she should be . She was brilliant ,” said Diana . “ It didn ’ t matter what Shakespeare play we were doing , as she knew every part and she would be in the front row , mouthing our parts .” The conversation quickly moved on to recalling , with intensity , morning prayers and the need to remember your hymn book every morning !
Both Diana and Nancy lived at home while attending Crofton House : Diane from Grade 10 and Nancy from Grade 7 . When reflecting on their time at the School , it was the people — their teachers and their friends — who made their experience unique .
When talking about their preparation for life after graduation , the teachers were the ones they felt had made a difference . “ We felt that whatever we wanted to do was easily within reach . That came from Ms Bryan and Ms Betwell ,” said Nancy . “ If you want to take engineering , you take engineering ,” she added . With only women teaching in the School , the teachers were important role models , added Diana .
Nancy and Diana attended UBC after graduation . Diana went on to have a long and successful career in broadcasting with the CBC , creating Quirks & Quarks and other shows . Diana said , “ In broadcasting , the best course that I used was Latin . And they don ’ t teach it here anymore . I keep asking them to bring it back !”
Nancy graduated with an education degree and taught at various schools around Vancouver until she retired . “ I became a teacher and would have gone on forever , but in those days , you had to retire at 65 .” However , Nancy is still teaching , using her skills to teach conversational English to people who have newly immigrated to Canada from all over the world . “ I love teaching and have done it all my life ,” said Nancy .
We ended the conversation by asking Diana and Nancy what they would like to share with students at CHS today . “ Be so glad you ’ re being taught here , I would say ,” said Diana . Nancy added , “ Take advantage of all the things that the School offers . And stay connected because a lot of things change . But if you ’ re connected , it ’ s a wonderful feeling .”
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