TGS Chapter Lorraine 1958 to 1964

Hi, Lorraine Rock here! I was at TGS from September 1958 until 1964, I left just at the end of the Upper 6th.. I was also a Boarder at "Kentleys" during that period. My Sister, Vivienne Rock; also enrolled in 09/58, but left after her Lower Sixth Year in 1963, she was also a Boarder during that time. 

Miss Arnold was our Head Teacher, and was amazing! There were 750 students in the school and I would be confident in saying that she knew most of us by sight, and by name, and also if we had a sister in school!.My best friend at Kentleys was Lindsay Bowser, and we are still in touch after meeting in 4th year (1961-2) we actually won a dance competition that year, for doing the Twist! Sheilagh Noble was also a good friend.  Bernadette Shepherd was my best friend in school, 

I was not a stellar student at Tonbridge, I was 10 years 9 months old when my sister and I were sent to Kentleys, and I did not adjust well. I was intellectually gifted, but emotionally immature. During my first 2 terms I was bullied by a couple of slightly older - and bigger- first year girls in my dorm, and at home my parents separated, My Dad moved overseas and my mother went back to work full-time.. My exam results at the end of year one were low average, and I was placed in Year 2 in the B stream. My older (by 2 years) sister did poorly as well, after transitioning from the South West of England which had a vastly  different curriculum. Vivienne was young for her year as well, and she was held back, repeating year 3. 

However, Tonbridge was an excellent school,with amazing teachers, and both of us adjusted, found friends and took that learning with us when we left. After leaving Tonbridge I  enrolled at Paddington Technical College, where I studied Medical Laboratory Technology, and worked Part-Time as a Science Lab Tech at Kennington College in London. Vivienne attended London University's Library Assistant Program, and after graduation she  worked in Public Libraries and Youth Centres in London. Vivienne was inspired to go into a Librarian's Career by her mentor, the school librarian,  Miss Mallard. (Who also inspired me with a love of History, when she was my History Teacher in year 4).  I also remember Miss Geary , who taught my  A level English Literature Class in both Lower and Upper 6th. I learned so much from her, and her classes were great fun. She also took her students to Stratford, Covent Garden Operas, and the Charing Cross Theatre.I learned so much in fact. that when I enrolled in University in Montreal,for English Literature  my classes were very easy. I am proud to say that I scored in the 99th percentile in the Spelling section of my entrance exam to  Journalism school! That was thanks to my Latin classes I think!  - Tonbridge was the best school for so many subjects, 

My Father had left England in 1960 and worked in the Middle East, Kuwait, and India. He moved to Canada in 1965, Vivienne and I followed him in the Spring of 1966. I immediately found employment at a Hospital in Montreal, and Vivienne in the University Library, at Sir George Williams University.

Vivienne went on to work at McGill University, and studied Management there. She worked there for 35 years, and retired as a Director of Facilities Management. I studied for my Medical Lab Certification in College in Montreal, receiving my certification in 1973. I then went on to University on a part -time basis, and received my B.A. In English Literature (with Minors in Journalism and Women's Studies) in 1978. I went back to University as a Mature Student , and received a Master's Degree in Health Services Management. in 1983, then a Master's in Project Management in 1985. 

After working in various Hospital Labs in Montreal I I moved to Ottawa, where I married in 1982, and had two Children. (now in their late 30's). I ran a City-wide Lab Program for 15 years, and then in 1998 I went to work for the Federal Government of Canada as a Consultant and Project Manager.  I retired in Dec 2017, at the age of 70, from The Health Portfolio at Health Canada, where my highest position was as a Director of Strategic Issues in the Public Health Agency of Canada.

THAT'S MY LIFE IN A NUTSHELL! I have obviously left out a ton of details, including attending Expo '67 and the Montreal Olympics in 1976. Plus being the Health Portfolio Liaison to the Intergovernmental Olympic Committee for the Vancouver Olympics 2010, and helping to set up Health Boards during the Creation of the New Territory of Nunavut in 1999.. 

I have often been made aware that the schooling which I received at Tonbridge prepared me very well in terms of career trajectory. The school was then, and I am sure, is now., truly an Elite School. and I credit it with teaching me to learn !

I almost forgot to mention just how much I was always inspired by the School Motto, and the school song!! 

I wish I could be there with you, but I am about to turn 77 in December, and I no longer travel well!

I hope you all have a wonderful time!

Best wishes to all !

Lorraine Rock.

TGS Alumna 1058-64