It was a real privilege to be invited along to the home of former staff member Mrs Hilary Hart to meet up with a close knit group of Sydenham High Junior Department (as it was then known) colleagues recently. The group all keep in touch and meet up at times, but this occasion was special as it was partly to remember their longstanding colleague Diana Fyfe, who passed away in August 2021 and also as an opportunity to meet up again with one of her sons, Dominic Fyfe. The photo at the top shows (in the back row, from left to right) Daphne Prebble, Deirdre Walton and Alex Gale and Dominic Fyfe. Front row left to right are: Elizabeth Ward, Hilary Hart and Mary Stone.
Diana taught at the Junior Department (now our Prep School) from September 1967 until her retirement in July 1990. She continued to have a fond regard for the school and her son recalls ‘many times former students would come up to her and say “Hello Mrs Fyfe”. She was always very touched by this.’ Friend and colleague Mrs Hilary Hart also pays tribute:
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Diana was remembered as a teacher with a calm demeanour and serene smile which led to a happy, hard-working class atmosphere and resulting high standards. She expected good behaviour and fair play at all times and was not disappointed. Her early theatre set designer background resulted in an interest in drama, school plays and costumes as well as all-around good collaborative work with her colleagues and friends.’ This photo below of the Junior staff in the 1980’s shows Hilary Hart in the centre with Diana Fyfe (blue cardigan) on Hilary’s right.
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