TheHallowian-2021Vol2 - Flipbook - Page 22
Anne-Marie Ward—A passion for
languages and life
Anne Goulding, Class of 1979
Anne-Marie Ward holds a special place in the hearts of students and staff of All Hallows’
between 1975 and 2010. She is remembered as an exceptional teacher, mentor and
friend. Hallmarks of her character included her kindness, genuine interest in people and
great sense of joy and fun.
Anne-Marie was a student at All Hallows’ from 1955 to 1967, before becoming a teacher
of French and German. Later in her career, she returned to university and qualified to
teach Japanese.
Her students recall that Anne-Marie’s passion for the subjects she taught extended to
arranging events such as Bastille Day morning teas, with French fare purchased from the
nearby Eiffel Tower Pâtisserie. She also arranged dinners with students at restaurants
such as La Grange and the Munich Steak House. Immersion trips to New Caledonia
became regular events organised by Anne-Marie. Several of her students continued
their language studies at university, no doubt inspired by Anne-Marie’s passion for her
subjects.
Former student, Anne Goulding recalls that Anne-Marie had a great love of travel and
holidayed annually in destinations across the world.
Anne still has several postcards from
Anne-Marie describing her adventures. Anne-Marie
kept in contact with many of her former students
and was always interested to know about their lives.
In 2011, Anne-Marie travelled to Noumea with
former class of 1979 students, Helen Gore (See),
Michelle Grau, Kate McKeon, Tina Bakker (Jell)
and Tina’s family. There were many laughs and
enjoyed experiences during that trip. In these
later years, several students from the 1979
group also enjoyed Anne-Marie’s friendship
at lunches and dinners as well as visits to
the French Film Festival. Champagne was a
feature at these events!
Anne-Marie’s great faith was reflected in
her approach to life and people and her
love of everything about All Hallows’. Sadly,
she passed away in 2012 but she was still
travelling up until three months before her
death. She will always be remembered with
great affection by all who knew her.
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The Hallowian | 2021