Decades-long dedication to education

Grammar Woman, Mrs Ann Caston (Pressland, 1958), has dedicated her life to education. After leaving school, Ann enjoyed a decades-long career in teaching. Her connection to Girls Grammar has remained strong throughout her life. 

‘I enjoyed my four years at Girls Grammar, during which I gained many new, exciting experiences and lifelong friendships. It was where my love for languages began, and my interest in Chemistry was nurtured. The skills I gained at Girls Grammar have served me well as an educator. 

‘I was a Day Girl at first but boarded during my senior years when my father was transferred to Dalby. I remember clearly how I travelled to school each day before becoming a boarder. We lived in Wynnum, so I left home before 7 am, travelled by bus to North Quay, walked down Queen Street to the trolley bus in Edward Street, bound for Gregory Terrace. 

‘Although I knew no one when I arrived on that first day in January 1955, I soon enjoyed being with my classmates of IIIB. I think my teachers liked what I did and were always encouraging. My favourite subjects were French, Latin and Chemistry, all of which I studied at university and subsequently taught. 

‘I can remember being curious about the background of my French teacher Madame Stenders, a refugee from Europe whom I admired for her courage and commitment. She provided opportunities to use our language outside the classroom, including the annual Concours de Poesie and a concert, La Soirée des Ecoles. One performance was an extract from Gounod’s opera, Mireille, performed in French and in costume. I had a keen interest in music, especially piano. 

‘When I was studying music for Senior, I was given the privilege of practising on Miss Crooks’ grand piano at 6.30 in the morning. One of my musical highlights was conducting my form (VB and VIB) in the Interform Choral Competition for the RT Jefferies and Etheldreda Jefferies Bursary which we (Form VIB) won in 1958. 

‘Teaching was not my first choice, but I was thrilled when I was offered the opportunity to become a secondary teacher after two years of study. The Queensland Government realised there was an urgent need for qualified teachers in the many new state high schools being established around Queensland. 

‘The first year was full-time study at The University of Queensland, followed by a year at Kelvin Grove Teachers’ College where I gained a Certificate in Secondary Education. We were also expected to complete our tertiary studies while teaching. After a year teaching Chemistry, History and Music at Trinity Bay State High School in Cairns, in 1962 I was transferred to Harristown State High School in Toowoomba. I would drive from Toowoomba to Brisbane to attend evening lectures in French. I graduated with an Arts degree, majoring in French and Chemistry, in 1964. 

‘I spent a short period studying in France, then in 1973 I moved to a school in Melbourne, teaching French, German and a beginners’ class in Indonesian. I returned to Queensland in 1974 and worked at several schools, in particular Marist College, Ashgrove, where I spent 20 years as Head of French. 

‘I found my teaching career to be incredibly rewarding, whether in the classroom or with cultural and sporting co-curricular activities. It has been a privilege to be influential in so many young lives and to have enjoyed the support of many wonderful colleagues. 

‘I have always been an active member of the Old Girls Association. I think it was about 15 years ago that I decided to nominate for the OGA Management Committee. It is a privilege to be connected with the School and with so many others who are passionate about girls’ education.