The Schools have a strong tradition of family connections, with many alumni choosing to enrol their children in one of our Schools when the time comes. This is exemplified by Dorothy Jenks (née Wells, OLCS 1945), Liz Marshall (née Jenks, OLCS 1972), Helen Marshall (OLCS 2003), and Sarah Marshall (OLCS 2005) – three generations of the same family who have attended Our Lady’s Convent School (OLCS) who have shared their story with us.
Dorothy, born in 1927, is the oldest known OLCS alum at the age of 96. She joined OLCS when she was 11 years old after attending a local primary school in Seagrave. Dorothy still has a photograph which was taken in July 1943 when she was 16, dressed in her school uniform, which included a shirt, tie, tunic, and the beloved pelican emblem crest.
Dorothy particularly enjoyed English, with lessons predominantly taught by nuns, except for sports classes led by Mrs Bally and Mrs Arterton. She had a passion for hockey and recalls Mrs Arterton as “just lovely”. Dorothy reminisces about playing hockey on the pitch near Montessori, preferring to be on the wing rather than in goal. She also remembers the tradition of stopping for the Angelus prayer at midday, and says, “All pens and pencils would be put down, and the prayers would be said. No matter what you were doing. All would stop.” Dorothy thoroughly loved being at school and was very fond of Margarite Keinz, recalling her as a very kind lady.
During her time at school, Dorothy formed lifelong friendships that she remembers even after all these years. Dorothy vividly recalls the experiences of attending school during World War II, including running through the corridors to underground shelters during air raids and the necessity of bringing gas masks daily. “You’d be in big trouble if you forgot it,” she says.
After finishing school at OLCS, Dorothy aspired to join the Women’s Royal Naval Service but was unable to do so due to her father’s objections. Instead, she worked on the family farm alongside her brothers. Despite her initial career aspirations, Dorothy values the morals and values instilled in her at the Convent, emphasising the importance of family, understanding, and connection to the School. Her daughter Liz is actively involved in the OLCS Alumni Committee, and Dorothy takes pride in her granddaughters receiving their education at OLCS. The Convent holds a special place in Dorothy’s heart, and she remains grateful for the lifelong connections and values she gained from her time there.
Liz joined OLCS in 1960, aged four, alongside her lifelong friend, Jane Shipley. Liz’s favourite subjects were art, cookery and dressmaking and she recalls being able to drop French – her most disliked subject. “I really loved needlework classes and would always finish the projects that were set for the term in the first couple of weeks and would then bring my own projects in,” Liz says.
Swimming at the outdoor pool at Stanford Hall was another memorable experience, come rain or shine. There was no heated pool back then!
Liz vividly remembers the first days of the Summer Term when her Headmistress, Sister Mary Angela, would be at the front of the school with her measuring stick to measure the girls’ dresses to ensure that they were no more than four inches above the knee when kneeling.
Liz’s passion for needlework at school meant that she became a gifted seamstress, which came in handy when Liz had Loughborough’s first ‘test tube triplets’, but sadly, at just 2 weeks old, Liz’s son, Ian, passed away. “The triplets were all very tiny and were born in October – but weren’t due until Boxing Day. They were born when IVF was in its pioneering days, and there were less than 100 ‘test-tube babies’ in the country.”
Helen and Sarah, representing the third generation, were amongst the youngest starters at Montessori at under three years old, with Sister Mary Celine taking the girls on at the School. Helen recalls how Sarah got on well with Sister Celine and helped in the Montessori throughout her time in the Senior School.
Sarah shared, “When I found out my nana, mum and sister were visiting the Convent to reminisce on the past, I must admit I wish I was able to attend myself. After being at the Convent for nearly 16 years, it holds many fond memories for me. After knowing from the age of six that I wanted to be a teacher, the School set me on my path to fulfil my ambition. Most lunchtimes, you would find me helping Sister Mary Celine and Sister Bronagh at Montessori, my happy place. I always remember the perks of helping every day, Sister Celine would often give me some pocket money to get some ice poles! Both Sister Celine and Sister Bronagh could always see the love I had for children and the potential I had.
“I always looked up to Sister Shelagh for her calming manner, thought-provoking assemblies and most important of all, knowing each and every pupil by name – something I strive to do in my current role. All staff at the Convent were highly supportive and enabled me to have the best start in life. It is where my passion for education began, and I am now a successful primary Deputy Headteacher at Deira International School in Dubai.”
Helen has chosen to remain closer to home and has established a successful hair salon in Loughborough. She ventured into entrepreneurship by opening the salon after the birth of her first daughter, aiming to master the care of her daughter’s afro hair and challenge herself professionally. Helen fondly remembers Mrs Cleary as her favourite teacher, noting that she truly understood her. Additionally, Helen recalls Ms Glossop and Ms Bottoms (OLCS 1971) teaching her hockey and PE lessons. Sister Mary Mark, now known as Sister Shelagh, served as her Headmistress, and Helen reminisces about the strictness of some teachers at the time, including Mrs Hill and Mrs Hopkins. Reflecting on her encounters with them as an adult, she describes them as kind, warm, and caring individuals.
Dorothy’s words of wisdom for Amherst pupils of today emphasise the importance of hard work and honesty. She believes that one reaps what they sow in life, highlighting the value of dedication and integrity. Dorothy encourages students to seize the excellent opportunities available to them at Amherst and make the most of them by giving their best efforts.
Dorothy, Liz, Helen, and Sarah collectively view OLCS as an important part of their past, providing a shared connection through memories of attending Mass in the Chapel, enjoying meals in the cloisters, and fostering friendships of a lifetime. Looking back, they consider themselves fortunate and privileged to have been part of the school community, recognising the education and experiences gained as fundamental to their identities. They believe that these formative years have played a crucial role in shaping them into the individuals they are today and have guided them along their respective life journeys.
