Former student, 99, returns to primary school for first time in 80 years to celebrate birthday

By Kelsey McCabe

Last month a 99-year-old returned to her former primary school for the first time in more than 80 years in a special visit to celebrate her birthday.

Olive Bailey, who now lives in Kent, told her daughter, Su, that her birthday wish was to return to her old primary school, English Martyrs’ RC Primary School in Flint Street, Walworth. 

Mrs Bailey attended the Catholic school in the 1930s, when it was called Flint Street School. 

On May 20, Mrs Bailey’s wish came true when she visited the school for an afternoon with her family to meet the children and share old memories with staff and students.

During her visit, the school held an assembly during which Mrs Bailey reminisced about her own school days and how much the school had changed, from uniform standards to the surrounding area.

At the end of the visit, students and staff presented Mrs Bailey with flowers, birthday cards, and a student-made art piece in the shape of the number ninety-nine. The students also sang Mrs Bailey birthday wishes before she left.

English Martyrs’ RC Primary School headteacher, John Camilleri, said: “This visit was a reminder of how important primary schools and primary education is for children in general.

“It was also an occasion for teachers to reflect that notwithstanding the work and stress that being a class teacher brings with it, children do appreciate what we do for them and understand the lasting effect of what we teach in our day to day lessons.”

The administration says they look forward to having Mrs Bailey visit again to celebrate her one hundredth birthday next year.

Pictured top: Olive Bailey revisits the schoolyard at English Martyrs’ Catholic Primary School (Picture: Iqbal Miah)