“Desire is possibility seeking expression, or function seeking performance.” – Wallace Wattles
Q: Why did You Choose to study at IPS? (What circumstances brought you to IPS)
A: Irene was the closest school to home for us
Q: How would you describe your experience as an IPS learner?
A: Great. I enjoyed my time there
Q: What were some of your most meaningful experiences at IPS?
A: Engaging in class. Group projects helped us realise the importance of teamwork. Playing during breaks encouraged me and others to get to know one another and form potentially lifelong friendships
A: Ask questions. To set yourself for success as a child, I believe that all you need to do is ask questions. Ask yourself, ask teachers, ask anyone. How to improve this or how do I get involved in that? Any adult can ask questions, but imagine each child asked their teachers/peers questions every day. I understand why nobody really asked questions; we had no idea the benefit it has. Showing initiative. Some people were naturals at this. I was not. I wish I knew how good I actually was at sports. I would have tried harder. Not being afraid to stand out. Even today, I hold back. Just to fit in.
A: Investment Analyst
Q: How did the school or school experiences prepare you for your career?
A: I would not say that it prepared me directly. I feel like I was not mature enough to be conscious of the skills I was picking up, so I don’t quite remember.
However, the belief that the teachers had in me played a significant role. It’s only now, when I look back, that I realise they really wanted to see each of us succeed. However, being children, we never really understood the hints that our teachers gave. For instance, Mrs Compton (G1), Gardiner (Maths), Watson (Maths), Robinson (LO), Hiscox (Maths), Jaynarayan (English), Lalk (NS), Jansen, Scrooby (I think she got married sometime before I left), all showed a lot of care towards our progress. I’m not sure if this was because of the stage of their lives, but I feel like they cared a lot about us for some reason. Strict as they were.
We had one Football coach for a brief period (only three months, sometime between 2007 and 2009). He also believed in us. Had he been given a chance with us for longer, we would have probably been the best team in the province. Not sure why he was let go/allowed to leave. I think we need that kind of role model at such a young age. He would stop games and ask us to think about our next play. That encouraged thinking. He taught us how to think, process issues and the consequences of our plays. He taught us a life lesson I wish all kids learn. Most of us learn in our 20s or 30s how to plan and think deeply about our plans. Some of us go through life having not thought about a single thing regarding how we’d like our proverbial “plays” to look. We take things as they come. And that’s okay, depending on one’s stress preference.
But we were kids, and most of us had parents. So, I understand why teachers and coaches do not want to get heavily involved in a child’s life for fear of parents’ reproval.
A: Football and athletics. I still run sometimes. I know many people who used to be good at sports. Nothing spectacular from my side but Bambi was a natural at football. Totally out of this world. Better than any 13-year-old I have ever seen. Anywhere in the world, pretty much. I lost touch with him, but I keep thinking that someday I might see him play on European football TV or something. He was a real talent. I hope he hasn’t given up, wherever he is.
Q: 2021 marks Irene Primary’s 120th birthday. What is your message to the school?
A: Thank you for believing in us like your own children. Not many people can say that about their schools.
A: LinkedIn – Bill Seota (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-seota-016920b0/)