A chance encounter at a Wollongong school reunion has blossomed into a 20-year marriage for two former classmates who rediscovered each other after four decades apart.
From Classroom to Reunion Romance
Helen Parry left Wollongong West Public School in the late 1950s when she was just eleven years old, moving to SCEGGS at Gleniffer Brae and leaving behind classmates including Kevin Stenton. While she knew his sisters, Kevin himself barely registered in her memory until forty years later.
The pair's paths crossed again in the early 2000s at a school reunion, where Kevin's sister played matchmaker and reintroduced them. Helen, who had previously vowed never to marry again after a divorce, found herself unexpectedly drawn to her former classmate.
"He was just the old-fashioned gentleman, and he's a very loyal person," Helen said of the man who would become her husband.
Centenary Celebrations Bring Back Memories
On November 12, 2025, Helen and Kevin Stenton returned to the school that first brought them together, joining former staff and students to celebrate Wollongong West Public School's 100th anniversary.
The Berkeley residents walked through the same halls and classrooms where they'd first met as children, now transformed from the austere environment Helen remembered from the 1950s.
"We didn't have books with pictures, or things up on the walls to make it look vibrant," Helen recalled. "When we went there today, you could see that all the students and teachers were allowed to be themselves."
School's Rich History Comes Alive
The centenary celebrations saw the school library transformed into a mini-museum featuring memorabilia, photographs and artefacts tracing the institution's century-long journey.
Among the attendees was 90-year-old Darryl Walker, a former sportsmaster who taught at the school from 1957 and remembered his nine years there fondly.
"I had nine lovely years here at this school... it was a wonderful school," Mr Walker said. "We had a wonderful staff, everyone, and we had wonderful kids."
The nonagenarian recalled community efforts to raise money for a school pool - which closed in 2023 - and coaching a state-winning team. He also remembered strict school inspectors who ensured all blinds in windows facing the road were pulled to exactly the same height.
While much has changed since the 1950s, when teachers were predominantly male, Mr Walker noted that the school grounds looked remarkably familiar. "Just looking out there now, it looks exactly the same as it was before," he observed. "My room was just over there. Those were the days."
The celebrations included a panel of former teachers, students and principals, along with activities for current students and the placement of a time capsule by school captain Mason Lindon, ensuring future generations would learn about this significant milestone in the school's history.
