A special visit from former student, Katie Olah (1974-76)

We were very happy to welcome former student Katie Olah back to Kensington and share with you her recollection of the visit and time at the school. We thank her for her visit and the kind words she shared with us.

It’s hard to imagine when you are young and your whole life is ahead of you, but time does fly!"

My husband, Martin, and I ended a wonderful Mediterranean vacation in Barcelona and only then did I realize it was 50 years since I lived there for a year with my parents. I have been very fortunate in both my personal and professional lives, which includes having travelled extensively around the world for pleasure and for business, but September 2024 was the first time I returned to Barcelona.

I have always fondly remembered my year in Barcelona, including attending the Kensington School. Our visit to the school and the generosity of Headmaster Duncan Giles in spending time with us (and in fact pulling my school records, which apparently hadn’t been archived) was truly a highlight of our trip for me. He also shared with me that his father had been one of my instructors. (Thankfully, it appears I was a good student!)

My parents emigrated from a communist country to Canada, leaving everything behind to give me the opportunity to gain an education and enjoy a better qualify of life. As they were both university educated, I would not have had the opportunity to attend a post-secondary educational institution.

They achieved gainful employment in Canada with the same company, and when they were offered contract work in Barcelona, they accepted. This is how I came to live in Barcelona and have the privilege of attending Kensington School.

I have had a wonderful career as CEO of several companies, board chair and director of others,and currently as a vice-chair of the Canadian delegations for two international ISO/IEC committees addressing standardization with respect to artificial intelligence and bio-digital convergence.

I firmly believe that this degree of accomplishment would not have been possible without the excellent educational foundation I received at the Kensington School. Not only was the superior educational experience a benefit, but it also fostered a degree of independence that I would not have otherwise attained. Both these aspects contributed to my achievements in business and in my personal life.

Although the school had relocated in 1988, Headmaster Giles was kind enough to walk us over to the original building where I attended classes. He was also willing to let my husband take a picture of us in front of the building, which I am pleased to share with you.

I realize that it can be hard for children to relocate to a foreign country and leave their friends behind. I expect I had those reservations at the time as well; however, I have no recollection of it now. As noted above, I remember the experience fondly, and I am grateful for the exceptional learning experience I received.
One thing that struck me as highly positive when we were inside the school was the joyful sound of the children in their classrooms.

Many thanks to Headmaster Giles for the time he spent with my husband and me, and the outstanding experience he and his team continue to provide to students.
To all the students at Kensington School: enjoy this wonderful time in your life!

Kathy Fischer (née Olah)
October 2024

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