By Bonny Burrows
They were school captains together in high school back in 1995 and remain friends to this very day, tied together from the experiences they shared at Pakenham Secondary College (PSC).
PSC alumni Cardinia Shire Mayor Brett Owen and nurse Suzanne ‘Suze’ Simpson look back fondly at their time at the school as they plan to reunite with old classmates for the college’s 50th anniversary later this month.
Their memories of the school are vastly different to what stands there today – paddocks, cows, chickens and horticultural classes are still fresh in their minds.
“It was a great era to attend the school,” Suze said.
“Pakenham was a lot smaller when I attended and it had a friendly, country feel to it.”
The two were elected by their teachers to lead the school during their final years of secondary education.
Brett described the role as “a real honour”, which stirred up an interest in public leadership roles.
Despite being close friends and successfully working together to represent the school’s student body, the two school captains had vastly different interests, reflecting in their differing careers.
Brett described himself as an “average” student who favoured legal studies and accounting.
He was accepted into an accounting degree at Monash University before deciding to join the police force.
He has since taken a leave of absence while he serves out his mayoral term.
Suze on the other hand, loved maths, physics and electrical studies, and was also a member of the School Representative Council.
She now works as a Registered Nurse for Monash Health and has a side gig as a musician.
“I also teach nursing within the Chisholm Institute network. Nursing has given me the ability to work in so many different areas, my favourite being theatre and surgical, Suze said.
Both credit long-lasting friendships established on the school grounds for supporting them throughout their senior schooling and into successful careers.
However, both admit they wouldn’t be where they were today without the assistance from the school’s dedicated teachers – many who remain today.
“There were some great teachers during my time that really cared about the students and made learning fun,” Suze said.
“I still remember Mr Waldron’s Midnight Oil song changed to “King of the Fractions“ to help us remember our fraction rules in maths class. It worked; I’ve never forgotten a fraction rule since.”
Brett agreed, pointing to ‘Mr Z’ as a teacher that stood out.
“He was a long-time PE teacher, everybody had him,” Brett said.
While Brett has revisited the school in his capacity as a police officer and councillor, Suze has yet to walk the corridors again.
She’s looking forward to taking a trip down memory lane at the community event on 30 May, as too is Brett.
“I’m proud of the school and will continue to promote it,” Brett said.
“It was a great place to do my senior schooling.”
Both former students congratulated the school on reaching its golden anniversary and hoped to see the school reach many more.
