Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Wednesday 15 December 1915, page 5


ISOLA E., THOMPSON, M. A.

KIND AND TRUE.

There was a gap made in the ranks of the old school by the death of Isola Florence Thompson, M A, for so many years a well-loved figure in school history.

Some remember her during her early days in the life of the Sydney Girls High School, when she came fresh from graduation honours, one of the very first. Others remember the middle and later period of her school work, very few can think of the High School without her. To the big majority hers was a sweet remembrance, affectionately spoken of, loved, endeared. We reverences her as one of Sydney's very clever woman, a pioneer graduate. In the old days we used to sur-round her with birthday books and autograph books, and we always wanted to see M.A. (Syd.) attached to her name. If she forgot that, as she often would have done, we did not hesitate to ask for it. Perhaps some of our reverence for distinction has worn off since those days, we have learnt to prize some other things more dearly. One can safely say that the memory of her kindness of heart just now stands out first. Miss Thomp-son was always kind so kind that some of us may have imposed, but we never did it more than once. She was too true-hearted for even the average school-girl to desire to impose again. For she rarely blamed or found fault, she set her value on honour and ten-derness, and the memory of both is enshrined. At times we may have forgotten that she was one of our most able women; we never forgot her way with us.

Last year word went found that our ex-teacher was ill that she would have to leave her work, that her busy life must change to one of perfect rest and quiet. There was a very quick rally to show her a little of what we thought. Within a bare fortnight old girls, some of whom had not met for 20 years, gathered one afternoon to show their love and appreciation of Miss Thompson's work and their recollection of it.

She loved the appreciation, but most of all she loved the flowers and the presence of so many old pupils, and the thought that came from near and far—for her. This week the news goes out that who has crossed over to the bourne, that for her weakness and pain are ended, that rest has come.

Her old girls are playing their part fittingly to-day—doctors and nurses in Egypt, France, and England. Red Cross workers in our midst, scholars teachers, writers, mothers of boys and girls will turn over the page as pages are so often turned over in these days, with a wistful sadness and a sweet memory of

loving kindness.

Some go skirting the happy islands,

And some are sleeping at quiet quays, And some are running before the tempest,

And some are 'whelmed on the lonely seas. Then here's a smile for the gay companions,

And here's a hand for the kind and true, When we have ended the great adventure,

Before the nightfall, we'll think of you.

JEAN.