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Camden New Journal - by ROISIN GADELRAB
Published: 28 June 2007

Lesley Garrett (left) and Fleet Primary School teacher Pat Hollister with Anab Abdirahman, Georgia Lowe, Sophie Kandish, Olivia Williams and Robert Hobson

Dear teacher, this is your life... and we’ve turned it into an opera

A RETIRING headteacher saw her life flash before her eyes after soprano Lesley Garrett and her students surprised her with a farewell opera based on her career.
Pat Hollister, headteacher of Fleet Primary School for 22 years, was astounded when students led her into a room where opera legend Lesley Garrett was waiting for her.
And she was further shocked to discover her pupils had dressed up as her through the ages in a tribute opera to her life.
Ms Hollister said the opera included all her favourite arias, adding: “The most extraordinary thing about it is that I didn’t know anything about it. The first time I realised was when some children took me upstairs and the press were there, then Lesley Garrett appeared. I didn’t realise at first the children were all dressed up as me. After working at the school for 22 years I was stunned that they could arrange such a sophisticated event. I was just so proud of the children, it sounded absolutely fantastic.”
Ms Hollister’s husband, Malcolm Gifford colluded with organisers to help pull off the secret gig, by imparting details of her history to writer Duncan Robertson.
Ms Hollister, who still hasn’t decided to do with her free time once she’s retired said she was delighted Lesley Garrett was involved, adding: “She was delightful, everyone adored her, she’s a truly delightful person.”
Lesley Garrett said: “I know a fair amount about the school because my singing teacher is a governor.
“I live in Highgate and this school has great local renown. Everybody knows about Pat’s school. What she’s done in 20 years has put her school on the map. She encourages her teachers to have a great pride in themselves and in their school.
“Pat’s an inspirational headmistress. “I’m very excited hearing the children tonight. There will be children performing tonight who, if they were given the right support, could go on to make careers in music.”
She added: “All the opera I know I learned in my local grammar school. We sang all kinds of music. I’m a firm believer in assemblies. I think every child should start the day with a song.
“I start every day with a song in my shower.
“It’s the most incredibly enervating experience.”

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