Last night, I went to my first-ever 20-year reunion for the class of 1988 from Norwood Secondary College.

Of course, back in 1988, it was still known as Norwood High School. Joan Kirner had not yet wreaked her havoc on the Victorian school system.

Here I am with Karalyn, one of my Year 12 English students from 1988.

A good night, all in all, even though I didn’t get to have a conversation about politics with anyone. I think young Kennaway might have been up for it but there was too much noise.

I’d put the picture of me with former colleagues Mick Wilson and Ern Horgan here but the flash failed in its duty and the picture is mainly shadows. A good thing, perhaps!

In a number of respects, the night reminded me of the one-third rule that I used to present to students. One-third may have remembered me fondly, one-third were reminded of why they hated my guts, and the other one-third didn’t recognise me and couldn’t care less about it.

Of course, the rule works both ways…!