On International Women’s Day, we had A Conversation With one woman who is one in a million; Mrs Sue Arpino. Mrs Arpino joined the School in 1990, but in her 29 years here, has worked in the Admissions Department, HR and finally settled into the role of School Secretary.
What does your average day entail?
Gosh, every day is different here in the School Office! Too many varied jobs to mention really, but my day can include booking taxis, coaches or minibuses, ordering stationery, taking in deliveries for staff and students, supporting staff with admin, answering the telephone and being interrupted all day long with questions and queries!
What have been your best experiences at Shiplake?
Meeting and working with so many different people over the 29 years. I have worked for three Bursars; will have worked with three Headmasters and many, many staff and students.
If you had to eat the same thing for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Being married to an Italian, I would have say a bowl of pasta!
If you could re-live a decade of your choice, which would it be and why?
It would have to be my late 20s, being at home with my young children and having my parents around was the best time ever.
If you could do any other job within the College, which would it be and why?
That is a difficult question! During my time here, I have worked on admissions, reception and HR so maybe the role of Matron would be very different for me!
What would be the first thing you did if you were given £1,000,000?
I would give my children enough money to buy their own houses in Henley. This is such an expensive area to live especially for young people trying to get on the property ladder.
What does the future hold for Mrs Arpino?
Retirement at some point, also looking forward to having grandchildren to look after!
