ICHS Alumnae Update – October 2008
Message from the “Editor”
No one can say that this was not a busy year – Christmas is just around the corner, but we’re not done yet with our 150th Anniversary Celebrations. Read on for details about the events still to come. Don’t forget to check the website from time to time: www.ICHSAlumnae.net.
The 150th Anniversary was a Gala Event
Please remember to forward this bulletin to as many past students as possible and encourage them to join the mailing list. To be added to the mailing list, send a message to ichsalumnae@hotmail.com with name (maiden also), year of graduation, and present location.
Calling All Immaculate Conception Past and Present Students !!!!!
Please come and join us on a “ Remembrance Walk”. We will be walking a two-stage route, first from Duke Street to Alvernia, and then from Mary Brown’s Corner to Immaculate. A chance to relive the history of the school and to remember those who gave service and made it possible for us to attend a beautiful school. We are walking with grateful hearts for having had the opportunity to be part of an institution that taught us service and discipline and where we met many of our lifelong friends. These reunions have also helped many of us to reconnect with old friends, even if only for a minute, an hour, a day and some for the rest of our lives.
Looking to see all alumnae in Jamaica at this walk on NOVEMBER 1, 2008, starting at 7 a.m. – The year is almost over so those who have not yet joined us please step forward now !!! I have no plans to give up on you… so we will keep you updated. Join me too in encouraging all alumnae you meet and all your friends to be part of this event. All who love the school are welcome !!!!
Also, this is a good opportunity for “Exercise“. Hoping to get t-shirts and there may be a fee for those of us who need to take a bus from Immaculate to Duke Street or from Alvernia to Mary Brown’s Corner. Refreshments at Alvernia and at the school will be available for purchase, or just bring your own. We will keep you posted with all the details as we get them finalised !!! Please don’t hesitate if you want to help plan this, make suggestions, donate something. Immaculate belongs to all of you ….it’s OUR SCHOOL… email us at ichsalumnae@hotmail.com or at the email below.
All class representatives, please get the word out and send your feedback to lisaannefoster@yahoo.com. Come on ladies, some of the years need to step it up before the year ends…. Some have said they did not get a chance to be involved in Homecoming… Here’s your opportunity. If you think/know your class does not have a representative…volunteer to get your class involved in the walk !!!!
Finally, since students will not be able to walk by themselves or without special permission…bring your children currently at the school and reach out to your nieces, friend’s children, church sisters’/brothers’ children just in case their parents can’t make the walk, you can bring them. We want the young ones there so that they can learn the history and share the pride we have in being part of the Immaculate Conception family.
Lisa Foster-Thomas
Membership Officer
P.S….
Congratulations to Zaria Malcolm (class of 1993) who won the 5 gallon of paints donated by Berger !!!!
Thanks to all who participated in the High School Assembly on September 15 – that was special.
Thanks to all who came out to a heartwarming October event at the Ozanam Home last Saturday.
150th Anniversary Report
It seemed like just yesterday when we opened our 150th Anniversary year of celebrations and here we are in October 2008. Where did the time go? This experience confirms that “time flies when you’re having fun! Yes we have had a great time and now we continue on the last lap of our twelve month journey.
The 150th Anniversary Assembly took place on Wednesday, September 15, 2008, courtesy of the Alumnae Association. This beautiful Prayer Service had the full attention and participation of students and staff and was well-received by all. Thanks to everyone who contributed to making the morning a memorable one. Special mention must be made of Sr. Maureen Clare Hall, Carol Anglin and our Musical Director, Allison Wallace, who were instrumental in putting together the prayers and music.
Our “Seniors” at the Ozanam Home were at the centre of the 150th Anniversary celebrations this month – October – also celebrated in Jamaica as Senior Citizens Month. Our Seniors were feted at lunch and then participated in a Sing-A-Long, led by Angela Patterson. Many gifts were presented to Mrs. Burnett, Administrator of the Ozanam Home. She thanked everyone for the donations and said they would assist in making the residents more comfortable. Donations included J$100,840.00 for doors, locks and installation, four (4) ply doors compliments of Kirby’s Hardware, May Pen, Clarendon, sectional sofa suite compliments of Courts Jamaica Ltd., love seats compliments of Boss Furniture, shower curtains and hooks and window curtains for the parlour. A big THANK YOU to all donors and those who visited the Ozanam Home.
The Remembrance Walk is scheduled for November 1, 2008…..walk the path of our history, from Duke Street to Alvernia to Constant Spring! The Immaculate family will “walk down memory lane” on the streets of Kingston, so don’t you miss it! Stage 1 of the walk begins on Duke Street at the site where the school operated for many years and ends at Alvernia, the school’s temporary location after the fire. Stage 2 sets off at Mary Brown’s Corner and the walk is completed on campus in front of the Convent. We look forward to seeing everyone there, so start exercising – you have three weeks to get fit!
December 7, 2008 is the grand finale – Mass of Thanksgiving in celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at 9:00 a.m. and later that evening – the Grand Finale…The 150th Anniversary Christmas Gala, featuring the performing arts department of the ICPHS. This production will showcase the talent of current students at the High and Preparatory schools. The programme promises to be filled with surprises for all who attend. Tickets will be available as of Monday, October 13, 2008 from the 150th Anniversary HQs, ICHS and ICPS.
The 150th Anniversary web page is presently being updated so don’t forget to visit these pages: www.ichsalumnae.net and feel free to contact the Planning Committee at ichs15008@yahoo.com or by telephone at 876-828-9229.
Souvenirs are still available including the Phenomenal Woman bumper sticker. The bumper sticker as well as the Commemorative Magazine, pens, pencils, rulers and polo shirts are all available from the 150th Anniversary HQs.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the 150th Planning Committee who continue to give of their time and effort to ensure that our celebrations are memorable and successful. The fellowship has been great, the support, tremendous! Let’s keep the momentum going! Phenomenal Women of Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow!
Ad Astra Per Aspera!
Yasmin Chong – Chairperson, 150th Anniversary Planning Committee
News from the Alumnae Chapters
Local (Jamaica) Chapter
Our next meeting will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2008, at 4:00 p.m. in the St. Francis Hall at the convent. All are welcome to attend and participate as we continue to finalise our plans and activities for the coming year.
Big Sister
Many thanks to the Big Sisters and other alumnae who were at ICHS for the Assembly on Monday, September 15, 2008. This took the place of our September Big Sister visit, but we have not yet finalised the dates for the rest of the term. Look out for more information – we will contact the Big Sisters directly when the details are worked out. If you are interested in joining the Big Sister programme, please contact Angela Patterson at angelapatterson@cptcjamaica.com or Lisa Foster-Thomas at 322-4765 or lisaannefoster@yahoo.com.
Alumnae Scholarship
Our scholarship awardees have both started their courses of study at the University of the West Indies. Daniele Clarke is pursuing studies in Social Sciences, and Shaniel Hunter has been accepted into the Faculty of Law.
Annual Subscription
The annual subscription of only J$500, helps to support our ongoing and regular activities, including communications such as these monthly bulletins. It can be paid to members of the Executive or at the Convent.
Toronto Chapter
There is no report from the Toronto Chapter this month.
New York Chapter
Our Annual General Meeting this past Saturday saw several changes within our leadership. I have stepped down from the presidency to focus on the task of President of The Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (USA) Inc. Camille Allen Mordaunt will lead the chapter as Acting President till elections next October. This created a ripple effect as the office of VP then became open. The following is the new executive committee till next October:
Camille Allen Mordaunt – Acting President
Natasha Davids – Vice President
Maxine White Levy – Treasurer
Marcia Wood Phillips – Asst. Treasurer
Lesleyann Samuel – Corresponding Secretary
Jacqueline Linton Biggs – Recording Secretary
Sharon Bennett – Floor Member
Lorraine Bryan – Floor Member
Jannette Stuart – Floor Member
Sandra Williams Stephens – Floor Member
Audrey Henry Tomlinson – Floor Member
Despite these changes, plans are in place for our Twenty Third Annual Dinner Dance. This year we host this event at the Holiday Inn at JFK Airport in Queens on Saturday, December 6th from 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Tickets are $85.00 each and includes a buffet dinner and a cash bar. Music will be provided by Soultone Disco and DJ Prentice. And, as usual, there will be many prizes and surprises! For any more details, tickets and reservations, please contact:
Karlene: 516-713-8270 or karlenemlargie@aol.com
Maxine: 914-329-8034 or maxlwhite@aol.com
Camille: 917-776-0989 or legalcandi68@gmail.com
Reminder: I still have copies of the 150th Anniversary Commemorative Journals for sale. Contact me if you have not received your copy.
Karlene Samuel Largie
Immediate Past President
Florida Chapter
Library
We are continuing our book drive for the ICHS library and thanks to all who have helped getting donations, storing and packing of these books. Please contact ICHSflalum@aol.com if you wish to donate books.
Jerk Festival
Our next event is the Jerk Festival to be held on Sunday, November 9, 2008 at Markham Park. We will be selling baked goods and certain 150th Anniversary items as well as a raffle.
The Raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5 and the prize is $150.The drawing will be held at the Jerk Festival. Raffle tickets are available for sale from Jennifer Hoyes.
We still need volunteers for the booth for the day. Please email ichsflalum@aol.com if you are able to volunteer.
Washington DC Area Chapter
The DC Chapter will hold its annual fundraising Brunch on Sunday, October 26, 2008 in Laurel, MD, from 12:30pm-3 pm. Tickets are $40 (Adults), and $12 (kids 5-12); kids under 5 are free. Contact any chapter member or Diane Forbes (jaqueenb@yahoo.com) for tickets. Raffle, prizes and surprises!
ICHS European Alumnae Friendship Chapter
Europe continues to develop the online group through which they communicate. Alumnae living in Europe who have not joined the group should send email to Kemine (address below) to be invited to join the group. Others who know of alumnae living in Europe should also send information to Kemine so that she can invite them.
Kemi Hale (nee Martinez – Class of 85), Switzerland
Atlanta Chapter
The Atlanta Chapter is still looking for all Alumnae interested in helping to revive the Atlanta Association. We have began preliminary planning for fund raising events and would love to have as many of you get in touch with either Beth Smalling @ 770 355 3555 or Margaret Potter @ 404 886 2090 as soon as possible.
California Chapter?
The initial potluck get-together has been postponed until early next year. However, if there are still more alumnae living in California, they are encouraged to email Althea John (trinipan@aol.com or ajohn@mptvfund.org), Audrea Golding Bitler (audreagb@hotmail.com) or Sharon Small (smallkebede@yahoo.com) with (1) their full name, including maiden name (2) year of graduation from ICHS (3) email address (4) phone numbers and location in California. We can add them to our growing database. All past students living or working in California are encouraged to get involved.
Announcements
Seeking classmates
Patricia Harrison is trying to locate Pamela Chung, Gloria Yap, and Sharon McNeil class of 1967. Anyone who has information that can help should e-mail Ptricia at patricia.harrison@uwimona.edu.jm
Class of 1976 Website
Ladies from the Class of 1976, it’s been 32 years since we graduated! Wouldn’t it be fun to re-establish old connections and plan a reunion? You are invited to join us and update your profile at http://www.classcreator.com/St_Andrew_Immaculate_Conception_1976 where you can bring us up-to-date with what you’ve been up to since graduation, share old and new memories, and invite other ladies from our class with whom you’re in touch. You may also contact Cheryl Earle-Arscott, Marie Thompson Reynolds, and Karen Forbes Thompson there with your ideas about a reunion or any other suggestions. See you there!
Class of 1985 Yahoo group
Members of the Class of 1985 are invited to visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ICHS85/ and make a request to join the group so you can reconnect with classmates. Mini-stateside reunion will take place in Ft. Lauderdale during the second weekend in October (10th -12th). Contact us for more information.
Seeking 1987 graduates
Graduates of 1987 who would like to be listed and receive updates from your year group can email ncparkins@cwjamaica.com. We send out emails and updates periodically and help old friends communicate. We also have get-togethers periodically and would love to invite you.
Class of 1989 Reunion
Plans are underway to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the graduation of the 1989 class. Contact Thalia Batchelor (nee Cuthbert) at batchjunk@hotmail.com if you have not heard of the plans thus far.
Class of 1993 Reunion
The Class of 1993 would like to have their 15-year reunion in 2008. A group has been formed on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6711074892) for members of the class who are interested in joining.
