Message from the “Editor”

We have received queries from persons who do not live near to established Chapters, and you are all reminded that the formation of new Chapters where the population can support it is always welcome.  Atlanta and California are still working to become established, and alumnae in those areas are encouraged to contact the coordinators and get involved.

The process of cleaning up the mailing list is ongoing, and your updated information is always welcome.  Please remember to forward this bulletin to as many past students as possible and encourage them to join the mailing list or update their contact information.  To be added to the mailing list, send a message to ichsalumnae@hotmail.com with name (maiden also), year of graduation, and present location. 

News from the Alumnae Chapters

Local (Jamaica) Chapter

Annual General Meeting

Calling all past students of Immaculate Conception High School to the St Francis Hall at the Convent on Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 4 p.m.

Come and vote for your Executive Members for the 2009/2010 year.

Please remember to bring your membership fee of $500.  You are required to be a paid-up member to vote.

In the same way that we benefitted from the service of those who came before us, show your love and gratitude for what ICHS did for you by giving back to this outstanding institution.  The school needs you, your talents, and treasure.

Looking forward to seeing you next Sunday.

Lisa Foster-Thomas, Membership Officer

Big Sister

There was no Big Sister visit for April (Easter vacation) or May.  A date has not yet been set for a June visit, but Big Sisters will be advised accordingly.  If you are interested in participating in the Big Sister programme, please let us know. 

Toronto Chapter

Families & Friends!!

Please join us for an Old Fashioned Picnic

• Alpha Academy Alumnae Association
• Immaculate Conception High School Alumnae Association
• St. George’s College Old Boys Association

Sunday August 16th, 2009 / 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. / Milne Park / Lakeview B/Shelter Area

Located on McCowan Road.  South of Highway 7

Markham, Ontario, Canada

RAIN or SHINE

New York Chapter

May has been a quiet month for us, but we’re getting ready for our next fundraiser in July.  If your plans include the Big Apple this summer, please plan to join us for our Twilight Dinner Cruise on Saturday, July 18th on the New York Circle Line.  This year, we  will be partnering with Cornwall College Old Boys’ Association New York and Wolmer’s Alumni Association of the USA, Inc.  The event includes dinner, as well as dancing to DJ Prentice.  Tickets are $55.  It promises to be a fun, fun time! 

2010 marks the 25th Anniversary for the New York Chapter.  Planning for the year’s activities are underway.  So, if you haven’t been active in the association, we could really use your input now!  Do please get in touch … email, snail mail, wireline or wireless … we need you!

Mark your calendars and plan to join us:

•         Twilight Dinner Cruise – Saturday, July 18th on the NY Circle Line – 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
•         Annual General Meeting – Saturday, October 3rd, location TBD
•         Twenty Fourth Annual Dinner Dance – Saturday, December 5th

Ad astra per aspera.

Camille T. Mordaunt, Acting President – Legalcandi68@gmail.com

Lesleyann Samuel, Corresponding Secretary – lesvsam@yahoo.com

Florida Chapter

Summer Bash – June 20, 2009

Our only fundraiser for the year will be a Summer Bash Dance event, which will be held at Grand Palms on Saturday, June 20th, 2009.  As requested by many alumnae, we are starting at 9 p.m. when food and drinks will be available for purchase.  We are calling all South Florida alumnae and their friends and relatives to attend.

Tickets are also available on the website via PayPal so do visit us at www.ichsalumnae.net or contact us at – ichsflalum@aol.com 

Ticket sellers – please remember to mail your sales proceeds as collected.

We look forward to seeing you all there!

Our next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 3 p.m. at Donna Hoo. Please email her at dphoo99@bellsouth.net to let her know that you will be attending.

Washington DC Area Chapter

Our next semi-annual meeting will be held on November 7, 2009, at the home of our President, Asabi Banjoko-Knorr.

Our social event(s) will be posted on our website, so please remember to visit us at: http://www.ichsaa-dc-area.com. 

ICHS European Alumnae Friendship Chapter

The annual Europe get-together is being planned for October 31, 2009 in London. Any other alumnae that might be visiting at that time are more than welcome to attend. Details of location and time will follow in the coming months.

Kemi Hale (nee Martinez – Class of 85), Switzerland – keminemartinez@yahoo.com

Atlanta Chapter

All alumnae in the Atlanta area are urged to get involved in reviving the Atlanta Chapter of the Alumnae Association.  You may contact either Beth Smalling @ 770 355 3555 or Margaret Potter @ 404 886 2090.

California Chapter

Alumnae living in California may e-mail 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, to be added to the growing database. 

Announcements

Seeking friends

Myndilee Wong (Class of 1969) wants to get in touch with Anne Marie McLaughlin.  Anyone who knows where she is should ask her to contact Myndilee@maine.rr.com.

Class of 1960

Melanie Chang-Bitter is looking for names and e-mail addresses of alumnae of the class of 1960.  Next year will be the 50th year since you took/passed Senior Cambridge.  Please contact her at melbits@gmail.com to let her know if you would be interested in participating in a reunion in 2010.

Class of 1976 Website

Ladies from the Class of 1976, it’s been 33 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, or join the ICHS Class of 1985 group on Facebook.  Our 25th reunion plans are now being developed for the weekend of August 12th – 15th, 2010.

Class of 1999 Reunion

Plans are underway for a 10-year reunion.  Members of the Class of 1999 are invited to send their thoughts, comments and contact information to ichsreunion09@gmail.com.  A Facebook.com group “ICHS Class of 99″ (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=3074000014&ref=ts) was also formed for this purpose.

Grand Palms Resort Ballroom

Join members of the Immaculate Conception High School Alumnae Association’s Florida Chapter on Saturday, June 20th at Grand Palms Resort in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Visit ICHSAlumnae.net and click on the ICHS Florida Chapter Summer Bash logo.

The party begins at 10 PM, so you KNOW we are serious!

This is an opportunity to meet and greet, and have some fun. If you live in South Florida, join us on June 20th at the Grand Palms Resort for ICHS Florida’s Summer Bash 2009.

Music by DJ Radcliff and Richie D. $25 per person (advance). More at the door. This is a fundraising event, so food and beverage is available.

Check out GrandPalmsResort.com for information about the venue.

Calling all the ICHS Prep and High School Graduates who will be in Jamaica this weekend !

I really didn’t think it would be appropriate to let another month go without saying a great big ” THANK YOU” to all our members and non-members who contributed their time, talents and treasure to make the 150 Anniversary celebration a memorable one.

We know that many of us are swamped with work, trying to raise children, taking care of our parents, providing support to our spouses and friends, and many worthwhile causes. We know that when you take even an evening, a day, a few days or more to be a part of the Alumnae, it is a sacrifice and we truly appreciate it.

Many of you are busy but a call from Sr. Maureen Clare or one of the executives results in an immediate “yes, what do you need me to do?”

This Sunday, March 8, we request the pleasure of your company at 4 p.m. in the St. Francis Hall to come and hang out for a couple hours. We want the opportunity to socialize, hear your thoughts, express our thanks, clarify or expand our mission. Many of you are already working for the good of school and country but what more can we the graduates of ICHS do, be, contribute, to advance the school and country. We want you to be aware of what we are about, (e.g. sponsorship and Ozanam home) and to hear all that you are doing.

Many of you had expressed a need to do more (whether it be prayer or action) after the tragedy late in the year. Even if you didn’t get a chance to be part of 2008…please come out. We have another 150 years to think about . Those of you whose toe may have gotten stepped on over the years, give us another chance to show how much you mean to us…please come out. Finally, please email us at ichsalumnae@hotmail.com and tell us if you are coming so that we make sure the snacks stretch…(we may have used up our miracle quota last year… .

Love and Peace to all of you.

Lisa Foster-Thomas Membership Officer.

Alumnae Association Bulletin #64 – February 2009

Message from the “Editor”

Better late than never!! Best wishes to all alumnae, their families and friends for the rest of 2009. One month down, and eleven to go – time surely flies!!

The 150^th Anniversary Celebrations are behind us, but we now need to capitalise on the energy that was generated throughout 2008 to continue to build the Alumnae Association. Although 2009 is predicted to be a year full of challenges globally, we hope that our Association will see positive growth as we continue to create new links and strengthen our bonds with each other.

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.

News from the Alumnae

Local (Jamaica) Chapter

Our next meeting will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2009, at 4:00 p.m. in the St. Francis Hall at the Convent. Your attendance and participation is welcome.

Save the Date!

On Sunday, March 8, 2009, we are planning to have a social instead of the monthly meeting. Usual time and place – the St. Francis Hall at the Convent at 4:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there

Valentine’s Treat

We will be visiting the Ozanam Home on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. for our annual Valentine’s Treat for the residents. All are invited to join us for an afternoon of light entertainment and fellowship.

Big Sister

Our next Big Sister visit is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2009. All who have been involved in this programme over the years are asked to confirm their continued interest in participating as Big Sisters, and anyone who wishes to join the Big Sister programme should contact Angela Patterson at angelapatterson@cptcjamaica.com or Michelle Hamilton Sucklal at michellehamiltonsucklal@yahoo.com.

Annual Subscription

Subscriptions for 2009 are now due. The bulk of our fundraising proceeds go towards the Scholarship Fund, and so we rely on your annual subscription of only J$500 to cover our operating expenses. These funds help to support our ongoing and regular activities, including communications such as these monthly bulletins. You can make the payment directly to any member of the Executive or at the Convent, or call Lisa Foster-Thomas at 322-4765 to make arrangements for your subscription to be collected.

Toronto Chapter

ICHS Alumnae Association (Toronto Chapter) invites you to “Lyme and Linger to the Best of the 70’s and more” on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at Sts. Peter and Paul Banquet Hall, Scarborough, Ontario.

New York Chapter

Our Twenty Third Anniversary Dinner Dance took place on Saturday, December 6th, 2008.
It was a truly warm and wonderful evening, despite the snow outside. The highlight of this event was the surprise recognition to our Immediate Past President, Karlene Largie, who stepped down from her post upon her election to the Presidency of the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations USA Inc. On behalf of the executive committee, many thanks to all of you all over the USA who sold raffle tickets and/or attended the fundraiser. Please mark your calendars for December 5th, 2009 when we will have our 24th anniversary dinner dance.

On January 24th, we held our 1st Quarter Meeting at the home of Carol Dumetz. It was wonderful to see some long lost faces, and as always, the ICHS spirit of camaraderie was ever present.

Upcoming events include our 2nd Quarter meeting on April18th, Twilight Dinner Cruise on July 18th, Annual General Meeting on October 3rd, and Annual Dinner Dance on December 5th. Do please join us if you’re in the greater NY area at any/all of these times.

We will once again be participating in UJAA’s Mega Raffle as one of our major fundraisers for the year. The raffle will be held on March 28th. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to participate in the raffle! Please contact: Karlene Largie (516) 713-8270

Our fourth newsletter is about to come off the press. Stay tuned!

We have a wonderful, energetic, ‘younger’ administration, and we’re looking forward to a blessed, productive and prosperous 2009!

Camille T. Mordaunt

Acting President

Legalcandi68@gmail.com

Lesleyann Samuel

Corresponding Secretary

lesvsam@yahoo.com

Florida Chapter

Annual General Meeting

Our Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 7th at 3:30PM in Miami Lakes. Please email Bridget Edwards at Bridget.Edwards@Akerman.com or call her at 954-712-6029 for details. We are still looking for alumna interested in any Board Positions. Please contact Nancy Cera or Jennifer Hoyes if you are interested.

In the event that you are unable to attend the meeting, please email Nancy Cera at ceranl@aol.com and she will email you a ballot. Also, as a reminder, only paid members are allowed to vote so please bring your dues check to the meeting if you have not paid..

Dinner Dance – SAVE THE DATE June 20, 2009

Please keep the date Saturday, June 20th, 2009 for a Dinner Dance to be held at Grand Palms. We will discuss this at the AGM.

Condolences

We wish to express our deepest sympathy to the Paula Facey Matthews and her family on the passing of her husband. We saw that her classmates, Sister Mary Murphy and other alumna were supporting Paula at her husband’s funeral service.

Remember to visit us at www.ichsalumnae.net or contact us at – ichsflalum@aol.com

Washington DC Area Chapter

No date has yet been set for our next meeting, but it’s expected to be in March. Look out for details in the next bulletin.

The ICHS Alumnae DC chapter is participating with the NYC chapter in the Mega Raffle. Tickets are already out being sold, and the raffle will take place in New York in March. Let us know if you need tickets.

Europe continues to develop the online group through

ICHS Eurowhich they communicate. Alumnae living in Europe who have not joined the group should send email to Kemine (address below) to be invited to join and get involved.

Kemi Hale (nee Martinez – Class of 85), Switzerland

keminemartinez@yahoo.ca

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”

Alumnae living in California may e-mail 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, to be added to the growing database.

Announcements

Class of 1960

Melanie Chang-Bitter is looking for names and e-mail addresses of alumnae of the class of 1960. Next year will be the 50th year since we took/passed Senior Cambridge and went our merry ways whether on to 6th form, Commercial Class or foreign. Not sure if the girls are up to a reunion but would like to do a survey. Contact her at melbits@gmail.com

Class of 1976 Website

Ladies from the Class of 1976, it’s been 33 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, or join the ICHS Class of 1985 group on Facebook. The 25^th reunion plans for summer 2010 are now being developed.

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 ]]> http://ichs.wordpress.com/2009/02/10/the-future-is-now-reach-for-the-stars/feed/ 0 BlogTalkRadioGuy http://ichs.wordpress.com/2008/10/08/ichs-alumnae-update-october-2008/ http://ichs.wordpress.com/2008/10/08/ichs-alumnae-update-october-2008/#comments Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:27:01 +0000 Ken English http://ichs.wordpress.com/?p=8 ]]>

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 150^th 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

lisaannefoster@yahoo.com

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.

150^th 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. 

Toronto Chapter

New York Chapter

Florida Chapter

Washington DC Area Chapter

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

keminemartinez@yahoo.ca

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 (10^th -12^th).  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.

Greetings Phenomenal Women and the IC Family:

We came from near and far  – From Switzerland, Toronto, Delaware, New York, Washington D.C., Texas,   Atlanta, Florida, California, Barbados, Belize, Jamaica and made Homecoming “da bomb”!  Truly a week to remember, when four hundred proud phenomenal women gathered to give God thanks for our alma mater on her 150^th birthday. 

The fellowship which followed Mass, set the tone for the rest of the week.   The Reunion and Anniversary Luncheon was a ‘riot’ as the classes gathered to renew acquaintances and reminisce about those “good ole days”!  Two days later, it was on to Open Day – do you remember the Cafeteria, the Summer House, the Convent and your homeroom!  We saw it all.  The premier event of Homecoming was up next and we had a Ball!  In what could only be described as a nostalgic, classy and fun-filled evening, the Phenomenal Women wore out the dance floor and wanted more.   Truly an unforgettable evening!  To end the week, the children had their turn at Fun Day, which brought down the curtains on our 150^th Anniversary Homecoming celebrations.  If you missed some or all of it, photos abound….even on Facebook!  Check it out.

The 150^th Anniversary Planning Committee took a well-deserved break in August and the members are now back “at work” and looking forward to the remainder of the year.

First up on the calendar is Assembly on Wednesday, September 15, 2008, courtesy of the Alumnae Association.

October is Senior Citizens’ Month and the ICHS 150^th Anniversary celebrates our “Seniors” at the Ozanam Home on October 4, 2008. 

Remembrance Walk is on November 1, 2008…..walk the path of our history, from Duke Street to Alvernia to Constant Spring!  Past and present students, teachers and parents will participate in this “walk down memory lane”, so don’t you miss it!  

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!…..ICHS Performing Arts in Concert!  This production will showcase the talent of current students and the programme promises to be filled with surprizes for all who attend.  Tickets will be available in early October and from the 150^th Anniversary HQs and ICHS. 

The 150^th Anniversary web page is presently being updated after which you will be able to see the photos and news on the Golf Tournament and all Homecoming events. So don’t forget to visit these pages www.ichsalumnae.net  and feel free to contact the Planning Committee at ichs15008@yahoo.com or 876-828-9229. 

Souvenirs are still available and News Flash – a new item was added for Homecoming – 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 150^th Anniversary HQs.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the 150^th Planning Committee who have given of their time and efforts to ensure that our celebrations are memorable.

To our overseas Alumnae Chapters, THANKS for the support.  I would also like to recognize the quiet yet significant support of our Principal, Sr. Angella Harris, O.S.F. and her staff, without whom all of this would not have been possible. 

To the many sponsors and benefactors, THANK YOU!

The fellowship has been great, the support, what can I say…tremendous!  Let’s keep the momentum going!

Phenomenal Women of Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow!

Ad Astra Per Aspera!

Yasmin Chong – Chair, 150^th Anniversary Planning Committee

Last month many of us were in Jamaica having a great time . Seeing old classmates, meeting fellow alumnae we never knew before, and being with the alumnae who reside in Jamaica. Kudos to those phenomenal women on the 150th committee who for two years  worked tirelessly to show us a great time, and that they did.

Congratulations to the the ICHS 150th Anniversary Committee on hosting a Homecoming week to remember.  Thanks for the memories, from the beautiful Mass on Sunday in our Cafeteria, lovely luncheon on Monday , to the elegant, Friday gala Ball at the Pegasus. The fun of family day  back on 
campus Saturday was appropriate to end a perfect week.

Each event was special and heartwarming.  The Ball was fantastic, elegant yet playfully reminiscent of our high school days, full of laughter, music and dancing together.  We look forward to participating in the events planned for the remaining months in 2008.  Let us continue our celebration to  the closing event in December.

We were proud to be back on the ICHS campus, saw the potential for greatness at Graduation, and around us. May this inspire and encourage us to strive to achieve the goal of the ICHS 150th Capital campaign.

As our outreach on all levels continues to grow, so does our need for a strong capital fund.   A project of this magnitude is the product of profound faith and unshakable resolve. I urge you to participate. Your investment in the future of our ‘ School of Excellence’ will position ICHS to attract the brightest and most talented students, recruit the best faculty and maintain first-class school facilities.  Your support is needed to protect our legacy of Excellence.

The Florida Chapter, a 501c3 exempt organization, will acknowledge your contribution with a tax deductible receipt.  In addition, your contribution may be sent to the 150th Anniversary Committee at the school in Jamaica.  We look forward to your continued support, generous contribution, and involvement in our beloved alma mater.

Jennifer  Hoyes
President, ICHSAA Florida Inc.

www.ICHSAlumnae.net

So many have passed through the halls of this historic high school, entering as young girls, leaving as young women.

The internet is a a place where we can regroup, reviving relationships, linking up with those who have been on a journey since their graduation. Together, we can step back in time and help bring the school that influenced our lives in various ways

While our individual objectives may differ, there is something here for all of us. Although we may be scattered around the world, our common bond is a school in Jamaica, that needs our help. There are four Alumnae Association Chapters established in North America – Toronto, New York, DC Area, and Florida. More are possible.

By now, you know the school celebrates 150 years of existence this year. The celebration, which began in January, will last throughout the year.

Check out www.ICHSAlumnae.net for the 150 Anniversary calendar of events.

One of the Caribbean’s most respected all-girls high schools is located in Kingston, Jamaica. Beginning in January 2008, a series of events, culminating with a dinner dance in December, will take place to celebrate 150 years of continuous education.

Alumnae associations in Florida, New York, Washington, D.C. and Toronto plan to raise money to assist with needed improvements to the school, such as additional classrooms, more musical instruments and an upgrade to the technology infrastructure.

One goal of this blog is to communicate with as many graduates as possible, and direct them to the new website – www.ICHSalumnae.net. 

If you attended ICHS take a look at this video.: