ICHS Alumnae Association 2002

Thanks for all the encouragement. It is heartening to see that the bulletin is appreciated. Remember to send information to be included in the bulletin, so we can keep everyone informed. We can’t keep track of everything that happens, and you can help us keep up-to-date.

Next month we want to add another feature called “The Principal Speaks”. Many of us have questions about things that are happening at ICHS and changes that have taken place. Sister Mary Catherine is willing to let us know what is going on – if we ask. Send me your questions, and I will pass them on to her. Questions and answers will be included in subsequent bulletins.

Please forward this bulletin to other ICHS past students. Anyone who wants to be added to the mailing list should send e-mail to ichsalumnae@hotmail.com. Please include your full name (including maiden name), year of graduation, and your present location.

Report on Events
The fund-raising take-out Fish Fry lunch scheduled for September 27, 2002, has been postponed until October 25, 2002, due to the threat of Tropical Storm Lilli.

Upcoming Activities
Annual Mass & Pot-luck Brunch to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Sunday, December 8th 2002 - 12.00 noon - St. Thomas the Apostle Church Hall -14 Highgate Drive, Markham, Ontario, Canada

New York Chapter

We are gearing up for our big event of the year - the 17th Annual Dinner Dance on Saturday, December 7th at Nakisaki International Restaurant in Hempstead, Long Island. Stay tuned for more details.

A special invitation is extended to all you "new" alumnae in the tri-state area to attend our next meeting on Saturday, October 5th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM in Flushing, Queens. For directions, e-mail or call Karlene at the address/telephone number below.

- Orientation was held on Monday, September 2, 2002. The introductory session in the Cafeteria lasted about one hour, after which the prefects took the different groups around for a tour of the school, ending at the respective home-rooms. The Alumnae Association provided cool drinks for the new students and their parents.

- Ricketts Productions Ltd., in association with ICHS has produced a CD about the school. It is “A comprehensive interactive multi-media CD-ROM exploring historical and current information on Immaculate Conception High School. Includes pictures and videos.” The CDs cost $1000 each, and are available at the ICHS Front Office.

- ICHS students performed well in the 2002 CXC examinations:

100% passes in Geography, History, Computer Studies, and Integrated Science
95-99% passes in English Language, Religious Education, French, Principles of Business
90-94% passes in Mathematics, Spanish, English Literature, Principles of Accounts

At Advanced Level (CAPE):
100% passes in Geography, History, and Biology
99% passes in Communication Studies (equivalent of General Paper)
> 90% passes in Physics and Chemistry

Several ICHS alumnae are part of the management team at Barita Investments Ltd., which celebrates its 25th anniversary this month. Rita Humphries-Lewin, the first female stockbroker in the Caribbean, is the Chairman of Barita Investments. Peta-Rose (Omphroy) Hall is the Managing Director of the company, and Kathryn Shaw-Thompson is the Marketing Manager. Jodi HoLung is a member of the Trading Department team. (Gleaner Supplement, Wednesday, September 18, 2002)

Shawna-Kaye Lester, class of 2002 - "Youth Link Writer" reported that she received eight 1s in Physics, Biology, Maths, French, Spanish, Religious Education, English Language & Literature and a 2 in Chemistry in CXC exams. (Gleaner Youthlink Magazine, Tuesday Sept 24, 2002)

Sister Grace Yap of the Immaculate Conception Convent has been invited to attend The Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders in Geneva - 06 Oct-09 Oct 2002.

There will be an art auction/show on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 5:00 pm. at 3 Fort George Crescent, Stony Hill. This auction is a fund-raiser to assist some newly graduated artists to kick-start their careers. Karen Siyanbola (nee Richards, Class of 1977) will also be exhibiting some of her works. Great opportunity for acquisition. Contribution: $500

"A CELEBRATION OF THE DIGNITY OF WOMEN"
A unique presentation by Midge Miles, M.Ed. celebrating the light and the plight of women's story and spirituality. A prayerful and playful exploration through language, symbols, stories and metaphors of the ways in which the light of women have been extended or eclipsed in the Church and the world.
Midge Miles is a speaker and story-teller par excellence.

The Class of 1978 is planning their 25th Reunion to be held during the third weekend of June 2003 in Montego Bay, Jamaica at the Sunset Beach Resort. For more information, please contact Margaret (Richardson) Potter at maggie1961@hotmail.com.

The ICHS class of 1972 celebrated our 30th reunion in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. During the weekend of June 28 – 30, 2002, friendships were renewed, survival celebrated and US$5000 raised to give back to our alma mater. Thanks to Yvonne Suckie, who came through with a last minute donation to help us reach our goal.

The theme of the weekend was “I’ll walk with God”, the same theme of 1972. It reminded us of our strong Christian foundation and the importance of always keeping God in our lives. For those of you who missed out, here is what you missed. For those of us who were there, I hope the memories will stay with you for a long time to come.

The weekend started with a welcome reception on Friday night. This was a time to meet and greet old friends and form new friends. Thanks to Bridget Edwards (Provost) class of 1974, for taking care of registering every-one. Janina, our mistress of ceremony, kept us entertained with trivia and games about the days at ICHS. We laughed, together and paused to remember our classmates no longer with us.

On Saturday morning, several girls attended a workshop conducted by Janina Fisher, and learnt how to “unleash their potential”. Other girls went shopping, visiting or taking in the sites of Ft. Lauderdale.

Saturday night we all dressed up for the banquet. The affair was spectacular, the decorations exquisite, and done by one of us (Angela Madden). The speeches by both Sister Maureen Clare and Sister Mary Catherine took us down memory lane. Who can forget the auction for the ICHS doll, who would have the final bid; we all enjoyed that, (Sharon Ryan finally had the last bid). The gate prize, a family vacation at FDR resort in Jamaica, congrats Michele HoSang. The alumni spot dance, a vacation for two at Couples in Jamaica, have fun Gem Wade. We reminisced, that was “nice” right Hyacinth. Those were only some of the prizes, there were others. Congrats to all you winners. We posed for a group picture (send your request for a copy to ichs1972reunion@msn.com). Finally we danced the night away to calypso, soca, reggae and R& B music from the 70’s.

Sunday morning was a time to praise and worship the Lord. More than 20 girls celebrated mass at the home church of some of our local alumni (St. Edwards Catholic Church). The mass was uplifting; Sr Maureen Clare, Sr. Mary Catherine and Sr. Pat participated by taking up the offertory gifts. A memorial tribute was paid to our deceased classmates and teachers. At the conclusion of Mass, the congregation recognized our group and gave us a standing ovation. Thanks to Claudia Aston (class of 1973) for coordinating the mass.

The weekend ended with a picnic lunch at the home of Marcia Magnus. Everyone had fun, eating, drinking and playing games. Thanks for being a good sport Sr. Maureen Clare. (You had to be there to share in that one). Lets just say she is a lot closer to us than we thought.

The outcome of the weekend exceeded our wildest expectations. The months of planning by the committee really paid off. Here are some testimonies we received from those attending.

Sr. Maureen Clare “… thanks for the royal treatment, and a most enjoyable time”
Sr. Mary Catherine “…the best weekend I have had in a long time”
Mrs. Sylvia Chin “… I am at a loss for words to describe what a wonderful time I had”
Denise Jones “…Thanks for doing this, I really enjoyed myself”
Gem Wade “…I am glad I came, lets all stay in touch”
Michele Phillips “... I would have gone to Timbuktu to attend the reunion”

Thanks again to the planning committee; Angela, Camille, Marcia and Michelle
Thanks to all the girls who attended and donated. Let’s continue to “Walk with God”
Looking forward to seeing everyone for the 35th, hosted by the girls in Cayman Island (hint, Arlene and Annie Mae) and again for the 40th at ICHS in Jamaica (hint, Nadia)