Fab week in Suva for the reunion

All the old SJSS girls are having a fabulous week in Suva for the reunion, lots of laughter and reminiscing going on

EMERALD CELEBRATIONS UPDATE - June 27/11

Emerald Week Programme (Sunday July 23 to Sunday 31st 2011)


Sunday 24 July 2011

4pm Welcome Mass at the school. (Mass Programe finalised by responsible working group).

Fiji style afternoon tea: "Fijian refreshments" (Decade rep to confirm what resp. years are bringing).

Monday 25 July 2011 (Hosted by the Alumane Executive body)

SJSS AGM: 6pm

7.30pm Cocktail/ entertainment.

Tuesday 26 July 2011(70s decade)

2pm: Handover/ Launch of School website (70's Give Back initiative)

6.30 pm Harbour side Cruise

8pm: " Disco Ducks" - 70's disco, Fiji Club. (Limited tickets)

Reps: Elisabeth Reade / Theresa Koroi.

Wednesday 27 July 2011 ( 80s decade)

7pm : 80's Evening ( Come as yr favourite 80's charater/ Mini Fashion Show), SJSS Hall- $10 per ticket

Decade rep: Fane N/ Sapeta R. (If there are amendments/additions to program, pl fwd).

Thursday 28 July 2011

(90s-2000 decade)

1pm -3.30pm -. Careers expo (former Alumane to speak to students). Lunch provided to students ( 90's/2000).

Give back to the School: Book Drive and Cash ( for the School Library).

6 pm – Dance @ Shennenigans - " Night of Reflections"

Decade reps: Heilala N , T Digitaki.

Friday 29 July 2011: (Organised by the School)

10am Mass

12 midday- 3pm Lunch followed by entertainment.

Evening: FREE

Saturday 30 July 2011

10am - 3pm Sports Day (Lower grounds- 12 games organised- come in yr house colours) (A seperate programme for Kids is also organised)

"Craft Market" (Verandahs - Upper Grounds) Jewellary, art, craft, screen printing, cooking demos, flower arrangements, beauty/masssage treatment, white elephant, karaoke, food.

Interested alumane wanting to set up a table or provide a service, contact Koni at Fiji Natinal Trust or at kbeitaki@nationaltrust.org or Bertha Lord mbav@yahoo.com; formal EOI to come out this week.

Entertainment: Legend DJ music ( CFL).

6.30pm to 12 midnight " Soiree Le Printemps" – Novotel, Lami

(Accomodation: For those interested to stay at Novotel, that evening contact: reservations@novotelsuva.com.fj for discounted rates ACCOR rates (http link: http: http://www.facebook.com/l/dbc6ceocNnC6kdEIFlFgbGCStMA/www.novotelsuva.com.fj)

Sunday 31 July 2011

11am – Thanksgiving Mass

Pot Luck Lunch. (Decade rep to confirm what year will bring)

** A recently purchased 2011 School Encycopedia set for the School Library ( funded by RMI Aluamne) will also be " handed over to the School during the week.

2. Extended time for ticket Sales: June 15 was original cut off date~ however, ticket monies are still being received from alumanae who have requested bookings to be held. Alumnae are priority with respect to tickets. Bookings can be held till July 1st ~ a deposit can hold yr tickets or table until the balance is paid. Thank you for those who have picked up tickets, for others, yr bookings have been noted down with yr names, years and amts. Other decades- especially the 90's /2000 have been streaming in to secure their tickets, as of last Thursday which had four remaining unbooked tables ( of the total 87 left). With the response forthcoming, the COMM is quite confident that all 700 will be sold. The ticket was originally to be forty but after further consultation, it was decided to have it at sixty dollars per head. ( In comparison, the MOB event was was fifty dollars and Grammer was 70.00). Any left over of these proceeds will revert back to the School.

The Soiree $60 ticket buys a buffet dinner of meat, veg dishes and dessert. Each table will have two complimentary bottles of wine ( one white/one red), a jug of beer, jug of juice, filtered water and promotional drinks will also be on offer. A cash bar is open with an ATM mobile facility close to hand for convenience that week.

The theme is: " Le Printemps de la vie"~ The Springtime of Life, (launched in March) , dress "evening elegance" and colours in tandem with the theme: emerald, hues of emerald, royal blue. MC Bernadtte Ganilau will control the night's programme with and after the short formalities ( message from the President of the Alumane, vote of thanks by EM COMM, dinner will be served promptly there will be three to four food stations to ease traffic) leaving room/ time for entertainment. It is the last formal event of the week; and the event that the COMMs will want to say thank you to all those who have committed or contributed to the Emerald week.

Entertainment: Live band ( Ken Jansen ~Dragon Music) and LEGEND DJ: Taitusi ( CFL)
Decade rep: If you have any decade specific hits, that you'd like played that evening, please forward list through). There are a planned few select items of entertainment as well~ current programme in progress.

Emerald Week programme: Has been on FB ( SJSS Alumane Page) for the last month but for those who missed it, (see SJSS Alumane Page, left hand corner - " Discussions".) The final one will come out via newspaper advertisement this Saturday ( now that all the decades have confirmed back what specifically their day and night programmes are out.

In terms of reaching out: decade reps have been effective in contacting class reps.These are the focal points:

50's /60's reps: Sr G / Emelita Wilson (SAMBA).

70's- Theresa Koroi/ Libby Fong

80's- Fane/S (open invite still if you want to attend the EM Cmm next mtg tomorrow Tuesday~ to update yrself as everyone is in one place at one time~ just saves duplication of briefings) and you get it first hand from the meeting~ collectively.

90's/2000: T Digitaki/Heilala Nata

- Information courtesy of Fane Niumataiwalu

Sister Irene visits Vancouver - June 5/11

Sister Irene made a repeat visit to Vancouver and on a beautiful Sunday many ex-St. Joseph's ladies as well as their spouses gathered for a delicious luncheon and afternoon of talanoa organized by Lydia Ng.


Email from Lydia:

Bula Bula everyone,
Thank you all for attending this fun eventful luncheon with Sister Irene.
Your presence made this afternoon a success and thank you for your generous contributions.  It’s amazing how Sister Irene could almost recognize and remember most of us from our childhood years.
We are pleased to announce that we have raised $700.00 Canadian which will be donated to St. Joseph de Cluny.

A special thank you to:
Anna & Louie for hosting and providing the 5 star accommodation for Sister Irene during her stay in Vancouver.
Teresa Rehman for the delicious lamb curry, vegetables curry, tomatoes chutney, and the lovely dhal soup.
Mary Chan for the chicken curry.

Angela Sun and Edward Ng donated prizes for the raffles.
Georgina Gock for attending to the guest book and collecting funds.
Also a big vinaka for the following helpers: Edwin Chan, Mary Chan, Patrick Low, Angela Sun, Andrew Gock, David Fong, Dora Fong, Marshall and many of others that helped.

Thank you for coming out and celebrating the afternoon with Sister Irene.
It was wonderful to see all of you made this special effort to be there.
Keep in touch Suva Gang!

Loloma levu
Lydia

Click here for more pics of this fun reunion

Classes of the 70's

I note that there are two groups of 70s - the early 70s (1970-1974) and the latter part of the 70s (1975-1979).

Some of us of the early 70s met yesterday and have been meeting for the last 2 months ( I joined a month ago) and we have agreed to a number of activities.

In essence the group of yesterday (Vitinia Lesuma Chung, Marina Konrote, Claire Petersen, Angeline Petersen, Marselina, Louise Rodan to name a few of the 15) agreed to:

(i) Cruise at $20per person on 26 July [maximum 80] 6-9pm ; to then join the disco being organized by the latter 70s group

(ii) T shirt at $28.50

(iii) Kalavata – printed $12 per metre

(iv) Pot luck lunch contribution for Sunday at $10 pp (Josephine at castle to cater)

(v) $60 pp for the Soirée ticket

(vi) $50 soli towards the $500 – this has been paid

The Alumnae Executive agreed a year ago to `giving to the school’ a full multimedia system for the Hall but did not have the funds of $15,000 for a full system. It has been planned that money from the soirée ticket will see this through as the big gift in the `give back to the school’ theme. I suggest that we also consider keeping some money to complement this should it be needed.

I am informed that another part of the give back to the school is ` a website’ which is being designed to be managed by the School Computing Teacher and the early 70s has agreed to pay the $100 for the domain name.

As the President I ask that you bear in mind a contribution to the operations of the Alumnae. The load has always fallen on the few who willingly join the Executive. Some funds in the kitty to be able to respond to Coca Cola Games requests etc. would be nice! We have audited accounts at each AGM so you are kept informed of how money is spent.

Time is going on and we really need to consolidate what we are all doing. I’m sorry I missed the last meeting (5 attended) but in my load of work missed the email. I’ll come to the next one – promise!

Cheers
Libby

Reunion Update - airfares and tentative programme

GREETINGS EVERYONE!!

I will get straight to the good news from Sister Genevieve:

From: Mark Hopf, Air Pacific.

Bula Sister Genevieve

The following website landing page has been created for your members: 

http://www.airpacific.com/ST-Josephs-Alumnae 

Please review the site and let me know if any changes are required. 

As was mentioned earlier, please make your bookings as soon as possible, to catch the cheaper fares!

Hello, Valerie,

After our last meeting there is a tentative programme developing which is as follows:

24 Sunday afternoon : Welcome Mass in the Hall

25 Monday evening :    Welcome Cocktail in the hall

26 Tuesday evening:   hosted by the 1970s

27 Wednesday evening:  hosted by the 1980s

28 Thursday evening :  hosted by the 1990s and 2000s

29 Friday Morning : Emerald Mass in the School plus entertainment.

30 Saturday: Flea Market in the hall and sports outside.

EVENING: The Ball to be held at the Novotel. Titled: 'Soiree de Printemps'

31 Sunday: Thanksgiving Mass in the hall followed by picnic family lunch in the compound.                          

Will confirm when things become clearer. 

Loloma

Sr. Genevieve

Soft, feminine, romantic...these words best describe Fifties evening wear. World War II brought mass production of clothing as part of the war effort. As this expanded into the Fifties, it meant that ordinary women had a chance to buy designer inspired evening wear for the first time. THE 60sNancy Sinatra helped to popularize the "Mini" (don't forget those "boots"). Prior to the British invasion in 1964 sixties fashion was a continuation of the late 1950s. But with the Beatles came a new and very different fashion influence not Paris or Milan but "swinging" London...

AND something else too!!

FRIDAY THE  29th!!! There will be a back to the 50s and 60s night at the Royal Suva Yacht Club....Dress Code to be from these decades. Time 7.30 - 12.00. The Band will be none other than the famous JOE CHANG and his group.....

Details now being worked out i.e. ticket costs, etc. So please save your pennies, as you can't miss this night. We are going to presale the tickets, and as they will be limited, let us know that you will be there with boots, bells, and hoops on!

Mr. Robin Storck, (sisters, Delores and Maureen R I P both went to St.Josephs) has been extremely helpful with ideas of how to host this event at the Yacht Club. He is a life member of the club and Vice Patron. Robin has suggested that should ANY alumnae wish to patronize the Yacht Club, an honorary membership will be given to those whose names we will officially submit to the Club secretary. So if you want to remember 'old times' or just want to have lunch or dinner, go down for a sunset drink with friends (something different from the bustling city!), please let us know and we will submit your names.

DO WE HEAR THE HEART BEATS picking up the pace,  

hearing the song!!

Memories:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi74MF1L10E&feature=related

The Way We Were:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtu9RXeYSLU&feature=related

BIG LOLOMA,

Blessings..

p.s. let us know if we can count you 'in' - we would like to know any-way!!

- Valerie Thomas Warren

St Joseph’s Emerald Jubilee Launch - Address by Elizabeth Reade Fong

The Chief Guest, Monsieur. Antoine Esteban, The Regional Attaché for Cooperation and Culture of the French Embassy, Bienvenue et merci beaucoup pour votre prèsence ce soir Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny; [The First Lady, Adi Koila Nailatikau; Adi Samanunu Talakuli], Alumnae of the Class of 1956 who were the first class of the School and Alumnae representing 55 years of the School.  As President of the Fiji Alumnae it is my very great pleasure to welcome you all to this launch of the Emerald Jubilee celebrating 55 years of the contribution of our School to our country!

Today, the 19th March is a significant day for all alumnae. It is the Feast of St Joseph, the Foster father of Jesus and our patron saint who is our constant reminder of humbleness and love of family. May I begin by wishing alumnae and the Sisters a happy St Joseph Feast Day! 3 cheers for St Joseph’s Secondary School Suva Fiji!

I stand here on behalf of the thousands of St Joseph Old Girls wherever they may be and remembering those long gone, who have benefited from the tutelage and guidance of the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny and lay members of staff.

In 2006, we celebrated our Golden Jubilee which brought together alumnae from all over the world. It was the beginning of the rebirth of the alumnae which is further manifested through your presence at this Emerald Jubilee launch.  The seed of this Jubilee was planted by some members of the 1st class of 1956 who live overseas who turn 70 this year and who wish to return home and to celebrate their birthdays with school friends and family.

The group made contact with Sister and I and shared their thoughts on what they were planning during the week 24-31 July. The seed was planted!

In the midst of communications with the 1956 group Sr Genevieve receive a reflection by Esther Heller of the Jewish Writing Institute from Trisha Sahai Muller which seemed so appropriate in light of the discussions taking place. It said:
“This is the Torah view of the winter of life: In the winter the trees look almost dead, like sticks in the ground. However beneath the ground the tree is putting down roots that will nourish it, and in the spring it bursts into flower. Old age is the springtime of life, all that you've learned bursts into blossom. It is the time that you, as well as others, can benefit from your years of knowledge and experience."

The seed took root and from this reflection sprouted the French Jubilee theme of “Le Printemps de la Vie" which in English means the Springtime of Life. It was read as paying tribute to our first alumnae; at the same time acknowledging the link with alumnae that followed and, in particular, the younger generation. The theme is also a tribute to our French connections which began in Chamblanc in France with Blessed Anne-Marie Javouhey who had visions of the call of young women in need in far-away lands that saw her establish the Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny Sisters which reached out to Africa, the Caribbean, the Pacific and the rest of the world, where they continue their work in her name. The 55 years of contribution by the School is signified by the emerald, a dark green precious stone reflecting how precious we all are. Together, these set the scene for the Emerald celebration.

Having been very involved in the Golden Jubilee in 2006 it is wonderful to see many of the Alumnae who were present then, and even greater to see tonight, many young faces of the last twenty years. The Executive of the Alumnae was heartened at the response from Alumnae to the call to form the Emerald Jubilee Committee for this celebration and I would like to share with you an email to me from Sr Genevieve which said `Those of the decades of the 90s and 2000 are a sign of spring as they are our future. We, the older ones are the ones to lay the foundation, to nourish the young with our knowledge and experience and help them to burst forth into flower. Somehow this celebration is growing from the grassroots level, and it is our role to direct and guide and give support.’ We are here to support you and I acknowledge with sincere gratitude the work of the Jubilee Committee led by Dr. Theresa Koroivulaono and look forward to their plans for July.

At this time of celebration, the alumnae acknowledge the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny for their foresight and commitment to the education of girls through this school and others. Whilst many of us might not have thought it when we were at school, though our mother’s knew this, the Sisters were to have a profound effect on our lives. They instilled in us a belief in ourselves and that with honest hard work, the Lord’s guidance, the example of Our Lady and Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey combined with the humbleness of St Joseph and the advice of our parents, we could achieve what we set out to do and make a positive impact on our families, communities, nation and world. To them, and here I wish to mention their names, Sr. Louis Woodnutt, Sr. Jude Shiels, Sr. Rosalie Grant (RIP), Sr. Damien D'Arcy,Sr. Dismas Wilson (RIP), Sr. Joseph Davies, Sr. Irene Bouchier-Hayes, Sr. Eileen McGrath, Sr. Francis Kelly, Sr. Angela Cavey, Sr. Elizabeth Russell-Brown, Sr. Genevieve Loo, Sr. Stephen Leavy,Sr Theresa MomoyalewaSr. Anna Rarasea, Sr. Agnes Kenny (RIP), Sr. Allison Macalister, Sr. Katarina Naivecu, Sr. Therese Elanjimattam, Sr. Fathima Vandikaran, Sr Lusiana Dimate Matai and Sister Cecelia Chen we say merci beaucoup, vinaka vakalevu, dhanyvaad, faiaksia and thank you!

St Joseph is proud of its women and we are to be found impacting on every facet of life – as professionals, mothers and homemakers, academics, civil and international servants, religious, church and community leaders - whoever one speaks with they will always attribute a portion of their success to this School and all it stands for.

The Jubilee celebrations planned for July is another occasion for the alumnae to come together in community and we ask our Heavenly Father through the intercession of St Joseph to send his Holy Spirit to guide all thoughts and action, communication and discussion and plans and preparations for the celebrations in July as we offer this prayer of St Joseph on this Feast Day of our School:

Remember , O most pure spouse of Mary, and our dearly beloved guardian , St Joseph, that never was it known that anyone who invoked your care and requested your help was left without consolation. Inspired with this confidence, we come to you, and with all the ardor of our spirits we commend ourselves to you. Do not reject our prayers, O Foster Father of the Saviour, but graciously receive and answer them. Amen

Elizabeth Reade Fong
19 March 2011

70's Alumnae - Vinaka Vaka Levu

Dear 70s Alumnae,

Thank you all so very much for your support and to the Fiji-resident members, for your presence at the Launch on Saturday night! We hope you enjoyed the night and if there are any comments, queries, etc I’d be more than happy to answer them. I was informed by the kitchen staff that the quiche was the first thing to go…thank you again Lenora for organizing and ensuring the timely delivery! The cheeses were also very well received although I understand some of us missed out…sincere apologies. (Lenora, do you have a mobile number please? I don’t believe I have it). Thank you also to our overseas ‘sisters’ who very generously sent in their donations. I hope to have a financial summary of the event by the end of this month.

I’ve also attached the photograph that appeared in the Fiji Times yesterday (Shock! Horror!)…I was expecting a photo of the human statues and torches at the Hall entrance or of the Chief Guest, M. Antoine Esteban but the 70s tui-boto crew made it instead!

From the front: Theresa Koroivulaono, Caroline Whippy (nee Williams), Taraivini Niumataiwalu and Diana Sautu Tagivakatini.

Will continue to send you updates as they happen and don’t forget to sign into our Alumni Facebook page when you have a moment.

Warm regards,
Theresa Koroivulaono

Emerald Launch

Now that the 'launch' for the Emerald Jubilee with the theme: 'Le Printemps de la vie' is officially over (March 19) and we are awaiting photographs of same, everything will now begin in earnest as to the details for the programmes.

Here are some of the articles in the news: 
Emeralds of St. Joseph's
Memories
Emerald Launch

FIFTY FIVE YEARS - IS AN EMERALD ANNIVERSARY!!

Why the Emerald Jubilee?

Our school, is now 55 years old, and the gemstone to celebrate 55 years is the EMERALD! Symbolically, we are returning to Waimanu after 55 years, to celebrate our 70th birthdays at the school we left 55 years ago. It doesn't matter if you are 70 or not, or if you have to wait yet another year, what is important, is that this celebration is for everyone!

The theme: "Le Printemps de la vie" is all about the Springtime of life. 70 is Springtime, and so is 17! A few points I found about the stone, the gem: "The Emerald is a stone of great harmony, wisdom and love. The Emerald can be a bridge between 2 people.

The Emerald vibrates with love. The Emerald is the sacred stone of the Goddess Venus. The Emerald

has long been thought to be the symbol of Hope. Jean Baptiste Camille Corot 1871, painted this famous painting:

'Le Printemps de la vie'

I title this something like: 'gather ye rosebuds while ye may!' from the poem of the same name. For the younger ones, this could be true, as life is about experiences, and the rosebuds will one day blossom. For the 'emeralds' it is time to see which ones blossomed, and which ones stayed as buds! At this stage they all matter, one way or another.

How the Programme celebrations are shaping up:
The launch for the Emerald Jubilee - Le Printemps de la vie, is the 19th March. The French Ambassador will be the guest of honour, and Bernadette Rounds will be the compare 'par excellence' to facilitate this event! I interrupted Sister Genevieve's breakfast the other morning and had a nice conversation with her. From Sister Genevieve's remarks, it sounds like this is going to be a 'grand' event, with a lot of effort being made to make it a very memorable occasion. Pictures will be included in the next email.

How did the French Embassy get involved? From conversations with Sister G. and I hope most of this is accurate... the Embassy 'got wind' of the celebrations and the French theme. They called to see if they could help!! Sister was invited to meet with the First Secretary and went to the Embassy. She related the origins of the Sisters de Cluny and the French connection...and how and why the Emerald Jubilee was happening. Sister was then asked to meet the Ambassador..To cut a story short...they asked if they could be involved. AND VOILA .. the launch was born with the Ambassador as chief guest, and with all of the essence that this connection signifies.

What the Emerald Jubilee committee has done is suggested that we get together in the decades. Which is a great idea. Below are the dates and the days, with the exception of our years, 50s and 60s, which we are trying to reorganize, due to extenuating circumstances, and to have changed to Thursday possibly Friday. For the details of what we will be doing on that day, is in discusson. We will advise later this month what is being suggested. We are very open to any suggestions. As you have noticed we are with the 'girls' of the 60s who are 'on the ground' there in Suva, so it would be good for them to take the lead, and we could cooperate with them.

Monday 25th July, 2011 - 50 & 60’s Decade (due to extenuating circumstances, we have requested that we have the date for our group changed to reflect Thursday or Friday - 28/29th July) Sister and her group are working on this, and will advise.

Tuesday 26th July, 2011 - 70’s Decade
Wednesday 27th July, 2011 – 80’s Decade
Thursday 28th July, 2011 – 90 to 2000 onwards
Friday 29th July, 2011 – Alumnae Cocktails
Saturday 30th July, 2011 - The Grand Finale “Emerald Pacifica Extravaganza”
Sunday 31st July, 2011 – Thanksgiving Mass at the Scared Heart Cathedral followed by a ‘Pot Luck’ Lunch at the school hall with their families.

ARE WE EXCITED YET!!!

A second piece of information is regarding a donation to the total fund for the overall major expenses for the celebrations.

Each decade will contribute $(F)500.00. Sister G reminded me that as there was no immediate need for this donation, and we could collect it from everyone when we are in Suva, and hand it in at that time. I am sure that everyone is so appreciative of the work being done in Suva by the committee, and more than happy to contribute about $25.00 maybe, per person. The groups in Fiji are collectively raising funds to meet costs i.e. the Launch on March 19th, and also to cover their overhead that will be incurred in July .

OKAY, start thinking 'green.' Whether it be outfits, for the finale, which is going to be quite the 'Extravaganza....' and from what I hear has to be moved to the Lami Convention center due to the numbers attending - or daily outfits, to attend any of the other events too!!!!! Let us all enjoy this wonderful opportunity to be together to remember the good, and the better times. For those who are 'thinking' about attending...don't waste your time thinking, it is going to be great, and you need to be there with the rest of us. If you don't make it, we will miss you, and if anyone is 'missing' it will be like a piece of the pie has been removed. So don't be that piece, come join the celebrations, and be part of the 'whole' pie. The years have flown quickly by, and who knows when we will see each other again like this...so make the effort, make the time, and be there!!

LOLOMA LEVU,
FROM THE CLASS OF '56
p.s. please forward to anyone who would like to be included.
Thank You
- Valerie Thomas Warren

Bonjour, et bonne ANNIVERSAIRE A TOI CHERE SOEUR BASIL!!

Today we send you all our love, our blessings and our prayers for your birthday, and gratitude for your seventy-six years of dedicated service to God through education and service to humanity.

May sweet angels surround you and sing you sweet french lullabies in notes you remember well.
LOVE AND PRAYERS FROM ALL OF US!
SAINT JOSEPH FAMILY

p.s. Thank you Sister Irene for her note below..

Dear Val,
Vinaka for all your helpful 'Good Mornings'.
I'm sure all our wonderful PPs would like to say a little prayer for our dear Sr Basil who celebrates her 99th Birthday and 76th anniversary of Religious Profession on 19th March. She's in a Rest Home in Tauranga and somewhat frail but loves to pray and converse in French.

Blessings for a holy Lent
Loloma levu
Sr Irene

Greetings 1970s alumnae! ....... from Theresa Koroivulaono

Apologies for not getting back to you sooner; we’ve been going at breakneck pace here with our Saturday Committee meetings and email trail-filled weekdays of chores, updates and more chores in preparation particularly for the Emerald Launch next Saturday: 19th March 2011. I have attached the draft official invite (now edited and printed) and the draft programme which has also been finalised and is ready for printing.

Summary of important updates
· The Launch is a self-funded (Alumnae) event;
· This Friday, 11th March: BARREL NIGHT at the Marist Club. Tickets: $10.00 each;
· In the last 4 weeks: the decade groups in particular, the 80s, 90s and 2000s have many fundraising meetings and events at the School Hall. Some of the classes within the decades have already collected their $500 per ‘graduating’ class group;
· There is a cocktails nibbles menu which we agreed to at the last Committee meeting (last Saturday and we shared it out between the decade groups;.
· The 70s are asked to bring quiche (veg and meat ones) and cheeseboards (4). Number expected: 400;
· The 70s, 60s and 50s have not yet provided any feedback on their fundraising activities except that some little groups have started to meet;
· For the 70s: Taravini (nee Niumataiwalu) and a group of 6 or 7 met at her home last week (here in Fiji) and she is hosting another such meeting tomorrow – Thursday (after work) – so that we can agree to a rapid-fire fundraiser(s) as the Committee has asked that we give in our $500 BEFORE the launch please. Tarai could you please confirm the time and your address;
· Meeting agenda: our $500 contributions and our menu contributions. I will share all of the details regarding our preparation plan for the Launch and touch on the discussions to date for the 24th – 31st JULY Emerald celebrations;
· I will also provide an update by email after the event for our ‘overseas’ alumnae members and we would appreciate any donations you may want to send to assist with the Launch. In my next email (on Friday 11th March) I will provide the bank account details and the budget for the Launch.
· For those of us in Suva who can make it to the meeting tomorrow: please come along even for 30 minutes.

WATCH THIS SPACE!!!

Warm regards,
Theresa.

Class of '56 Reunion and Emerald Anniversary celebrations

Details of the reunion from Valerie Thomas Warren:
BULA AGAIN ONE AND ALL!!

Here's to 2011 and our get together....Lots of interest is now being peeked or is it tweeked...from many of the alumnae, and we are so happy to let you know again that the dates have now been set for: 24th July to 31st... 2011.

Sister Genevieve, has been extremely helpful, and has made some suggestions to help us make all of this come together. We appreciate very much her interest which has also touched the students at Waimanu, and extending out here to all of us. Below are some original suggestions from Sister.

"Hello, Valerie,
There is a further development to this idea. There is great interest here. It could be a way of re-vitalizing the alumnae's enthusiasm and inject some new life into them. They are even thinking of creating some souvenirs. I have a new logo you may like to use. It is the awarding winning logo created by one of our junior students to the Fiji Finals flag competition

(2)Hello Valerie,
Greetings!
This is to give you an update on what is happening here! Since you are planning to be in Fiji from 24 - 31 July, we can schedule a tentative programme. This is at a brain storming stage. There are several groups planning for re-unions next year; perhaps they can coincide with this week. One possibility is that each group host a day and be responsible for organising it.

Groups reflecting the years:
50 and 60s can have a day; may be your birthday celebrations can be held on this day
70 and 80 another day
90 and 20 another day
Alumane executive another day
School will host the Emerald Celebration with concert another day
Emerald Island Night on Saturday evening: - to be organised by all
Sunday Pot lunch meal and thanksgiving Mass and farewell

How does this sound? You need to find out which groups are planning to come and this needs to be confirmed by April 2011 at the latest so that we know what we are dealing with and what budget to set. Remember the hall is open for these functions if you so wish."

Valerie: We are going to try to be well organized by April of this year. This way we will know who or where the real interests are, and where we can go with the organizing, setting a budget etc.

In our 'class of 56' group planning, we thought to have a Friday night 'Return to the 50s event' with fifties music and on upwards, and the dress code to be of that era as well...(this was in the first email we sent out.) any suggestions from anyone regarding this idea would be most appreciated.

A detail: Roy Thomas, has graciously agreed to be the MC for this event. He has promised to make sure that Regina will be there, and that added that Regina is very willing to sing a few of her Patsy Kline/Connie Francis numbers!!

Suggested location: The Convention Center at Lami which has two rooms. To utilize the smaller of the two.

The other tentative plan at this stage is: to have a day of possibly, breakfast lunch and dinner for our class of 56. There will be further planning on this as well. We are setting the dates from Sunday 24th -31st July... a week...However there is concern that everyone should be in Suva for the entire week. I know that time will be a concern for everyone. When we finalize the events, each group or person can certainly choose when to attend what?

SJSS Alumnae - AGM

Annual General Meeting held on Oct 21, 2010
Election of Office Bearers:-

President - Elizabeth Fong
Vice President - Maria Wara
Treasurer - Leilani Seduadua
Ass Treasurer - Pule Sukanaivalu
Secretary - Shirleen Sahai

Committee Members:- Pule Sukanaivalu, Maria Bereso, Maria Turaga, Elizabeth Edwards, Litiana Bainimarama, Unaise Malani and Salome Waqaliti.

Click on the link below to access the SJSS Alumnae facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Josephs-Secondary-School-Alumnae/144474432265014 

Class of '75 Reunion and Emerald Celebrations

Plans are being made and activities organized by Barbara (Wong) Naisara and Lai (Yam) Yee Joy, et al,  for a reunion of the class of '75 in July, 2011. The dates are July 24 - 31, which coincides with other reunions planned for the SJSS Emerald Anniversary celebrations.

Please let the organizers know if you are interested in participating as soon as possible as they would like to have the numbers in order to plan for catering, activities, transportation, locations, etc.

Contact Barbara barbara@ssfl.com.fj or Lai laiyeejoy@westpac.com.au for more info.

Here is the link for more info: http://www.xsjss-sydney.com/

The 1956 Gang

(click on pic to enlarge)
A PICTURE speaks a thousand words...courtesy of Valerie Thomas Warren:

"Hello everyone....this picture seems to be a combination of Forms: 3, 4, 5, 6,
with our dear Mother Louis. Enjoy."

Photo Archive

St. Joseph's Secondary School students through the years........travelling down memory lane.... 
  

Photo courtesy of Karen Macalister:
"I was looking at the St Joseph’s website and thought the attached picture might be fun. I had it scanned recently for the Sydney fundraising website. Attached is a picture of my class (and I think) it’s either 1966 or 1965 (I’m guessing we were about 12 or 13) at St Joseph’s Primary, Pratt Street". Top Row L/R: Ester Fong; Karen Macalister, Emma Hughes; Suzanne Maule; Mrs Streeter; Margaret Mara; Leona Emberson.
2nd Row from back L/R: Patricia Wilson; Josephine Bing; Denise Wendt; Doreena Harm; Katherine Hazelman; Shiela Caine; Bernadette Herritage
3rd Row from back L/R: Rohiny Gopalan; Delores Dunn; Matha Campbell; Marina Singh; Pearl Barret; Susan Gillis.
Front Row L/R: Anne Johansen; Cecelia Ben; Chew You Yee; Heather Ah Sam; Valerie Lee; Marilyn Low; Marijcke Rolls; Yvonne Pillian



1969 - Form 5, picture courtesy of Ann Marie Ennis nee Bahn



Form 1 & 2

1983 - Form 6



I hope someone out there will be able to put names to the faces on these school & class pictures. I have
managed to list most of the names in the class photo. Many thanks, Dolores Low Gock - liodel@shaw.ca

1977 - Form 5I 

 

Form 4F - 1996



Class of '94 - 6J 



Form 7S - 1999



1975 -  3rd Form group

Luncheon held on Wednesday 19th May 2010 for Aileen and Don Burness at Doreen & James Elliot's home

(click on pics to enlarge)

Aileen Chang Burness, Lydia Emberson Chalmers & Rendova Anderson Smith

Maureen & Susie Curtis Speers

Susan, Lorraine Sing & Bill Cutler

Lydia and Pam

Food!

Maureen, Doreen, Nola Hawthorne & Pam

Rendova Smith, Aileen Burness, Doreen, Lydia & June

Doreen, James, Maureen & John Rushbrook

June Purcell, Doreen Fenn Elliott, Alison McAlister

Acushla Patton & Pam Beach Edmunds

Susan Lazarus McLean & James Elliott

Alison McAlister, Maureen Grant Rushbrook & Sheena McAlister

Alison McAlister, Maureen, & Sheena

CARLA REYMOND SIMON R.I.P.

To our dearest Queenie and her family, we send our prayers, our love, and our condolences on the passing of your dear sister, Carla - R I P.  May God hold her in the palm of his hand

Notes from Queenie: 
Carla was born on December 22, 1944 at the CWM Hospital in Suva.  Throughout the years Carla always displayed a wonderful sense of composure, compassion and understanding which she shared with all of us, her family, and her many friends.  Many of you will remember Carla as an accomplished cook, and, her famous specialty of yummy chutneys and jams were very much sought after by her many customers from all ranks of the community.

Carla's passing on Monday, February 8th, 2010, was sudden and an awful shock.  She had had a good afternoon, doing housework, and cooking up more guava jam, then whilst having a shower at 9:30pm she suffered a major heart attack - so sudden that we hope that she did not suffer. 

She was buried with her grandfather, Moritz von Reymond in the new Suva Cemetery.

Should alumnae members wish to contact Queenie, please send your emails to:

Queenie Reymond Thompson:  Queenie@thompsonville.net

After Glow

I'd like the memory of me 

to be a happy one

I'd like to leave an after glow 

of smiles when life is done

I'd like to leave an echo

whispering softly down the ways

Of happy times and laughing

times and bright and summer days.

I'd like the tears of those who grieve,

to dry before the sun,

Of happy memories that I leave 

When life is done

 With our loloma, our sympathy, and Many Blessings,

The St. Joseph Family