From the Alumnae
Co-Presidents
L-R Principal, Adelina Melia-Douvos, Gemma Rice-Van Heer, Marianne Cassin, Steph Quinn and Kerry Bergin
L-R Principal, Adelina Melia-Douvos, Gemma Rice-Van Heer, Marianne Cassin, Steph Quinn and Kerry Bergin
Our Annual General Meeting, High Tea and Mass were held on Sunday 23 May 2021. Due to our inability to host any reunions last year, reunions for the classes of 1950/1951, 1960/1961 and 1970/71 were also celebrated.
We were delighted that so many alumnae were able to attend what was a very busy and vibrant afternoon. There were whisperings in Mater’s Chapel and in Mass melodious voices filled the Chapel. In the Kirby Centre the overview of present day Sacré Cœur, provided by School Principal, Mrs Adelina Melia-Douvos, was received with much interest.
We farewelled, with much appreciation for their dedication and service, several of our Alumnae committee members - Celeste Medcalfe, Charlotte Crowley, Charlotte Stolz, Helen McCormack, Nicola Duggan, Sarah Rudd, Sophie Jackman and Virginia Kennedy. We also extended our deepest gratitude to Kerry Bergin and Marianne Cassin as the day marked the end of their term as Co-Presidents. Given the fine demonstration of effective collaboration and leadership of the retiring Co-Presidents (who remain on the Committee), the appointment of Co-Presidents is to continue. We are excited that Gemma Rice-Van Heer in joining the Committee takes on the role of Co-President.
The intergenerational May event provided a very special opportunity for reminiscing and sharing. How fortunate we were that we were able to gather together in person as shortly after the festivities, COVID-19 restrictions were imposed and we found ourselves back in lockdown. We note in passing, it did not escape our attention that the Feast Day of St Madeleine Sophie Barat is 25 May.
All going well (i.e. COVID restrictions allowing) it remains our intention to host the combined (decade and one-year) reunions planned for July, August, October and November in person.
Change and uncertainty does create challenges. However, we are confident, that in working together, in supporting and assisting one another, our connection to others can sustain us and maybe even bring joy and gratitude. It matters not whether you are the person reaching out to connect with another, or the person in receipt. In relationship, the flow and form of connection is ever changing.
In Cor Unum
Gemma Rice- Van Heer (2014)
Stephanie Quinn (1985)