P&F News
MEETING CHANGES
The P&F have decided to change general meetings from monthly to once a term with each term meeting now being held on the Tuesday night of Week 4. Meetings will also start to include various information sessions that are of interest to our families including student well-being, tweens, teens and screens. We welcome any ideas on presentations that you would be interested in.
The P&F committee can be reached via email:
gunnedahcatholicschoolspandf@gmail.com
NEXT MEETING -Tuesday 3 August 5.30pm, in the St Mary's Library
Debutante Ball
What an amazing night was had by all at the recent Debutante Ball!
For those who don't know, this is a Parish event that is handed over to the P&F to organise. It is one of the P&F's major fundraisers every year.
Last year we were all ready to roll with the Deb Ball when it sadly had to be cancelled four days prior due to COVID-19 restrictions. As you can imagine, the girls, their partners and families were devastated. It was so amazing to be able to come back bigger and better this year (and we only just scraped in 24 hours before restrictions would have stopped it again!)
A massive thankyou to Georgina Nichols who spends months behind the scenes organising everything from hall hire, decorations, stage props, catering, music, lighting, security, photographer, media and the list goes on! Alanna Gallagher is Georgie's side kick and liaises between the girls, their partners and families, as well as helping Georgie with other jobs. Also, a massive thanks to Paula Carmody who is our expert dance instructor who every year amazes us all with her choreography. Paula and Georgie spend hours in their loungerooms practicing the dances before they even get to the first rehearsal with the girls.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the night it was. Our amazing band of volunteers had the night running smoothly from start to finish (and it was a late finish!) There was also plenty of helpers on the Friday morning to help set up. We are so thankful for all you do and the night could not run without you!
A little history of the Ball
The Catholic Debutante Ball has a long tradition in Gunnedah. The first Catholic Ball was held on June 27, 1984, when patrons paid seven shillings and sixpence for a double and five shillings for a single ticket. News at the time reported the ball was a "booming, glorious success", despite the inadequate floor space at the School of the Arts. Another issue on the night was the dust. "The hall had to be swept out twice during the evening and at times it was almost impossible to see for the clouds of dust , while black coats and dresses looked like they had been through a sandstorm."
The newspaper report of the second Catholic Ball on July 16, 1895, again referred to the inadequacies of the hall, with most dances having to be repeated to cater for everyone.
"The supper was provided by the ladies of the congregation, and reflected the great credit on their taste and judgement with ducks, turkeys, sucking pigs, ham, tongues and rounds in evidence."
It is so amazing to think this tradition is still just as strong today and that so many young ladies and gentleman are keen to participate. The tradition seems to get stronger every year. We can't wait to see what 2022 brings!
NEW COMMITTEE
Introducing your new 2021 Committee:
President ~ Ana Bueno
Vice President ~ Emma Brown
Treasurer ~ Kate Hardy
Secretary ~ Marg Jones
We are looking forward to an exciting and fruitful 2021!!!
STAY TUNED
Further updates on upcoming events will be posted on our Facebook page and in school newsletters. We are looking forward to getting events back up and running later in 2021.
P&F Facebook Page
Please like the P&F Facebook Page to keep up to date with all their happenings.