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Chairman's Message |
April 2008 |
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Dear Immaculate Conception School Family:
The Anniversary Mass was beautiful and made us all proud to be associated with our alma mater. Brunch was delightful and gave everyone an opportunity to renew acquaintances with classmates, teachers, parents and friends and forge new friendships. January’s events were especially nostalgic and special as Sr. Avril Chin Fatt (150th Anniversary Patron), Srs. Margaret and Eleanor from the founding order in Scotland, as well as Srs. Suzanne, Veronica and Marian from Massachusetts, visited and celebrated with us at the opening event of the 2008 Celebrations. Other special guests who took the time to celebrate with us included Governor General, the Most Honourable Kenneth Hall and Mrs. Hall, Prime Minister and Mrs. Bruce Golding, Archbishop Lawrence Burke (Chief Celebrant at Mass), Co-Adjutor Archbishop Donald Reece (Homilist), Bishop Charles Dufour (Blessed the 150th Anniversary Candle), other members of the clergy, Sr. Mary Murphy, Sr. Odette, Sr. Pat, alumnae (local and Chapters), past teachers and students of IC, several benefactors and well-wishers.
On Monday, January 14, 2008, the 150th Anniversary tree planting ceremony took place and was attended by representatives of the student and teaching bodies of both schools and representatives of the Alumnae Association and Chapters. The blue mahoe tree was planted next to the proposed site of the new classroom block.
The celebrations continued in February with the arrival of our own Yolande Chan (nee Brown), who was the Guest Presenter at the Inaugural ICHS Distinguished Lecture Series. Professor Chan’s arrival was greeted with tremendous excitement among students and teachers alike and she never disappointed. From addressing the weekly school assembly, to meeting with ICHS’ Entrepreneurial Club – Net Worth, to consulting and advising teaching and administrative staff, to ‘rapping’ with students during their classes, Yolande conducted her busy schedule with such composure, ease and grace.
On February 12, Professor Chan presented her talk – “Equipping tomorrow’s leaders through value-based, technology-enabled education” and present she did. Her presentation was well-received by all in attendance, including members of the education community, the IC family, students from all corporate area high schools and teachers’ colleges and the media. Her presence also generated much interest in the media as she was interviewed by the television and radio media and paid courtesy calls on the Governor General and Prime Minister. Although the plan to stream the event via the internet was ‘bitten by the technology bug’, the event was recorded and will be aired on a date to be announced.
The ‘ole-time’ St. Patrick’s Day Supper was held on Friday, March 7, 2008 and a great time was had by all. The Home School Association did an absolutely superb job of organizing and executing the evening’s proceeding and from all reports, the entertainment was excellent, the food was delectable and drinks were refreshing. At this time, the 150th Anniversary Planning Committee would like to thank Eric Hosin and his team for staging a very successful and well-managed event thereby making our celebrations more special.
Another special event took place on March 13, 2008 when the IC Schools jointly received the Key to the City of Kingston. Sr. Angella Harris, O.S.F. and Ms Theresa Mendes both received the Key from the Mayor of Kingston & St. Andrew, His Worship, the Mayor, Desmond McKenzie. Entertainment was provided by the students of both schools, who were never deterred by the rain which fell that evening. This was a very proud and defining moment for the IC family and an honour which was bestowed on two schools (jointly) for the first time. Congratulations Immaculate! Well done.
So here we are in April and it’s now time for the IC Day at Island Grill on Friday, April 18, 2008. The IC Family in Jamaica on that day, is encouraged to visit Island Grill and purchase meals for the entire family. Additionally, please encourage friends and other family members to do the same. Higher sales on that day will translate into a significant contribution for the Immaculate Conception 150th Anniversary Capital Campaign.
And please do not forget the 150th Anniversary Golf Tournament on May 31, 2008 at the Caymanas Golf and Country Club. This event also promises to be a fun-filled family day. Souvenirs (commemorative magazines, pens, pencils, rulers, polo shirts) are also available from the 150th Anniversary Office as well as from the Florida, New York and Toronto Chapters. Please support this effort as we seek to meet the target set for the Capital Campaign.
The 150th Anniversary page continues to be the primary source of information for the celebrations.
Visit these pages www.ichsalumnae.net for all the happenings and feel free to contact the Planning Committee, ichs15008@yahoo.com or 876-828-9229, should there be any questions/queries.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the 150th 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 you continue to give to the effort. 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 who we intend to recognize in a public way, a hearty Immaculate Conception THANK YOU!
We look forward to the remaining events in 2008 which will honour the Immaculate Conception Preparatory and High School, Phenomenal Women of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Blessings to everyone!
Yasmin Chair, 150th Anniversary Planning Committee |
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It has been
some time since we last spoke and how time flies when we are having
fun and working hard! Our celebrations are on in earnest and the
Immaculate family can be justly proud of the 150th
Anniversary events since January 2008, as they have been absolutely
triumphant!