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Loreto Old Girls
30 August, 2010
Dear Loreto Old
Girls,
2010 has been an
exciting year indeed, and the World Cup provided an opportunity for
everyone to join together in welcoming the world to our shores.
2010 was also the year that the 401st anniversary of Mary
Ward was celebrated. At the beginning of August representatives of
Loreto Institutions, throughout the world, gathered at the Bar Convent
in York for a conference. Loreto Skinner Street was represented by
Miss Nyirenda (our RE teacher) and two Grade 10 learners. Mr. Pallozzi
(the Principal) and Mrs. Blignaut represented Loreto School, in
Queenswood. They had an absolutely wonderful experience and have
returned with many mementoes and memories, which they will share with
the schools.
We are very happy to report that Loreto Convent School received 100%
Matric pass rate in 2009, with a record number of University exemptions.
As an added achievement, two of our Matric learners excelled in the Moot
Court Competition, organised by the University of Pretoria.
The various School Choirs, and the Drama Groups, took part in the
Tshwane Youth Arts Festival recently, and three of our learners were in
the Jakaranda Children’s Choir, which won the Grand Prix award at the
Bratislava International Youth Music Festival in Slovakia. A great
achievement! The School’s Arts and Culture Department is organising an
Arts Evening on 15 September, to showcase the talent in our school.
Of course, the High School is looking forward to the annual Miss Loreto
Competition- this is traditionally organised by the Grade 11 class, as
fund raising for their Matric Dance. This will take place in
Mid-September. Naturally, this year’s Matric Dinner was a great success
and the girls all looked absolutely beautiful- now, however, they are
working hard in preparation for the final examinations. We wish them the
very best of luck.
There have been two weddings of staff members (Ms. Lee Anne Soley
married Mr. Clinton Goosen and Ms. Crystal Urquhart married Mr. Justin
de Moor) and babies were born to other teachers- three baby girls- one
to Mrs. Caro Rascher (Grade 1 teacher),one to Mrs. Hermien Greyling
(Drama teacher) and one to Mrs. Yolandé Venter (Remedial teacher).
Congratulations everyone!
We are delighted to announce that several of our Old Girls are bringing
their own little ones to begin their education at Loreto Convent School-
it is always wonderful to welcome past pupils, and their families, at
the school.
Please remember the
reunion on 02 October, the first Saturday of October (as usual). Our
Golden Girls this year are : (Name and Maiden Name given)
Maureen Brassel
Cheryl Godrich Elke Harenberg
Giovanna Carbonutto Sandra Gould Gloria
Hogeboom
Elizabeth Dowdeswell Estelle Greyling Nelly-Jay
Rabie
Barbara Savage Jenny Van der
Wal Rose-Mare Kent
June Solomon Sheila Janke
Isabel Greger
Theresa Calvet Angela Kaufman Wendy
Lewis
Isabel Maree Margo Van Den Heuvel Gene White
Elizabeth Winkle Norma Van Rensburg Carlene
Eicke
Stella Kean Patricia Buckett
Carol Fogg
Helene v Wissel Jean White Avril
Taylor
Ladies, you will all
be our special guests this year- will you please R.S.V.P. me to let me
know if you will be attending? If I have left out anyone, will you
please pass the message on to your friends and let me know their names,
for the database.
The annual subscription will be R70.00 each (you may pay at the door on
02 October) and this will cover the cost of our tea, etc. We would like
to earnestly ask you, as well, to consider donations towards the upkeep
and maintenance of the school building- we work hard to maintain the
school but, it is an old building, and constantly in need of repair.
The school is starting a Building Fund, and contributions may be made
directly to this cause. No matter how small the donation, it will be
very welcome and we would be extremely grateful. Loreto Convent School
is a piece of History and, as the custodians, the School Body is really
conscious of its responsibility towards the Past Pupils and to those yet
to come. We would be really glad of your help.
Sr. Shirley sends her love to all Old Girls and, although she will not
be able to join us this year, I am sure she will send a special message
to you. She celebrated her 91st birthday on 01 July and had
a most enjoyable day.
The L.O.G. Committee extends its sympathy to Sr. Eileen Gallagher and
her family of the passing away of her brother in July. Our prayers are
with you, Sr. Eileen.
Please R.S.V.P.
Kathy at 012 – 3266352\3266342\3216880 or email at
kathy@lorskin.co.za, if you will be able to attend the Reunion.
Please make every effort to attend- bring your friends and family and
make it a joyous occasion.
With much love,
The L.O.G. Committee
We encourage our
Matrics to join the Loreto Old Girls Association and to attend the
Reunion each year on the first Saturday of October.
Monica Meintjies (circa 1959).
Her son is looking for her friends from school - Please contact
Kathy Wisselo at Loreto Convent Skinner Street, Pretoria.
Just opened your web page and was so excited to see names I had
virtually forgotten!! Yvonne McBride, Dawn Butler, Pamela Prinsloo,
Jenny Davidson et al – they were in the 1960 Matric class but I remember
then soooo well.
I was Carlene Eicke, married Roy Pollock who died in 1967 then remarried
a Leon Roux – I have three children and live in Durban. I am in touch
with Evelyn Donaldson (now Webb), Bebe Vardy (now Watson), Ilona Zara
(now Prinsloo) but would simply LOVE to have a reunion next year (50
years).
Are there any other classmates from 1961 out there who would be
interested??
Please contact me at email below.
Carlene Roux
Director
Carls Foods (Pty) Ltd
17 GlenAnil
Street.GlenAnil
(
Tel: +27 31 569 3179
(
Fax: +27 86 501 4449
*
Email: carlene@carlsfoods.co.za
Yvonne Leonard (nee McBride) matriculated in 1960 and is trying to
find married names of matriculants of 1960. If anybody has a list it would
make her job a lot easier in trying to arrange a get-together later in the
year.
Hello, I am an old, old girl from the years 1957-1960 and am writing to you
because I have lost contact with one of my oldest and dearest friends. My name
is Jenny Davidson (married name has de Sousa-Pinto added) and I was a
border during those years. I was from Lourenzo Marques now Maputa. My friends
name is Pamela Dawn Prinsloo (married a Alan Warburton); she was House Captain
in 1959 and Head Girl in 1960. Other friends from our class and also borders
were Dawn Butler, Betty Burne, Anne Marie Heinz. Dawn and Anne Marie were also
House Captains. I would dearly love to have news of them, but especially of Pam
and I am hoping that this mail will reach somebody who can help me. I wrote to
her for often and when I went to South Africa always contacted her. The last
time I tried to contact her at the address I had the person who lived there at
the time told me Pam had sold the house and had left no forwarding address. I
now live in Lisbon, Portugal. My email is
jennysousapinto@gmail.com.
Looking for friends from 1963 to 1967.....
Hi to any LOGS out there who might remember me, Verna Groom ..(now
Parker). I would love to make contact with any of my former
classmates. If you are out there, please contact me on
vpmail@bigpond.com.
I am now living in Sydney, Australia. On a recent visit to East
Timor I met a young Loreto nun , she mentioned the website to
me....so here I am trying to renew contacts.
I was thrilled to see a pic of Sr Margaret Mary (Mother Superior
1967) and would like to convey my greetings to her.
Regards
Verna
This is a speech given by Tumelo Molope, a Loreto Old Girl,
at the 131st anniversary of Loreto Skinner Street:
Good morning everyone, thank you so much for inviting me to speak
you on the 131st anniversary of the founding of our school.
This is truly an honour for me.
I thought of preparing a big fancy presentation but in the end I decided
against it and thought I should just speak from the heart. So here we
go…
I was on the school website as I was preparing what I was going to say.
I went through the school time line and read all the significant events
that have happened since the school was founded.
I looked at the year I finished matric, 1997, it said “the building of
the hall was started”.
I then noticed the year 2006. It said Mr Shilinglaw succeeds Mrs
D’Oliviera as principal. I noticed this event particularly because Mrs
D’Oliviera was on of my favourite teachers and had been my principal.
I then came to the year 2008 and it read “all the sisters leave the
convents”. My heat just sank. I was very sad. The reason for that is
because the sisters had formed such an integral part of my growth as a
student. I couldn’t imagine the school without them.
I would like to share with you my experience of being a student at
Loreto. What I call my Loreto journey.
My sister Lopang and I came to Loreto for the first time for an
interview with sister Fergus, accompanied by our parents. I was very
nervous then. I hardly said a word and yet I was accepted. Sr. Fergus
must have seen the determination all over my face.
On my first day at Loreto, I was wearing a blue tunic with a white
collar, brown shoes and white socks and a navy blazer. This well put
together outfit was rounded off by a cream hat with a blue ribbon.
When I think about it today, I must have been pondering that day over
what this meant for me. This huge transition from the township school
that I knew and the township neighbourhood from which I was raised,
where all my friends up till now had lived.
We walked through the school with a very keen and purposeful eye.
Everything was new to me, everything different, exciting, and
interesting.
What I remember most about Loreto was the strong sense of discipline
that was instilled in me as a student.
I remember Sister Cecelia, Sister Peter Claver, Sister Shirley, Sister
Celine, Sister Immacula, and Sister Ignatius (who buy the way always
wore the most amazing Esteé Lauder fragrances – the Sisters had lost of
personality!).
I remember the nuns with the fondest of memories, especially Sister
Fergus, she was my favourite. I had huge admiration for them. They made
me who I am today.
Loreto for me was a journey filled with endless opportunities and
endless possibilities. We were encouraged to dream. We were encouraged
to do and to be our absolute best.
I was one of those students who (despite my heaviness as a child) was
involved in absolutely everything. I got involved in and was a member of
the hockey team, I was captain of my swimming team, and I took part
academically in the history and English Olympiads. I participated in the
Knights of Da Gama speaker’s circle, it felt as though the entire world
was my oyster and I could sample any little part of it I wished to.
We didn’t have the best swimming team of hockey team. We were always the
most outstanding team on the field. I remember, however, still being
proud of where I came from and who I was representing.
On Friendship: I credit this school with bringing me closer to people
from all walks of life. I credit the school as being the first place
where I understood the meaning of Diversity. Coming together with people
from different backgrounds, different cultures and races.
So all in all what’s happened since I left the school? Well… I went to
the University of Cape Town. My hard work had paid off and I was offered
an Entrance Merit Scholarship by the Faculty of Humanities. I initially
wanted to study Law. My undergraduate degree however was in the field of
Human Resources and Industrial Sociology. I registered for my LLB at a
later stage at the University of Pretoria.
University was a lot of fun – the freedom of being away from home. The
awesome and beautiful new city to explore. The parties. I really came
out of my shell. I enjoyed being a student. I never strayed.
A lot of people get to university and completely let loose. I have
friends who didn’t graduate. I have friends whose parents’ money went
down the drain because they lost focus of why they were there.
I never lost focus. I couldn’t. The foundations that had been laid down
for my future were too solid to ever be shaken. They would never be
shaken. They will never be shaken.
I give thanks to the people who were responsible for that, my parents,
my teachers, the sisters, this environment.
My twenties were hard. Being a young adult and trying to gain financial
independence is not easy. I struggled. I struggled in relationships,
with work. But I never gave up. I never lost hope. I always wanted to
find my way back to the person I knew I was, what I’d been taught to be
– a devoted catholic girl with strong and sensible morals, caring and
loving to the people around me.
I finally find my self (at 30 years of age) in that space again. Life
can test your resolve, test your morals, and make you question yourself.
I think that even though it was hard, it feels good to know that my
faith above all was what carried me through. The faith instilled in me
by my parents and nurtured my Loreto.
I am humbled by this request from the school to come and speak to you
about my journey here at Loreto. I am grateful for all the blessings the
blessings I have received in my career and in my personal life because
of the opportunity to attend a school of this calibre.
I thank God for the Sisters, their influence. My teachers, Mrs
D’Oliviera, Mrs Van Loggerenberg, Mrs Pinto, Ms Swartzburg, Mrs Louw,
Mrs Haupt and Mrs Van. Each of these people had a role to play in where
I am today.
My Loreto journey was about hard work, possibility, wonder, dreams, good
solid Christian values, friendships. I haven’t stopped working hard, I
haven’t stopped dreaming and I believe I will climb even higher because
of this journey. A lot of things might have changed, but I remain what I
have always been - a humble servant of the Lord.
Looking for an old friend:
My name is Kelly Gangluff nee Wragg, I attended Loreto Skinner St from
1986-1988, I am trying to find an old friend called Terisa Afonseca now
Da Camara, she attended the school until 1990 I believe, if you know of
anyway to get hold of her please let me know. Hre two sister Fatima and
Susie also attended Loreto Convent.
Thanks, Kelly Gangluff
Letter from: Ofentse Motlhasedi
Good Day Mrs TR.
This is Ofentse Motlhasedi from the class of 2007. I was part of your last maths
SG class. Remember that. What follows is a very long e-mail so its best if your
seated or whatever.
I read somewhere that one of the hardest things for a human being to say to
another human being is "I am sorry”. But I think after the past year and so what
I find to be of equal difficulty is saying “Thank You". How do you tell someone
who has done so much for you that you are grateful and that you are a better
person because of them? How do two little words encompass something so deep? I
suppose this rather lengthy email will attempt to answer that.
I came to Loreto in 2003, I was fresh out of primary and a little depressed at
the lack of males in my new school. Like so many others I complained about
Loreto and probably even considered changing schools. The long skirt, the
blazer, the prayers, the values preached to us, compulsory sport, knitting of
squares and so many other things I felt wasted my time.
Fast Forward to my first year in varsity and all I can say is thank God for
Loreto, and I cant believe I am saying this but thank God for Ms Nyirenda !!
1. A Loreto girl is a hustler:
3 months into my 1st year I saw a Human Rights Competition @ school. The winner
could travel to one of three
African
States and research the state of Human Rights in that respective country. I had
to submit my CV and a letter of motivation.
Out from a plethora of applications I was blessed and got chosen. I
am told today that the one thing that stood out about my overall application was
my command of the English language and my ability to express why I wanted to go
on this academic field trip. I would be an arrogant ignoramus if I thought that
this had anything at all to do with me. I went to a school that encouraged me to
'speak out' and 'step up'. I went to a school where keeping quiet brings no
change or clarity but speaking up (using the right forum) creates results. I
also had a wonderful English teacher (Mrs Parker) who taught me that English is
not just a coloniser’s language but a language one can use to redefine societal
norms and to simply get your point across properly.
2. A Loreto girl is the best:
Later on in the year I tried out for the Tuks Moot Court team and from the
entire first year group (2000 plus) I along with 3 others got chosen. We went to
the Supreme Court of Appeals in Bloem and argued a fictional case before a bench
of retired judges. There we won and my partner and I became national moot court
champs. See Mrs TR again it would be arrogant of me if I believed that all this
was because of me. No! I went to a school that allowed its pupils to suggest
which sports/clubs should be started and if it’s reasonable and possible it
would be founded. The Debating club @ Loreto was founded in such a way and from
that club I learnt principles I could apply in moot court. Principles I hope I
will never forget. I went to a school where your age and grade didn’t define you
and I knew I was good enough simply because I was.
3.A Loreto girl is always proud
:I went to a school where I felt respected and appreciated (I was Ms
Motlhasedi).Not just another student I am pleased to see that this cycle of
excellence and culture is still being continued. Last year two Loreto girls won
the Pretoria School Moot Competition @ Tuks (beating St Mary's in the final). I
was so proud maam_you would not understand. I was just as chuffed when I read in
Destiny Magazine that Loreto Convent Sk is one of the Top 50 Independent Schools
in Gauteng. I am very proud to have come from such a school. The sisterhood
continues here @ Tuks in that so many older girls from Loreto made me feel
welcome when I came to Tuks.I in turn aim to be the same towards the new Tuks
students from Loreto.(Malebo,koketso,Cecilia etc)
I hear my new friends tell me that because of undedicated teachers they taught
themselves many of their matric subjects. I hear people complain that varsity
scares them and that they can’t cope with academic and social pressures.
This is one of those rare moments where I am silent. Loreto is one of those
schools where its one weird yet happy family and when your teachers are
committed and you don’t pay for extra lessons. Your teachers have only hope for
you and encourage you to walk with God. I went to a school that where my
teachers and friends were excited to see me go to varsity because they knew that
not only was I properly prepared but I that I had faith in Gods will for my
life.
Between Mrs May’s RE classes and Bosco camp we were taught what we needed to
know about making tough choices.
Point is Mrs TR-all this is because Loreto is a well oiled machine with you at
the helm. We have watched day in and day out how had meetings and urgent things
to address but still had the time to crack a joke with your students. I was
never really a fan of mathematics but your commitment to the subject made me
enjoy it. To such an extent that I studied and practised it very hard.
You clearly have no regard for your job description because I clearly remember
you paying so that I could do speakers circle back in 2006 and hey that made me
realise that you really believed in me.I am grateful not just to Loreto but to
the force behind Loreto.
I don’t know how you manage but it’s not in vain.
There are young ladies all over who are grateful to have met you.
Love and Blessings
Ofentse
Enquiry
Good Day,
I am trying to get in touch with the sisters of Geraldine (née)Munro. I don't
know/remember Geraldine's married surname, unfortunately. Geraldine never had
any children. Geraldine matriculated from Loreto Convent Skinner Street at the
end of 1981. She had 2 sisters, both older than her. I believe one of the
sisters might live in Pietermaritzburg. I'm not sure where the other sister
lives. (I think Geraldine's oldest sister's name is Julie).
I would really appreciate it if you could please give me both Geraldine's
sisters contact details, e.g. postal address, e-mail address, etc. I just
recently heard that Geraldine passed away some time ago and I would like to
contact her sisters and let them know how sorry I am to hear of Geraldine's
passing.
Many thanks in anticipation.
Yours sincerely
Ana Paula Vaz-van Zyl
A Long
Time Ago
Hello to Loreto! –
My name is Elizabeth Airey (nee Parsons) I have only recently discovered the
LOG website! I left Loreto Hillcrest in the early fifties. At the time I
had to travel from Northern Rhodesia by train to get to school! The names of
the girls I remember from that time: Felicity Mullan (a wonderful singer),
Yvonne Cracknell, Margot Bell, Jennifer Brett, Maureen Connolly (a brilliant
tennis player) Shane McDonald (her birthday is on 2nd July!)
Paddy de Jager. The Mother superior at the time was Mother de Chantal (she
terrified me) All such a long time ago!
I left Africa in 1960 for London where I met my future husband, who was an
Australian, thus I ended up in Australia. We were married in Melbourne and
later moved to Perth Western Australia where my husband’s family lived. We
had two sons. It has been mostly a good life; Australia is a good place to
live.
Sadly, in 2000 we lost our elder son and in 2001 my husband died as well.
However my younger son lives near me is very supportive and we are very
close. Nowadays I am retired and fill my days with artwork – I like drawing,
and painting still lifes in pastel! I also do voluntary work with disabled
people.
Hopefully, this catch-up will be of interest. I would love to hear from
anyone who remembers me.
Elizabeth Airey (nee Parsons)
More
News
During the week of 19th May 2008, Loreto Convent Skinner Street
received a surprise visit from Melanie Elin, daughter of the late Annette
Lipschitz, who matriculated at Loreto Convent School in 1953.
Annette lived in San Diego, California, and died in January 2008. Melanie
was on a visit to relatives in South Africa, and seized the opportunity to
call in on her mother’s old school. She was anxious to make contact with
some of her mother’s friends.
Fortunately some are still living in and around Pretoria, and Melanie and
her father were able to meet a few of them in Johannesburg and to see old
photographs of her mother as a school girl.
Dolores and Winfried (née Brink)
Dear LOGS,
It is that time of the year again and the
Reunion
will be held, as usual, on the first Saturday of October.
Date : 04 October, 2008
Time : Mass at 1.30pm (13h30) in the Chapel, followed by tea in the hall.
Parking : In the school grounds, entrance in Visagie Street.
Cost : R50.00 donation.
We are also establishing a Loreto Old Girls Bursary Fund, for a
Grade 11 learner going to Matric next year. So may we appeal for contributions
towards this fund as well? The amount will be R1,000 which will be offset
against the recipient’s first month’s school fees.
Attached is a message from Sr. Shirley – we will miss her at this
year’s Reunion, but she will be pleased to learn that the Spirit of Loreto is
still burning brightly. The Committee has decided to issue a Christmas
Newsletter this year, so may we ask everyone who has news to convey it to Kathy
at
loretoskinne@telksomsa.net soon. Next year will be the 400th
Anniversary of the Mary Ward Foundation and Loretos around the world are
planning celebrations to mark the occasion. We will do something special at our
2009 Reunion! God Bless you all and we look forward to seeing everyone again on
04 October. With love, the LOG Committee
Message from Sr. Shirley: (Written on 12 August, 2008)
My dear Loreto Old Girls,
You are all very much in my mind as you prepare for the next Reunion. I do hope
that as you have done so loyally in the past, that you will support the LOG
Committee in every way possible.
Today is exactly 9 months to the day since I arrived in Ireland, and I must add
that I am very settled down and feel certain that I made the right decision. I
can also add that the weather hasn’t bothered me at all and, in spite of the
fact that we are in the middle of Summer, the Winter weather still hands around.
It is lovely to have Sr. Immacula and Sr. Colum with me here and Sr. Peter
Claver is coming to spend a holiday here this week. She is now 94!
With my love to each one and, united in in prayer, I say God Bless.
Love Shirley
News
During the week of
19th May 2008, Loreto Convent Skinner Street received a surprise visit from Melanie Elin, daughter
of the late Annette Lipschitz, who matriculated at
Loreto Convent
School in 1953.
Annette lived in
San Diego,
California, and died in January 2008. Melanie was on a visit to relatives in
South Africa, and seized the opportunity to call in on her mother’s old school.
She was anxious to make contact with some of her mother’s friends.
Fortunately some are still living in and around Pretoria, and Melanie and her
father were able to meet a few of them in Johannesburg and to see old
photographs of her mother as a school girl.
Dolores and Winfried (née Brink)
Letters to OLD GIRLS
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Melanie Elin, and my mother's
name is Annette Lipschitz Elin (Lipschitz is her maiden name). I got
these two e-mail addresses from the Loreto School's Alumni web site
- I hope that these are the correct people to contact - and I am
writing for some information and possible contacts for people who
knew my mother.
My mother attended the boarding school
in the 1940's through the early 1950's -- I believe she would have
graduated in 1953 or 1954. Her sisters, Diane and Barbara, also
attended, as well as their cousin, Julia Jacobson (who would have
all graduated in the years after my my mother). The reason I am
writing is because my mother passed away in January of this year,
and I wanted this information to get to anybody who may have known
my mother when she attended the school. My mother was a wonderful
woman, and I know she had many friends when she attended Loreto. She
married my father, Eric Elin, in 1959, and moved to the United
States, where she lived in California until her death.
My mother always spoke fondly of the
school, and of her classmates, especially a girlfriend by the name
of Naomi (of course, I don't know her last name -- but that is all
the information I have). Still, I would love to know if this e-mail
could be passed on to anyone who may have gone to school with my
mother back in the early 1950's and who knew her. I would love to
know more about my mother's younger years.
I appreciate you taking the time to read
this e-mail, and if there is any information you may be able to give
me about people who may have known my mother, I would very much
appreciate that, too.
Thank you so much.
Sincerely,
Melanie J. Elin
Hello,
My name is Raquel Augusto Coelho. I'm writting in behalf of my
mother and aunt who were both students at Loreto Convent School many
years ago.
While doing some research for a college paper I fond Loreto C.S.'s
website and contacted my mother and she requested of me to send this
e-mail.
My mother's name is Zélia Assunção Branco Augusto and my aunt (her
younger sister) is Marília Teresa Branco Augusto Rodrigues.
Perhaps someone remebers them, perhaps not. They came from Angola to
Sout Africa apparently during the Colonial War and entered Loreto
C.S. Neither of them could confirm the exact year for me yet though,
I am sorry for that.
Both of them now live in Portugal. My mothers has remarried and has
two daughters (including myself), a stepson and a stepdaughter (who
is already a mother herself).
My aunt is married and has a 3 year old son.
Both life happy, harworking lives. My mother owns a beauty parlor
and my aunt works in a solidarity association.
They would both like to send their regards to everyone at Loreto
Convent School and hope that perhaps someone still remembers them.
My mother would also like to request some information to if it is
possible to obtain a certificate for each them to as proof of their
studies there, or if they have ask somewhere else (seems we had some
minor dfficulties with lost documents when moving to Portugal).
Thank You Kindly For Your Patience
Raquel Coelho
Letter from Sister Shirley
07
October, 2007
Dearest
Loreto Old Girls,
A very sincere “thank you” to each of you who either sent me messages,
or were present at the
Reunion
yesterday.
A special “thank you” to the LOG Committee who organized it all so well
and so enjoyably.
Thank you all too for most generous gift to me. It is most welcome and
highly appreciated.
It was my joy to meet you again after many years – in some cases- and to
know that the values instilled in you, as you sat at the desks in my
class, are still important to you and that you so obviously have moulded
your lives by them. It makes me feel not only worthwhile, but indeed
very gratified. I am only sorry that time did not permit me to speak
to everybody- please accept these few words instead.
Keep the Loreto flag flying and do continue to meet each year. I shall
miss you all, but you will not be forgotten in prayer.
God bless each one of you and your families.
With love and gratitude,
Shirley (alias Mother Dorothy)
Golden Girls of 2006!
Golden Girls 2006
Sister 2006
For further information, please
contact:
|
Kathy Wisselo |
012-326 6342\52(w) or 072 2405 004
|
|
Gillian Wocke |
012-663 3939(H) or 076 6566 912 |
Mrs. Gillian Wocke (nee Hogg) on
behalf of the Loreto Old Girls' Committee, presented THE MARIE
EUSTELLE TROPHY FOR EXCELLENCE IN ENGLISH LITERATURE to
Mmabatho Mogadime, Grade 12, on September 12 2006.
LOG Newsletter 2007
Dear LOGS,
This has been a year of ups and downs for the LOG Community-
but that is all part of the varied and rich life we live.
Our beloved school at Skinner Street celebrated its 129th
birthday in June and, although the community of Sisters is
now sadly so small, we can be very thankful for our special
identity and the rich tradition and heritage that we can
call our own.
Let us talk about the “ups” first
Sr. Marian Moriarty took up her position as General Superior
of the Loreto Order in November 2006. She has moved to Rome
and, although we miss her, we are very proud of her and know
she will be a wonderful example to us all.
Loreto Convent School, Skinner Street, achieved 100% pass
rate in the Matric Examination for the thirteenth year in a
row! Well done to everyone!
During the second term, Fr. Victor Phalana and his team
conducted a wonderful day of Spiritual Growth for the High
School girls.
There was a visit to South Africa by all the Loreto
Provincials worldwide. When they took a break from their
arduous conference, at the Retreat Centre near
Hartebeespoort, they visited both Skinner Street and
Queenswood schools. We were very glad to welcome them.
Loreto Convent School, Skinner Street, hosted a marvellous
Catholic Schools’ Arts Festival - the day was filled with
beautiful music, song, dance and drama -a wonderful
occasion.
The Annual Knights of Da Gama Speakers’ Circle took place
recently - we are sure that many LOGS will remember taking
part in that as well! - and the winner was Kgomotso Mokoena.
During Lent a meaningful Pilgrimage of the Cross took place,
with the Cross being taken from school to school in the
Pretoria Catholic Network. A group of learners accompanied
the Cross, and handed it over to the new school, at a moving
Para liturgy or prayer service.
As part of the 129th birthday celebrations, two LOGS -
Dominique Drake and Kelebogile Gina (nee Kgopa) addressed
the High School learners. They gave inspiring talks, and
motivated the girls on how to achieve your dreams!
News from the Sisters
You will be sad to learn that Sr. Shirley has decided to
leave Skinner Street, 54 years after she first arrived, to
take up residence in Ireland. She will move to Balbriggan,
Ireland, during the month of November. Sr. Shirley is the
“glue” that holds the LOGS together- it is hard to imagine
how we will manage without her cheerful disposition, willing
nature and kind heart. Not to mention her phenomenal memory,
when it comes to anything to do with LOGS! Sr. Shirley - we
will miss you very much- Skinner Street will not be the same
without you! However, we ask that you remember us all daily
in your prayers, as we will definitely remember you.... and
we look forward to visits in years to come.
Sr.
Shirley's address in Ireland:
Loreto Community, Balbriggan Co. Dublin
Phone number : +353 1 841 1161 +353 1 841 2796
Sr. Monica Shanley will be retiring as
Provincial during September, due to ill health, and will
take up residence in the Cape.
Sr. Margot is now stationed at Luttig Street.
Sr. Columbanus and Sr. Immacula moved to Balbriggan, Ireland
last August.
Sr. Therese Wightman and Sr. Rosaline Campbell are both now
in Nazareth House, Cape Town
Sr. Oliver and Sr. Margaret Mary are both in Holy Cross
Home, Pretoria. Telephone Number: 012 – 3772401. They would
love a phone call or a visit!
News from LOGS
Natascha ( née Uberbacher) and Frank
Crundwell have a baby boy, Nicholas. They will be moving to
Canada in October. Good luck Natascha - we will miss you!
Keep in touch.
Laura da Silva (née Steyn) recently had a baby boy,
Nathan.
Irene (née Gomes) and Damian Costa welcomed a new baby
girl, Kiara.
Kelebogile Gina (née Kgopa) is now a Chartered
Accountant. Well done Kelebogile!
Penny Maree (née Naude) recently took up the post of
Principal at Iona Convent. She, together with Sr. Linda,
ran a successful course on Ignatian Spirituality at Skinner
Street.
Felicity Mullan, who belongs to the Diocesan Singers,
invites you to attend Meditations on the Rosary during the
month of October: information from your Parish Priest.
Felicity also has two other items of newsworthy information,
concerning her family of grandnieces and grandnephews: a
little girl was born recently, to become the 35th member of
that delightful group and another grandniece, Jean Nortier,
represented Eastern Province in Netball. Congratulations
Felicity!
Senade Haupt, daughter of Sherilyn (née Van Niekerk)
plays Squash in the Northern Gauteng No. 1 League. She was
judged 6th in South Africa (U19) and represented her country
at the All Africa Games in Botswana. She has also played for
South Africa Schools in Malaysia and is a reserve for the
World Cup! Well done, Senade!
Sr. Shirley and a Primary School friend, Bobby Potgieter
(née McLoughlin) met after 70 years and spent a
wonderful afternoon “catching up”!
Val Labuschagne (many of you will remember her passion for
Tennis) has been visiting South Africa from America, with
her family, and stayed with Sherilyn.
Janine Von Emmenis (née McCue) and her parents and
daughter, Jessica, have just returned from a holiday in
Ireland, where they saw Sr. Joan, Sr. Ignatius, Sr. Immacula
and Sr. Columbanus. The sisters send their love and
greetings to all LOGS.
Carmel Grundlingh (née Abdo) and her family also have
enjoyed a holiday in Europe.
Simone Schulman (1996) recently married David La-Rose: they
are both working (as Youth Director and Assistant) at the
Hatfield Christian Church, Pretoria. Sadly, Simone’s mother
passed away two days before the wedding, so it was a
bittersweet day.
Gillian Wocke has completed her Bed (Honours) in Inclusive
Education.
Congratulations to Shirley and John Plisic, who celebrated
their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 02 June, 2007.
We ask you to remember Alice Mitchell in your
prayers, as she is seriously ill.
Letters from LOGS
I have just come across your past pupil section on the
Loreto Queenswood Website. I think it is great, and hope
that you continue to keep this information going.
I am not sure if you are aware that the Loreto Sisters have
a website up and
running, which I try to keep updated from my present mission
in Zambia. I would be grateful if you would pass on the
details to your members, or make it part of your news items,
as I think many past pupils may be interested in keeping up
with some news of the sisters. The address is
www.loretosisters.org.za
In addition, the alumni of Loreto Canada
schools have put together an International Newsletter, which
will come out twice a year. You can access the first
edition on the Loreto SA website. They are hoping to
encourage other alumni around the world to submit an
article. Thus I would like to invite you, or any of your
membership, to think about submitting a contribution to the
next edition, which will be due out in October
Many thanks
Sr Pat Hanvey
Five Hillcrest past pupils met up in London
recently. The day we had chosen was Friday 29th June, the
place Nelson's Column on Trafalgar Square. Then came the
news of the London car bombs, with much of central London,
including our meeting place, being closed off. Thanks to
mobile phones, other arrangements were quickly made -
canceling didn't enter into it - and we successfully homed
in on each other. There followed a great and, of course,
wonderfully chatty lunch, after which we moved to a nearby
pub and continued there for the rest of the afternoon.
The following Hillcresters were present, all
of the Class of 1961: Angela Nolan (née
Kaufmann) Wendy Barnsdall (nee
Lewis) Isabel
Groot (née
Maree) Margo
Bowen (née
van den Heuvel) and Elizabeth Airey (née Winklé). All in
good health, and delighted to meet again.
Wendy and Angela - and also Angela's sister,
Bernardine (1959) - have lived in the U.K. for many
years. Elizabeth moved here from Pretoria in 2001. All have
adult children, living in the U.K. or South Africa. Margo
lives in Pretoria, she and her husband were visiting their
son & daughter in law in London. Isabel lives in the
Netherlands, near Amsterdam, and came over especially for
this get-together.
This meeting has been a long time coming -
some of us have stayed in touch over the years, but this was
the first time we had got together like this. Some had not
seen each other since school days, but from the start it was
happy, warm and comfortable. A wonderful afternoon of news,
life stories, memories, photos, laughs - affection too, for
our Loreto Hillcrest of the 50s and 60s, and all the special
people we knew and remember. We'll meet again!
There must be other South African LOGs in the
U.K. and mainland Europe - let us know who and where you
are. Email to:
isabelmaree@hccnet.nl
I've received the following info from my
classmate Wendy Barnsdall (née
Lewis). She and her two sisters were all at Loreto Hillcrest
in the 50s
and 60s.
Wendy's older sister Hilary Beeby (née Lewis
-class of 1957) lives in San
Pedro, California, and is still working. Her three children
also live there
and she has four grandchildren. She is in contact with the
head girl from
her matric year, Yvonne Cracknell, who lives in Santa
Barbara, California.
Her younger sister Daphne van Rensburg (née
Lewis) lives in Midrand and has
one daughter, Melanie and two granddaughters, Megan and
Claire
Wendy lives near Bristol, in the U.K. Her
husband David is an engineer and
has his own company. As well as helping David, she works
part-time as a
legal secretary. Wendy's main interest is drama and she is
involved with her
local drama group. They still have strong ties with S.A.
and visit every
year. Their son Tim is a professional actor, his stage name
is Tim Lewis.
He is currently rehearsing at the National Theatre in London
for a show
called War Horse which includes a lot of puppetry and,
coincidentally, the
puppets are being made by a South African company (based in
Kalk Bay) called
Handspring Puppets.
All good wishes, love,
Isabel
I was living in England for four years and
have now returned to SA. I regularly attended LOG reunions
before I left and, as it will be my 50th anniversary in
2008, I would like my name to go back on the register so as
I can keep in touch with Loreto again, and also to attend
next years' reunion.
As a matter of interest, I visited the Bar
Convent in York a few months ago and took a walk through the
history of Loreto in the museum there.
I attended Lydenburg Loreto and was head girl
there in 1958. Yours sincerely,
Adrienne Humphrey. ( nee Connell )
I have relocated to Natal, staying at the
Mount Edgecombe Golf Estate - so I won't be able to make any
of the reunions but would love to get the news letters.
Regards Barbara Sand (née Savage) Loreto Sea Point
Obituaries
Sisters
Sr. Clement Kelly :October 2006
Sr. Marie Eustelle Conroy : November, 2006
Sr. Celine Dempsey: January, 2007
LOGS
Nora Lie Alter
Natascha Terblanche (née Courtney)
Ann Egan
Condolences to the following LOGS on the
deaths of their husbands:
Shane Macdonald and Margaret Collins (née
Wickham).
Our sincere condolences to all the families of these LOGS:
may God hold you in the palm of his hand and give you
comfort and strength.
Looking for a friend
Does anyone know the address of Gene Maureen
McCarthy (née
White), who left school in 1961? There is
someone very anxious to contact you, Gene. Please get in
touch with Kathy at 012 - 3266352, if you can help.
Henriette Vermaak (Nell) is looking for Brenda and Silvia
Iten : can you help?
Don’t forget our website: www.loretoskinner.co.za,
where you can keep up to date with news during the year.
Reunion Plans
The Annual Reunion will take place on 06 October 2007 at
1.30pm. The day will begin with Mass, followed by a finger
lunch.
We intend to try to make this a very special day, as a
tribute to Sr. Shirley, so we are asking everyone to
contribute R70.00 each towards costs. All
contributions\donations will be gratefully received, even if
you are unable to join us that day.
WE
MUST URGE YOU TO KINDLY REPLY BY 10 SEPTEMBER 2007 FOR CATERING
PURPOSES. PLEASE COMPLETE THE REPLY SLIP IN DETAIL AND RETURN
TO KATHY- EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT COMING- SO THAT THE DATABASE CAN
BE CHECKED.
We
try to keep up to date with LOGS but cannot do that without your
help.
As
a special gift to Sr. Shirley, we are asking ALL LOGS to
write or type a short anecdote, containing their best-loved
memory of Sr. Shirley. We then intend to bind these pages into
a “TRIBUTE OF MEMORIES” which we will give her before her
departure. This will be a wonderful gift that she will surely
treasure in years to come - Loreto Schools are very close to her
heart, and she remembers every one of “her” girls with warmth
and affection. The Committee would also like to give her a gift
of a Voucher, or Travellers’ Cheque, which she can use to buy
herself something to make the journey a little easier. The
anecdotes can be emailed to Kathy at loretoskinne@telkomsa.net
or brought to the Reunion.
In
order to make the organisation of the Reunion more manageable,
we ask everyone to PLEASE, if possible, pay their contributions
before the Reunion. This will enable the Committee to keep
expenses in line with income!
Matrics of 1987
A reminder that these LOGS are celebrating their 20th
year out of school. It would be wonderful to see you all there
|
Dellene Clark (Hamilton)
|
Annania Selau Shongwe (Ngoasheng) |
|
Rosario
Araujo |
Diane Enlsin ( Webb) |
|
Natasha Odendaal |
Sharon Kramer ( Long) |
|
Audrey Kruger ( Steyn) |
Delia Andrade ( Goncalves) |
|
Martina Pansegrouw (Messing) |
Sharon Nicolls (van der Merwe) |
|
Connie |
Nikki Evans |
|
Glynis de Lange ( Wolff)
|
|
Calling our Golden Girls
A very special invitation is hereby given to the Matriculants of
1957: our “Golden Girls” this year.
The list of names on the database is given here: if anyone knows
a friend, whose name does not appear, please invite her and let
Kathy know. They will be our V.I.P.S for the day!
|
Louise Nykamp (Baker) |
Shirley Korsman (Hobbs) |
|
Joan McIntyre (Botha) |
Mita (Anita) Cvitanic (Jadrijevich) |
|
Sandra Fosteras (Capatos) |
Franzi Mullan (Masur) |
|
Anita Lupini (Eggers) |
Gloria Ten Cate (Stuart) |
|
Charmaine Barber (Greger) |
Maxie Fouche (Swacina) |
|
Dawn Gorringe (Henochsberg) |
|
We
would love to see you all on the first Saturday in October.
Remember if you are unable to make it we would still love to
hear your news.
Regards
The
LOG Committee
LOG Details
The
LOG committee consists of the following people:
Sister Shirley (Lydenburg)
Kathy Wisselo (honorary member)
Luiza and Diana Sousa (Skinner Street)
Shannon Abdo (Skinner Street)
Carmel
Grundlingh (Skinner Street)
Felicity Mullan (Hillcrest)
Jean James- Smith (Seapoint)
Beverly Terry (Skinner Street)
Natasha Uberbacher
-Crundwell
(Skinner Street)
Lindy Reynolds (Skinner Street)
Gillian Wöcke (Skinner Street)
Bridget Walton (Kenya)
We
can be contacted via e-mail at
loretoskinne@telkomsa.net, via post
P O Box
11381, The Tramshed, or telephonically 012 – 3266342 or Gillian
0766566912 or
gwocke@stmarys.pta.school.za
Click on photo to enlarge
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