Decide to donate 3 Smart Boards for 3 sections of Class 10 of their Alma Mater
PANAJI:
As many as 50 former students from across the world gathered at the Casa de Familia in Betalbatim on January 30, to celebrate the Golden Jubilee Reunion of the last SSC Class Eleven of 1975 of Fatima Convent High School, Margao.
The vibrant atmosphere was palpable with the joy of meeting old friends and classmates after five decades! The 50 girls who met were teenagers for a day, laughed, played, chattered and reminisced – it was heart-warming to witness the camaraderie of this happy band of Fatimites!
From their first get-together in 2011, when Annie organised a meeting of classmates during her visit to Goa from Canada, the group grew in strength and numbers. The IT wizard, Annie, formed a WhatsApp group in 2014, and introduced novices to social media technology!
The get-togethers got bigger, and old friendships were rekindled.
As the Golden Jubilee Reunion Celebration planning gained momentum, a concerted effort was made to find and reach out to as many classmates as possible.
The Fatimites came from Gujarat, Mumbai and Kerala, and around the globe, from UK, USA, Canada and Australia!
THE FIRST SESSION
Every classmate was greeted with a handcrafted butterfly name-tag of their school house colour. Each attendee was also presented with a beautiful Golden Jubilee Souvenir Magazine, named ‘Flashing Comet’, in honour of their school newsletter of yesteryear. It was a labour of love by the editors, and was creatively printed by Andrew of ANJOY Graphics at Merces, Goa. Other mementos were also given: school fridge magnets by Nelinda, who came from Australia, handmade bracelets by Rehana's Disha School for Special Children and pouches embroidered with names, by Agnelia.
The day was started with a call to assembly by their beloved Alzira, who came early from Canada to help in organising the event, and their Class Student Pupil Leader, Dr Urmila Barros.
The ladies formed a circle and marched to the refrains of drumrolls and drill music. Song sheets were distributed, that invoked long forgotten inspirational lyrics. Games and a quiz
followed, and then it was time to click housewise and group pictures, by the talented Neha, niece of classmate, Dr. Babli Dhaliwal, who was held back in Bangalore for urgent work.
Refreshments and lunch were provided by NODA Caterers, organised by Rehana and the catering committee. Tantalizing mocktails and appetizers made the rounds, while the ladies caught up with classmates.
The weather was perfect to shake a leg, and everyone joined in to make merry. The one-man live band, Melben, set the stage for dancing with abandon and joining with gusto in the chorus of the familiar old songs of their youth. Their stamina was impressive, and they danced till it was lunch time, and everyone had worked up a hearty appetite to do justice to the sumptuous Goan fare on offer at the buffet.
Everyone enjoyed their meal, which was served on extra large plates! After being well fed, the ladies settled under the pandal, for the highlight, and main entertainment, of the day – a performance by the seasoned tiatrists of the group, Tassy and Rehana, gamely joined by Dr Suzette Barreto – who had come all the way from Pennsylvania, USA. The performance was hilarious and the laughter was resounding!
THE SECOND SESSION
Then began the second part of this extraordinary celebration. At 3 pm, honoured invitees joined the group – their Teachers - Ms Rego, Ms. Ezilda, Ms Yvette and Staff Member, Immaculate. Also in attendance were family members of some classmates who had passed away. After meeting and greeting the honoured guests, all settled down for a Prayer Meeting. Old Hymns were sung, led by the melodious voice of Celina, and Prayers were recited.
Dr Smeeta Sardesai, coming from California, prayed to Lord Shiva for blessings on the group. Annie led the prayer to thank the Lord for Fatima Convent High School.
A poignant moment was when the names of their dear departed classmates were called out and remembered, and messages were read from family members who could not attend.
As their Principal, Sr Clarinda, was unable to attend, her message to the Class of 1975 was read from the Souvenir magazine. The prayer meeting ended with the ladies singing the School Anthem, ‘A Happy Band’.
The guests were presented with bouquets of flowers and a copy of the Golden Jubilee Souvenir Magazine and mementos Then, everyone trouped inside the Casa de Familia for High Tea. A beautiful cake, with the School badge and motto ‘Let Your Light Shine’, was cut with the combined strength of the special invitees.
After pleasant and happy exchanges, renewed connections and joyful memories, the guests took their leave and the ladies saw them out the beautifully decorated gates of Casa de Familia.
Loving goodbyes were said and au revoir – till they meet again!
Finance Committee Members stayed back to do the accounting and Aurea was able to report that the Class of 1975, with major contributions from two classmates, will donate three Smart Boards for 3 sections of Class X of their Alma Mater.
Relationships forged in the crucible of precious childhood memories, this Sisterhood remains forever young at heart. They have formed a strong support for each other in their Golden Years.
It was a special day of celebration. The motto of this Golden Jubilee Reunion of the Class of 1975 shone on their joyous faces, and rang in their hearts as they waved goodbye to each other.
