2007 marks our 30th high school reunion. We have celebrated our 10th and 20th do we keep the tradition going? Do we have a virtual reunion on this blog with photos and updates about career and family life? What are your thoughts? Add your suggestions to this blog.
Cheers
Josie
54 comments:
On 21/02/2007, at 8:31 AM, Fitzroy, Mark wrote:
Hi Josie,
An interesting idea, but I can’t create a google account, email address (won’t allow me to use my work email address and that is really the only one I have).
I wanted to add in a comment but can’t log in! My comment was to say I still think we should try and have a catch up in Alex like we have other times (but the virtual one is still a good idea, especially for people who can’t/won’t make it).
Posted for Mark Fitzroy
Hi Josie
Sorry we missed you when you were in Melbourne. I gather the reunion was
discussed, and it was agreed that Fitz should organise it? Good.
I would lean towards an reunion in Alex late in the year, even if it was
just a barbie somewhere. What do you think?
All the best
John
Hi Josie and Phillo,
Good to see my name used in vain!! It also seems like John can’t log on to input comments like me and he had to go thru Josie!?
My only comment is I did my duty last time, 20th reunion and now believe new blood is required. Especially someone living in Melb with lots of spare time, say like Phillo!
Posted for Mark
Hi Josie,
Thanks for your card in the mail. 30 years!!! It sounds soooo long ago. It would be great to SEE everyone again. I feel the same as Mark the virtual idea is good for people who cant make it but if we make a date for later in the year, say October, we should be able to get a good turn up.
Seeing as it is a bit of a milestone should we invite some teachers from our era this time? Like many of us I still have my old Bali Hai (they still call it that by the way - how do I know this because my almost 17 year old son attends Alexandra Secondary College - Year 11. I feel so old.
But get this. I had to have, and will do again this year - a parent/ teacher invterview with MR GILLESPIE!!! Yes Simon. How freaky do you think that was???
Ok so count me in. You know I am a sucker for reunions. Who else can we con in to helping?
We need some ideas - how about upstairs at Mt Pleasant - O'Brien's. All put in for supper. Buy your own drinks at the bar or could have a byo bbq lunch at Rotary Park - bring kids as well or both like we did last time.
Enough from me. Great to hear from you.
Deb (Picone) Loveday
Hi Deb,
I am really impressed that you are the first to log in successfully – do you have any tips for John and Mark? I will post some comments from Anne Coller and Jacinta since they haven’t yet. Time goes so fast I can’t believe you have a 17 year old. That is funny about Simon.
I have sent postcards to Julie, Jenny, Ann C, Warwick, Mark (not sure if his address is current), Alex (USA), Simon, Anne C, Sally & Ewan the rest of the addresses from 10yrs ago didn’t match the online white pages. I sent emails to Jacinta & Paul and obviously Mark and John.
Mt Pleasant and a bbq with the kids sounds good.
Cheers
Josie
Hi Josie,
I was in Alexandra last week and mum & dad said there is a large reunion planned for the High School this year I think. It is not just our year and I’m not sure when it is planned for but should try and find out. Maybe we could combine it with that event.
regards Anne Tyrrell (Coller)
Hi Josie,
I have tried to access your blog on the Alex. Reunion but I think I need to register with Google to gain access. I didn’t have time the other night but have edited a school photo to give clear head shots of the Class of 77.
Will try again soon.
Jacinta
after much badgering from Josie, i've finally managed to follow the instructions & log on. Fitz, you should be able to get an email address & password (even if only hotmail) to log on. Personally, I like the idea of a get together at a pub for a countermeal - less organising (as I, like most of you -fitz excluded, of course, have little time available) . late in the year would suit as nominated by Deb..got to fly now. best wishes to all...Paul
Hello everyone,
Thanks for the card Josie. Count me in for the reunion. Late in the year sounds good as does a venue like the Mt Pleasant and/or family bbq. I would prefer that we endevour to include all students who started Form 1 in 1971 not just those in the 1977 HSC year. Is that the intention?
Cheers, Sally
Regards to all,
Sally
Hi Sally good to hear from you! I have no problem inviting all the students who started in 1971 – how would you go about contacting all those people? Do you know how many were in Year 7? Is anyone out there interested in helping you take that on? You can see the people I have contacted as I had their addresses from the 20th reunion (the ones that were still current). Do you keep in contact with Carolyn?
Cheers
Josie
Posted for Anne
Hi Josie, Ive found a little more info, my sister Lyn was in Alex for Easter and found a flyer for a reunion celebrating 50 years of our "new" high school, this is on the 8th and 9th of September this year, she scanned it and sent it to me, Ill attatch it here, may be we could do a get together at this time. Cheers Anne
I have posted the poster of the reunion that Anne sent for Sept. It makes sense for us to get together then. Our group can meet up within those two days for what Deb suggested. That way we take care of it being open to everyone who started in Yr 7 but also do some activities just with the people who finished HSC. What are your thoughts?
Cheers
Jo
I think the idea of co-ordinating the dates together is a good one. That way those who did start in 1971 can see those of us around, whereas we can still have a get together for those of us who completed HSC in 77 as a separate thing. I think that the HSC year was a special event in our lives & it probably deserves a separate get together with those of us who were there. best regards. paul
Posted for Mark F
Agree with others, could link in with the 50 year reunion in early Sept. But also agree with Paul and others that the HSC class reunion in itself is still a good idea. If other students from earlier years are around and want to catch up fine but suggest the invite should primarily be the HSC class.
Cheers
Mark
Hi Josie, saw Rob Hurley the other day, Lyn had e-mailed him the flyer about the reunion, he was interested, we'll keep him posted, but I guess the High School will make some contact with past teachers. I will work on getting some contact details for Merryl, Wendy & Leanne. I can let Carolyn Cumming know, we've had contact lately, Hope all's good with you, Anne Tyrrell (Coller)
Thanks Anne - sorry for the delay in replying I have just been really busy. That all sound good. Shirley Hurley did some of Yr 12 art with us so that would be really nice.
Cheers
Jo
Hi folks
It all sounds good. If I can do anything let me know - I'll pass it on to Fitz for follow-up. (Joking! - I'd probably pass it on to Paul).
John
Below is the information from Alex High regarding the weekend. Do you want to do the Super Dance (reminds me of the bush dances growing up)? If yes can you indicate who you will try to contact who have not logged on.
Cheers
Josie
Back to Alexandra
50yrs "NEW" High School
September 8th - 9th.
8th: 12midday - 5:30pm Open School
7:30pm - 1am Supper Dance. Bring your own supper, alcohol etc.
Tea and Coffee provided.
9th: 10:30am March up Main Street and down Nihil Street to school.
Followed by B.B.Q and launch of book "'Bali Hai' First 50 Years".
Tickets available $25 per head from July 31st. Send stamped self
addressed envelopes to:
Alexandra Secondary College
Att: Dot Jackson
Private Bag 1
Alexandra
Victoria 3714
Hope you can come.
Dot.
I propose the following based on who I know keeps in contact with each other:
I contact Julie, Jenny, Jacinta, Paul, Mark. F
Julie will contact Carolyn Cumming
Jenny contacts Sally
John contacts Stephen Murray
Anne Coller said she will get in contact with Merryl, Wendy & Leanne.
Deb can you talk to Simon, Warwick, Ann & Peter Norris who live in Alex and Karen James. Fiona and Margaret Cunningham didn’t come to the last one do you think they would be interested in the 30th?
That leaves the following:
Does anyone know where Mark Doyle is?
I haven’t heard for Alex Eastaugh
Carol Hewitt
Who am I missing?
This is the vote for the Super Dance at the moment - Yes or No:
Mark Fitzroy - Yes
Josie - Yes
Julie - Yes
Jacinta & Gary - Yes
Cheers
Jo
John - Yes
Simon - on holiday for all of term 3 so No
Cheers
Jo
Hi Josie
Just a thought on the dinner dance idea. If the music is loud it is impossible to talk and the idea of getting together is to find out what has been happening in the last 30 years!!!
The old stomping ground, Darmodys,(now known as the Commercial Hotel) is now back in reputable hands (has had some dodgy owners in the past few years) and they have a function room. I am suggesting we get together about 5.00pm for drinks, have a meal then those who would like to go to the dinner dance and catch up with people from other years could do so later. For those who stay over we could have a casual bbq lunch with kids on the Sunday. Just a thought.
Some names missing from your list - Ian Robb, Debbie Halligan, Ewan McDonald and Graeme Norman. Ian and Debbie still have family living locally. (As does Mark Doyle.) Not sure about Graeme. I am happy to try and contact the people you have allocated to me but it would be good if someone else could pick up these people mentioned above. Does Mark FitzRoy have a phone?!:)
Time is running out if we are working on 8th September.
Cheers,
deb loveday
Hi Deb,
I will include some of the emails I have received below. I can ask Jacinta to contact Deb Halligan as they are related by marriage. The others didn't come to the 20th. I can email Mark F and ask him to send you his phone number.
_Hi all __Sally and I wondered if an option would be to go out to dinner as a group at one of the local hotels instead of the supper dance? __But if you are all keen on the Supper Dance then we could bring a lunch box to share. __Cheers Jenny
Hi Jenny and others,
I still think the supper dance is a good idea, since there should be other people we will know and hopefully want to say hello to.
But could also organise to catch up separately as well over the w/e which seems a very good idea. Possible for lunch if dinner wouldn’t work, again at one of the local pubs.
Separate question: is this w/e going to be the 30 year reunion, or will another w/e event be organised separately just for the HSC group? Or are we trying to combine them into the one w/e?
Since if we could I would like to propose we also have a separate 30 yr reunion as a separate w/e, unless others think that is too much, to both organise and attend or an overkill.
Cheers
Mark
Hi Josie
Fitz and I have let Muzz know about the reunion - no word yet on whether
he will make it. I will be there for the Supper Dance, but Dan's not keen.
Hope all's well.
John
RE: hello from simon (G) at Mapleton. Got your letter thankyou. Yes will miss the gig at alex. Will see fitz in canberra and hopefully you in Tass. Simon
Hi Josie
Seems like others have a similar idea to me. Would you like me to see if I can book the Commercial as suggested?
I think it is good idea to make it the same w/e as the 50 year reunion so people can do both but we do need our own separate function on that w/e. Spoke to Anne Norris today and she is happy to make a couple of phone calls to so between us we should be able to do the ones I mentioned and the ones you gave me. Anne can contact Carol Hewitt also.
I am sure everyone is happy for you to make the decision as you initiated the reunion (again). What would we do without you? We do need to decide ASAP so we can ring everyone and book the venue (if needed).
Deb Loveday
Hi Deb,
Do we do both? My thoughts are the supper dance is where people can catch up with other people and is open to everyone our table/s can be the HSC table/s. Drinks at 5.00 just HSC at the pub and then the supper dance and lunch the next day just with HSC? I am interested in walking around the school in the afternoon (Sat) when it is open. I am not interested in the march on the Sun.
Mark F doesn’t want his phone number given out scared of being roped into organizing anything. But would love your email.
Great that Anne N will help. Not much time I have to book a ticket.
Cheers
Josie
Josie,
Meant to say I am in touch with Carolyn Asquith (Cumming) and will let her know whaat's hapenning.
Sally
Hi Sally,
Thanks for that.
Cheers
Jo
I will include Paul's email
Hi Paul are you coming to the reunion and do you want to come to the supper dance or just go to the pub?
hi josie.
thanks for the email. i'm still waiting to hear from the band if we're booked to play that w/end. will let you know shortly.
paul
Jacinta said she would contact Deb Halligan and try and track down Mark Doyal.
I've booked my ticket so I will be there.
Cheers
Josie
Hi everyone.
I have been too busy to log on to read all the comments but having now just looked I thought I'd better reply and let you all know that I'm still around. Looking forward to seeing everyone on that weekend.Love the idea of getting together as our 30 year group.
Carolyn
Hi Carolyn,
It is good that you have logged on, look forward to seeing you at the reunion.
Cheers
Jo
Posted for Anne Collier
Hi All, Ive got Mum looking into letting Carol Hewitt and Leanne Pyke know via parents still in Alex. Did anyone contact Warwick Cookson? Mum & Dad have contact with his parents too Ill ask them to pass the message on. Ive finally tracked down Wendy Newman and Merryl Whiteley and got messages to them. Apparently Mark Doyle works at Maroondah Hospital where Merryl works so hopefully she mightbe able to make contact there, Carolyn Hi, check your e-mail I sent you a message a few weeks ago, say hi to Annie regards Anne
We will have to book some table/s. Does every one want to do this? If there is a strong bias to organizing the conference room at the pub I am happy to go with the majority.
Cheers
Jo
We will leave it up to you, but would love you at the supper dance etc.
If you could give me some idea how many, we can reserve a couple of
tables. Tickets are needed for numbers, so we could hold some for your
group.
Thanks, Dot.
-----Original Message-----
From: Josephine McLachlan [mailto:jmclachlan@iinet.net.au]
Sent: Tuesday, 14 August 2007 9:24 PM
To: Alexandra Secondary College
Subject: Re: High School reunion
Hi Dot,
The group is still discussing whether to go to the supper dance or a
meal at the pub what would be the easiest way to organize tickets for
the supper dance for maybe 20 people. Would we reserve tables and
people book to those tables -- could some pay on the night? What
would you suggest.
Cheers
Josephine
Thanks Mark I agree and the supper dance is open until 1 am so it doesn't matter if we get there late.
Cheers
Josie
On 16/08/2007, at 4:10 PM, Fitzroy, Mark wrote:
Hi Josie,
Thanks for this. I still think we should go to the supper dance so
suggest we book a table (or 2 if we have the numbers). But still like
the idea of Deb's to book a room for dinner at the pub first so we can
chat amongst ourselves first. Hopefully we can do both, may just be a
bit late for the dance, so meet early at the pub.
But also happy to go with majority view.
Cheers
Mark
Posted for John
Hi folks
I lean towards the conference room at the pub (figuratively speaking of
course), but if everyone wants to book tables for the supper dance that's
fine.
Cheers
John
Posted for Paul
hi all..greetings & salutations.
I've spoken with John tonight and will be attending Alex on the w/end. As for where we meet etc, I'm not fussed either (as per john's email) I kind of like the idea of the pub if only because we will be able to talk without too much noise (I'm assuming this of course)
..Let me know what the prevailing consensus of opinion is & I'll be there at either or both events. - Debby (my better half ) wont be there. regards to all, Paul.
Posted for Sally & Fiona Macdonald
Hi Fiona,
It’s great to hear from you and that you can come to the reunion. I will post your email on the blog. Deb might have some suggestions. I think we will meet at the pub at 5.00 and dinner there then move on to the supper dance (later in the evening) which is open until 1.00 but people are still voting so we will see how it unfolds. I will be back in contact.
Cheers
Josie
On 18/08/2007, at 5:59 PM, Fiona Macdonald wrote:
Thanks for that Sally,
Hi Jenny and Josie,
Josie- I've went to log on to the blog but have been stymied by a forgotten
password.
Are most people getting tickets to the supper dance?
I will probably stay somewhere in Alex. Does anyone have any idea of what
might be the best bet for accommodation?
Look forward to seeing you all.
Fiona.
Hi Fiona,
Thanks for getting back to me.
Josie can fill you in more on the details. Essentially it is meet at
Commercial Hotel (Darmodys) at 5.00pm on Saturday 8th Sept. for
drinks/dinner(?). Then off the to High School for the Supper Dance for the
50th Back To thingo. Josie has details on getting tickets to the Supper
Dance.
Cheers,
Sally
I have heard from Jacinta and she has contacted Mark Doyle and Debbie H and both are interested in coming. Mark was talking to Karen James so will also pass info onto her.
Cheers
Jo
Hey everyone, and especially you josie for getting this together. I spoke with Jacinta on sunday 19th aug...and myself and Athan will be coming up on saturday.... will have to leave early sunday afternoon as am working sunday night dut. Looing forward to seeing everyone. cheers. mark doyle
Hi Mark it is so good to hear from you and I look forward to catching up and meeting Athan.
Cheers
Josie
Supper Table
Hi Jo,
Approximately 20 can be fitted to a table. Hope this helps.
Cheers, Dot.
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Monday, 20 August 2007 8:52 PM
To: Alexandra Secondary College
Subject: Re: High School reunion
Hi Dot,
How many do you fit to a table?
Cheers
Jo
Hi Josie
Cant believe you started the ball rolling in Feb and we still havent decided what to do!! Do you want me to book the room at the Commercial and idea how many we are expecting? Great to hear someone has made contact with Karen and Fiona. I still havent caught up with Margaret yet. Is anyone going to contact Ian Robb?
Deb
Hi Deb I will try and call you tonight but I keep getting your answering machine.
Cheers
Josie
Hi Deb,
Yes can you book the conference room so we can meet for drinks at 5 pm and dinner and then later in the evening move onto the supper dance for dessert.
Cheers
Josie
Does Ian Robb still have family up there? Didn't he hang out with Ewan & Warwick? I didn't realize Warwick had moved away until Mark F said.
Cheers
Josie
Email from Mark F
Mark Fitzroy
Yep I think we should book a table, hopefully there will be enough
people to make the numbers (though may not get 20?).
Posted for Deb
Hi Josie
Booked The Iris Room at the Commercial Hotel (Darmody's) for 8/9 from 5.00pm. No charge. We can have drinks, then a meal and who ever wants to can move on to the supper dance.
The food there is really lovely and would you believe Brenden Ree's daughter Kathryn (yes she is 21) is the Head Chef.- she does a great job.
We can work on Sunday in the meantime. Even morning tea at the Dairy Milk Bar cafe would be nice. Lots of space inside and out - nice coffee and food. Say meet at 11.00am. Need to make a decision so we can tell people otherwise it will be too 'airy fairy'(I am pretty sure I will have to head off to Yea by 1.00pm for Ryan's footy finals)
I am getting excited now.
Talk again soon
Deb
Hi Deb
That sounds great. I like the idea of the Dairy Milk Bar Cafe for Sunday at 11.
Cheers
Josie
Thanks Dot,
We would only need one table I will sent this email out to the group.
Cheers
Jo
On 23/08/2007, at 11:07 AM, Alexandra Secondary College wrote:
Hi Jo,
We would really like tickets purchased beforehand so we can get
numbers. If this is too difficult we will collect on the night and we
will save tables for you.
Thanks, Dot.
Hi all,
Finally managed to get on line. I was hoping to get to the reunion open day on the Saturday and a few drinks afterwards but looks like family commitments won’t give me time to get up for it. I hope you all have a great weekend and good work Josie with your blog.
All the best,
Steve Murray.
Hi Steve,
Sorry you can't make it. It would be great if you can post a little of what you have been up to for the last 10 years. Kids, work -- that sort of thing.
Cheers Josie
Below is the schedule for the reunion.
Reunion Weekend:
Saturday 8/9 (School is open from 12 until 5.30 to look around)
Meeting Time: 5.00 pm
Where: The Iris Room at the Commercial Hotel (Darmody's) for drinks, then a meal
Later in the evening: Dessert at the supper dance
Supper Tickets available $25 per head
Send stamped self-addressed envelopes to:
Alexandra Secondary College
Att: Dot Jackson
Private Bag 1
Alexandra Vic 3714
Sunday 9/9
Meeting Time: 11.00am
Where: Morning tea at the Dairy Milk Bar cafe
Lots of space inside and out - nice coffee and food.
Cheers
Josie
Posted for Warwick
Hi Mark - it was good to hear from you the other day. I hope the reunion goes well. Unfortunately we cannot make it. I have 2 out of 3 boys playing in a football final on Saturday and a daughter in netball on Sunday.
We moved to Holbrook 7 years ago to a bigger property (ie. more land, more stock, more crop and more debt!). It has been a great experience living in the Riverina and this area is full of really motivated and progressive people and great sporting opportunities for kids. Our biggest challenge has been drought despite living in a high rainfall and safe part of eastern Australia. Whether it is global warming or just a cyclical pattern I am unsure but the weather is unusually warm and dry. After seeing Europe in the 80's and China more recently I can't see the planet surviving for many more centuries. Smog and pollution in general must be affecting the climate in some way What are we doing about it? - well in the cities everyone seems to want huge houses with airconditioning/ 4 car garages and every electrical appliance possible The bush is a bit behind largely due to less disposable income but with similar trends. Yet next year we're sending 2 kids to boarding school in Melbourne to broaden their outlook!!
Anyway have a great weekend.
Cheers Warwick
hi all - just thought i'd say thanks to those who managed to get to attend the 30th reunion this w/end - time has marched on but it's still been great catching up with you all. thank you especially to josie & deb loveday for being the drivers of the event. the pub was a great way of doing it & I think the food/grog & atmosphere was conducive to good conversation. Thank you to all. & best wishes to you and the future. Paul
hi all. thanks for the great 30th catchup.....was lovely to see everyone there....if interested in keeping in contact...i am on www. facebook.com ps...you can do a school search ...and the year. cheers. mark doyle
Hello everyone,
Great to catch up with everyone. Really enjoyed the chats, company, food and drinks. cheers
Sally
Hi All
I had a such a nice time on the weekend even though I was sick (I hope I didnt spread my bug to too many people) but I wasnt going to miss out. I spent Monday in bed and went to the Drs I am now on antibiotics. I still dont have my voice back but am feeling a bit better.
It was great seeing everyone but time goes so quickly that I felt I didnt talk to anyone for any length of time to find out much. NEXT TIME we should plan for more time together. Maybe we could start with lunch!!
Well done Josie for getting things started as usual. What would we do without you!
Hopefully next time (did we decide on 2013?) we will get more of us together. I am happy to keep a list of contacts we have now and we could work on the others in the meantime so if anyone has contacts for Leanne Pyke, Merryl etc please let me know.
I dont think we appreciated at the time that we went through school with such a nice group of people.
I hope we can keep up our reunions going until we are in our 80s.
Thanks everyone who came and especially Josie for getting it all started (she hasnt changed either).
Deb Loveday (Picone)
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