The year began with the members of the Reunion Committee of the Alpha Academy Alumnae Association (Toronto Chapter) continuing the work they had started in the Summer of 2014, that of planning and organizing a Reunion of all the years for the Convent of Mercy Academy “Alpha” Alumnae which would be held July 30th to August 4th 2015.
Prior to that event, the Executive of the Toronto Chapter comprised of Gillian Amos – President; Marguerite Latibeaudiere – Vice President; Marcia Williams – Secretary; Pauline Beverley – Treasurer; Pat Campbell – Director of Communications; and Vern Leach – Director organized and planned another successful Brunch which took place at the Thornhill Community Centre on May 3rd, 2015 where everyone enjoyed a sumptuous Jamaican spread and great entertainment and music.
On Thursday, July 30th 2015, the Reunion Committee of Rose Chin, Gillian Amos, Loraine Lee, Jo Jo Ho Lung, Pat Campbell, Mary Lai, Marguerite Latibeaudiere and Pat Blossom Chin welcomed 400 alumnae, their families and friends (from Canada, Jamaica, USA and across the Oceans) to the inaugural event of the week – Meet and Greet. There were ladies from every decade since the 1940s “catching up” on everything in the lives of friends. Screams of delight, lots of hugs, and I am sure there were also a few tears of joy. What an evening!
Celebrating at Caribana, dancing at STGC Summer Ball, jamming at JAMBANA, participating in Mass, visiting Niagara Falls and relaxing at Picnic were the other events and activities that many enjoyed. Lasting memories were made!
Our Annual Dinner Dance 2015 was held on Saturday, October 17th at the Sts. Peter and Paul Banquet Hall and as usual it was a wonderful. Good food, prizes and surprises and dancing to great music of yesteryear made for a wonderful evening.
CMA Jamaica Chapter Reunion 2014
Memories from the most recently concluded Reunion celebrating the 120th Anniversary of Convent of Mercy Academy, Alpha (Kingston, Jamaica) are being re-lived over and over again as it was a fantastic week hosted by the Jamaica Chapter of the Alumnae.
From the Labour Day tree planting on Friday May 23rd at the school, in which students, staff and alumnae members took part, to the Woman of Excellence Awards of which Hermine Metcalf (Jamaica) and Pat Lee (Florida) were this year’s recipients, those attending shared stories, reminisced, and fraternized during the week long activities which had included a “Meet & Greet” Theatre Night on Saturday May 24th where we were requested to wear our school colours. On Sunday we attended Mass at Holy Trinity Cathedral and this was followed by Brunch at McAuley Hall. Monday we were off to Reggae Beach in Oracabessa enjoying a day out at the beach. Those who wanted to indulge spent the day at the Spa on Tuesday. Wednesday night saw us decked out in the Jamaican Flag Colours at Stella Maris Auditorm where a prize was handed out to the most creative outfit. Thursday morning we assembled at the school along with the students. Guest speaker for that event was Mrs. Dhalia Huntington-Walker a former alumna and Immigration Lawyer who spends her time between Florida and Jamaica. We continued the celebration on Thursday night at “Waterfalls” – a popular Club, dancing to the wee hours of Friday morning to the sounds of “Merritone.” The Woman of Excellence banquet and awards was held at the Pegasus Hotel on Friday night. Sadly we must mention the untimely passing of Mr. Sydney Reid – former Vice-Principal and Educator who just after the Walk-a-Thon on Saturday May 31st lost his life while returning to his home. The Alpha Community once again had its share of mourning as earlier this year long time principal and educator Sister Mary Bernadette Little, passed on.
As is customary, the Toronto Chapter hosted its annual brunch on Sunday May 4th. Some very positive comments were made as those attending enjoyed the food, entertainment and company of all present and we look forward to repeating this next year on Sunday May 3, 2015. There were display boards set up in the entrance area paying homage to Sr. Bernadette.
Our next big event is our 35th Anniversary Dinner & Dance this takes place on Saturday, October 18th at Sts. Peter & Paul Banquet Hall (Markham Rd & Milner Ave.) As we get closer to that date there will be further updates.