Excitement is building around the planning of celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of the Girls’ High School, and all past students are being encouraged to get on board.{{more}}

On Thursday September 17, a meeting was held at the Coutts Hall of the all female secondary institution, during which past students of diverse ages and professions came up with ideas and pledged donations to ensure that the celebration of the school’s centenary is a success.

A past students’ association was appointed, with Joye Browne as President, Dr Rosalind Ambrose, Vice President, Theresa Daniel as the Public Relations Officer, and Committee Members being Donnette Hull, Alma Dougan, Vynette Frederick and Ruth Knights. The Secretary is Jouvarnie Roberts. Rachel Haslam is the Chairperson of the Fund-raising committee.

Coordinator of the Lecture Series Laura Anthony Browne announced that the official commencement of the celebrations is on May 8, 2010, with a series of lectures on topics ranging from Culture, Regional Integration, Careers, Education, the Brain Drain to Spirituality, Health and challenges facing today’s society. She noted that the lectures will take place once a month right up to May 2011, and will be delivered mainly by past students of the Girls’ High School.

Headmistress of the School Andrea Bowman said besides the actual commemoration of the centenary through numerous activities, another goal is to raise funds to build an indoor auditorium to be used for sporting and other activities. Bowman noted that the facility has become a necessity since inclement weather often makes having the entire student body’s participation in some activities almost impossible. The Headmistress said that fund -raising efforts have already begun, and thus far, just over $9,000 has been raised. She, however, noted that the next major fund-raising event, being organized in conjunction with the Vincy Home Coming Committee and the Independence celebrations, is the Miss Heritage Pageant which will be held on October 23 at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Bowman also read a report on behalf of the coordinator of the commemorative magazine, Clare Keizer. Keizer called on past students and teachers to assist by submitting articles, photographs and article ideas. She made an appeal to 250 past students to make donations of $100 each to cover the production costs of the magazine, which will be published in May 2011.

Some of the other activities planned for the commemoration include a Flower Show under the theme “Along the Pathways Cool”, Church Services, a Youth Talent Explosion and Sporting Events.

The next meeting of the Past Students’ Association will be held on Thursday, September 24, at 4:30 pm at the school. All past students are invited to attend.(SG)