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OVERSEAS OLD MARGARETIAN ASSOCIATION
THE LINK
March 2014
In Memory of Miss Phoebe Spurgin (1918-2013)
OLD GIRLS’ WEEKEND, MAY 3-4, 2014
*** You are invited *** The Overseas Old Margaretians Association’s big Old Girls’/Boys’ Weekend is coming, and we are again hoping to see many students come together to celebrate their Graduations, especially Grads from classes ending in 4 and 9. A very special invitation is extended to students who were encouraged through their school years by Ms. Sharon Klein who is leaving QMS (see Tribute to Ms. Klein, and News item, below).
Saturday, May 3 – Fun Day
The OOMA Strawberry Tea has been part of our Weekend for the past few years and has been quite successful. (Many of you who were at School in the 1990s will remember when a Strawberry Tea was held each summer!) It is most enjoyable – outside, weather permitting, or in Glide Hall, if not. Our Grade 12s serve delicious goodies, the product of the wonderful ladies in our Kitchen. 12:30‐2:30pm Strawberry Tea. Open to everyone.
Proceeds will be shared with our Graduating Class of 2014. Tickets: $10 per person. Organize a group of friends and family!
(Children’s tickets include 3 tickets for games and entertainment.) Raffles. Entertainment by Music students. Tours of the Campus. See the new Learning Centre (Junior School).
6:00pm Dinner. Open to Old Girls and family, Grads and family, and Staff.
Tickets: $25 Alumnae and Family Members; $10 Children (under 12). Grads and Staff are guests of the OOMA – and it is hoped that many Staff will join us.
Sunday, May 4 – Old Girls’ Day
10:00‐10:30am Coffee. 11:00am Chapel Service.
Lunch. Old Girls Pins will be presented to our Graduating Class of 2014.
1:30pm (approx.) 88th Annual General Meeting of the OOMA. Followed by: First meeting of the OOMA Board of Directors for 2014‐2015.
Please register in advance by mailing the registration form below and cheque (where appropriate) to: Chris Compton, Queen Margaret’s School, 660 Brownsey Avenue, Duncan, BC, V9L 1C2 or Email Jan Green ([email protected]). Registration deadline is Monday April 29, 2014.
Message from the Head Girl QMS YEAR 2013‐2014
It has been a great pleasure to be the Head Girl for the 2013‐2014 school year. QMS is always full of smiles and energy; it never fails to lift my spirits when I am in need. My graduation class has worked hard and we have dedicated all of our time to our studies in order to achieve scholastic excellence. We have improved our grades, been accepted to great universities, and worked towards creating a more connected environment at QMS. All of this is possible because of our amazing and dedicated faculty. Athletics have also been impressive, with the volleyball team moving up their rank on the Island. Although, I am not involved in the Equestrian program I am aware of their great success. Most importantly, in the service sector of the school we have done a lot. For example, I organized our first‐ever Service Day in which we helped our local community through beach clean‐ups, painting fences, and pulling ivy. As well, we had several girls travel to rural Kenya with the Me to We Program. I have written of just a few examples of the activities that QMS has taken part in, but it does not fully represent the effort and determination of our girls. There have been many student‐led initiatives this year that have helped to create a more united QMS as well as a student body aware of the QMS values. QMS has been the best place that we could have spent our high school years, and I know as a student body we are proud to call QMS home. Patricia Masur, Head Girl
Graduating Class of 2014 Mykle Amon Canada * Ting‐Ting Liu Taiwan Lauren Bailey Canada * Alix Martorell Ascencio Mexico Emma Benson Canada * Patricia Masur Canada Claire Champernowne USA * Ashley McKay Canada Ying Tung (Rachel) Chan Hong Kong * Alexandra (Alley) Millar Canada Jui‐Chi (Rachel) Chang Taiwan * Laura Milne Canada Caleigh Coels Canada * Maria (Fernanda) Ramirez Coutino Mexico Twyla Downey Canada * Brooke Reynolds Canada Alyssa Elliott Canada * Wai Sze (Suzy) So Canada Anna (Ania) Esquivel Canada * Minheng (Vanessa) Su China Elizabeth (Ellie) Graham Canada * Nao Tada Japan Morgan Horner Canada * Abigail (Abby) Wadsworth Canada Marina Kitt Canada * Nicola Watts Canada Zayge Klein Canada * Juliet Westlake Canada Chai Hyeon (Christine) Lim Korea * Alice Young Canada Kate Lischeron Canada * Hui (Yvette) Zhi China
Message from the OOMA President
Another year has flown by, another year of big changes for QMS.
First of all, the new Learning Centre was opened on January 24th, much to the excitement of the whole school. This facility is the final phase of the new construction and means that students who have been in portables for decades are finally in a wonderful learning environment. The Centre also houses the school library, which is bright, airy and very welcoming.
The Chapel, which underwent extensive repairs last year, also needed some work done to the stained glass windows. UV rays from the sun had damaged the lead, which was becoming fragile, so this was remedied. The windows were then covered with a UV‐proof shield to prevent the problem from recurring.
Our fund‐raising efforts, the Bazaar, Lea's Strawberry Tea, and our Old Girls' Tea were very successful as usual, and the monies earned will provide bursaries and donations for improvements to the school. Thank you again to everyone who helped. Without you it wouldn't happen!
Now that the last of the major construction is complete there are many upgrades to be done to the rest of the school. The dorms, which house so many students, and which have taken a back seat during the past years of construction, are only one example. The portables need to be removed or re‐positioned for another life. Other buildings need work done, and regular maintenance is ongoing. So as you can see, there's no time to rest!
We hope that lots of you will be able to come for Old Girls'/Boys' weekend this year!! Particularly those from grad years that ended in a 4 or a 9. You don't need to have done all your schooling at QMS, you're still, whether student or staff member, part of the OOMA. And if you're still in contact with old friends from QMS days, what better place for a reunion?? If you just can't make it this year, remember to save the first weekend in May whenever you can! Since opening our membership, the chain is growing strong again, and people are reviving links once thought lost, so please come back and see old friends and acquaintances.
In closing, thank you so much again to the OOMA Directors of the past year, and for all the support from school.
Dola Boas (Mitchell, '59), President
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O.O.M.A. Board of Directors 2013‐2014
Dola Boas (Mitchell, ’59; Parent of 1 Old Girl; Cousin of 3 Old Girls; Board of Governors) President Shelagh Boggs (Randel, 1949‐53; Parent of 3 Old Girls) 1st Vice‐President Nicole Bond (MacDonald, ’88) Director Trudy Byers (Conibear, ’56) 2nd Vice‐President Jan Green (Staff, 1975‐2004) Secretary Dawn Fox (Lesiuk, 1989‐94; Parent of 1 QMS Student) Treasurer Chris Compton (Staff, 1978‐ ; Parent of 1 Old Girl) School Liaison Rita Mayer‐Webb (Mayer, ’88) Director Kirsty Grant (’85; Parent of 2 QMS students; Board of Governors) Director Fernanda Ramirez Grade 12 Rep Patricia Masur Grade 12 Rep
Message from the Head of School “Share the Spirit”
The theme of our 2013‐2014 school year is “Share the Spirit.” Chosen by this year’s Prefect Council, this theme draws attention to the importance of community in our school experience and celebrates the strength and inspiration we gain from being part of a supportive community. Embedded in this theme is a pride for who we are and a recognition of our responsibility to each other and the greater community in which we reside. Share the spirit is about people. Queen Margaret’s School is blessed to have many who believe in the specialness of our community, the values it espouses and programs it offers, and are willing to celebrate this uniqueness. This legacy of “pride for who we are” is a value that rings true for many of our alumni. In my interactions with members of the OOMA, whether they are through governance and fundraising activities, as advocates of school events, or attendance at alumni events, all express heart‐felt gratitude for the guidance given and experience provided during their educational journey at QMS. More importantly, the stories and recollections shared describe the people, teachers, classmates, administrators, that inspired laughter and self‐reflection, challenged intellectual curiosity, and mentored and modelled the giving of self to others. We are all ambassadors for our community, and from my experience, our alumni are second to none. Through the publication of “The Link” you continue to reach out and offer alumni a means of building and maintaining friendships and staying connected. Through the alumni organization, OOMA, QMS continues to receive steadfast support, mentorship, and participation in special campus events including Founder’s Day, the Christmas Bazaar and the Candlelight Carol Services. Bursaries for deserving students are funded through OOMA fundraising efforts. Individually, so many of you also give willing of your time, talents and treasure through general contributions to school projects and the Annual Fund. On behalf of the greater QMS community, thank you for believing in your school. Thank you for continuing to “Share the Spirit.” I look forward to meeting you at upcoming alumni events and at our annual OOMA Old Girls’ Weekend. Wilma Jamieson Head of School - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
SPEECH DAY 2014
Friday, June 13, 11:00am, Founders’ Hall.
Guest Speaker. Luncheon to follow.
Message from the Chair of the Board of Governors This has been another very good year for QMS in a number of significant ways. Most impressively is the Learning Centre which was recently completed. It consists of five spacious classrooms, a large learning commons, administrative space and the provision for our library. It is often said that a good teacher can teach anywhere and a willing student is capable of learning despite the setting. The question is really whether they can teach and learn more effectively in better surroundings. It is a fact that the school environment is an active contributor to the learning process. Studies about student academic achievement and buildings conclude that the quality of the physical environment significantly affects student achievement. The building that students spend a good deal of time learning in does influence how well they learn. Our new Learning Centre is especially inviting and will enhance everything our extraordinary faculty does. It is another building block in creating a truly 21st Century learning environment throughout our school. I am also extremely excited about the fact that we have successfully re‐established our Development Office and implemented an Annual Fund. In its first year the Annual Fund provided nearly $39,000 for enhancements to our program in the areas of educational technology, scholarships and bursaries and areas of special need identified by our Head. One hundred percent of the Board of Governors and all of our Management Team contributed, as did an impressive number of teachers and staff, parents, alumni, vendors and friends. This year We hope to continue our efforts by increasing the Annual Fund by fifteen percent. I hope all of you will join with us in providing support. I am pleased that through the hard work of everyone at the school our accreditation with the Canadian Association of Independent Schools has been continued. CAIS especially commended us ‘for the enthusiasm and loyalty that all stakeholders show to the institution” and that being an “inclusive community is embedded in the fabric of the school.” As we continue this new year I am confident that all of us will continue to work together to accomplish even more. OOMA continues to sponsor and support bursaries, student attendance at the Strawberry Tea, the refurbishment of our chapel and so many other school activities. On behalf of the Board of Governors I express our heartfelt thanks for the vital and continuing support which OOMA provides to our wonderful school. Mr. Leigh Taylor Chair, QMS Board of Governors
Message from the QMS Parents’ Association
The Parents’ Association started the school year with a Parent Information session, followed by an evening of wine and cheese. Parents had the opportunity to connect with school staff, old friends, and to greet new families.
In October the Executive Committee was voted in and they began brainstorming many new ideas and fun events for the year. Last year’s Dinner & A Movie was a successful fundraiser and two have been planned for this school year. The first, in late September was also the delivery day of the Pumpkin Fundraiser where many families purchased local pumpkins in time for carving. The second is at the end of March and funds raised will go toward purchasing new playground equipment for the Learning Centre’s playground.
The annual November Bazaar was once again a success with bargain hunters and children, with the class parents taking more of a role in the different venues. The Grade 2 parents supplied the Sweet Tooth Booth with popcorn and goodies galore, and the Cupcake Walk and various games were played many times by the children.
The Unicycler is a popular alternative to the School Shop for parents of younger children who outgrow their clothes before the clothes outgrow their usefulness and contributes greatly to the success of the PAC. Our ongoing initiative of collecting Campbell’s labels (soups, stews, drinks, etc) that get counted and submitted to the company in exchange for different items is still in full swing with the Primary students really enjoying contributing to the boxes. The target again this year is a variety of books for the Learning Centre and Junior School. Another continuous fundraiser is the use of Thrifty Foods Smile Cards. Available at Administration, the re‐loadable cards give us a portion of the purchases when used to pay for groceries. Last year we were able to contribute to the building of the Greenhouse on the grounds using this program. This year, funds are going toward playground equipment at the Learning Centre. One of our newer fundraisers is with Mabel’s Labels, where personalized labels purchased at our school link will give us a percentage of sales, while keeping lost items to a minimum. Please visit the online link at www.qms.mabelslabels.com for all the great labels you can order.
The PAC is participating with the annual Spring Event again, assisting where asked and gathering items for the silent and live auctions, decorating and marketing. The Easter Egg Hunt the PAC put on last year was such a success with the Primary children, we’re repeating it again this April. This year, we are teaming with OOMA to present a Strawberry Fundraiser through Rotary at the annual Strawberry Tea, and our popular Mother’s Day Hanging Basket fundraiser will be available in April. Please check the Royal Reminder for forms for ordering any or all of these fundraisers throughout the school year.
So far this year we were able to donate $8,350 to the school for use in Athletics, Library, Residence and Equestrian areas as identified by Mrs. Jamieson. Further funds will go towards Educational, Residential and Equestrian requirements as they’re identified and the remainder of our fundraising events take place.
PAC meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month at 8:15am, right after drop‐off. It was found that more parents could meet this time than the evening meetings. We have introduced a quarterly electronic newsletter to the parents to let them know about past meeting highlights and future fundraising efforts for the upcoming three months. These are distributed through the Class Reps, and if you would like to receive this, please contact me directly and I’ll add you to the distribution list.
Mary Harrison, PAC President
FOUNDERS’ DAY 2013
Linking Past with Present...for the Future
By Mrs. Leanne Schultz
Each year, current students and alumni join together to celebrate Founders’ Day, celebrating the heritage of the school by honouring those who came before us and laid the foundation of Queen Margaret’s School. This year, an accomplished QMS alumna took Queen Margaret’s School students and their special guests on a journey through time, linking her love of history developed here at the school with her passion for studying ancient cultures.
Dr. Genevieve Hill graduated from QMS in 1999 and went on to study Anthropology and Archeology at the University of Victoria. Her first excavation at Lake Stymphalos, Greece awakened a love of wetland archeology, leading to a Masters degree and a PhD in Wetland Archeology from the University of Exeter in the UK.
With vibrant photographs and maps, Dr. Hill enthralled the students with stories of her adventures of uncovering clues that helped piece together the ancient past. She brought local ancient history to life for her audience, describing her work in the Cowichan Valley and along the Northwest Coast focusing on Cowichan Native wetland ecology and associated evidence. Throughout her dynamic talk, Dr. Hill wove in the lessons and values she learned at QMS that have helped her succeed in her global career: intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, honouring the past, and an appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. Students left the assembly with a unique insight into the field of archeology, and a revitalized interest in all things historical.
Miss Denny and Miss Geoghegan founded Queen Margaret’s School with a dream “to send students out into the world with the stamp of the school upon them and its ideas in their hearts” (Beyond All Dreams, pg. 22). We are so fortunate that alumna like Dr. Hill come back and share their adventures with the students of QMS, demonstrating to them that “we are all capable of certain achievement, all capable of service and all capable of realizing ourselves as complete individuals,” just as the Founders envisioned (Beyond All Dreams, pg. 226).
Heritage Students 2013/14 Name/s Family Member Relationship Years at QMS Tara Cooper Sheila Beauchemin Aunt 1973‐75 Thomas, Sarah and Peter Dryden Liz Dryden Mother 1983‐88 Ethan Milne Sarah Milne Mother Grad '89
OFFICIAL NOTICE
To all Members of the O.O.M.A.
The 88th Annual General Meeting of the Overseas Old Margaretian Association will be held at Queen Margaret’s School, Duncan, BC on Sunday, May 4, 2014 at 1:30pm
To receive the annual report of the Association for the year ended February 29, 2013; To establish the amount of the annual Bursary donation for the current year; To consider any necessary Motions; To elect three Directors for a term of three years; and To consider such other business as may come before the meeting.
Vote The Bylaws 2010 changed the O.O.M.A. voting system to allow Proxy votes (O.O.M.A. Bylaws, Part 4 –
Meetings 4.7.1, Voting may be by proxy for all purposes of the Association). An Assignment of Proxy Vote form is attached below. Proxy forms shall be delivered to the Secretary prior to commencement of the meeting at which they are to be
used (O.O.M.A. Bylaws, 4.7.3).
Election of Directors Chris Compton and Dawn Fox will stand for re‐election for two of the three three‐year terms. One Member is needed to fill the third three‐year term. Nominations may be accepted from the floor.
A candidate must accept the nomination either in person at the AGM or in writing (if she cannot attend the AGM), and must be willing to fulfil her term to the best of her ability.
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TRIBUTE TO MS. SHARON KLEIN
On February 18, 2014 Mrs. Jamieson made the following announcement: Please join me in congratulating our Deputy Head Education, Ms. Sharon Klein, who has been appointed as the new Head of St. George's School of Montreal, effective July 1, 2014. During her tenure at Queen Margaret's School, Ms. Klein has worked tirelessly to empower each individual student to become a passionate leader. She has facilitated many initiatives for our faculty that have built leadership capacity and engaged dialogue on best practices in education. The students and faculty of St. George's of Montreal will embrace her enthusiastic and collaborative approach to education. I know that you will all join me in wishing Sharon all the best as she embarks on this exciting new stage of her career.
The OOMA would like to join the staff and students of QMS in saying goodbye to Ms. Klein who began her career as a teacher and coach in 1984 and joined Queen Margaret's School in 2003 as Athletic Director. She became Deputy Head Student Life and Senior School Principal in 2005 and Deputy Head Education in 2010. Ms. Klein will be missed by her many friends among the staff, and particularly by the students, past and current, whose lives she touched. She inspired leadership qualities among those she taught at QMS, raised the level of education so that our girls are able to compete with the best of schools, and was always available for advice and discussion. We join Mrs. Jamieson in wishing Ms. Klein the best of success in this, the next step in her career.
OOMA Annual General Meeting 2013 May 5th, 2013, Glide Hall, Queen Margaret’s School
Directors Present: Dola Boas, Shelagh Boggs, Trudy Byers, Chris Compton, Jan Green, Kirsty Grant, Dawn Fox, Nicole Bond, Rita Meyer‐Webb. General Membership Present: 7. Proxies received: 1.
Welcome by OOMA President Meeting called to order at 1:46pm. Dola Boas welcomed everyone to the 2013 AGM.
Scrutineers: Shelagh Boggs and Chris Compton were appointed should scrutineers be needed.
Approval of the Minutes of the 2012 AGM A motion was made to approve the Minutes as distributed in The Link. S. Boggs/R. Mayer‐Webb. Approved.
Presidents Report Dola thanked everyone for making it a great weekend with two Re‐union groups, great food and a memorable Chapel Service to honour Phoebe Spurgin. She explained that the Directors were trying hard to get back to the roots of the Old Girls Association as defined by Miss Denny and Miss Geoghegan – communications among the Old Girls and between the old Girls and the school. One of the most important things the OOMA does is maintain the Bursary account. Dola explained that a few years ago it was decided to re‐instate the OOMA as a Charitable Society and after much hard work this was accomplished. However with all the new rules and regulations now in place it soon became obvious that it was going to be too restrictive and expensive for us to continue as a Charitable Society. The alternative was for the school to handle any donations to the OOMA for $25 or more and for them to issue Income Tax receipts. Monies coming in this way would be put in the appropriate OOMA accounts and be disbursed to recipients agreed upon by the OOMA and the School. Three years ago the AGM approved a Motion to become an Open Society and since then there has been a great interest in communications with Old Girls and interest in the School. The OOMA now has its own Facebook page and we have nearly 600 email addresses and regular Updates are sent out. The School is also starting a publication entitled Connections that will be sent out to Old Girls and other contacts.
Treasurer’s Report Current account $ 4867.41 Business Investor 731.64 Terms Accounts: #19 – will mature June 13/13 and earn $202.15 20,215.01 #20 – will mature June 13/13 and earn $192.04 19,204.26
There were some questions about the money received by the school as donations to the OOMA and Lea Buburuz suggested that money held in accounts by the School should be included in this Report in future.
Discussion arose about the Vancouver Foundation: That it should be an option for donors to allocate money directly to the Vancouver Foundation. It was explained that donors can donate specifically to the Vancouver Foundation. Any donation may be sent with instructions as to where it should be used.
Why was the OOMA no longer using Vancouver Foundation money for the Bursary? The interest from the OOMA Vancouver Foundation Account was sent directly to the school. We always provided an additional Bursary from our own account. Very little money is being received from the Vancouver Foundation at the present time.
Was money from deceased Life Members being directed correctly into the Vancouver Foundation? Monies invested in the Vancouver Foundation cannot be accessed as it can from a Bank account, i.e., we cannot deposit and withdraw small sums of money. Our previous Treasurer had been putting the $200 membership money from deceased members into our own OOMA Bursary Account held as a GIC, possibly with the intention of investing it back into the Vancouver Foundation when interest rates improved. Any interest was put into our current account.
The full list of Life members and other documents were never passed on to the present Board of Directors, making it difficult to sort out the records.
It was proposed by Lea Buburuz that the person holding these documents be contacted and again asked to pass it all on to the present Board of Directors.
Membership Report Membership is now open to anyone connected with the school in the past, plus Honourary Members. It
was again stated that the Life Membership subscription of $200 is transferred through the Current Account of the OOMA to the Bursary Account upon the death of the Life Member.
Election of Directors for 2013‐2016 Dawn Fox explained that three Directors roll off each year but may stand for re‐election. This year Shelagh
Boggs, Kirsty Grant and Trudy Byers had completed their three‐year terms but all were standing for re‐election. No other Nominations had been received prior to the AGM. Dawn then asked if anyone was nominated from the Floor. Having asked this question three times and receiving no nominations, Dawn declared Shelagh Boggs, Kirsty Grant and Trudy Byers duly re‐elected.
There being no other business the 2013 AGM was declared closed at 2:47pm.
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Overseas Old Margaretian Association
Financial Report
Bazaar Earnings: OOMA Booth and Christmas Cake sales combined $ 3,740.00 Island Savings Credit Union Accounts, as at January 31, 2014:
Chequing Account 7,161.90 Term Deposits. Both terms are cashable at any time, and are earning 1.45%:
#1, General 19,430.99 #2, Life Membership 20,455.82
Expenses for 2013: To Minister of Finance for annual society filing fee 25.00 Donation to Cowichan Community Land Trust, in lieu of flowers for Miss Margaret Glide 100.00 Donation to the QMS Chapel Fund, in the name of Miss Margaret Glide 100.00 Donation from Strawberry Tea proceeds to Graduating Class of 2013 550.00 Donation to Parent Advisory Committee’s Barn Dance Silent Auction Table 200.00 Copying invoice from the School for The Link 349.76 Reimbursement to Jan Green for Staples & Clarke' invoices 184.46 Cheque Order (bank switch to Island Savings Credit Union in Duncan) 10.00
Bursaries: In the name of Miss Phoebe Spurgin (Junior School) 1,000.00 In the name of Miss Margaret Glide (Senior School) 1,000.00 OOMA Annual Bursary, as decided by the School 1,500.00
** Set aside for donation to a scholarship being created by Kaitlin Heidelbach’s parents 1,000.00
NEWS
[See Photo page below, with numbered captions, where indicated in these entries.]
Chelsea Froese completed a European Dressage Internship in Portugal, and continued with a Guelph University online course for "Communications and Marketing in the Equine Industry." She is looking into taking more courses towards her Equine Business Certificate.
Tania George (Davis) and family moved in 2001 to Rarotonga, Cook Islands, where she is a Fleet Manager for a Ship Registration business. Her parents Ruth and Kerry Davis visited them in September 2013 to join in celebrations of their grandson Connor's 21st birthday, and Tania's birthday. Family from New Zealand and Australia were also there. Ruth and Kerry stayed for three weeks before going to New Zealand for a month.
Lulu Macallum is working full‐time at Brentwood College School as a Teacher and House Parent.
By Year (earliest to latest): Eileen Swingle. “Memories!” I went to QMS in the early '40s. I can remember a few names in my class – Rita and Sheila Flight, Jean Keith, Christine MacKenzie, Joan Christie, Anne Turner, Anne MacLean. I wonder where and if they are now? Mrs. Schilling, the French teacher, was there. And Mrs. Kershaw and her daughter, the music teacher. It was a time when there were "war orphans," students who had been sent out of their country, or, in the case of Jean and the Flights, their parents were interned in Asia. Miss Denny and "Gugg" enforced discipline, and knew everything that went on. I was sent to the office many times, I'm afraid (I turned out pretty well, though)! Isn't that the way!
Catherine Spencer (Windeyer, ’51) is President of the Friends of BC’s Government House Gardens Society. She has served on various boards in BC and Victoria, including QMS, OOMA, and Rockland Neighbourhood and Fairfield District associations. In 2012 Catherine was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (created to honour Her Majesty’s service to Canada, and Canadians’ significant contributions). [A photo at her presentation shows Catherine in the exact spot in Government House where her father had received a medal; she is holding a press photo of that occasion including herself and sister Faith Magwood as small girls.] In May 2012, Catherine escorted Prince Andrew, Duke of York, through the Gardens on his visit to Victoria. [Photo #1]
Sylvia Dyer (Green, ’52). In March 2013, I had a most enjoyable get‐together with two of my fellow graduates, Mary Marrs (Holden) and Mona Hetschko (Murray). Over the years we’ve stayed in touch, but this is the first time we’ve all met since we left QMS. Mary entertained Mona (lives in Richmond) and me (resident of Oak Bay) to tea in her wonderful home at the foot of Mt. Prevost, Duncan. We had a marvellous afternoon reminiscing and `catching‐up’ and wondering why it had taken us almost 61 years to do this! We are enjoying fairly busy retirements and Mary, in 2010, published a beautifully written book about her late husband’s family: Just Enough: the Marrs Family – Twentieth Century Pioneers in the Cowichan Valley. [Photo #2]
Joan Baker (Parker, ’58) has finally decided to retire!!
Charlene Smith (Lyon, ’58). Thanks so much for the QMS Updates! Living so far away now it is great to receive this information. I graduated from QMS and still have many fond memories. I keep in touch with Ginny Lowrie (Leed) who lives in Courtenay, BC. I am presently living as an independent (one‐bedroom apartment) in a retirement home in Ottawa. My daughter and grandson are close by so it is great to be here. I must say I miss the mountains and the ocean.
Arne Day‐Bunyan (Class of ’65). I did not graduate from QMS, but was there in the 60s. I started at the high school September 1960, in the same class as Carol (Phillips) Hunt, Janet Owen, Barbara Field. Also, a wee bit of history...my mother Esme Mutter started school with Miss Denny in 1919 (age 4). I believe that was just before the school was officially formed. I believe her brothers Hamish and Dick attended. Her younger sister Audrey followed a couple of years later, probably 1921 or so. I would love to have a tour of the school again. I have not been through the older classrooms [Spurgin Hall] for some time. I did go through the Primary School last spring as my very dear little friend Jessie Eakins and her mum invited me to Grandparents Day. It was really wonderful. I have also brought Shirley Garriock, another dear friend (age 94 now), to the odd gathering.
Nairn Hollott (Calvert, ’60) has a background in education, and volunteers in various organizations. She is a trustee of the Government House Foundation in Victoria, and Supervisor of Volunteers in Government House Gardens, Mews and Museum. She has been a member of the Friends of Government House Gardens Society for 20+ years, served on its Board and in 2012 received a top award presented by the President, Catherine Spencer. In 2012 Nairn was also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. [Photo #3]
Ineke Fauchey. I attended QMS in 1961‐66 when Miss Denny and Miss Geoghegan were the principals. Miss Glide was principal in my last two years. I did not graduate because of my immigration papers but I am still in contact with two roommates, Robin McCauley and Joy Sinclair. I graduated in 1969 in Marymount, Cuemavaca, Mexico. Last year I came to visit Duncan and dropped in to see the school. It was wonderful to see everything again. I am still living in Mexico City and, although I retired last year, I am working freelance as an Academic Consultant for a Publishing company and as an English coordinator for two primary schools. I just cannot stop working completely!
Penny Cameron (Shaw, ’67) is living in Chemainus with husband Bruce Cameron. I am still working doing accounting for small businesses. I managed to catch up with Stephanie Soulsby a couple of times last year, in Vancouver where she lives with her husband Paul Pearlman, and once here on the Island. I spend most of my spare time racing sailboats, looking forward specifically to doing the Van Isle 360 this year, a race around Vancouver Island which takes two weeks. I have two grown children living here on the Island. My son was lucky enough to travel to the London Olympics last year as massage therapist for the Canadian Rowing team.
Patricia Jean Norris (Sutter, 1968‐70). I would very much enjoy being included in my Class list. I attended QMS for two years. I did not graduate from QMS but graduated from another school in 1971. It would be fun to meet some of my classmates sometime. Is there a forum for connection? Does anyone have a record of class photos from those years? Unfortunately we had a house fire the year after I left QMS. We lost all of our photographs... [If anyone can help, please email [email protected] and I will contact Patricia.]
Suzanne Anton (Williams, ’70) was elected to represent the riding of Vancouver‐Fraserview in the general election in May 2013. She was appointed BC’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice on June 10, 2013. [Photo #4]
Anne Egli (Grier, ’78). I was married in the chapel 28 years ago this summer (2013), and we continue to live in Vanderhoof, BC. We have four sons in various stages of leaving the nest. I graduated from UNC in 1983 with a teaching certificate, started my career teaching high school science and math, then became a primary teacher
and for the last 14 years have been teaching kindergarten in our local Christian school. I am fortunate to have a position that I am very passionate about, and have had lots of interesting moments over the years. Our oldest son Daniel is 25, married, lives in Prince George, graduated from UNBC in computer science and works for Northern Health writing programs that analyse all their data. Michael is 23, married, lives in Vanderhoof, is a heavy‐duty mechanic and works for a local logging company keeping all their logging trucks on the road. David is 22 and presently works in the forest industry. Philipp is 20 and is apprenticing as a heavy‐duty mechanic. The boys have all enjoyed the space and lifestyle of the farm but none of them are eager to take it over. In 1996 we sold out of the dairy business but in the summer we continue to make and sell hay. During the rest of the year my husband Tom has been developing a very busy construction business. He runs a permanent crew but all the boys have worked for him at different times.
Dawn Holland (Hamer, ’79). I am living where I grew up in Saanichton, BC and have been married for 20+ years to Paul, a realtor. We have two daughters, the eldest just graduated from high school this year. I have worked for the Greater Victoria Public Library since 2005, and we have a small farm that fills our spare time. Susie Sim (’79) would love to get in touch with Beena (Binhaifa) Meghji, and Mrs. Shelagh Boggs who was very kind and took me in during the Christmas break. I went home to Malaysia for a brief two years after I graduated from the University of Toronto. I worked at a CPA firm during that time but met a GI, married him, moved to Kansas in 1987 and then to Berlin and Japan for three years respectively – six years away from home. When we moved back to the US in 1994, we ended up in California. Unfortunately my husband and I split up in 1997, 10 years after we were married. My son is 25 years old and is a programmer. He bought his own place last year about two miles from where I am, and works as an analyst with the State of California. I have not been back to Vancouver since I left and would love to attend a reunion if one is set up. I really hated being at QMS but now that I am older and wiser, I would not trade it for the world. It changed me for the better. [Photo #5]
Gillian Charpentier (Lawrence, ’80). It has been an eventful year. I got married on September 21, 2013, and am extremely happy and very busy with work as well. I am working at the Provincial Office in Vancouver at St. John Ambulance where I have been for the past six years.
Heidi Blaszak (Hartmann, 1981‐83). I am living with my husband in Summerland, BC and have worked at Penticton Hospital as an LPN for the last 17 years. I have a 19‐year‐old daughter and a 14‐year‐old son. I am still riding horses. I would love to hear about my classmates and will watch for any updates. I very much enjoyed my time at QMS and always look back fondly on the memories.
Colleen Bates (Davis, 1983‐44) graduated from the University of Preston with a BA on July 9, 2013.
Catherine Dunik and Ann Malcolm (Rogers), Class of ’84, donated a beautiful stone bench in memory of their friend Carol Williams who passed away in 2012 – it is by the new Learning Centre. [Photo #6]
Melissa Montgomery (Spencer, ’84) is still very involved in Theatre in Vancouver and runs our Facebook page.
Kirsty Grant (’85) was recently appointed Visitor Services Coordinator for Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre.
Alice MacKay (Henshaw, ’86). Thanks for the QMS Update. I was just at QMS yesterday to ride in a dressage show. It was really nice to be there again, and I enjoyed riding in the new indoor ring as I hadn’t been there in a while. The staff were so pleasant and it looked like all the school girls were having fun helping with the organization. It brought back lots of fun memories of riding when I was there.
Desiree Poupko (Irwin, ’86). Things are going very well for me. I am a partner in Chicago Dueling Pianos. We book all the dueling piano entertainers on the NCL ships as well as a lot of private events in the USA and
eastern Canada (I’m trying to make my way out west!!). That has been very rewarding. I travelled to Germany last year to open a new ship. Also my original music has been on several TV shows – Rehab Addict, Strange Eats with Andrew Zimmerman, to name a few. I still live in Chicago and am still married to Mike who owns a music school (NorthShore Music Institute). We are very blessed with a lot of work and each other. We have two very sweet cats, Emma and Elsie. All in all no complaints! I would love to get back to QMS one day.
Candace Conlin (’87). I didn't attend school in 1986 for family reasons so entered QMS a year behind where I should have been. I attended there for grade 9 and 10, when I should have been in 10 and 11. Therefore, while at St. Michael's House, I mostly befriended the girls my age such as Rachael Eberts, Kathy Svenssen, etc. I roomed with Karen Jenner from Grad ’88. I then went to public high school in Vancouver where I fast‐tracked and was able to fulfill all my grade 11 and 12 requirements in just one year and graduated on time in 1987. I would love to visit QMS or know about any information that pertains to both grad years.
Annette Rohr (’87). Her daughter is soon to turn 7! Time really does fly. Elizabeth Abercrombie (’88) is delighted to have her three children at QMS.
Nicole Bond (MacDonald, ’88) has been appointed the new general manager of the Affinity Guest House in Cowichan Bay. It is an event centre on “26 stunning acres located in scenic Cowichan Bay on a protected bird sanctuary at the confluence of the Koksilah and Cowichan rivers on the Cowichan Estuary where the river meets the sea.” She hosted our January 2014 OOMA Directors’ meeting there!
Beverly Ganning Koo (’95). January 2014: I will be returning to Duncan for the first time in 10 years, with my husband. We are wondering whether it is possible to visit the school when we are there. We should arrive in Duncan around 9 am on 4 February 2014 and plan to have lunch with the head of residence of my time, Mrs. Quine. Also, I would also like to be more active with alumni work for QMS, though I live in Hong Kong. I am currently mentoring high school students from my school in Hong Kong (Heep Yunn School, one of the top schools in Hong Kong) and participating in their career talks. For my background, I graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Finance and Accounting) in 1999. I worked briefly in Morgan Stanley Asia Limited in their Private Wealth Management before moving into the wine industry in 2000. During my time in the wine industry, I have moved to France and have made the wine for my family’s wine‐making Chateau La Bourguette. Our wines have won numerous awards and obtained numerous recognitions, including ratings by Robert Parker and other medals. I then moved on to my current career although wine making will also be part of me especially when it is a family business. I have obtained my law degree and professional degree for law in Hong Kong and am currently a practicing lawyer in Hong Kong at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, an international law firm with head quarters in San Francisco, focusing on corporate work, in particular on transactions in the capitals market. Josephine Chen (’97), originally from Taiwan but now living in Toronto, chanced to be travelling to Florida recently on the same plane as Rev. and Mrs. Maynard (QMS Music teachers from 1990‐2000)! Josephine was Head Girl, an avid musician (Mr. Maynard taught her flute when they were at QMS), a member of the Chapel Choir, and Riding Captain. She and her husband, whom Rev. Maynard married five years ago, had their two‐year‐old son with them and they are expecting their second child in May.
Jennifer Stone (Muza, ’97) was Guest Speaker at QMS Speech Day 2013. Earlier she had written about Calgary during the floods of May 2013: I was just finishing my course on Emergency Management the week the flood happened. It has been a heart breaking couple of weeks here. People were forced to flee with little or no belongings, they hadn't bathed in days and were forced to sleep on those horrible little army cots. All the volunteers, CEMA and Alberta Health Services people worked so hard to make them comfortable, but they just wanted to go home! My parents are in High River right now and are helping with the clean‐up there. My poor Mom called today in tears because of all the family heirlooms, photo albums and personal belongings she had
to throw out. They were helping a man in his 80s clean out his totally‐destroyed house. She said the whole experience was physically and emotionally exhausting. The spirit of the whole thing has been truly amazing and Mayor Nenshi has been the best person to lead us all through this mess. What a guy!
Sang Eun Yi (’99) is a Senior Manager with a big Investment Advisory firm in Seoul, South Korea and will be meeting with a representative from QMS in Seoul at the end of February to promote the QMS equestrian program in Korea.
Patricia Loudon (Walton, ’00) and her husband James were ‘home’ in Chemainus for Christmas 2013, with Barbara, and the family really enjoyed spending this rare time together.
Barb Walton (’05) is continuing her voice studies in Scotland and thoroughly enjoying all she does there. She was home in Chemainus over Christmas 2013, and she and Tamara Dinter attended the QMS Candlelight Carol Service. Click "listen" to hear Barb sing – http://www.barbaracolewalton.com/
Amanda Malthus (’01). I was married on July 13, 2013, at Fairburn Farm in Cowichan Station, had a few weeks of marital bliss, then spent six weeks in Australia (three for work, three for honeymoon). We had the opportunity of a road trip from Sydney to Cairns and also had family in Brisbane whom we were able to meet. I'm unfortunately not able to make it to Old Girls as I'm the camp advisor for our Girl Guide district and we have a camp skills event that weekend. May is booked with two camp skills weekends, Brownie camp with my girls, and a pre‐soar camp with the Pathfinder group I volunteered to go to soar with this summer. No rest for the wicked, I guess :) but fun and exciting nonetheless! My husband, Werner Baron, and I are living in Victoria and have been here for about three years. I didn’t change my name, so you don’t have to worry about that.
Jenn George (’02) took over as the new Chair of Social Planning Cowichan in August 2013. She took this position in addition to serving as Land Code Coordinator for Cowichan Tribes and working on numerous other initiatives including her role as co‐chair of the Walk of the Nations in the Cowichan Valley.
Marion Yau (’02). Last June. I am almost 30, and doing my PhD right now. I just passed stage II, and waiting for the British version of FDA to approve my clinical trial. Christine (’02) is working for a film school and helping mom with trading. She and Noveda (’03) are both living in Hong Kong.
Julia Erbe (’04) returned to Germany after her time at QMS. She wrote: In June 2014 I graduated from medical school in Tūbingen, Germany. During the summer I finally finished my doctoral thesis and may call myself "Dr. med." now. In Germany you don't get the title automatically after graduation, you have to write kind of a research paper to get it. After some job interviews in hospitals in southern Germany, I accepted my first job in a big hospital in Nürnberg, Bavaria where I'll be working in gastroenterology, and I will be starting my new job very soon now. To get a little change of life after University and before daily work starts, I spent about three months in Guatemala and El Salvador from October to December 2013. One of my goals was to learn Spanish, which I did, and to get to know another culture. Looking back, it was one of the most important experiences in life to see that most of the world's population does not live in such prosperity and wealth as we do in most parts of Europe. I realized that I only needed very little in daily life to be happy and that purified water, a warm dry bed and a cold shower are very luxurious! All of a sudden, most of my "first‐world problems" weren't problems anymore when I saw what native people there had to deal with every day. In rural areas, having anything between eight and 13 children was not unusual. Women told me that it also was normal that they had already lost some children to diseases or to criminal events. More than one‐third of the population is illiterate. People told me there was a compulsory school attendance, but I realized very fast that the state and the politicians don't really care about it. As Guatemala is also one of the countries with the highest criminal rates in Central America (I didn't ever feel safe there), I can appreciate my life in Europe, and especially in Germany, even more now. Where I live it's safe to move freely and independently as a woman, no matter whether it's during the day or during darkness. If I had known before how dangerous those countries are, I
wouldn't have gone there but now I'm so glad I went, and I would do it again. It felt like waking up from the lethargy we tend to live in here in Germany where we've got everything, and where nobody has to suffer from hunger or malnutrition, and where you can rely on the constitutional democracy and the police.
Hannah Weems (’05). January 2014. I am currently working on my B.S. in Marine Safety and Environmental Protection with dual minors at Massachusetts Maritime Academy out on Cape Cod. I took a fair amount of time off to do competitive horseback riding and find myself, but am very happy to be doing what I do now. I did a lot of growing up at QMS, being pretty far away from home. There are a lot of very good memories and lots of lessons learned and I will always remember it fondly. Julia Gill (’06). I graduated from Queen's University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science Honours in Biology. I'd worked at a conifer reproduction lab at UVic for the summers all throughout my undergrad, and for two years after – six years altogether – and I thought I was going to go on to do my PhD. But, despite the fact that I loved the lab work and the people, I couldn't see myself doing that for the long‐haul, so I applied to law school. I knew I wanted to do something along the lines of environmental or natural resource law, so I started at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law in 2011. I just finished second year (of the three‐year degree) and I really like it. In fact, I like it so much that I applied and have been accepted to a dual‐degree program, so in August of 2013 I am moving to Houston, Texas for two years to do two more years of law school at the University of Houston Law Center, and earn both a Canadian and an American JD in four years instead of only one degree in three! This summer I am doing legal research at the University of Calgary for two law professors who do water law, and public lands and natural resource law. It is pretty interesting stuff. So, between helping my housemate recover from the flooding [Julia was in Calgary during the May 2013 floods and had to be evacuated from her building, but was not too badly affected], getting ready to move to Houston in August, working full‐time at the University, and training three times a week for my half‐marathon, that pretty much sums up what I am up to these days. [Julia completed the half‐marathon and raised enough money to make her target.]
Emma McArthur (Margaret Acton, ’06). I am a Trust lawyer so I do mostly high‐end estate planning, First Nations settlement trusts and special purpose trusts. I have three kids: a 4‐year‐old daughter and 2‐year old twins (boy and girl) and I still have a horse (of course). My husband calls horses a "life‐long addiction, cured only by poverty or death." So true. My eldest just started to ride, and so the addiction begins again! If I lived on the Island, my kids would be going to QMS for sure – I spent the happiest of my school years there. I have reconnected with Jodi Mylie, Annika Hagan and Dawn Lesiuk (Fox) in recent years but we have all gone in such different directions, it's hard to find a common thread beyond our amazing memories of our times at QMS.
Ciera DeSilva (’08) was back for a visit in May 2013 and was then returning to Peru until January 2014, doing an internship. She hopes to be back on the Island again in March 2014.
Ben Coull (Class of ’10) is in fourth year at UBC studying Materials Engineering. He has taken up Rowing again and has been very successful, competing at the National University Championships in Montreal (Nov. 2‐3; he stroked UBC to Silver), and the NRC in Welland (Nov. 8‐9). He was selected to attend the National U23 weekend training Camp (Nov.), after which he was invited back to another U23 National Training Camp at the National Training Centre in Victoria and Shawnigan Lake (Feb. 2014). [Photos #7/1 & #7/2]
Scarlett Foss (’13) was awarded a Leader of Tomorrow Award by Volunteer Cowichan – nominated by community members for dedication to volunteerism and positive leadership in the Cowichan Valley.
Emma Major and Megan Buckland (’13) were accepted into the Queen’s University Bader International Study Centre (BISC), in Herstmonceux Castle in Hailsham, East Sussex, UK. Featuring small classes and integrated field studies, the Centre offers students, both first‐ and upper‐year, the opportunity to earn Queen's credits in an international setting. Courses focus on British, European and International themes, and are open to all students attending Queen's University and from other post‐secondary institutions.
STAFF: Mr. Joe Jackson visited Duncan for a few days last summer and is now living in Penticton.
Ms. Sharon Klein is unfortunately leaving QMS at the end of June 2014 to take up the appointment as Head of School at St. George’s School of Montreal. She has been at QMS since 2003 and is very excited to take the challenge at the next level of responsibility. St. George’s is a large co‐ed Independent School with Junior and Senior campuses. While we will miss Ms. Klein very much, we want to express our delight at this opportunity, and wish her and her family all the very best as they take this big step forward.
Rev. and Mrs. Maynard (Staff, 1990‐00) are very happily settled in Niagara Falls, ON, where Rev. Maynard is Rector of Christchurch. In January Mrs. Maynard was in BC for examining for the Toronto Royal Conservatory of Music and enjoyed a week in Duncan seeing friends from her years at QMS. [Photos #8/1 & #8/2]
Mr. Brian Millar will soon be returning to BC after teaching in the Far East for several years. He and Mrs. Millar (Mrs. Grady) plan to settle in Duncan.
BIRTHS
Our congratulations to the parents
Mrs. Kirsten Bains (Knight, Senior PE Teacher) – a second son, Kyson, on March 4, 2013. Dola (Mitchell, ‘59) and Charley Boas have a great‐grandson! Anson Robert Crawford, on November 2, 2013,
in Victoria. Mrs. Danielle Friday (Johnston, Grade 1 Teacher) is expecting her first child in June. Gregory and Jennifer Muza‐Stone (‘97) are overjoyed to announce the birth of their son, Spencer Michael
Edward Stone, on February 1, 2014. “We could not be happier.” [Photos #9/1 & #9/2] Mrs. Anneke Nussbaum (Senior English Teacher) – a daughter, Robyn Jane Parker, on January 8, 2014. Mrs. Kate Russell (French Teacher) – a daughter, Oluchi, on June 21, 2013. Mrs. Jackie Thibodeau (Grade 5 Teacher) and husband – daughter, Camryn Harrison, in April 2013. [Photo #10]
DEATHS
We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families
Dr. Herbert Boggs, on November 24, 2013, former husband of Shelagh (Randel, ’56); father of Shaughna Boggs‐Wright (’77), Gillian Bell (’80) and Glynis O’Shea (’82). Herb was born in Ireland in 1933, immigrated to Canada in 1953, and trained as a Chiropractor in California. He will be remembered by many for his gift as a healer. His other love was racing his horses. When his daughters were at QMS, Herb was President of the QMS Pony Club, and assisted with Cowichan 4H. He was a strong supporter of QMS in so many ways.
Elizabeth Cottom (’84) lost her parents to a homicide in June 2013.
Ms. Dalyn Campbell (Heenan, Grade 4 Teacher, ’90s) lost her granddaughter, Baby Molly, to a rare form of cancer at the age of 2‐1/2 on July 10, 2013.
Frederick Dobbie, son of Anne Suais (Dobbie), QMS bus driver during the ’90s.
Rosalie Gower (Cheesman, ’49), on October 13, 2013, after suffering a stroke. Rosalie was a staunch advocate for women’s rights, and was determined to make a difference. A Registered Nurse with a busy home life in Vernon, she was appointed in 1980 to the Canadian Radio‐television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and the family moved to Ottawa. She was passionate about how women were stereotyped in traditional roles on radio and television, and believed in Canadian content and local communities being represented on local cable channels – public interest before profits in telecommunications. In 1992 Rosalie retired to Vernon for travel, organic gardening, community service, helping the less fortunate and rescuing stray animals. She overcame her fear of flying, visiting China, Australia, Africa, Europe, Antarctica, Argentina. Time spent in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, involved church and fundraising for a home for elderly in need. She reconnected with her lifelong passion – community theatre. Rosalie had a daughter, three sons and four grandchildren.
Lael Hamilton (Tingley, 1955‐56), on December 5, 2013, after a courageous fight with cancer. With a passion for community, politics and people, Lael had a lengthy record of public service. She and husband Bill moved to Bowen Island on retirement. They had a daughter, two sons and three grandchildren.
Kaitlin Heidelbach (Class of ’14), on August 29, 2013, suddenly and unexpectedly. Kaitlin slipped and fell while hiking in the woods – doing what she loved. She was a QMS student entering Grade 12, and was very excited to be seeing her friends and teachers for the new school year, and taking on her new leadership roles. She was vivacious, kind and caring, and a loyal and committed friend to many of our students. She lived her life with courage, and was a true asset to QMS.
Ina Horn (Roelents). From her daughter: My Mother went to QMS many years ago, when Miss Denny and Miss Geoghegan were teaching. In fact I learned after she died that my Mother had written your School Prayer [in 1945] – this from a woman speaking at St. Paul's Church in Vancouver's West End the week after my Mother died. This woman was also a student at QMS – only many years later (her name escapes me now). She told the Congregation that the reason she was standing there at the pulpit was that when she was a girl she was inspired by hearing my Mother's prayer at QMS. She was now a Priest because of that prayer. She even had a chance to know my mom before she died and it was two years they knew each other before they discovered they both went to QMS and that Ina Roelants was in fact Ina Horn, writer of the QMS School Prayer! We heard many tales of my Mother’s adventures at QMS as it was one of the favorite times in her life. She died in 2005. I’m not sure if you were updated in my mother's accomplishments in life but since she wrote your School Prayer she became a teacher, raised six children and after we were grown was instrumental in starting the W.I.S.H. (Woman's Information and Safe House) Foundation in Vancouver's downtown east side. She would spend five nights a week helping the woman of the street until shortly before she died of cancer at age 77. Her legacy carries on today as WISH now has some government funding and continues to help the woman on the street.
Joan Pope (Elvins, ’50s), on November 23, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer. Aunt of Serena Lockhart (’06). Joan was born in Duncan. She graduated in 1961 with Grade 13 at Cowichan High School, had a career in banking, and lived with husband Alvin in Algeria, Libya and Singapore. Returning to the Valley, she had a bookkeeping service and met her lifetime friend, Pete Petersen, while curling. They loved trips to Mexico and cruises to Alaska. Joan frequently attended QMS and OOMA events. [Photo #11]
Gretta Rice (French/History Teacher, ’40s), on January 10, 2014, in Victoria. Born in England, Gretta spent her childhood in Maple Bay and taught at QMS before serving with the Technical Mission in Ottawa for the British Admiralty. Returning to BC, she taught high school English, studied Library Science and became a School Librarian. She attended events at QMS, was a long‐time OOMA Member and was active in the OOMA.
Doug Sanders (Part‐time Maintenance Assistant, ’90s), on November 18, 2013.
Phoebe Spurgin (Deputy Head, Teacher, 1963‐86), on April 4, 2013. Phoebe was born in Strumpshaw in Norfolk, England, the elder of two daughters. She trained as a teacher of young children and received her Froebel Certificate. She taught in London and during the war was evacuated to the Lake District with the school. She spent a number of years caring for her parents in Bexhill on Sea in the county of Sussex before immigrating to Duncan, BC, in 1963. Three of her uncles were among the early settlers to Salt Spring Island and Duncan and, after spending three months holiday in that area she decided she would like to live and work there. She took a teaching position at Queen Margaret’s School, Duncan, as Kindergarten and Grade One teacher and subsequently became Head of the Junior School and Deputy Headmistress. She worked closely with Miss Glide to further develop QMS, in particular the Junior School, and they were instrumental in carrying on the legacy begun by Miss Denny and Miss Geoghegan. When Miss Spurgin arrived at QMS in 1963, St. Hugh’s boarding block (now Denny Hall) was still being completed and she pitched in, in typical QMS style – painting, making curtains and moving furniture. Miss Spurgin taught many students during her time at QMS and left an indelible mark on each and every one of them. Anyone who had the privilege to be taught by Miss Spurgin knew that she loved children and she loved learning. She cut an elegant figure in her trademark red coat as she walked about the QMS campus, Rex and Michael not far behind. The school block, formerly called St. Gabriel’s, was renamed Spurgin Hall in the late 1980s, to commemorate her phenomenal contribution to the school. Upon retirement in 1986 she moved to her cottage on Thetis Island where she became a well‐known and much‐loved pillar of the community. She joined the Cowichan District Hospital Auxiliary and was often seen delivering tea and comforts (mostly scones and strawberry jam) to the patients at both the hospital and Cairnsmore Place. When not attending to her beautiful garden she could be found knitting or making gifts for the hospital bazaar, poor children’s charities overseas and specific drives for clothes or food in third world countries. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her. Miss Spurgin was a very special lady. The funeral took place on Monday, April 15, at St. Peter’s, Quamichan.
Kathy Thom lost her father in the late spring of 2013.
Danielle Van Jaarsveld (’91) lost her grandmother on August 13, 2013. Our sympathies also go to Danielle’s father Case, who worked on the sets for many of our Broadway Musicals during the 1980s, and to her mother Beth, who ran the QMS Uniform Shoppe for many years and was a tremendous supporter of QMS.
WEDDINGS
Our congratulations.
Gillian Charpentier (Lawrence, ’80), September 21, 2013, Vancouver. [Photo #12] Amanda Malthus (’01) and Werner Baron, July 13, 2013, Fairburn Farm, Cowichan Station. [Photo #13] Ms. Penny Quinlan (Scott‐ Moncrieff, ’71; Grade 4 Teacher) and Doug Redden, July 6, 2013.
REUNIONS
Class of ’63 – last year under Miss Denny and Miss Geoghegan. Their 50th anniversary was a huge success. Seventeen members came to Old Girls’ Weekend 2013, staying together at the Ocean Front Hotel, Cowichan Bay. They enjoyed the activities, OOMA Chapel Service, a banquet at the Hotel – and especially remembering life lessons learned from the Founders. Their next adventure, in four years’ time – a 7‐day cruise! [Sandy Phillips is going to England in April to visit Susie Ebsworth (Comber) who was not able to attend.] Cowichan Leader, http://www.cowichannewsleader.com/news/207445121.htm
Back l‐r: Suzanne Delaute (Allen), Helen Haynes, Sandra Stephenson (Phillips), Janet Witton, Olwen Southworth (Anderson), Glynis Lawrence (Violini), Ann Preston (Morris). Front: Jennifer Thomson, Lea
Buburuz (Sinclair), Mary Hole (Martin).
CONTACT
Please help us update our records. Fill in “Stay Linked on Line” under “Alumnae” in the school’s website, www.qms.bc.ca. Go to the top, “Alumnae Click here,” and tell us about yourself and life “after QMS.” OOMA also has a Facebook page. Send news/updates/photos...to Jan Green at [email protected].
#1 Catherine Spencer #2 Mary, Sylvia, Mona #3 Nairn Hollott #4 Suzanne Anton #5 Susie Sim
#6 Memorial Bench (foreground) #7/1 Ben Coull #7/2
#8/1 Rev. Maynard #8/2 Christchurch, Niagara Falls, ON
#9/1 Great‐Grandpa Spencer Lea holding Great‐Grandson baby Spencer, #10 Jackie, husband and baby Camryn Grandson Greg and Jennifer. #9/2 Greg, Grace (2‐1/2), baby Spencer.
#11 Serena, Aunt Joan #12 Gillian Charpentier #13 Werner and Amanda
QUEEN MARGARET’S SCHOOL
OLD GIRLS’ WEEKEND 2014
4TH ANNUAL STRAWBERRY TEA
SATURDAY, MAY 3RD, 12:30-2:30 PM
This tea is organized in conjunction with, and proceeds will be shared with, the Graduating Class of 2014.
TEA: TICKETS $10 EACH
Children’s tickets include 3 tickets for the games and entertainment.
“Tea” includes sandwiches, squares, and Strawberries with Devonshire Cream! Tea, coffee and juice will be served.
Bring your friends and family, and support the Old Girls and the Grads.
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM Grade 12 Students, Old Girls, and the School.
Please register in advance – by Monday April 29, 2014. Mail the Registration Form (attached below) and cheque (where appropriate) to:
Chris Compton at Queen Margaret’s School, 660 Brownsey Avenue, Duncan, BC, V9L 1C2. OR
Email to Jan Green ([email protected]).
OLD GIRLS’ WEEKEND – REGISTRATION FORM May 3‐4, 2014
We are delighted you have decided to come to Old Girls’ Weekend 2014. Please return this form to assist us in our organization. Please print! Thank you.
I plan to attend on Saturday (May 3) _____ Sunday (May 4) _____ or both days ________________
Check: Miss ____ Ms. ____ Mrs. ____ Dr. ____ Mr. ____ Other ________________________
NAME ______________________________________ Maiden Name __________________________
Class of (Grade 12) or Years at Q.M.S. ________________ House __________________________
If Staff or Former Staff: Years at Q.M.S. ________ to ________ House ______________________
Email Address ____________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address __________________________________________________________________
STRAWBERRY TEA: Saturday, 12:30‐2:30 p.m.
$10 each. I would like to reserve _____ Adult and _____ Children’s tickets (under 12).
DINNER: Saturday, 6:00 p.m.
I will attend the Dinner, and understand that the tickets are payable in advance.
$25 each; $10 children under 12. I would like to book _____ Adult and _____ Children’s tickets.
Cheque enclosed for $ _______, payable to O.O.M.A. (Overseas Old Margaretian Association).
O.O.M.A. FUNDS:
For income tax purposes, please make donations payable to Queen Margaret’s School, not OOMA.
____ I am unable to attend, but wish to contribute to the Bursary Fund. $___________
____ I plan to attend, and wish to contribute to the Bursary Fund. $___________
____ I am not able to donate at this time.
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Would you like to host an Area Meeting in your city? Yes ______ No ______
Would you like to be a Graduating Class Representative? Yes ______ No ______
Please register in advance – by Monday April 29, 2014 Mail this Registration Form and cheque (where appropriate) to:
Chris Compton at Queen Margaret’s School, 660 Brownsey Avenue, Duncan, BC, V9L 1C2 OR
Email to Jan Green ([email protected]).
Overseas Old Margaretian Association Annual General Meeting of the Association
Assignment of Proxy Vote I, _________________________________, of ______________________, in the Province/State/Country of
_______________________________, a voting Member of the Association in good standing, hereby appoint
____________________________, of ______________________, in the Province/State/Country of
_______________________________, as my proxy to vote for me on my behalf at the Annual/Special General
Meeting of the Association to be held on the _______ day of ______________________, 20___, and at any
adjournment thereof.
In the event that the above named proxy is unable to attend the meeting, I hereby appoint
_________________________________, of ______________________, in the Province/State/Country of
_______________________________, as my alternate proxy.
Signed at _______________________________, this _______day of ______________________, 20___. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. This proxy allows you to record your decision in absentia at an Annual General Meeting by having another voting Member represent you at that meeting. Any time a vote is required, and any Member wishes to have the proxies used, a call for proxies must be honoured by the President. The valid proxy votes, as well as the votes of the voting Members present, will be counted to reach a decision.
By completing the proxy form and submitting it to the Secretary by the deadline date, by mail or by facsimile, your vote can be cast, as you wish it cast, by the person to whom you have assigned this proxy.
If you are aware of an item of business which is forthcoming at the meeting and wish your proxy directed either “for” or “against” that item when it comes to a vote, advise the holder of your proxy by telephone, by letter, by email, or by writing in the space provided below.
If you provide no direction or advice to your proxy, it will be employed at the discretion of the person to whom you have delegated your voting privilege.
ITEM OF BUSINESS: __________________________________________________________________
DIRECTION: APPROVE ________________________ OPPOSE ______________________________
REASONS: __________________________________________________________________________
Secretary, O.O.M.A., c/o Queen Margaret’s School, 660 Brownsey Avenue, Duncan, BC, V9L 1C2 Fax: 250‐746‐4187
