On 7 May 2023, we celebrated Brigidine College Randwick Ex-students Association Centenary Reunion, it was a wonderful day. We all felt the goodwill of those who’d gone before as love and laughter filled the room. Janet’s find of the St Brigid’s Prayer suggesting that Heaven be a “lake of beer” plus Sr Jan and St Brigid’s craft group’s hand-made Brigid’s crosses certainly set the tone of the afternoon.
Sr Ann Harrison was praying for us in her retreat on Iona and the smartest outfit was worn by Rita Hogan (1948!) – a slim royal blue cloak with a tartan insert, bought in Iona. Definitely, a message from St Brigid there.
The sunshine emerged at 12, just in time for the attendees to arrive dry. High tea was special, courtesy of Bold Foods. The hall looked suitably colourful and bright, courtesy of the hard-working and imaginative committee.
There was a real spirit of generosity there. Donations were sent and made on the day, the raffle (with prizes donated from the Ritz, Taronga Zoo, Bondi Icebergs, the Maritime Museum and the Art Gallery of NSW, as well as a very special collection of Waterford and Bohemia crystal) and sale of the pansies allowed us to give the school $6000 for Brigid’s Basket and $250 for the Fortiter et Suaviter Award, plus $2000 for the Brigidine Sisters Ministries. Mrs Quirk donated her day with eight students from Year 11 and managed to take a tour group around the school. Then Tanya, (The Last Crumb bakery tanyaar@optusnet.com.au) an ex-student, donated our magnificent celebration cake.
We welcomed 140 ex-students, 77 of whom we hadn’t seen recently, and were honoured by the support of two whole tables from the Leaving classes of the 40’s and 50’s. As always, the “naughty corner” belonged to the class of ’94, who were the last to leave after tidying up for us.
It was a magical day. Our thanks go to all those who contributed as well as to the many ex-students unable to come, who prayed for us.