1dev.absol.co.za/publisher_dsg/MediaLib/Downloads/Home... · Web view1972 Sheila Davis [email protected] 1972 Jessie Kirkness Parker [email protected] 1972 Jane Munro (Watson)

ST MARY’S DSGOLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION

NEWSLETTER

MAY 2008

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF ST MARY’S DSG OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION

2008 Reunion calls again and there are some exciting promises coming to fruition. Our 50th Anniversary Old Girls from 1958 have been working hard on a spectacular Reunion. The 40s, 30s, 20s and 10s also have exciting plans afoot. It is always a memorable time for us and we hope that as many of you as possible will join us.

This year will be a special Reunion for the Old Girls’ Association as we will be celebrating our seventy-fifth anniversary. So many changes have taken place at our grand old School, which is why we urge you to come and share it all with us.

Jeanette van der Breggen has, as always been a star about keeping us in touch with one another and the School. We encourage anyone who lives in Pretoria who would like to be nominated onto the OG’s Committee to please submit your names and details to Jeanette for consideration at the AGM.

The School’s PRO team will be on hand for conducted tours after the Lunch.

A full report of the OG’s activities during the year will be made at the Reunion.

Please join us and renew old acquaintances and share happy and amusing memories.

Best wishes to you all

God bless

Di Gibbs (Penrose 1957)

President St Mary’s DSG Old Girls’ Association

We have pleasure in inviting you to attend

REUNION 2008

SATURDAY, 12 JULY

10:00 Tea and Registration (in the courtyard outside chapel)10:30 Chapel Service 12:00 Pre-lunch drinks (in courtyard between hall and south wing)12:30 Lunch and AGM14:30 Tour of the School

Please RSVP to Jeanette van der Breggen:

Postal address: 74 Marian Road, Lynnwood Glen, Pretoria, 0081Email: [email protected]: 012 348 5287Cell: 083 469 3886 (Before 20 June 2008)

There will be a charge of R60.00 per person for lunch and drinks, which can be paid at Registration.

Notice is also hereby given of the AGM of the Association, which will be held during lunch. Any matters to be placed on the agenda should please also be referred to Jeanette van der Breggen.

Notice is hereby given that, at the AGM of the Association to be held on 12 July 2008, a proposal will be tabled to amend the Constitution of the Association with respect to the financial year of the Association to move this from 1 May to 30 April of the following year to 1 January to 31 December each year, to commence from 1 January 2009. The reason for this amendment is to have the financial year of the Association run concurrently with that of the school as the audits of both will henceforth be done together.

The proposal involves an amendment to Clause 13 of the Constitution which currently reads as follows:

“Official Year of the Association:

13 The official year, as well as the financial year, of the Association shall commence on the 1st of May each year and end on 30th of April each year.”

It is proposed that this paragraph be amended as follows:

“Official Year of the Association:

13 The official year, as well as the financial year, of the Association shall commence on the 1 January each year and end on 31 December each year.”

NEWS FROM FAR AND WIDE

1946 June Bracey (Gyngell) [email protected]

Thanks for the very interesting newsletter. I am anchored here in Somerset West and see nobody. What a wonderful life some of the girls have, being overseas and travelling around.I have lost contact with the only Old Girl I know in Somerset West Joan Mary (Nothard)

1947 Mairead Williams (Mcdonald) [email protected]

In trying to set up the 60 years on for the ‘47 Matrics, I had a nice letter from the middle Angus daughter, Rosemary Creswell, to which she appended the following:

"My family details: Rosemary Cresswell (Angus) now a great-grandmother lives comfortably and happily in her cottage, Unit 79, Marmanet Retirement Village, 248 Bergriver Rd, Terenure, Kempton Park. Tel 011 976 9179. My daughter, Mariana, and her family, and my son, Johan, and his family, live just a few minutes away from me. My eldest son is domiciled at Silver Lakes, outside Pretoria. I have five granddaughters in Gauteng and my only grandson David, lives in Christchurch, NZ. My three little grandsons are also in Kempton Park. So you see it’s a very family orientated life that I lead. I am an active member of the local Methodist Church."

1951 Jeanette Eve (van der Riet) [email protected]

I should also like you to include a bit about the late Sally Sampson (1950) in the next newsletter. I've adapted a few excerpts from the eulogy I delivered at her funeral in the Grahamstown Cathedral.

Sarah 'Sally' Mary Sampson (1950) died on 25 November 2007 after a short illness. Sally was an unusual person, completely unselfconscious and not always aware that her high volume questions about personal matters might cause embarrassment! But she cared deeply about people: her family (including her three sisters, Georgina, Caroline and Hattie who all attended St Mary's); her friends and acquaintances; the many folk who looked after her in recent years. Sally had a sharp mind and sense of humour, an amazing memory for detail, a somewhat eccentric form of graciousness and a generosity that knew few bounds.

From an early age Sally was afflicted by retinitis pigmentosa - RP - a degenerative eye disease. That and an increasingly severe hearing problem made life very difficult, but Sally soldiered on valiantly.

One of the legacies from her education by the CSMV Sisters at St Mary's DSG was her devotion to the church. She was word perfect in many of the collects and always knew where we were in the church's calendar. When regular attendance became difficult because of physical frailty, she would always make an effort, with the help of friends, to get to the cathedral on feast days.

Sally had a BA degree and a diploma in librarianship from Rhodes University. She was an ardent collector of books and, in her hey-day, published articles in magazines, newspapers and journals, which exemplified her sharp observation, meticulous historical research and splendid turn of phrase.

Sally lived in Grahamstown for more than half of her 74 years, and our little city is not the same without her and the special DSG flavour she brought to it.

1953 Susan Fenton (Entwistle) [email protected]

For your information, I am still living in Mossel Bay - have been here for nearly four years, but my future plans are somewhat unsettled as my husband Keith died in December 2006. Please do continue to send me news of our beloved School and I hope that I will be able to attend one of the reunions in the next couple of years.

1954 Merriel Lane (Nimmo) [email protected]

Perhaps Islay has told you that Elizabeth (Perrot) Coleman has died - she went to New Zealand and had lung problems and then went back to England where a lung tumour was discovered. Apparently she was waiting for chemo when she suddenly died - possible a stroke.

1958 Virginia Newton (Dugmore) [email protected]

After leaving school I went to Johannesburg College of Education and trained as a primary school teacher. Pat Van der Valk and I were roommates for the three years. We have maintained our friendship since then. I taught for about 37 years in Pretoria and Johannesburg. The last 25 of those years were at Bryneven Primary in Bryanston where I became Head of Guidance. I loved teaching and would probably follow the same pattern if I had my life over again.

After retiring at the end of 2005, I spent several months Caring in the UK. I found that looking after two very dear old ladies in Sherston and Brockham was an interesting change from teaching. Living in those quaint English villages was almost like being on retreat. The pace was slow and the atmosphere relaxed. I combined these work stints with three trips to the States.

Trevor and I had three children who brought us great joy. Sadly Trevor passed away in 1992 before any of our children were married. I now have 5½ grandchildren. My youngest daughter Megan is having her second little one in April in Seattle where she and Travis live. Needless to say I am planning another visit to the States before our reunion.

I think that it is wonderful that so many of us are going to meet for our 50 th anniversary and am so looking forward to seeing you all again.

1959 Verity Murray (Leith) [email protected]

I look forward to attending Annual Old Girls Reunion next year for our 50th.

1962 Ann Vonk (Jonas) [email protected]

We, my husband, Jan, and I have been living in Hout Bay since retirement in 1998.  I have now given up riding and play a lot of tennis instead. Hout Bay is (still) small enough to have a good community inter-action which we find really great. My son is married to Kim (Meyer) 1992 and they have two sons.  I notice that there is no correspondence from anyone from ‘my’ year.  A few of us had a get together a couple of years ago – Colleen Smith (von Pittius), Penny Simpson, Jeanne (Pistorius) and Denise from 1993 (van Schaik).  A great time was had by all.  Gilly Shreeve (Kossuth) lives a block away from us.  As our daughter lives in England, I keep up with Monica Kenny (Grant Mackenzie) most years – she is just fine. Jill Castle (Fleming) now lives in south western France.  Most winters we head north to see our daughter and her growing family in England.   For the last ten years we have then headed off to our yacht which we moor in different marinas every year.  At present Chispa is in Pula, northern Croatia.  We have a website www.sy-chispa.co.za which you may enjoy looking at.

1962 Dianne Martin [email protected]

 I have had a wonderful time with my dear old school friend, Celeste Black, (Wagner), in Charlotte, North Carolinathis past week.  She and I were at school at DSG, and although she was five years behind me at school, we remember one another well. We used to catch the same school bus from Arcadia in the 60s, and I also remember her from the prep room, as we were both day girls, who stayed for games in the afternoons.  We met on line about a year and a half ago, and she has so wanted me to come and visit her. We have talked so much about our old school days and remembered so many things about DSG, even though we have not seen one another for over 40 years!! I have been here a week, and fly back tonight to Dallas, TX, where I live.  I have loved this part of the USA, and could gladly retire here. Charlotte and North Carolina have so much to offer, yet do not have the hectic pace of the bigger cities. We went up into the mountains for two days, where Celeste’s husband, Steve's family live, and we travelled all along the Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains, and saw the most magnificent sights and views. All the mountain laurel bushes were in bloom, and they were a sight to behold!! We visited with Steve's three sisters and their families - they were so hospitable, and it was fun meeting with them. We saw some famous sights - Cold Mountain - where the story of the movie takes place, the Biltmore Mansion - the magnificent estate of the Van der Bilts, and so much more on the road up and back, and through the mountains. People in Charlotte are so hospitable and kind, and Celeste, Steve, and her friends have really shown me true southern hospitality. We have been out almost every night, and people have been so wonderful to me.  One of her friends, Pat , is a tour guide, so she took us on a tour of Charlotte, and to the Hezekiah Alexander house, (an 18th century early settler to Charlotte from Virginia,)  and also the Charlotte History Museum and the Mint Museum - the city was named after England's George 111's wife , Charlotte of Mecklenburg. All the streets in downtown Charlotte have the royal crown on them - they still acknowledge the old British royal emblem. I also found out that alluvial gold was first discovered in Charlotte in the early 1800's, before it was panned out, and the find was made in California. I used to work as a guide at Gold Reef City in Joannesburg for many years prior to leaving South Africa - so I was fascinated by all this. The first USA Mint was here in Charlotte. There is so much early USA history here, and I am fascinated by it. We did not manage to get to the sea, but it is only 3 hours away- so next time I visit, we will go to one of the seaside places and visit Raleigh and Duke University, about two hours north of Charlotte. Last night we were out on their boat on Lake Norman, to watch the July 4th fireworks all along the lake shore - it was fabulous!! I will take back with me fond memories of this area of the USA - Charlotte reminds me so much of Pretoria - I could easily live here! The area is covered in the most magnificent trees, which I have sorely missed in Texas all these years. So I feel invigorated, and am ready to go back and work for a part of the month of July. I then leave again for San Francisco, and the Napa Valley to the wedding of the son of an old Pretoria and DSG friend who lives in Chicago, (she was there from Grade 1- Std. 5 - Lindy Rubin, (Greenwall))  at the beginning of August. I will be working part time for a few weeks till the end of July, before I go back to teaching Latin and Speech in late August at the high school, where I have been for the past seven years. I must also help my daughter Jody with all her requirements for going back for her junior year to Texas A and M University near Houston in the Fall.  I feel rested and have so enjoyed this week away from home - it has been a good break, and I am ready to get back - but I look forward to coming out here again. Celeste and her husband are coming to stay with us over our Christmas break, and we will all go down to San Antonio, Texas for a few days - they are such a wonderful couple. Both of them are studying for their Masters degrees - his in Business and hers in Education - she teaches in an elementary school in Corcorde near Charlotte.  Celeste and I plan to come back to South Africa to see family, and friends and to be in Pretoria for her 40th Reunion at DSG in 2008.

Celeste forwarded me some wonderful photos of the 2007 Old Girls Reunion, including those of the new Angelus bell and of the front of the school and some of the class of 1957. Yesterday, my sister, Sandra Tarlie sent me some more photos, with those of her class of 1957, and a very special photo of Mother Joan, and one of the prefects board of my year, with my name on it. I felt quite emotional and nostalgic to see all these, and wished I had been there for the Reunion.

 I wonder if you could help me. I have been trying, in vain, for a few years to locate Yvonne Steyn, the mother of Cheryl Catarino, (Steyn.) who matriculated with me in 1962. I have also tried to contact Cheryl over the years - I know that her husband was Ambassador for Portugal

to the USA from 2002 - 2006 - and although I had left countless messages at the Embassy, and tried to email her, I have had no response. I think that they have now returned to Portugal. However, I am interested in finding her mother, who used to live in Albert Street in Waterkloof, but I do not think that she lives there any longer, as the mail I have sent her in the past two years has been returned to me. I would so like to find her, as she was very close and good to me in the years before I left South Africa, and my daughter and I used to visit her often. If you do not know where she is, maybe some of my old classmates would. None of them have kept in contact with me over the years, except for dear Mignon du Toit, who died a few years ago. I know that Wendy Utermark (Brink) would know where she may be, as well as Anne Marie Dixon, (I do not know her married name.) I am so keen to find her before it is too late. She is now probably in her 80s and may have moved into a retirement home. I want to update her on all our news - if you had an address and a phone number - it would be wonderful.

I plan to start my M Ed in the Spring (USA) of 2008 - I will do it in Linguistics. It is never too late to study!!

1965 Vanessa Eales (Brathwaite) [email protected]

Joan Turk and Vanessa Eales would like to know if any Old Girls would like to meet in London next year in October 2008 with a view to starting a London Branch of DSG Old Girls.Joan has proposed using the Hurlingham club facilities, as she is a member. The initial thought is to have a Saturday lunchtime meeting, inviting Mother Barbara and Sister Deirdre Michel to join us. We do need to know how other “Old Girls” feel about this idea and have some rough idea of numbers.

Please could all interested people contact me direct on [email protected] and Joan and I will develop this proposal further.

1965 Jennie O’Hagan (Dickie) [email protected]

I am Deputy Principal at Sunnyside Primary and have been teaching English at Sunnyside for the past 15 years. I do find it rewarding as perhaps five learners have English as their home language and we have 1080 learners enrolled at our school. In February 2007, Joan Turk came out for a short holiday and several of us got together for a delightful luncheon. It was really good to see ex classmates, some I had not seen since 1965!!!!!!

1965 Sister Barbara Claire [email protected]

As you may know, I came out of office as Mother in December 2006, and the Community granted me a wonderful 4-month sabbatical period. I spent almost a month in George, alongside my father who is in a care home there, and then went on to Egypt where my brother Terence Kelly (ex St Alban’s College) is living and working. I had a wonderful fortnight there and then returned to the UK, where I spent time in Cornwall and Yorkshire before moving just over a month ago to our house in Smethwick in the West Midlands. I am enjoying this rich multicultural environment and all the opportunities it presents.

1965 Pippa Corte (Pank) [email protected]

I am sending you the website of the business that I manage just for your entertainment!www.bloomsdesign.com.au

1966 Gill Woolmer (Hall) [email protected]

I have been amazed and overwhelmed by the reaction I have got from everyone since the news of Bob's death in Jamaica.   The Class of '66 have been wonderful and lots of them have contacted me after all these years since we left DSG - it has been lovely to hear from them.  Old friends are always the best!   Shirley (Pocock) and Jill (Cochran), Denise (Hills)

and I had a gorgeous lunch at the Cellars Hohenhort Hotel in Constantia; it was great to re-connect and a big thank you to all who contributed.  I needed a break!

1968 Celeste Wagner (Black) [email protected] 

It is always so uplifting to read through everyone's emails!  I have some exciting news to add to the next big 'letter sending'!  Our son, Tristan, finally, after 31 years, was married on March 7th, 2007, to - and this is the best part, seeing as he's been living in the US since age three, - a South African girl who moved to England five years ago!  Liza Coetzee was originally from Boksburg, and when she moved to the UK she met my cousin's daughter through work, and they became best friends.  Charne (cousin's daughter) and I were yahoo-chatting in July 2006 and I BEGGED her to help me find a wife for Tristan, as he wasn't doing much about trying to find one!  He kept telling me that the Lord would provide.  Well, with a little bit of help from us the Lord did provide and during August, Charne pretended to leave chatting with Tristan to get a drink or something and asked Liza to chat in the meantime.  So, needless to say, they got hooked and in January Liza said that when she came over in March they should get married. 

They did and he now lives in the UK!!  Steve and I miss him terribly, but we are so thrilled that he has found such a wonderful wife - and she is wonderful - and hopefully, after a couple of years, they'll come back to the States to have those longed-for grandchildren.

But my dream came true - he married someone who would have the same longing I do, for our good old Africa - as it gets lonely so far from home. 

Just a short note here from Dianne Martin and myself!!  Yes! Dianne and I found each other on SAReunited last year and she was able to come up for a week - our holidays here!   She graduated in 1962 and was a prefect - and I was terrified of her!  We used to take the same bus to school.   It has been like we've known each other forever - but then DSG girls are forever!  She had some old yearbooks - with Mother Joan's letters etc.  It has been wonderful.

I'm so disappointed that I won’t make our 40th, but will be thinking of all of you on July 12th having a blast!  I will be in England visiting with my son and his wife of one year, Liza. Imagine - they both had to go to opposite continents to meet up!   That's life I suppose.  So have fun and please contact me and let me know how it all went down.   If you send me your landline numbers I can contact you by phone and we can chat as long as you like!!  I hope I hear from all of you soon. Happy 40th,

1968 Marion Morris (Gilbertson) [email protected]

I would like to know whether you have had any interest from the class of 1968 in attending the reunion on July 12th. I've been living in New Zealand since 2005 but will be in S.A in July so will be able to attend.

1968 Sally Cotterell (Gordon-Bennett) [email protected]

Just to say that I will definitely be attending the Reunion on 12 July. I hope we have a good turnout.

1968 Anne Rice (Wolfaard) [email protected]

Unfortunately I will not be able to attend Reunion this year. If anyone does come to England, I live near Marlow in Buckinghamshire and would love to see you.

1969 Irene Downer [email protected]

Toastmasters Southern Africa Conference took place in North Gauteng last year and my role was PR/Marketing and the hosting of our International Guest Speaker from the States, a wonderful person and motivational speaker - he was a former World Champion of Public Speaking. The planning and organisation with the rest of the team certainly took up a huge amount of time and energy. I joined Toastmasters some 22 years ago and do not know where all these years have gone! This is double the amount of school years - scary stuff. On a point of information, I uncharacteristically competed in the Impromptu Contest and to my horror won the different levels and ended up representing North Gauteng region (Div A) in the national finals. I was not placed as the competition was very strong, but it was good experience and in a way, fun.

Not sure whether you were aware of ex-staff member, Marie Kingwill's passing away in November 2007. I kept in touch with her over the years although I had not seen her at all during 2007 despite intentions to visit her - she had apparently become very frail after several falls. She was an excellent Geography Teacher in Matric. I attended her Memorial Service in Glenhaven as the sole and almost unofficial representative of DSG - it was well attended by friends and family with an incredibly interesting tribute prepared by her youngest son, Bruce (now living in France). I had intentions of visiting her during the festive season and truly regretted not having done so earlier. She was the last link of the teaching staff for the class of '69 - my Matric year - all our previous teachers have now passed away.

There is still one previous classmate Brenda and I were never able to track down i.e. Susan M. Brown (generally referred to as "SMB"). She seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth - we believe she studied possibly for a B.A, majoring in English, at Wits way back in the early seventies. We would like to complete our list of the class of '69 with the next major landmark anniversary looming next year i.e. our 40th - could you possibly put the word out in "missing persons" in the April Newsletter? She is NOT to be confused with another younger Susan Brown, the sister of my classmate, Denise Brown. Brenda was intending to try the Alma Mater records at Wits to see if we could find something of her whereabouts here.

1969 Dinny Lawrence [email protected]

I just wanted to let you know that I am retiring in June 2007 and my husband and I are off to Italy for three months soon afterwards.  I will have to have a serious think about what to do for the rest of my life when we get back but first, a serious holiday!

I have had a number of emails from old girls following mom's death which has been a great comfort.  I would love to continue to get the newsletter after my retirement - it's a great way to hear everyone's news.  

1971 Gill Brooks (Middleton) [email protected]

I still live in Tzaneen and stopped teaching at the end of 2006 to help my husband on the farm and with his business. My son Michael is twenty-seven and got married in November. He is a CA and is settling in Nelspruit. My daughter also did a BCom degree and is teaching at Pretoria Girls High at the moment. I am still in touch with Ann Luther (Wall) who lives close by and also teaches at the school I have just resigned from. I do hear from Di Potgieter (Barnes) She is living in Perth Australia and has two daughters. Her email address is [email protected]

1971 Claire Linder (Smith) [email protected]

My family and I are living in Zürich, have been for the last six years. It is an amazing place to be with endless opportunities. However something will always be missing and that is a familiarity and shared history and so the newsletter helps to plug the gap a bit. I get back to Cape Town from time to time and manage to see those ‘71 Matrics who still live there. I would also like to say hello to the rest of the class if they should one day read this email.

1971 Lindy Bedborough (Viall) [email protected]

I moved to Johannesburg at the beginning of the year and therefore left my position at Herschel. The reason... I am now married to Peter Bedborough I am having a three-month break and then am taking up the Marketing position at St Mary's Waverley, which I am thrilled about. It will be nice to stay in schools’ marketing and St Mary's looks like a wonderful school. I start there in April. News of my girls - Kathryn is a qualified doctor and doing her two year internship at Grootte Schuur. Nicole is doing her LLB at UCT. Both girls are living in my house in Rondebosch.

1972 Penny McClure (Fell) [email protected]

Regarding your letter asking for further information about the Old Girls’ Angelus Bell, my mother, Margaret Fell (Robson) and a dear friend of hers Dorothy Green (Brown) both say that it is probably the Bell that was rung as the angelus for chapel when it was in the Moat. They both immediately remembered the bell.

1972 Sarah Lawton (Lambert) [email protected]

2012 does sound like a date we should all be putting in our diaries.   If nothing else I might well want to escape the London Olympics!  You must all remember that I was never one for sport!!

At the moment I am looking forward to a brief visit from Terry in a few weeks’ time and she is usually my source of any DSG news.

As for my news, I have nothing of earth shattering merit.  At present we have both our children living at home which we enjoy but, at 24 and 26, they can’t wait to move on and this will happen just as soon as they are successful getting onto the property ladder.  This is easier said than done in the present market but we are hopeful for them.  More importantly, they are both employed in the fields they wanted to be in, namely documentary film making and publishing.

Within the next year, my husband Charles will be retiring and we hope to move out of London, probably to Sussex where we are renting a house at present.  It is a daunting prospect and I do not relish the idea of being a “pensioner” – that makes me feel far too old!

If ever any of you are passing through London, it would be great to meet.

1973 Gail Kelly (Currer) [email protected]

The spreadsheet took me back looking at the names on the 1973 list, and remembering the teachers.  Mrs Van Outshoorn and Mrs Lawrence were favourites for me! Yes, my mother is Pat Currer, she is living here in Sydney too, in fact she has just moved into a nursing home which has been quite stressful all round (she is now 90 years old). I will certainly add something to your next newsletter, and if anyone from the school would like to get in touch, it would be a pleasure to hear from them. I feel like I have been quite slack! You may also remember Janet Morris, now Currer, my sister-in-law. She and Trevor have lived in Sydney since 1994 and have five children, youngest being 17. Janet's e-mail is [email protected] and she would love to hear from you. Her sister, Rosemary, who was in my class, lives in Brisbane. I don't have her e-mail, but have her phone no 07-38781152. I caught up with her recently at our niece's wedding (one of Janet's daughters) and we spoke of DSG and one day getting to a reunion!

 1974 Susan-Jane Goldberg (Brown) [email protected]

I am living in Jhb near the Coca Cola Dome, have two cats and a horse (no kids – married late) and am still working in the Medical Industry, which is fraught with all sorts of challenges at the moment.

I miss the Old Girls I don’t see, but still keep in touch with Kathy Engelbrecht (Carey), Cathy Brennon (Winckworth) and Debbie Heron (Botha). I have recently reconnected with Sue Clarence (Kirk-Cohen) – whom I will definitely look up in Durban when next there. Cherry Biden (Michau) called me for my 50th birthday to my great delight, and will also be looking her up. She has just established a private practice in Scottburgh. I would love to hear from Jenny Lundie, Margo Swan, and Judy Welsh. Love to Liz (Poynton) and Margie (Salmon) and Jean (McIvor). Perhaps we will all meet for our 40th?

1974 Margot Swan (Williams) [email protected]

Sadly I see there was very little contact from my Matric year of 1974 - and I too was guilty of not getting news to you earlier but hopefully this can make it into the next one.

I am living in Atlanta, GA USA with my husband (of 26 years) Clive and our three children, Chris (22), Alastair (20) and Lucy (16) - having moved here in November 1999.

We are so proud of our children who have settled so happily into life in the USA and are making the most of every possible opportunity.

Chris who is doing extremely well in his Civil Engineering degree here at Georgia Tech and in August will be going to do a year of study abroad at Leeds University in England. He is also very involved in and excited about a program being started up by Georgia Tech to link up with "Tukkies" in Pretoria, to help struggling countries in Africa with the improvement of their infrastructure to better the quality of life for the people.

Alastair graduated from High School last May and is also going to study Civil Engineering, but at Georgia Southern University nearer the Georgia coast. He has had a wonderful four years in High School, doing really well on the Cross Country and Lacrosse teams. He is hoping to continue playing Lacrosse at university.

Lucy started High School last August, and is also an avid lacrosse player. I have become a real lacrosse fanatic and thoroughly enjoy being involved in my kids sporting activities and vicariously reliving my youth through them without all the moods and drama of my own.

1976 Janet Bull (de Beer) [email protected] A long lost sheep returns to the fold here!    For what it’s worth, here is my typically long-winded life’s summary. I’d like for my email to be added to your mail listing as I’d love to receive further newsletters.   This address will be good until June 2008, when we move to Switzerland). My sister in law, Jane Doherty, has just forwarded your Old Girls newsletter on to me.   It has been absolutely years since I had contact with good old DSG and all the news of Old Girls.     I was very sad to read that Mrs Lawrence had died this year – she lived around the corner from us in Waterkloof and bravely taught me English.  My regards to her two daughters, who I remember as being beauties but whom no doubt, have no idea who I am, especially as I was such a junior at the time of knowing their mother.   It was great to sit down to read all the entries made by so many people I remember with fondness.   It is hard to think “my year”, 1976/77 are all now middle-aged and the sort of age that many of our teachers were when we were at school.  Only teachers and parents ever seem to be middle-aged – not us!!   But……….. I have lost touch most sadly with all my school chums, (Caroline de Groot, Liz Carey, Fran de Klerk, Sandy Collins, Sue Morris, Harriet Gavshon, Tony Schumlow, Anne Sutton, Shelagh ?, from Waterkloof Ridge – yikes, the old memory is playing up here, know the scenario anyone? Sorry Sheelagh!)   If anyone knows how I could contact them, I’d be delighted to receive their email addresses.

 I have been living in Eastern Europe for the last 12 years, bringing up and even adding to my family.  Gary, my husband is with SABMiller and we pioneered out to Poland first, where our “laat lammertjie” Nicholas was born, 10 years ago – but they didn’t want to give him a Polish passport, nor did the British, nor did the South Africans – so poor tot was stateless for weeks until the South African authorities relented, but not without a hammering fight!    Next we headed for Prague, Czech Republic, quite the most beautiful city and now Budapest, Hungary where we’ve been for four years.   We’re destined for Zug, Switzerland in June 2008, but not before our 2nd eldest, Gabby-17, has completed her International Baccalaureate diploma at the American International School of Budapest.  (The US/International academic system is so very different from what DSG was like; one just cannot even start comparing the two systems and methodologies).   Our eldest, Jemma, 19, is a successful graduate of the International system and is studying Business at Surrey University in Guildford.    Sadly, none of my children have their hearts in South Africa, not having grown up much there – they’re categorised Global or International Citizens.  They are fluent in Polish and if asked where they come from; they all think they’re Polish!  My heart breaks as there is nothing to beat the beauty, climate and vibrancy of our Mother Land!  Viva Africa.   I fly my SA flag boldly and at every opportunity I can!   Fortunately I’ve instilled the need to retain our good old SA accents!    So, there’s no tainting on that front, at least. To keep my grey matter firing, I import and sell CaRRoL BoYeS pewter, have done for almost ten years,  with huge pride both as a South African expat in Europe but also because Carrol (I’m sure she’s also an Old Girl of DSG?) is a really gifted artist with a huge heart. Please add me to your newsletter mailing list.   I’d love to receive news again.  Best regards to all DSG Old Girls – I still have my DSG coffee cup from at least 28 years ago, received at the one and only Old Girls Reunion I managed to attend!  Lovely talking to you, even if one sided.    Please send my fondest, warmest wishes to Sister Deirdre Michael – a very special lady.

1976 Darrell Farrow (Creighton-Jones) [email protected]

Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend old girls this year as I am relocating to Canada in the near future. 

1977 Ingrid Wimbury (Anderson) [email protected]

After a long, long silence I am taking the plunge and saying hello again from the other side of the world - down under, where Chris and I and our two boys James (14) and Josh (12) have lived for the last six years. We live in rural Victoria, Australia, about three hours from Melbourne. Chris is a GP in a big practice in Horsham where we have lived for the last year. Previously we were in a really tiny farming town on the Vic South Australian border. Thankfully Horsham is bigger, more to my liking with quite an arty/cultural side to life here. I have been involved in the two arts festivals that are held in March and October and just done two months work for another festival in the Grampian Mountains south of us. The latter were celebrating the survival and recovery of the huge and devastating fires of January 2006. In between this I do my own art work, do a few courses at Uni (textiles, photography, painting and what ever else) and have just been asked to give a few classes working with people with special needs. I have also recently done a series of art workshops with migrant women, which was fascinating.

1978 Mary-Ann Dummer [email protected]

No scintillating news as I seem to be predominantly focussed on work - real stuff which boosts the coffers, plus a voluntary side-line thing, plus editing a book for someone (effectively I'm permanently attached to my laptop) - but we're getting back to golf again in two months time which will be wonderful, and which will provide a much needed healthy activity.

1978 Trish Bishop (Elliott) [email protected]

Hi to you all.  It has been wonderful reading all the news, from so many parts of the world.  I live in Palmerston North, New Zealand, with my husband Brian, who is a vet, and two sons, Shane now one, and Kyle nearly fourteen.  We have been here for eight years now, so we are well settled, live on a lifestyle block just out of town, and really enjoy the space, peace and tranquility it gives us after work each day.  I work as an itinerant teacher of blind and low vision kids – love the work and find it very rewarding.  Teenagers on the other hand are another type of challenge, and think I would rather have a house-full of toddlers. However, we will not be in SA for Reunion, but will look forward to hearing about it.

1978 Meg Couperthwaite (Elphick) [email protected]

My girls are now nearly 16 and 14 and running us ragged with their social lives. Jen (16) was a Deb at school last year culminating in a Ball at the Wanderers. We had to go the whole hog with the dress, shoes, hair, partner, dancing lessons, make up etc. The one thing that has become immediately apparent is that they are no longer little girls but young ladies and are growing up far too quickly. Rob is polishing his shotgun. He is firmly convinced that his two girls are the best looking in the world. (Isn’t every Dad?)

 I contacted Dr Impey and he said that Angie has moved to London lecturing at the university. The email address he has for her is [email protected]. She is married to a musician and has spent time in Ethiopia and Sudan studying ethnic music. Apparently Lou Meintjes has been staying with her in London so we might be able to get her email address too. Sue is back in Nelspruit and her phone number is 013 744 1912. Lauren is in Cape Town and is counselling abused children.  Lesley Lange (Heunis) is in Johannesburg running her own personnel recruitment agency. Her email address is [email protected]. She is married with two children Nicolette and Timothy.

Fiona Carver (McHardy) is living in Irene Pretoria and is a secretary at Cornwall College. She has two children Scott (23) and Ashleigh (19). Her email address is [email protected]

Sally Adams (Parkin) is back in South Africa and has been for a couple of years. She works as a landscape architect and loves her job. Sal is not easily contactable on email as she doesn’t believe in it!! Her numbers are 083 631 0042 or 011 467 7362. In fact it is even hard to get her by fax! She has just the one little boy – Jamie. I think Sal has not changed one iota.

Stella went back to Limassol Cyprus to get married. I saw her once when she was back visiting her family in the early 1980’s. She had a little boy by the name of George.

We saw Liz (Fourie) Vernon when we had our 20 th Reunion but I have tried to get her at all the numbers I had for her with no success. She was living in the Kyalami area, married with 2 boys. Unfortunately Fourie is too common a name to phone everybody in the directory!!

The last email address I had for Kim Mullett (Glasgow) was [email protected] I don’t know whether that will still reach her but Anne might have an idea there. If I remember correctly the last I heard about Kim was that she was training to be a minister.

I looked up Jill on the UCT website and here is the email address for her [email protected]

1978 Jane Mennigke (Greathead) [email protected]

What I am currently doing is teaching art at St Johns School in Pietermaritzburg this term as a locum teacher, and working the rest of the time on my own work (recently had an exhibition of landscapes at artSPACE Durban).

Francis 17 and Luke 14 have grown up so fast. Francis matriculates this year and is contemplating doing a gap year or studying drama at Pietermaritzburg or Rhodes.

All my sisters are scattered in different places, Bainbridge Island (Seattle) Nelspruit, Cape Town, and UK, near Northampton...little village story.

Stuart is chaplain at St Anne’s, Hilton, after several years travelling doing consultancy work with Coprorate leadership development. Quite a change from being a full time parish priest, but he enjoys being back in it again.

1978 Lesley Lange (Heunis) [email protected]

I have often wondered what has happened to everyone since “the Matric lawn” days. H and I bump into each other quite regularly as our girls are at the same school. Nicolette is 16, grade 11 and has just enjoyed the tradition of doing the Matric dance for the grade 12s. I had the joy of discovering two days before the event that the cool drink order had actually never been put through! The trauma of the dress and the partner is now behind us, a happy memory, and she is back to the mundane of hockey practices and endless assignments. Tim is thirteen and in last year of junior school. He plays the sax for the musical ones amongst us (and at least it doesn’t sound like a violin when practicing, H!) He is lucky enough to be going to a Maths competition in Hong Kong next month. As Meg mentioned I have been in my own business for six years. I head-hunt senior people for companies and have been lucky to run a virtual office from my back yard with someone else helping me from her home. It is been very hard work but interesting getting to know emerging business leaders and I have got to know some amazing people and grown lots of grey hairs. We are hoping to spend some time in Maputo in August where Bruce grew up. Like Jane I am glad that school is a distant memory, but have such nice images in my mind of all of you at different stages in our 12 year slog. Thanks for the update.

1978 Liz Gray (Johansen) [email protected]

Well, I've resisted responding as I feel a bit like the cuckoo in the nest - but have so loved reading everyone's emails that I have decided to join in! I can't even quite remember whether I was part of your class for four or five years (standards 4 - 8?) but I do remember so many of you and have lots of happy memories of individuals - such as many of you in Midsummer Night's dream, Nerina and her flute, Sue-Anne being sporty, Helen and Louise being brilliant and so on, and so although I didn't make it to the end I hope I can still count a bit as part of the class of '78.

Then we moved to the UK and well ... I grew up, went to Uni, became a teacher, got married had kids etc! I have been married to Simon since 1984 and have three kids: Adam (21, at Uni studying medicine), David (19, at uni studying dentistry) and Fiona (16 with one year of school to go...).

I have taught maths for years and gradually worked my way up through the system. For two months last year I was Head of Upper school at a large, boys, private school, Whitgift School in Croydon. But then the time came to move again - and so we have immigrated to Washngton DC where Simon has accepted a job with the IMF (so getting a bit closer to your heavenly sounding place, Sue-Anne). Before that I had a wonderfully hectic summer - taking a group of kids from our church to build a garden in an orphanage in Azerbaijan, then going to Thailand to look at a teacher training project on the Thai-Burma border which I am hoping to get involved in ... before going to DC and then doing - well, who knows??

1978 Gwen Littlewort [email protected]

I live a quiet, happy life - very busy, but simple. I had a rip-roaring time in my 20s and 30s and now I just enjoy my organic garden. What can I say? I live in San Diego, in the suburbs (actually Solana Beach is a great, compact, surfer community), and I have a husband who considers Vancouver to be home, who is also a scientist (no surprise there) and two wonderful kids in elementary school -  they are both artists, very imaginative and a bit weird, Sarafina is 11 and Dante is 10. I don't have any photos on my work computer to send but there might be on my website  http://mplab.ucsd.edu/~gwen/  but part of the "quiet life" is that I don't update my website. I work on facial expression analysis, so sometimes I post related images. Maybe if I knew people might look there, I'd put up more stuff, but I kind-of prefer writing to people by email.

Louise Meintjes is an Ethno Musicologist at a university in the mid Atlantic. I haven't been in touch for years, so I don't know exactly where she went after she left Austin, Texas. We had a few fun adventures in the Cape as students.

1978  Liz Beach (Nuttall) [email protected]

Tanya (Rogers) and I have remained very firm friends (although sadly we don't get to see each other much) over the years, and she and Sandy (McIntosh) were my bridesmaids 20 odd years ago. Sandy, now in NY was out last year and it was great to see her. Imagine our delighted surprise recently, when her daughter Angela (18, at Randolph High School) invited my son Andrew (18, at Michaelhouse) to be her friend on this new Global engine "Face Book", the detail being that they met "randomly" through their mothers! The last time they saw each other was when they were 3! To confirm, the world is becoming a very small place. Rob and I still live near Howick, Stuart is 10 and at school in Hilton. Rob will be attending the 30 year reunion for his St Albans year in October, all being well. We run our own business, bottling honey and jams, have a small multi-faceted farming operation and own The Rotunda in Hilton.

Jane is married to Stuart Mennike and lives in Hilton. Their boys are with ours, in the same house at Michaelhouse. I will forward all the emails to her at [email protected]

1978 Sandra Wrigley (McIntosh) [email protected]  It was wonderful to hear from Anne again, she is doing a great job getting everyone together for the big reunion of 2008!  I occasionally met up with Anne when I lived in Cape Town for 20 years, but three years ago we moved to Randolph, New Jersey, USA as my husband works for Pfizer and was transferred over here.  We are enjoying life in the north eastern USA, but the winters here are brutal, that is when we long for the hot African sun!

We have two daughters, Angela who is 18 and Sarah who is 16; they have adapted remarkably well to life in the USA, going from a private all girls Catholic school to a co-ed public American school!  We are trying to decide which university Angela should go to, there are over 3000 to choose from.

I am working at Columbia University in New York doing research into the genetic cause of epilepsy, I work part time.  I hope I will be able to come to Pretoria for the reunion. My dearest/oldest friend Liz Beach (Nuttall) and I met last year when I was visiting SA, I visited her on her farm in Natal, and I loved seeing her, Rob and their boys again.

My sister Jennifer Simons (McIntosh) and I will be attending the Old Girls Reunion on 12 July.  We are really looking forward to seeing all our old DSG friends again. I am flying all the way from New York for this special 30th reunion! 

1978 Sue-Ann Maccara (Shearar) [email protected]

We're planning a family trip to Europe in 2008, so I'm thinking I might just add a side trip to S.A. too, I'm DEFINITELY planning on being there!!  For those of you who don't remember, I left D.S.G. half way through our Matric year (after being there since Gr. 1!!!!!) and really regret missing our Matric dance!!!!! Great to hear from you all!  I have very fond memories of good old D.S.G.! P.S. if you're ever out this way, PLEASE look us up, or better, come and stay with us!  We live in North Vancouver Canada!

1978 Anne Morrison (Wyllie) [email protected]

I am still married to Terry (26 years later) and Danielle (21) has finished her BComm Marketing degree at Stellenbosch.  I have been repping for Kapula Candles for six years and really enjoy having flexi-time – and time to do my own thing (like play tennis!) 

1979 Valli van Zijl (Blaine) [email protected]

It always seems so strange, but comforting, sitting here in London (where I've been for 21 years) and receiving the updates on DSG. One day I will get to a reunion - perhaps for our 30th in 2009!

1979 Shan Townes (Fitzgerald) [email protected]

My life is very full. I work for my husband supposedly mornings only and then am "free" to rush around with kids all afternoon. Samuel (8) is in Grade 3, Peter (6) is in Grade 1 and my baby, Joseph (3) is at play school. Will definitely be at my 30th reunion next year!!

1980 Bridget O’Donoghue [email protected]

My news is that I have had a 4th child - now 14 months old - a girl named Isla

1981 Colleen Steyn (Carrick) [email protected]

Unfortunately I won't make the reunion, as I'm in NZ and it isn't a time when I can get away.   I'm hoping once my son, who is currently in his second last year of school, finishes school, I'll be able to sneak away for a bit of time in Pretoria.  My daughter (Danielle) is in her second year of university studying BA in Classics, History and Greek, and son (Jacques) as said above in his second last year of school - very sporty like his father, Geoff.   I work at the school he is at as does my husband.  So it has been very much a family affair as our daughter also went there.  We're planning a trip back in December 2008 for Danielle's 21st, and will be stopping in Pretoria as we'd like to do a trip to the Game Reserve.  My family has all moved from there and so the ties have been cut unfortunately, but I would love to catch up with anyone around at that time.

1981 Caprice Barbour (Pettem) [email protected]

What bad timing on my part! Amber and I will actually be flying in to SA on July 5th but there is a reunion of our village in Swaziland the weekend of the 12th.  We are hoping to stop into DSG on the way to Swaziland to show our daughters (my only child (23) and Amber's oldest (9)) the school on the way through. Have a great reunion.

1982 Melanie Mensing [email protected]

I must say we had a high standard of teaching at the DSG, and I often think of the teachers and the fun times.  Where would be without all that background?  The teaching there changed my life - it was inspiring.

1982 Jenny Godfrey (Barclay) [email protected]

I bumped into Viyonne Viljoen here in New Zealand just a few weeks ago at one of our ski lodge functions and we spoke about all our old school friends of 1982 matriculation class.   I have been living in New Zealand on and off now for 14 years.  I am still very busy and work for a company in the US. I have worked full-time since leaving University.

1982 Anne van Blerk (Fair) [email protected]

We are living in Warmbaths know running a resort.  We moved here from Pongola about 5 years ago.  Am still happily married, my son is 3rd year civil engineering at Tuks and my daughter is in Matric.

1983 Sasha Scholtz (Melvill) [email protected]

I see that you have left Margaret Scholtz off the 1983 list.  She is my sister in law and now lives in Zim. Marion Hoole (Blaine) may be able to help you with Helen Harvey’s contact details; she also lives in Kommetjie, CT, where Helen lives [email protected] 1985 Nicole Rosendorff (du Buisson) [email protected]

We are emigrating to Canada in the next few months.

1986 Jen Hamilton-Browne [email protected]

My son and I are planning to move to Australia in 2008, along with my parents to be with the rest of my family. 

My battle against my brain tumour is ongoing and well I feel great actually. The pipe that runs behind my ear through my chest is doing great and I and do not let it get me down or depressed. Sometimes I lose my memory and I walk around with a note book so that I can remember everything, even where I parked my car.  I forget Matt from school every now and again but I have great friends who take him home for me.  You get used to it, but if I can teach you only thing it is to live for today and cherish every waking moment.  I will not take chemo or radiation; my life is just perfect the way it is and I just have to slow down. 

1986 Vanessa Ratcliffe [email protected]

I got married (some would say finally!) to Nico Lombard in October.  It was a wonderful day with the ceremony at St Peter’s church in Hermanus followed by a luncheon for 200 guests plus 20 children (!) up in Fernkloof Nature Reserve. The weather played ball which was lucky as it was a risky outdoor venue.  It was peak whale season and they really came to the party….see pictures of us on the rocks with whales in the background!  DSG girls from class ‘86 who were there were Janet Anderson, Susan Malan, Jane Simmonds and Sharon Hamilton.

I’m now in St Anton, Austria for the winter season.  Nico has seasonal businesses here. Thanks to communication technology, I’m able to run my travel company (an inbound tour operation to Southern Africa) from here http://www.southerndestinations.com and I go skiing in my spare time of course!   I am trying to learn German too. I speak fluent French these days, but that doesn’t get me very far here.

Other news to spread… is that the mosaic project that I founded in Hout Bay is finally sustainable and they are working on orders for the States and Paris.  If any of you are interested in mosaics and are in Cape Town and would like to visit the studio, please get in touch.    There is a website:  www.mandelaparkmosaics.co.za

1986 Beverley Verster [email protected]

Just a quick update to let you know that I have started a new job - back in IT! Had to do it as the UK government has retrospectively changed their residence rules and I needed to earn more money than the university was paying me in order to stay in the country! I've had a VERY stressful year thus far! However, it all seems to be working out, as the new job, although VERY challenging, seems quite enjoyable. I'm a business analyst at a company that does commodities trading. The new location is lovely as the offices are in Oxford Street near Marble Arch and Hyde Park. Hours are long though.

1987 Fiona Pienaar (Harris) [email protected]

Sorry this reply has taken me so long, but two little bodies to run around behind takes its toll! Jane Claire was born on 8 November - a whopping 4.5kg, and continues to do really well. She is an incredibly easygoing little girl. Her big sister Imogen has taken a shine to her and is keen

to help - sometime too independent. Immy started school and loves it! I love my maternity leave, although the list of things to do doesn’t seem to get any shorter!

1987 Shaakera Ismail [email protected]

A little bit of what I’ve done since leaving school.  I qualified as a medical doctor at Wits in 1993, with Mary Fair and Eva Johansen, Michele Hayward was a year behind us. I married a colleague in my class and we are at present both General Practitioners in Private Practice in Pretoria.   We took over my Dad’s massive practice and unfortunately he died in 2007. I live in Laudium, have 3 children Irfaan aged 13, Raeesa aged 12 and our new addition Azhar aged 13.

1987 Fiona O’Keane [email protected]

Wow, what a great surprise, I'm in Dublin, checked my emails to see what's happening at work and found one from you! I visited Jenny Bridges in London a few days ago so am assuming she forwarded my details on.

Jenny gave me an update on our class, it sounds like most are married with kids, while my mom is still praying I'll get there, I'm not sold on the idea for myself. Juggling a career in TV and one in Radio is more than enough to keep me busy. Who would have thought the one kid who point blank refused to study or do sports at school would grow up to be the biggest work-a-holic of them all who does triathlon's for fun?

Renee Jeannes and Simone Robinson are in Cape Town too. Both doing very well, Ren is a homeopath, Simone works for the Rupert family as a chef. I will forward them both the news letter and spreadsheet.

1987 Patricia Raphesu [email protected] My name is Patricia Raphesu and I was at DSG from 1984 to 1986. I left when I was in Std 9 (1986) so my Matric class is 1987. I am in contact with Trish Stewart but would love to have contact info of the old girls, especially Sonia Hutchinson (Matric 1987).

1987 Kate Whittingham-Jones [email protected]

We're still living in Wiltshire, and both still at the same jobs.  If anyone is visiting the UK and heading west, please do get in touch.  We are unlikely to be visiting SA this year as we have a few "big" birthdays next year, so will be home for that.  I hope the reunion is as fun as it was last year for our 20th – it was so good to meet up with everyone again.

1988 Jenny Tselentis (Hatzinikolaou) [email protected]

I now have a daughter, Andrianna. She is 8 months old. My son, Pavlos, is 3 years old. I am back from Athens and living in Umhlanga, Durban for the moment so I'm hoping to make it to the reunion. I bumped into Ruth Spencer about a week ago (for those of you who remember her). She is looking fantastic. She also mentioned she keeps in touch with Nicola Hornsby who is married and living in Scottburgh in KZN. I have also been in touch with Shantelle Rapier who lives in Kloof here and has two daughters who attend St Mary's in Kloof. We're hoping to arrange things to all come to PTA together.

1988 Nicole Whittingham (Kirkley) [email protected]

I am hoping to get to the 20 year reunion this year. It is so lovely to read and remember old names and memories - especially things like cake - Emily and Francina. I have been living in the UK since I matriculated. My husband and I live in Derbyshire with our three cats. We work together just outside Manchester owning a full service marketing agency www.wilson-cooke.co.uk. We have no children as yet, but are hoping to change that soon. I would really like to get to the reunion this year and see some old faces. 

My sister, Lindsay’s email address is [email protected]. We are both hoping to come over in July, work permitting.

1988 Angela Rogers (Koopman) [email protected]

I will definitely be attending the Old Girls Reunion on Saturday 12 th July 2008 - looking forward to it.

1988 Nomakhosi Skosana [email protected]

Class of '88, It would be so nice to see as many of you as possible at Reunion 2008......please make an effort!

1988 Lynda Hall (Vickers) [email protected]

It has been great to get into contact with old school friends again and would love to hear from you all and see some photos of you and your families.  My husband, Roy and I moved to Gold Coast, Australia three years ago and we just love it. We have three children - Megan (11), Nicole (9) and Mark (5).  They are three very busy active kids who have kept me on my toes hence I have not worked for several years now. We spend a lot of time on the beautiful beaches and Roy is a big fisherman so he just loves going out to sea and is very relieved that at least his son will go out with him.  We have become the biggest campers ever and spend every holiday camping next to the sea.  The kids just love it making friends wherever we go.  They lead hectic schedules (or should I say - I do) with sport after school so getting away is a special time for us.  We have been lucky to have lots a family visiting us here in Oz, which has been so special.  We went back to SA for Christmas in 2006 and hope to get back at the end of this year again.  

1989 Kerrin Miller (Person) [email protected]

Our update is that Paul and I became the over-the-moon parents of a little girl, Charlotte Grace. I had her on 10 November 2007, and she was 3.8kg. Motherhood is overwhelming and has changed everything! Charlotte is a gorgeous and very precious little girl!

1989 Melissa Williams [email protected]

I am now working as a Project Manager for a company called Boness Properties.  We are currently doing a development of eleven villas in Mauritius - (In fact I am here in Mauritius at the moment).  I am involved in the marketing and sales of the project and it has been incredible to see how many South Africans are looking at Mauritius as an investment opportunity. (Perhaps there are some DSG old girls out there who might want to look at this - We open in August 2008). I am also working with the Amy Biehl foundation on a couple of projects, the most interesting at the moment being a Children’s Juggling DVD, which is part animated and part live. This has been an amazing project, which we have been doing with a Media Company that Boness owns, and we are hoping to launch the DVD by the end of March to fundraise for the Amy Biehl foundation. The DVD is an excellent tool for Children's motor skills / left-brain / right- brain development etc.  It is also rather useful for management and team building. Otherwise that's me - I'm dating a lovely man - still living in Cape Town.  Mum and Dad are in Pretoria and my brother and sister in law are living in Cape Town.  I can't believe that our year has been out of school almost twenty years.  Not sure where the years have gone - still feels like yesterday.

1990 Rae Arnott (Gilbert) [email protected]

I am living in Jhb and am a busy stay at home mom. I have two boys, Simon 5 and Jonathan 3 and a half. I saw Rachel (Briggs) last year May when I was in London with her two little boys. I also see Angela (Chippy Barnetson) every week when we scrapbook together! I have found quite a few friends on Facebook too.

1990 Lindsay Kirkley [email protected]

I'm living in England - Newcastle upon Tyne in the north east and I work for local government. Director of Policy and Improvement, which means a lot of things...but basically, I'm responsible for ensuring the effective running of the local Council. I attribute this great job to my fantastic learning experience gained at DSG.

I have recently been in touch with Rae Gilbert from my year - we were meant to meet up in the UK recently while she was on holiday here but unfortunately diaries did not permit. I would love to hear regular updates from DSG. I've got to say, the eight years I was there were the best.

1990 Mathoto Mashiane [email protected]

I obtained my Law Degree from the University of the Western Cape in 1995. I subsequently obtained a Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigations Diploma from the University of Johannesburg in 2005. I am a mother of a cute 7 year old son. I am currently employed at the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development as Senior Forensic Auditor.

1990 Kim Vonk (Meyer) [email protected]

Unfortunately I will be unable to attend Old Girls this year as after much consideration I and family will be relocating back to the UK, after 18 months in Cape Town.  My husband has gone ahead of myself and our boys.  We are headed for Bristol! 1990 Nikki Kemp (Millerd) [email protected]

I left school and went to Rhodes University to study Human Movement Studies and followed this with an HDE. During my final year a met the man I am now married to, Adrian Kemp. I taught for 9 months at a school in Grahamstown and then was offered a franchise called Playball (teaching children 2-7yrs life skills using sports as means). I have now been running playball and coaching swimming for 11 years and still haven't left Grahamstown.

We have two children Devon (8) and Carina (6) who are the delight of our lives. Devon is in grade 2 this year and I cannot believe how much they learn at such a young age.

I still keep in touch with Rae Arnott, Lyndall Hill and Carrie Wood.

1990 Assunta Dagon (Nusca) [email protected]

Samuele, our 33 month old little boy is growing like a weed. He has quite the personality and keeps us in fits of laughter. Bianca was born on September 6 so is approaching 6 months of age. She is a very happy (and good) baby. We have just moved to Cleveland (Ohio) as Michael just accepted a position at the Cleveland Clinic. The winters are long and harsh here, but the city offers wonderful cultural activities and the people are very friendly. We hope to get back to South Africa for a visit over Christmas, or soon thereafter.

1990 Anne-Marie Greiff (Wrogemann) [email protected]

After 12, 5 years of corporate life, I have started my own business as a life coach. I have a beautiful daughter Amy-Lee who is 2.5 years and two stepsons, Georges and Andrew.

1991 Carrie Woods (Patrick) [email protected]

Craig and I are still living in Tanzania. Dar es Salaam, as its name suggests, is a haven of peace. Despite the obvious challenges of living in a developing country we enjoy the tropical climate and lifestyle that the town offers us. Weekends are full of sailing and exploring the

little islands around the coast. Ending a hard week having a sundowner at the yacht club really helps one relax in a matter of seconds!

I am teaching in the International School which is keeping me out of trouble. I am in charge of imparting knowledge to Grade 4 kids – who in turn keep me on my toes and in tune with the latest gadgets and fads. I never thought I would enjoy teaching this age group and still at times miss the energy and diverse minds of the teenagers.

Last year Craig and I experienced the joy of becoming parents. Caitlin Jenna Wood was born in March and has been a delightful addition to our family. She is the socialite of the family already and has the ability to charm anyone!

1992 Lize-Marie Britz (Binsbergen) [email protected]

I will not be able to attend the reunion as my boys Justin 5 yrs and Jayden 3 yrs have their birthdays then.

I have finished my B Pharm degree and after working in retail pharmacy have moved to do contract work for Aspen Pharmaceutical at CSIR Pretoria. My husband is the Head of the Narcotics unit for SAPS Pretoria.  My boys keep me very busy but I must say I enjoy them - it's just a pity they grow up so fast.

1992 Gillian Kane-Berman (Boyce) [email protected]

Thank you for all the wonderful emails with all you news and photos! It is just wonderful to hear from old friends again! So glad that everyone is doing so well! I got shock the other day when I did the maths and realized that we matriculated 15 years ago – are we really that old already?? Where has the time gone to? On a really hectic day I do long back to the simple days in our blue (sexy) dresses with very little cares in this world. Now we are working, some married, some with children – not so simple but WOW! Seems crazy!

Any way we are doing very well! My fantastic husband, Mark and I will soon celebrate our 9 th

wedding anniversary, yes married life is wonderful!! We have two amazing children – Thomas is 8 and Carolyn 4 (almost 5) – between golf, karate, soccer, ballet, 1st grade and preschool we are very busy – never mind work and housework! We moved to San Diego California (USA) over two years ago and have settled down so well here. We bought a beautiful home a year ago, in a wonderful neighborhood. San Diego is just an awesome place to live, such a beautiful city on the ocean with so much to do and see – we truly are blessed to have been sent here by the nursing agency that relocated us! The weather is just awesome – never too hot or cold (easier for South Africans to adapt to). We have made some wonderful friends and are always very busy! We have a couple of good South African friends whom we met over here and always have good parties/fun with them! Our children attend really fantastic schools and are both just thriving (so cute with their American accents!). Mark started his own company here in the US working in agriculture as he did back home – things were slow initially but have picked up rapidly and he is doing very well – just has to travel a lot!

I am still working as a Nurse at a small but very good hospital, not too far from home. I am on a medical/surgical/cardiac telemetry unit – very fast pace with very high acuity of patients. I have learnt so much over here – continuing education is part of your career and the opportunities to learn are endless. I was just nominated as Nurse of the Year at my hospital and this is a great honour since I have only worked there 2 years! I do love being a nurse and so enjoy my patients but the 12 hour shifts are long especially with two little ones and a travelling husband. For this reason I studied last year and am now a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant – I work with attorneys on medical related cases, it is very exciting and challenging. I work independently from home which is awesome. I hope to grow my business enough to be able to not have to work the long hospital hours! It is hard work getting a business going but I am very motivated and excited – I have just recently started working on my first big case!

Last year I had my first trip back to South Africa since we left. Mark travels back to SA every 3 – 4 months on business as he still has two companies back there.

We are really very happy living in the USA and have no regrets about the choice we made to move – the opportunities for our children (and ourselves) are endless! We do miss our families and friends but thanks to emails and webcams and telephones we are in constant contact! We have also had a lot of visitors from home which is wonderful! If anyone ever comes to the USA please look us up we would love to have you to stay!

1992 Jenny Walker (Bridges) [email protected]

I have two little ones Jessica (3 ½ yrs) and Ashley (2 yr). It is so hard to believe that 15 years ago we are all running around DSG and now we all have our own families and grown up lives to run. I have been living in London for the past 6 / 7 years. My Mom and Dad live in St Francis Bay (Easter Cape) but have relocated for 6 months of each year to Dubai where my sister Sharon and her two girls are based. My husband’s family are in Cape Town so we ideally would like to relocate back to CT one day. The girls are registered for Hershel, St Cyprians and Springfield, so watch this space. I still keep in touch with Fiona O’Keane who is in Cape Town and producing documentaries and still the very same. Her e-mail address is [email protected] or she has a website which has a contacts page on www.fionafurey.co.za I also hear from Jean Wilcocks (Mays) who lives in Johannesburg and has Kirsten 5 yrs and Luke 18 months. She is a freelance journalist to magazines.

1992 Alison Milne (Charlton) [email protected]

For those of you that will remember them:  I see Julie Good (used to be Youens) regularly.  She lives in Scarborough and I live in Noordhoek in Cape Town so we live relatively close together.  Jules has a little boy, Matthew (turning 5 in December) and a little girl, Amy who is almost 2. I have also been in contact with Carmen Beharrie (now Collison) via email who is well and has a little girl of 9 (Savannah) and a little boy of 2 (Jarred).  Although Julie and Carmen did not matriculate at DSG I am sure many of you remember them.

1992 Alouette Louw (Ernest) [email protected]

I am not much in touch our class, except of course for Carms. She and I speak to one another quite often.

Anyway, I work for Correctional Services: Head Office in Pretoria and I am a Captain. I work in HR. I have been in DCS for 11 years and still enjoying it, 6 years in prison and the rest in the offices until I was pregnant with my eldest son, Braydon who is now almost four. The “baby” is now two and believe me, with two boys that are 20 months apart, I am EXTREMELY BUSY!!!!

1992 Cathy Maguire [email protected]

I did a degree in Philosophy and English, but somehow migrated into the programming arena, and am now a senior developer at Discovery Life (which is not at all what I anticipated doing!!). I work with a lovely bunch of people. I still love my music and English though, and sing in a choir, still play the viola, and read when I can (which is not always possible as project deadlines sometimes get in the way). I’ve been thinking about doing my honours in English part time to force me to keep up my reading.  I’m engaged to a very, very, very nice x (10 to power 3) German guy, who keeps me on my intellectual toes as he reads an awful lot. His name is Ulrich. We haven’t set a wedding date yet, but we have bought a house which took us absolutely ages to find – in Ferndale. It’s a smallish house, but on a very big stand on a quiet road, so it feels like it’s in the country. It’s also not too far from work.

 I’ve not seen anyone for ages, aside from Paula, who I bump into occasionally as we both currently live in Parktown North. She has the dearest little girl. And I also bumped into Mmule’s father the other day. He said she was doing well, and is an air hostess.

1993 Maryne Marais (Ferreira) [email protected]

I have been back in Pretoria just short of three years after a long stint abroad and have often wished I had a little girl to send to DSG. I even went as far as to call Grade 000, hoping they take little boys! Although I shudder to think of the junior school echoing with the bellowing of my sons. Believe me – they are like baby bulls. Calf is too gentle a word…..

1993 Angela Rautenbach (Jarrett) [email protected]

I have read your old girls news with interest. I read it all the time but don't think I have replied too often. I met a client the other day whose daughter went to DSG when they were in Pretoria. I would love to come back and see the school. I am sure it will happen one day. I hope that when Lukas and I have children that we can return to Africa. All continues well in the UK for us and we are constantly blessed with the goodness of the Lord.

1993 Ursula Rietmann [email protected]

This is the first bit of news I have submitted...not pregnant or engaged, but there is other news: In July my bicycle, backpack and I are heading north to Europe. I will be travelling around Holland, France, Germany and Switzerland for about two months, and then look for permanent work, settle down etc.

For the past year and a half I have been working as a graphic designer at an advertising agency in Woodmead, along with practically the entire Smith family (Kendel and Victoria) as well as another DSG Old Girl Robyn Thompson!

1994 Claire Da Camara (Smith) [email protected]

My husband, Davide, my baby (Eric nearly 2) and I are enjoying living in America but we really miss home.  We do plan to return in about 3 years.  I just hope all goes well with the next elections.  I think that will help us in deciding what we want to do.   

1994 Deborah Harkness (Spencer) [email protected]

Two years ago my husband and I moved to Worcester, UK. I am working in a large co-ed private school called the Royal Grammar School Worcester and Alice Ottley School (quite a mouthful I know!) as a Biology teacher and from Jan 2009 I'll be running the department. The exciting news is that on the 2 February 2008 I gave birth to a son, Harry. He is a very happy chap and we have been having so much fun with him.

1995 Camilla Campbell (Garvey) [email protected]

Lindsey Hyson is engaged and will be Lindsey Velleman from April 2007; Gillian Hockley is married but is keeping her maiden name. I also got married in October in South Africa and had a whole table of old girls there to celebrate, which was wonderful. I am thrilled to see that DSG is still a brilliant school.

1995 Hayley Griesel (Mahon) [email protected] Here is a bit of an up-date on what has been happening in my life.  In 2003 I married the man of my dreams Riaan Griesel.  I now have the most precious little girl, her name is Heike and she is 3 and a half years old.

1995 Rebecca Smith [email protected]

I have recently received some great news - I have been offered a post to specialise in Anaesthetics in London. I am not sure if news of the fiasco known as Modernising Medical Careers has filtered down into SA but medical training here has been in a state of chaos for several months, and they have cut training posts dramatically so I am really thrilled at my good luck.

I have been living on a small farm in Wales for the past year and working in the beautiful town of Shrewsbury in Critical Care. It is really picturesque, the barn conversion I have stayed in is built alongside the Shropshire Union canal and the land is filled with foxes and badgers. I am still looking forward to returning to the bustle of London though!

Apart from that I am well, I have been training for the Territorial Army and it is good to feel fit again. I am seeing a wonderful pilot from the RAF too, a classic Englishman!

1995 Ashleigh Pringle (Todd) [email protected]

My little girl, Amy, is growing up so fast and we are starting preparations for her second birthday!  I teach a few classes of ‘Moms and Babes’ every week and loving every minute.  I bumped into Kerry Shaw last year.  She was a year behind me but left DSG at the end of primary school.  It was amazing to see her again and a reminder of how small the world is.   Her boyfriend, Dave, is a very good friend of ours from University.   

1996 Jenine Collocott [email protected]

I am sorry that I wasn’t able to make Reunion last year but I was in Durban in the final stages of rehearsing my new play “Willy’s Ark” (which I wrote and directed) featuring Ellis Pearson.  It was a very exciting opportunity for me, as you will, I’m sure, know Ellis is very well established. I am currently Markets and Festivals Coordinator for the National Film and Video Foundation.

Please find our proposal to bring vibrant moving and totally South African youth theatre to St Mary’s DSG Pretoria.  I particularly would like to do this as my love for theatre started at DSG – and when I arrived my English was so bad, but because of the patience and kindness of Mrs Savage (for all her extra lessons), I am now a writer. 

1997 Lorin Gibbison [email protected]

After Matric, I spent a year at Cheltenham College in England (good fun!), and then settled into some studying at UCT where I completed my undergraduate degree in Architecture in 2001. In 2004, I completed my Masters in Architecture at TUKS. Currently, I’m a practicing Architect at Urban Solutions Architects and Urban Designers in Newtown Johannesburg. I have been very fortunate in my career and had opportunity to work with many inspiring people: early in my career, I worked with Ove Arup; a British based engineering company, on developing sustainable design and construction solutions for the Built Environment. More recently, I consulted to the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, on developing innovative solutions to shape our villages and cities, so that we might better support the growing HIV Aids Orphan crisis. When not at the office, I live with Paul, my boyfriend of 7 years, in Joburg. Yes, I'm still playing squash!

1998 Simone Esau-Bailey [email protected]

I am working on a variety of different research projects, which all focus on different aspects of Science and Technology- at international, regional and national levels. Currently we're looking at the scientific mobility of health scientists between the UK and South Africa. Last year I was also involved in a twenty-two African country SandT system analysis, which was very interesting.

1998 Kgomotso Moalusi [email protected]

I am writing to enquire as to what procedures need to be followed if we as class want to

donate money/a trophy/award to the school. This year is our 10th anniversary and we would like to dedicate/honour one of our late classmates Matumelo Kakana.

1998 Thokozile Sefu [email protected] This is Thokozile Sefu an Old Girl from 1998. I am back in Malawi now working as Assistant Front Office Manager at Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi.

1998 Irene Zirimwabagabo [email protected]

Below is a brief update of what I’ve been busy doing since Matric! 1999-2002     Bachelor of Journalism  - Rhodes University, Grahamstown 2003-2004    Master of Arts in International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame, Indiana 2005-present  Program officer in charge of Communication, United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) - Kigali, Rwanda I would love to attend the reunion, but that will depend on work commitments and ability to travel at that time.

1999 Kate Binge [email protected]

I have sent you a link to a web page called designerid.com. It is an international network of designers, where you can post your portfolio etc. They interviewed me and posted an article they wrote up from the interview on their site at the following link if you are interested in taking a squizz: http://www.designerid.com/interview.php?issue=11. If the link does not work, you can go to www.designerid.com and click on interviews on the gray menu bar and then mine will be first on the list. I don't know how long they post them for; probably a month. It went up on the 1st of May. I'd appreciate it if you could forward this link to Mrs Knight, if she is still teaching at DSG. I'm sure she'd be interested to see what's happened to an ex pupil of hers who valued the art subjects so much.

I still run my own advertising and design studio, heading for nearly 3 years now. I have been working on really great projects like the SAA Open Golf Tournament and Fifa Beach Soccer. This year opened an avenue for me which I never expected to take and that which I absolutely love. That is, I was requested to lecture 2nd year Visual Communication (Graphic Design) at Vega JHB part time. So this I do for 5 hrs a week and really get a lot more out of it than I ever imagined! I also joint venture with some South African business people, where we equip entrepreneurs in their own businesses and teach them to create multiple streams of income. This has been most exciting and has broadened my network hugely. 

1999 Millicent Mokubyane [email protected]

My name is Millicent Mokubyane – was only at DSG for two years but those were probably the best two years of my life. I learned so much and would like to meet with people who matriculated in 1999. I was at DSG 1992 and 1993 in Mrs Rodda’s class (I hope I remember the surname correctly). My favourite teacher back then was Mrs Eden – she taught Maths for Std 3 and 4.

2000 Leigh Solomon (Campbell-Atkins) [email protected]

I am now living in Pietermaritzburg with my husband. Finished my medical degree last year and am now working at Grey's hospital. I am really enjoying my job and living in the Midlands.

2000 Andrea Meyer (Lund) [email protected]

Just wanted to let you know that I got married in March and my new surname is Meyer instead of Lund! I am working at the State Theatre

2000 Victoria Moore [email protected]

I am an Attorney now! I finished my studies at Tuks in 2004 (obtaining great results, a merit award and a prize for the best student in civil procedure (law of the courts and the litigation process) and then went on to do my articles at a firm in Brooklyn for two years (and within that time attended law school and wrote my admission exams). I got admitted as an Attorney in the High Court this February the 19th 2007 - a day hard worked for and well enjoyed!

I then decided to try something else, refused the offer to stay on at the Brooklyn firm, and got a job as a legal advisor at Africon Engineering International in Hatfield! I have been at the new job since March 2007 and am very fortunate to have a great boss and a fabulous company to work for. I am also on the brink of purchasing my very own town house and am very excited!

2000 Elize Noel (Schoeman) [email protected] Just to give you some news. Richard and I got married on the 5th May. So my surname has changed to Noel. We had such a lovely wedding and enjoyed every moment of it. It is one of those rare times when the entire family is together.  We have just returned from honeymoon where we spent a blissful 10 days in Thailand. It was so exciting to be travelling again and especially to such a stunning place in the world.  Rich and I are living and working in Tzaneen, and it is great to be so close to both our families. Lina had a little boy on the 17 May and we are all so very excited to have a little baby around.

2000 Laila Soer [email protected]

I graduated with my MSc at the end of 2007 and worked as an assistant lecturer for the first four months of this year. I enjoyed the experience of standing on the other side of the classroom, but a long-term career in teaching is not for me. I therefore decided to look at other options – first doing research for the Dutch Agency of Environment and Planning (a short and very intense 2-month contract); and after a long and difficult round of interviews I eventually chose a job at a small environmental consultancy agency in Rotterdam. I was the first young female consultant hired at the company and so I have literally stepped into a man's world - but; so far so good! I love my work and have learned SO much over the last few months; already having been given two of my own clients. I think I will definitely be happy expanding my knowledge base at the local level for the next few years. After that I intend to look for a more internationally oriented position and fulfil my dream to work with the 'developing' world (perhaps through the UN or EU).

I am still seeing my high-school boyfriend (from St. Albans); but no wedding plans just yet! It's difficult with the logistics (families in Holland and South Africa... would be hard to please both sides of the family, ha-ha). He has opened a pizzeria franchise and is slowly building a market for his product. This year will hopefully see the rapid advancement of both of our careers!

Tabby is still studying and should be completing her bachelors at the beginning of next year - we have planned a trip to Canada together in celebration thereof.

I am still struggling very much with my health from computer-related pain (repetitive strain injury); I therefore sincerely hope DSG has done some research and is educating the girls about good posture behind a computer and healthy time-management (taking regular breaks from the computer, etc.) - PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE!

2001 Gill Bland [email protected] I studied directly after school. I did an Information Science Degree, where I majored in Publishing, Information Science and English. I spent a few months in Cape Town in between doing a DTP Diploma [Desk Top Publishing], which when simplified is layout, design and editing programs that are computer based. I then did a couple of internships at media

houses. I eventually ended up in an advertising agency which gave me great grounding and experience. From there I moved to McCarthy Volkswagen. I never thought I would ever end up selling vehicles, but working for a company of this size gives you limitless opportunities as well as the opportunity to excel in which ever direction you wish e.g. marketing, sales, management and the list goes on.

2002 Dayle Marshall (Brookstein) [email protected]

I was married on 14 October 2007 and my surname is now Marshall, I am married to the same guy that I was dating at school so many of my class mates should remember him.

I am working as a performance analyst for sport.

2002 Sombo Chinyama [email protected]

I am Sombo Chinyma, a very proud Old St Mary's Girl who was at the school from standard 3 in 1994 to Standard 7 in 1999. I have lost contact of my friends since then and would love to know their whereabouts, as I would really be happy to hear from them. I am now in Zambia and an Agriculture scientist by profession.

I just want to thank the school for teaching me all the basics in life; it is through all that education that made me who I am today. I would like to thank all my primary teachers, Mrs Phillips, Mrs Farrell, Father Gill, Mrs Eden, Mrs Schaefer, Mrs Rodda and all those that contributed to my well being. Please send regards to all of them if they are still there and try and give me their email addresses for I would really love to communicate with them.

My elder sister also attended DSG, Kasweka Chinyama. She would love to get details of her class mates as well - 2000 Matrics.

2002 Rochell de Waal [email protected]

I just wanted to let you know that my email address has changed and I would love to still receive all the old girls news! I myself am doing very well. I graduated in 2007 and am very proud to say that I have an honours degree in cultural and heritage tourism! I have been working in London Intercontinental Hotel in the guest services department and am returning to South Africa in November 2007.  2007 Lesley Musto [email protected]

I will not be able to attend any old girls functions this year as I am overseas on my gap year with Dagney Ellison, another Matric student from 2007.

News from former members of staff

Father Colin Paine [email protected]

I was just doing some investigative stuff on the internet and don’t know how but stumbled upon an Old Girls update and had a great time hearing about many of the girls that I knew from DSG or had got to know when DSG girls attended the Youth Group at St Francis.

It was wonderful to hear how some were doing. Just to encourage you and the rest of the Old Girls Committee that the effort and work is great and keeps the whole family together even though they are all over the world.

Things in Knysna are good. Timothy is now in High School and Marion Grade 6. She is very keen on her Art and getting lessons from Margaret Bolt. Louise is teaching at a Pre School for

Knysna Primary, called Little Elephants. As for me I am still getting grey, plenty work at St George’s Church but really am enjoying the parish.

Sister Deirdre Michael [email protected]

My new e-mail address is [email protected]. I also have a different phone number, 01235 763141 Ext. 213.

The changes come out of the fact that, after nearly thirteen years, I have handed over the care of our Oblates to Sister Elizabeth Jane and I am now concentrating on looking after the Novitiate (having run both in tandem for eighteen months). In place of the Oblates, I have been asked to look after the Community Archives, which of course go back to our foundation in 1848! Among other aspects of the work, this involves making archives available for scholars who are engaged in various forms of research, and I have had three in the first fortnight of doing the job! Life in CSMV is never dull!

Penny Baillie (News from Angela)

Mum is very well and she is now living with Brigette in Saxonwold. She has started an art studio there and it is growing quite nicely. She also takes art groups to Kei Mouth for sketching holidays and has been involved in the Webber Wentzel Bowens Art Competition for under-privileged children. We of course love having her near to us and she is a real ‘hands-on-granny’ (or should I say, Granny Frog).

Sue Daffon (Harris) [email protected]

Sue Daffon (Harris) is alive and well and loving teaching at St Alban's College! Yes, I still referee their Inter-House gala, I think most of the boys wonder why the old tannie is blowing a whistle madly and disqualifying them and then someone explains this is what she used to do in the good ole days! I am teaching English and am also Director of Activities, this latter leading to a Choir Tour to the World Choir Olympics in Austria this year - quite a far cry from sports tours!

Kelly presented me with a beautiful grand-daughter in November 2007, Tayla Jade and a besotted Nana I am! Kelly has her own Biokinetics practice in Broadacres, Johannesburg and works closely with Nikki van Broembsen, who has also just delivered a baby girl.Tara will complete her Masters degree in August and is planning on registering for her Doctorate. Her speciality is Criminology; Juvenile Sex Offenders are the basis of her thesis, so life is very interesting as far as research goes. Tara now lives in her own house, but visitsme often.

So in all we are doing well and I often visit DSG for various functions. It is good to be in touch with a number of Old Girls via Facebook. Love to all who may remember us.

Isabel Forbes [email protected]

Girls I am on line! You are all so often in my thoughts it would be nice to hear from you and get your news. I left DSG at the end of 2004 and went back into the business world as an Estate Agent.I wrote my exams at the age of 64 - how about that.  It’s tough out here but I have done well.  

I live in Groenkloof near the University in a flat on the 5th floor overlooking Harlequins and I just love this area.   My home number is 012 346 1754 and my cell 082 265 1298. It was such a privilege to share in all of your lives and I enjoyed my job at DSG.   It was like living with a huge family. I send you my best love and every good wish for the future.   Take care of yourselves. You are so precious to me!!!!!!

It is with great sadness that we report the deaths of the following Old Girls and former members of staff:

1936 Sylvia Wright (Cameron) 14 October 20061946 Audrey Lachenicht (Alton) 13 August 20061950 Sarah 'Sally' Mary Sampson 25 November 20071954 Elizabeth Perrott (Coleman) 25 May 2007

Sister Margaret Elizabeth 17 April 2008 aged 81Marie Kingwill November 2007

Mail has also been received from the following:

1936 Joan von Rudloff (Zorn) [email protected] Dot Boyack (Mathews) [email protected] Rosemary Young (Dyer) [email protected] 1947 Mairead Williams (Macdonald) [email protected] Pam Shearar (Bush) [email protected] Stella de Villiers (Mathews) [email protected] Margie Couper (Mortimer) [email protected] Phyll Coombes (Radcliffe-Brown) [email protected] Ann Bainbridge (Greenway) [email protected] Islay Hall (Retief) [email protected] Renee Hoch (Allwright) [email protected] Jean Reynolds (Hall) [email protected] Iona Reed (Fenwick) [email protected] Helen Kirkpatrick [email protected] Sandra Tarlie (Martin) [email protected] Elizabeth White (Stahl) [email protected] Sally Miles (Boustead) [email protected] Elaine Jupp (Calameyer) [email protected] Felicity Lacey (Gaff) [email protected] Wendy Torborg (Liddell) [email protected] Liz Bron (Pocock) [email protected] Marian McCartney (Vickery) [email protected] Verity Murray (Leith) [email protected] Kaye Oelmann (McWilliam) [email protected] Denise Silver (Peek) [email protected] 1959 Julia Knight (Simpson) [email protected] Gillian Kruger (van der Veen) [email protected] Sharon Baldrey (Macaulay) [email protected] Derryn Hurry (Powell) [email protected] Melanie Dunkels (Taverner) [email protected] Cynthia Anderson (Carman) [email protected] Monica Kenny (Grant Mackenzie) [email protected] Penny Gawith (Kossuth) [email protected] Biddy Pretorius (Pierce) [email protected] Trevlyn Gregson (Creed) [email protected] Kaye McOustra (Hulley) [email protected] Marie Vlok (Marloth) [email protected] Pat Leman (Cronje) [email protected] Catherine Simpson (Gordon) [email protected] Quinnie Chan (Kwan) [email protected] Pippa Corte (Pank) [email protected] Jill Grieveson (Rumbelow) [email protected]

1966 Gill Goodall (Ayres) [email protected] Jill McKrill (Cochrane) [email protected] Prue Wimble (Martyn) [email protected] Adee Varney (Pfundt) [email protected] Joan Schnell (Pickard) [email protected] Janet Greger (Lisbey) [email protected] Sylvia Pharaoh (Thornton) [email protected] Jean Nixon (Webb) [email protected] 1967 Jenny Theron (Boyack) [email protected] 1967 Carla Burdzik [email protected] Margot Chamberlain (Cheeseman) [email protected] Jenny Ireland (Ellis) [email protected] Mary Frost (Goodall) [email protected] Linda Stevenson (McGregor) [email protected] Sue Ross (Nupen) [email protected] Jennifer Robinson (Stacey) [email protected] Bev Draper (Tindall) [email protected] Madge Wulfsohn (Venter) [email protected] Valerie Fenwick (Wright) [email protected] Lesley Tweedley (Lumley) [email protected] Jenny Troxler (Pope) [email protected] Liz Hardin (Steveni) [email protected] Brenda Greenway (Bassett) [email protected] Rose Clarke [email protected] Diana Mowlam (Ellis) [email protected] Rose Clarke (Murray) [email protected] Iowena Mackenzie (Smedley-Williams) [email protected] Jane Langham (Steveni) [email protected] Sally Currin (Trennery) [email protected] Sue Peiser [email protected] Caroline van Niekerk (Rodseth) [email protected] Yvonne Shobbrook (Trollope) [email protected] Lindy Grobler (Viall) [email protected] Eldene Mason (Braak) [email protected] Gill Rademeyer (Crouch) [email protected] Sheila Davis [email protected] Jessie Kirkness Parker [email protected] Jane Munro (Watson) [email protected] Gigi (Russell) Chippindall [email protected] Anne van Oudtshoorn (Forbes) [email protected] Cathy Brennon (Winckworth) [email protected] Debbie Heron (Botha) [email protected] Karin Barclay (Bousfield) [email protected] 1975 Liz Williams (Cox) [email protected] Michelle de Souza (de Villiers) [email protected] Moira Devenish [email protected] Carol Timkoe (Fung) [email protected] Isabelle Handley (Looringh van Beeck) [email protected] Carolyn Sullivan (Reich) [email protected] Meg Woodhouse (Seton-Jones) [email protected] Janine Volschenk (Vercueil) [email protected] Darrell Farrow (Creighton-Jones) [email protected] Paula Dell (Musto) [email protected] Pippa La Cock (Alexander) [email protected] Belinda Remane (Berg) [email protected] Cindy Crichton (Blaine) [email protected] Terry Soutar (Daniels) [email protected] Jeanne Tate (de Villiers) [email protected] Sue Lankers (Impey) [email protected] Julia Strydom (Meintjes) [email protected]

1977 Jill Randall (Nothard) [email protected] Althea Broodryk (van Zyl) [email protected] 1977 Bev Carter (West) [email protected] Jane Doherty [email protected] Lesley Lange (Heunis) [email protected] Cathie Bruno (Jones) [email protected] Innes Zeltmann (Reich) [email protected] Carol Webber [email protected] Carolyn Illes (Barclay) [email protected] Catherine Titford (Jacobs) [email protected] Jo-Anne Flack (Walker) [email protected] Chantelle Hurford [email protected] Cynthia Kelly (Berg) [email protected] Jessica Ainsworth (Greathead) [email protected] 1982 Viyonne Smit (Viljoen) [email protected] Di Woodward [email protected] Jennifer Boyd (Davison) [email protected] Janet Szabo (Gill) [email protected] Sasha Scholtz (Melvill) [email protected] Karin Basel [email protected] Emma Cooper (Raikes) [email protected] Tracey Bahlmann (Symons) [email protected] Julia Richardson (Bourhill) [email protected] Gillian de Haan [email protected] Anna Harris [email protected] Debbie Valente (Howard) [email protected] Jane Jordi (Simmonds) [email protected] Michelle Weis (Brink) [email protected] Lorna Carter [email protected] Mary Atkinson (Fair) [email protected] Kate Griffiths [email protected] Bernadine (Giantsos) Harries [email protected] Fiona Pienaar (Harris) [email protected] Beth Edge (Helps) [email protected] Sarah Malan (Kelsey) [email protected] Paula Dawson (Rogers) [email protected] Lisa Mc Namara (Scott) [email protected] 1987 Carolyn Wyly (Simkins) [email protected] Trish Harris (Stewart) [email protected] Anne Studdert [email protected] Chebel Marupen (Waterson) [email protected] Kathleen Whittingham-Jones [email protected] Angela Schaefer (Barnetson) [email protected] Angela van Vuuren (Bailiie) [email protected] Georgie Morris (Dunning) [email protected] Shilpa Gokal [email protected] Nichola Crookes (Hornby) [email protected] Olive Ndebele (Pilane) [email protected] Nomakhosi Skosana [email protected] Fiona Watt (Barnetson) [email protected] Preena Jhina [email protected] Leanne Kelly [email protected] Gwen Mahuma [email protected] Fay Mukaddam [email protected] Karine Trollip (Steyn) [email protected] Sarah Petersen (Atkinson) [email protected] Alexandra Wanliss (Cownie) [email protected] Celine Cruse (Snoeck) [email protected] Kgomotso Pooe [email protected] 1990 Lynda Shackleford [email protected]

1990 Kathryn Sherriff (Pinkney) [email protected] Jacki Tsepe (Storom) [email protected] Carmen Luck (Edgar) [email protected] Jenny Walker (Bridges) [email protected] Alison Milne (Charlton) [email protected] Kirsten Hulley-Miller [email protected] Sian Davies [email protected] Jane Razwiedani (Masango) [email protected] Lauren Ponting [email protected] Mashudu Rambao [email protected] Mienkie Etcheverrigaray (Roodt) [email protected] Amy Blaine [email protected] Tracey Sydenham (Hulse) [email protected] Claire da Camara (Smith) [email protected] Mariam Cassim (Tayob) [email protected] Zaziwa Manaway (Dlamini) [email protected] Lndsey Hyson [email protected] Portia Carpede (Mokgwatsane) [email protected] Nicky Wulfsohn [email protected] Tyne du Toit (Eden) [email protected] Anna Jessup [email protected] Gaelle van Dyk (Koekemoer) [email protected] Julia Nupen [email protected] Marisa Boxshall-Smith [email protected] Tessa Hempson [email protected] Gopolang Ngale-Lekgetha [email protected] 1997 Ann Mokgwatsane [email protected] Basi Ndlovu    [email protected] Andrea Patrick [email protected] Taryn Roets [email protected] Nicola Templeton (Sceales) [email protected] Debbie Early O’Rourke [email protected] Ingrid Pieterse (Lilje) [email protected] Dodosie Maelane [email protected] Hlami Ndlovu [email protected] Juliet Baillie [email protected] Sheryl Smithies [email protected] Hayley Lombard (Cauvin) [email protected] Kirsten Dinnes [email protected] Veronika Gloeck [email protected] Marla Loubser [email protected] Zaza Mtshali [email protected] Andrea Bristow [email protected] Sarah Hansen [email protected] Christina Philippeos [email protected] Tamaryn Redfern [email protected] Marilet Harris (van der Merwe) [email protected] Leanne van Breda [email protected] Meagan Cronin [email protected] Motlatji Ditodi [email protected] Harriet Etheridge [email protected] Nonkululeko Lukhele [email protected] Bronwyn Mackenzie [email protected] Ringi Ndlovu [email protected] Raine Parker [email protected] Dohane Steyn [email protected] Katherine Walker [email protected] Nizha Almec [email protected] Celine Baudin [email protected] Lisa Daniel [email protected]

2003 Nicole Driver [email protected] Tamith Hattingh [email protected] Dineo Maboe [email protected] 2003 Kele Scheepers [email protected] Julia Marcjanek (Scheffer) [email protected] Christelle van Vuuren [email protected] Melissa von Berg [email protected] Jo Dixon [email protected] Naledi Makoena [email protected] Mpho Rambau [email protected] Cassandra Bruce-Brand [email protected] Danielle Swart [email protected] Daniella Panaino [email protected] Roshni Patel [email protected] Marie-Francine de Villiers [email protected] Neo Masoek [email protected] Mbali Mngomezulu [email protected] Lindsay Walker [email protected]

Final note from Jeanette van der Breggen

Many thanks to the many people who have written over the last twelve months! I wish that I could have answered them all individually, but although it is seven years since I “retired” from DSG, my life seems to be even busier. It has been wonderful to receive all your news and to hear about the great things that you are achieving in your lives.

The first news that I want to share with you refers to an email that I sent out on 16 January 2008, asking if anybody had lost a jewellery box. A gentleman from Cape Town wrote to me saying that he had found a jewellery box on Table Mountain and in it were two Patrick badges, a centenary medallion from 1979, a School Council badge, two swimming medals and a bracelet with the name Helen on it. He subsequently found a second box. Two weeks’ later, I received a letter from Helen Holtes (Newham) 1980 saying that she had been to collect her jewellery which included a string of pearls that had been given to her by her parents! Just shows you what a fantastic network you have built up.

The second piece of news, for those who will be receiving this letter by post, is that on 15 June, Audrey Schoeman, Head Girl 1993, will be running the Comrades Marathon in aid of Irene Homes. We have already received some generous donations towards Audrey’s brave venture and she has been registered as Audrey on www.backabuddy.co.za so that it will be easier for you to make a contribution wherever you are in the world. Audrey is coming all the way from Ireland to complete Comrades and we wish her the very best of luck as she continues with her training.

Many of the ‘more mature’ Old Girls will remember that our beloved CSMV Sisters ran Irene Home for many years. It is worth visiting Irene Homes’ website at www.irenehomes.co.za to read about the wonderful work that is being done there.

The lunch for Sister Robb for her 70th birthday went off very well and she was thrilled with your lovely messages. I will try to put some photos on the DSG web-site.

Please continue to send in your news. If you do not want it to be printed in the newsletter, let me know! The problem is that many of you are too humble about your achievements, but we want you to know how proud we are of you by sharing the news! I wonder how many of you know that Gail Kelly (Currer) 1971 became the first female CEO in the top fifteen companies in Australia and is the mother of four children including triplets.

We look forward to seeing many of you at Reunion. We really appreciate the hard work that some of you are putting into make a success of your special year celebrations.