From our Ex-Students’ Association President

On behalf of the School community, the Community Engagement Team members wish to express our gratitude for Patsy’s patient and joyful leadership as President of the Ex-Students’ Association. Patsy has been an active member since 1979, serving as Vice President and President at various times from 2007 to 2020. We say a heartfelt thank you, but not goodbye, and look forward to working with Patsy on other projects in the future.

The times of isolation and uncertainty throughout 2020 have made me appreciate the gathering of old friends and the support of our ex-student community. As I conclude my final year as President of the Ex-Students’ Association, I am grateful to have been able to connect, albeit from a distance, with many of you. The Ex-Students’ Association met with the Class of 2020 via Zoom in September to wish them well and invite them as our newest members. When we couldn’t gather for our customary luncheon, the School helped us celebrate our Golden Jubilarians with the gift of an Advent Calendar. Newsletters and social media have helped us stay in touch and celebrate alumni achievements and milestones.

I would like to say a special thank you to Ms Marina Ugonotti, Principal, for the inclusiveness and respect she has personally extended to me and the Ex-Students’ Association. Marina has navigated the challenge of pivoting the School programs this year so efficiently, while caring for the wellbeing of all students and staff and retaining her good humour and positivity. I also wish to thank the Community Engagement Team and the IBVM, who have assisted me over many years in running the Ex-Students’ Association. I have received wonderful guidance from Sr Wendy Hildebrand IBVM, Province Leader, and Sr Libby Rogerson IBVM, who sits on our Committee. Throughout my time as President, I have enjoyed catching up with the sisters at Normanhurst and Kirribilli functions.

MS PATSY SHANNON

PRESIDENT EX-STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Of course, it goes without saying that I am extremely grateful to all members of my Committee, especially my Executive – Janneke Chudleigh (nee Pieterse, ’71), Vicki Hall (’72) and Cathy Gray (’72) – who have worked so cheerfully and so hard to support our fundraising efforts and raise the profile of the ex-students within the School community. Despite the uncertainty of this year, we managed wonderful success in our fundraising. We were able to contribute a considerable sum towards a bursary for a student in Year 11 or 12, supported the Buy a Bale drought relief project and helped Loreto Kolkata in West Bengal with funding for sewing machines to make hygiene products for girls to improve their health, confidence and dignity. Thank you to all members of our community for your generosity and selflessness in assisting these causes. As we move into a new year, I think we should celebrate our past achievements, reflect on the present challenging times we live in and build on leaving an enduring legacy for future ex-students. I do hope that our 2020 committee has lived up to Mother Gonzaga Barry’s wise words, “leave after you do something on which others may build,” in paving the way for the next Committee.

It has been an absolute honour and privilege to walk in the shoes of previous Normanhurst Ex-Students’ Association Presidents. I wish Sam Wegner (nee Ward, ’89) the best of luck as she takes on the role. I step down with pride, satisfaction and gratitude for the many opportunities the role of Ex-Students’ Association President has afforded me by way of active involvement in the School community, with the IBVM and with local and interstate Loreto contacts through Loreto Federation.