REUNION NEWS

2013 Reunions:   Watch for the  reunions of the class of 2003, 1993 and more.  Details coming soon. Class of 1958 again reunited! An enjoyable occasion recognising both the school Centenary and the year in which most of the class turned 70 was held on the evening of Saturday September 10th 2011 at the University Club of Western Australia. The dinner was attended by 45 ex-students and partners. The video that Rolf Harris pre-recorded for the launch of the Perth Modern School Centenary Book - Past, Present & Future was shown and enjoyed, especially the aspect that art and music teacher Frank Mills had shown such empathy towards Rolf. Viv Goldberg  (Routman), Leith Conybeare (Creed), Greg Doran and Terry Roberts travelled from the Eastern States and were also able to attend the school Open Day and the annual all-years Reunion. They each made a short speech about life at school and since, and jointly cut the Centenary cake. Terry commented on how pleased he was to find out during the open day tour that the school was once again a selective school. Leith had everyone laughing with her 'far out' stories. Greg had some stories of 'the hole' and a hitherto secret tale about Deputy Head Doug Collins upon catching him smoking, admonishing him with some sarcastic lines from a classic poem. Greg said he had been the lucky recipient of a kidney transplant, and therefore considered himself very fortunate to be able to attend this reunion 25 years later.

Like the film documentary series ‘Seven Up’ that traced the lives of a disparate group of British schoolchildren at school and every 7 years later, the booklets of biographies that have been produced for each of the five reunions held gives a snapshot of the evolution of the lives of the Mod. Class of 1958. Around 60 people submitted some details of their lives and hopes and photos for publication, and many others sent a Reunion Message, so there are over 90 entries in all in the bound booklet This time round the things that stand out in the bios were: friendships with classmates that have lasted strongly for over five decades since we left Mod; still working at 70 and enjoying it (for about 15% of the group); family, 'Life in retirement is still busy!'; volunteer work; travel for the lucky ones; health problems; replacement knee or hip; coping with the loss of loved ones; being involved as a grandparent; a 50th Wedding Anniversary; comfort through religion; painting; playing bridge. The booklet has since been mailed out to those who sent an apology for not being able to attend, which has been appreciated especially by those who live overseas, in the Eastern States or in country WA. The Reunion Committee comprised Peter Farr, Clive Nelthorpe and Bruce McCallum.

50 Year Reunion of the Class of 1960

The Class of 1960 held their 50 Year reunion over a weekend in October.  A Saturday night Dinner off campus was followed by a Sunday Picnic at the school.  A Class Photo (right) was taken and a weekend of renewal of friendships was had.  Chief organiser was Ed Lazarus. On the Sunday a tour of the school was made, viewing both the older buildings and some of the newest buildings.  Highlight for many was the opening of the bell tower and being allowed to ring the bell.

Thirty Year Reunion of the Class of 1980.

The Class of 1980 met in October and were pleased that they had not aged.  That was until their year coordinator, Steve Lowry, told them that when he was their coordinator he was their age.  They couldn't believe that at 37 he looked so old to them.  After that they viewed themselves in a different light. Again it was great to be back on the campus to visit old haunts and to see the changes before heading off to a local restaurant for dinner and talk - for some until 3.00 a.m.!!

Class of 1970 - a Forty Year Reunion

On Saturday, 13 November 2010, we, the “class of 1970”, held our 40th anniversary of emancipation. 28 ex students plus some partners coming from Albany, Nannup, York, Yanchep and all parts of the metropolitan area, were brave enough to re-enter our old school once again. “Ce” was the very first to arrive followed by her life-long friend Libby soon afterwards.

We assembled in the hallowed “old-new” school hall and were ably addressed by Associate Principal Val Furphy, who brought us up-to-date with the school history since our departure, and aptly set the scene for the school tour which followed.

We were awed, impressed, honoured and inspired (in that order) as we progressed around the school grounds, through the buildings of Thomas Street Primary School, through the old science block to the new performing arts building with its purple ”green room”,  school library, internet café and refreshment facilities.

Viewing the salubrious accommodation and facilities available to the students of “today”, we (the students of “yesterday”) found ourselves wondering…..and falling short of being able to fulfill the expectations and reach the benchmarks set by the students of “today”.  The words “they don’t fail” lingered long in our minds as we reached the final stage of the tour; the school roof in order to ring the bell…..to signal that school was “out” and it was once again, time to go.

Of course we were now well and truly old enough to drive, so we merrily continued on to the Wembley Hotel where we were joined by another 7 old Modernians.

Dolf had organized the food and decorated the room with balloons in the school colours. Suzanne made sure that everything was ready, and later called us all to order and entertained us with her great speech. The powerpoint played all night, and just as well that the lights were dim because out of the corner of my eye I observed quite a few hands being squeezed and sweets moments being relived.

We all looked great! Some even more so as the evening wore on. Judy F was voted the overall winner of the “wonderwoman” quest; and young David G would not tell us where he was hiding his “elixir of youth”.  Barbara was presented with a lovely surprise; a signed copy of the Perth Modern School History. Thank you!

“When can we do it again?, they all said. At least when the Golden Jubilee comes around in 10 years, we will all have retired and will have more time.  It will be really interesting who see who can climb onto the roof to ring the bell then? I dare you – see you there!