What class reunion involves a school tour, a dinner party, a parang lime in August, a visit to the principal and a contribution to the school? That’s the way St Augustine Girls’ High School Class of 1980 chose to celebrate their first ever reunion in August.
These ‘daughters’ of SAGHS hosted an entire week of activities, including a visit with their much-loved principal par excellence, Dr Anna Mahase. This is the legacy of SAGHS. Their students don’t just dream big, they make it happen!
In 2018, two former SAGHS girls - Shirley, a teacher in New York and Sherene, a medical doctor in Trinidad - got together for a lime. The idea of a class reunion was born. The event would be held in 2020 to celebrate 40 years since graduation.
Armed with a sense of purpose, they formed a committee and started locating #plaidsisters all around the world. Plans were made but then COVID-19 arrived. Down but not defeated, the committee waited for three years before selecting the new date - August 2023.
Visiting Dr Anna Mahase
The class of 1980 ensured that part of the reunion was a visit to their much-loved principal, “Aunty Anna”. Dr Mahase has always been on a mission beyond self. She has shaped perceptions about strong, focused, intelligent women. This was especially evident in her message to the class.
“I am very proud of what you have done in your careers, in your marriages, in your families. You could not have done it any other way, other than getting the background from SAGHS. And I will always be your Aunty Anna.”
This feeling of respect and love goes both ways.
Angela commented: “Reuniting with her as an adult - I was in awe of her sense of self, her pride in her accomplishments and her sharp humour.”
Joy, a teacher, said: “Having worked with several principals over the decades I can certainly say that no one comes close in fairness and compassion. She is a true exemplar to the vocation.”
Ingrid described her as “a woman of great character and personality, who instilled respect in all of us. Leading by example she was always well dressed and groomed. A strong and caring human being who will always be loved!”
Caryl spoke admiringly of her commanding presence which inspired respect so many years ago and still does today.
“I learnt what character really meant when Ms Mahase told us, ‘Cheer loudly but never boo. It brings down a fellow human being’.”
And finally, Janice voiced the collective feelings of the group when she said: “A big ‘Thank You’ to Aunty Anna for her inspiration, discipline and the values instilled into every one of her students. Knowing today that she is proud of us and will always be our guiding star.”
Reconnecting with a sense of purpose
Reunion week kicked off on Friday August 11 with a highly anticipated visit back to the hallowed halls of SAGHS. The old auditorium where students met for prayer every day, was now air-conditioned and several areas upgraded with special attention to the library and the Science wing. Regardless of all the amazing improvements, there was one undeniable fact - sitting at their desks in their former classrooms, they felt as if time stood still.
Saturday August 12 was the formal dinner party where 32 former SAGHS girls reunited, many for the first time in 43 years. Friendships re-sparked instantly. The event started with a prayer; a habit acquired from daily assembly back in school days.
The reunion has sparked a new light in the hearts and minds of the former students.
Angela who flew in from the US for the event, said it all: “Reconnecting with my SAGHS sisters made me realize that a big part of my life had been missing. The maturity, compassion, respect, humour, intelligence, and love that I encountered, has filled me with light!”
Submitted by Class of 1980