June 2011.pub - BHS Alumni Association Toronto Chapter

THE SCHOOL TIE
BHS Alumni Association (Toronto) Chapter
Volume 18 Issue 1
December 2011
From the President
Fellow Alumni:
What a year this has been, on every level! …and how it has flown by! Perhaps because there was always a rush
- from one thing to the next, particularly for our Chapter.
Since our last Newsletter, we received another award: a 2010 Ontario Newcomer Championship Award in June,
resulting in our Chapter being invited to send two representatives to meet Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip
during their Royal visit to Toronto, July 2010. This was followed by the Last Lap Lime that August where we set
up an information tent, which was well received. September, we were busy planning for our fantastic 25th Anniversary celebrations, held on October 25th, 2010 at the Grand Baccus Banquet Hall. It was a most enjoyable
event which showcased some of the young talent of our Guyanese heritage. We took a breather from the
Christmas Brunch for 2010 but continued with our annual “Christmas Cheer”- shopping, packing and deliveries, while simultaneously prepared for our 2011 BHSAA/QCAA joint Twelfth Night dance, and our May Hatters’
Tea Party held on May 14, 2011. There were the Reunion 2011 plans- organizing our participation in the program; also dealing with deadlines for registration, flights, hotels, reports, and souvenir magazine items. By the
time we caught our breath, Reunion was upon us. Our Chapter’s skit was written; participants volunteered and
others were ‘voluntold’; scripts were changed from rehearsal #1 to rehearsal#3……but at the end of the day,
everyone stepped up to the plate and we did a great job, which brought the house down with laughter in Jamaica. The final production was unrehearsed and each one just brought their own unique flavour.
Reunion 2011 slowed down the pace a little. We were together in one resort. School friends had breakfast together; lunch and outings with others; swam with some; dined, danced and sang together. As many reminisced, old memories climbed to the surface, including memories of those who were unable to attend or have
gone on to another dimension. It was fantastic from the Welcome Reception through to the hilarious Sports
Day, and the absolutely beautiful singing at the Commemoration service held in the Chapel at the University
of the West Indies, Mona Campus. It gave us goose bumps!
Then it all culminated with swaying of hips, hands in the air and the grooving at the Dinner Dance, which left
many with bare feet and sore feet. Some even went to their rooms and came back in a fresh set of clothes and
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The School Tie
comfortable footwear for the final tunes.
Personal and collective bonds were tightened and
decisions were made on ways in which to help our
alma mater, to ensure that the “Legacy Lives On.” I
have discovered that Bishops’ alumni have an unwavering passion for their school, and their friendship
bonds.
Right after Reunion came the Last Lap Lime and the
introduction of a new vendor approach to food sales.
Everything continued to be punctuated with meetings- Skype meetings, General Meetings, the sad
passing of relatives and friends close to our hearts;
personal life happenings with their own stresses in
the lives of many. But we made it through and here
we are preparing for 2012 and planning the Twelfth
Night Dance, as well as shopping for more books for
the BHS library to be shipped with any required computer hardware for the BHSAA sponsored computer
lab.
I used to think that limitations only existed in the
mind, and that anything could be done once you put
your mind to it. However, there are some other limitations that we encounter as we grow wiser
….physical, financial, health and even emotional limitations. I have found myself facing some life happenings and personal challenges, and I did not think I
could provide the leadership you deserved, while distracted by such. Therefore I decided to step down
from the position of President.
My request for the new year is that we strengthen
our bonds with each other and help by greater participation in our Chapter’s undertakings. Often, the
same few unsung heroes continue slugging away;
sometimes it becomes overwhelming. If you have
skills, talents, a little time and/or energy, don’t wait to
be asked, just make contact, communicate and contribute accordingly. There is much to learn and much
to be done. There are changes to be made, and embraced. Let us do it.. do it together!
Sharena Annamunthodoo
December 4, 2011
Christmas Cheer
Location TBA
January 7, 2012
12th Night Dance
Thornhill Community
Centre
February, 2012
General Meeting
Location TBA
June, 2012
Annual General Meeting
Location TBA
August 6, 2012
Last Lap Lime
Location Woodbridge Firgrounds
January 5, 2013
12th Night Dance
Thorn hill Community Centre
THANKS
The Toronto Chapter would like to
thank those alumni who took the me
to send in their subscripons. We encourage alumni
who have not paid their dues to do so. A new year began on May 1st and we hope alumni will connue to
support our efforts with their subscripons.
The School Tie
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BHS 2010
It has taken me almost 2 months to write this article. I have been
back from Guyana since October 23 and have been meaning to get
down to writing but seemed never to get to it. It is now 2011 so as
part of my New Year’s resolutions I will start.
In October 2010 I spent 3 weeks at BHS. I spent most of the time
in the Computer Room doing maintenance on the pc’s there. We now
have 37 computers in the Lab, 7 in the Library, 2 in the General
Office and 1 in the Staff Room.
During my time there the School was busy. When I first got there I
wondered why the students were marching and why there were so
many of them outside. Of course I asked and was told that Friday
October 8th was Sports Day. At Sports Day there is a March Past of
the Houses and that was what the marching was all about – I could
have sworn I was at some military facility with the constant “left,
right, left, right, left, right” and towards the end of the week there
was also “the drums”! When you live in North America you forget
what it is like to live in the tropics with the windows open, and all
the sounds that come in through those windows.
I saw activity in the hall after school so I stopped by to see what
that was about. It turns out that there is also a “Physical Display” at
Sports and this is judged. There is fierce competition for the bragging rights and all the rehearsals are off-limits to the rival Houses.
I was at the Vyphuis House camp and when they found out I had
been in Victoria House they said I could not watch!
There was also the Standard Points Competition taking place on the
field on the southern side of the School. The students were doing
some Field Events – there is no high jump or long jump any more as
there are no “pits”. I stood looking at the students doing their best
to earn points for their Houses and remembered the Standard
Points Competition with Miss Holder. Whether you could or not, you
were expected to take part. Elimination from events like High Jump,
Long Jump, Javelin and Shot Put was swift for the non-athletes!
Throwing the Cricket Ball was easier!
and all the Fundraising but there is not a Girls’ Sports Team of
any kind! I wonder why?
On my last day at the School we celebrated Dewar House Day. I
could not believe my luck! I had been there once for Baskett
House Day but here I was being able to celebrate my own House
Day. The entire celebration was planned and executed by the
students. They were the M.Cs, the presenters and the audience.
It was really well done. The teachers sat at the back and
watched.
Alas, it was time to leave. Bishops’ High School continues to be a
hub of activity. There always seems to be something going on.
There have also been some encouraging happenings this school
year. For the first time ever there are 2 Lower Sixth Forms!
Normally, there are barely enough students to fill one Sixth
Form as they all leave to attend QC. This year the school has
attracted enough students from other schools and enough of
their own to make up 2 Forms. Hopefully, some day in the near
future BHS will again be able to offer Sixth Form Sciences. The
Labs still require quite a bit of work before this can happen.
While I was working in the Computer Room I “hired” a few helpers. A couple of boys came in to see what I was doing. It turned
out they were from the Fourth Form and were actually taking
Information Technology. They asked if they could help. Next
thing I know there was 6 of them. They came by every time they
had a free period and helped with the updating of the computers
and doing all the physical work that needed to be done. I showed
them how to do some trouble-shooting and left them “in charge”
of the room. I told them that for the next 2 years (until they
finish Fifth Form) they are in charge. They are taking the responsibility seriously! We communicate on Facebook and Skype.
Modern technology is fabulous! We now have “BHS Techies” –
Ravie Elliott, Al Ahmad Omar, Rene Tucker, Tariq Baksh, Kaibian
Daly and Mustapha Kadir.
Denise C. Archer
Sports Day was as I remembered. Everyone was in uniform, the
gates locked to non-BHS personnel! I don’t remember the sun being
that hot! The March Past was colorful and very well done. The Physical Displays were spectacular. The many hours of hard work showed.
I can’t remember which House won but I know it wasn’t mine! There
are several really good athletes at BHS and they dominated the
track events. Sadly, there are no prizes given out any more.
Life was back to normal the following week. I am still amazed how
the children react to an adult walking down the corridors at BHS –
they greet you, move aside to let you by, and they still walk on the
left hand side of the corridor. There is General Assembly twice a
week and House Assembly once a week. Cricket was on and the boys
went off to play several times while I was there. They play Table
Tennis in the Hall at lunch time, and of course Basketball on the
“Netball” Court every day at lunch and sometimes after school.
Unfortunately, there does not seem to be any Sport for the girls at
the school. They seem to be in charge of all the Cultural Activities
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The School Tie
A VISIT TO KENYA
JAMBO!! JAMBO!! … Project Kenya 2010: Keeping a
dream alive and making a difference in the lives of
women and children
Last year I responded to an invitation from BHS
alumnus, Floreen Forde, to accompany her on her
third goodwill trip to Kenya in August to continue
her work with the Women’s Ecumenical Daycare
and Support Centre in the Ngong Hills, north of Nairobi. The team from Toronto included two other
BHS alumni, Rochelle Boodie and Lynette McKenzie;
we were joined by two of Floreen’s friends from
New Jersey who met us in Nairobi – Nicole Rolston
and Allison Moorman, both nurses.
This was my second trip to Kenya since my first visit
in 1975. At that time, Kenya was the second African
country I had visited, the first being Ethiopia. I was
privileged to have the experience of both trips as a
result of my five-year involvement with the Central
Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC),
beginning in 1971. I had opportunities for limited
sightseeing in 1975. Though I was viewing these
countries through younger, different eyes, nevertheless, the experiences had a deep personal impact. These trips sparked a strong interest and passion for international development issues - poverty,
injustice, plight of women, education.
For a long time I have wanted to go back to the continent and, in some small way, to make a contribution. When I first learned of Floreen’s project in
2008, I felt the calling. However, 2008 was Reunion
year and it was bad timing. In 2009, notice of the
trip was short and personal resources were limited,
but I knew one way or the other that I had to take a
leap of faith in 2010 and make it happen. There
would be no more excuses and worrying about how
to make this journey. I needed to put aside the discouragement of past years in my efforts to “get a
foot in the door” in pursuing my dream of international development work. Last summer, there were
no professional pursuits nor personal commitments
in the way. So, Project Kenya 2010 became a personal mission in many respects. It was also an attempt to assess the situation on the ground for myself, to find out what was doable for me and where I
could make a connection in my own small way.
Overall, the 19-day trip, with its action-packed itinerary, was most rewarding and fulfilling. We met some
remarkable women like Esther Wanjohi, the founder
and director of the Ecumenical Centre who gave up
her profession as a teacher to devote herself fulltime to support and empower women who are impacted by HIV/AIDS. It was humbling and inspiring to
hear and witness the personal commitments, sacrifices and dedication of these women to improving
the life chances of other women and more importantly, helping and nurturing children to survive,
grow and perhaps, dare to dream. Yet, as we experienced the circumstances of the children in the three
orphanages that we visited in the Taita and Mwatate
communities, I was left wondering about their future
because of the limited capacity of the these heroic
guardians to provide for them in a sustained way.
The orphanages benefit from the goodwill of international organizations and visitors like ourselves. In
Mwatate, the community operates the orphanage
and rescue centre with the help of volunteers.
Thanks to our relatives, friends, co-workers, parishioners, BHS alumni and classmates, acquaintances,
we raised sufficient money to buy and distribute 22
dairy goats, 46 water tanks, 180 blankets, and 22 sets
of school uniforms. We also took with us in excess of
420 lbs of school supplies, books, medical supplies,
clothing that we received as donations or supplied
by ourselves. For the three orphanages, it was a joy
to go on the shopping expedition and buy foodstuff
and other needed items. That day was special and a
highlight of our trip as we went from orphanage to
orphanage, meeting the children and seeing the
smiles and excitement in their faces. Also heartfelt,was the day we distributed the uniforms to the
children from a place referred to as Plot 10. A few
weeks before our arrival, the families who were living on this site were displaced because the owner of
the property had decided to renovate the building.
The children were not going to school because they
had no uniforms. By the time we arrived in the country, the women from the Ecumenical Centre had taken care of sewing the uniforms, knitting the sweat-
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In traditional dress
ers and making the shoes. Among our donations
were green cloth backpacks and we filled these with
school supplies, toiletries and snacks together with
the uniforms. As a result of these uniform kits, the
children of Plot 10 were able to go to school last September.
Another hero in our adventure was Daniel, Esther’s
husband, who shared his wife’s vision and had joined
forces with her to carry out her work. He made the 5
-hour trip to his hometown to negotiate the purchase
of the goats with some of the dairy farmers of Kenya.
It took him several days to convince the farmers to
sell him 22 of these specially-bred dairy goats. This
was no easy feat, travel and all. The jubilation of the
families who received goats was touching. They
would not only have fresh milk to drink but, more
importantly, the milk from these special-bred goats
provide a booster for the immune system for those
who are infected with the AIDS disease.
Doctor Victor Kireti, another partner in our trip, arranged for us to participate in a one-day free medical
camp in Taita, his home region. This was an amazing
experience. About 1800 people received services
that day. Nicole and Allison donned their scrubs and
were part of the volunteer medical team. The rest of
us undertook intake and documentation services. Dr.
Kireti also arranged a visit to the children’s orthopedic ward of the Jomo Kenyatta National Hospital
where we provided snacks and presented books,
games, movies, a DVD player and replaced the broken TV in the ward.
Delivery of the goats
I was blessed to make this journey and to make a
difference in some small way in this region of my ancestors. I remain saddened about the tremendous
needs, and especially the plight of women and children infected by HIV/AIDS. Yet, I am encouraged by
the hope, passion and indomitable spirit of the people themselves to shape their destiny. On their behalf, I say Asante Sana (thank you) and blessings to all
donors of Project Kenya 2010 for your generosity of
spirit. We could not accomplish all that we did without your support.
Peggy Edwards
Line-up for Medical attention
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The School Tie
BURSARY AWARDS 2010
Congratulations go out to the 2010 – 2011 BHS Toronto Alumni Bursary Award winners. They were
Juliana Johnson and Gabrielle Farinha. The awards were presented at the September 2010 Alumni
General Meeting held at 42 Division in Scarborough.
Juliana, who received the Olive King Award for Excellence, is the first Award recipient coming directly from
Bishops’ High School in Guyana to York University in Toronto. Juliana received several distinctions in her academic performance at BHS and successfully participated in both elocution and debating competitions. She
is also an athlete whose community services include work in the orphanages, hospitals and churches in Guyana. Juliana was also involved in the production of a live television programme called Youth Expressions,
aimed at showcasing the many talents and diversity of youth from all over Guyana. Congratulations again to
Juliana for achieving the Award for Excellence in memory of Olive King. We wish her good luck in her studies in the Biomedical Field. Juliana was sponsored by her great-aunt, alumna Beverly Stephenson.
Gabrielle is the younger daughter of Vashti and Andrew Farinha. She is the great-niece of Beryl Abdool and
Norma Annamunthodoo and the niece of her sponsor, Sharena Annamunthodoo, all alumni of Bishops’. Gabrielle was an active community worker in her school, Mary Ward Catholic School, and in the larger community. She is a student at Ryerson University and is studying Criminal Justice. We wish her success in her studies.
Supporting our young people in furthering their education at a higher level is one of the tenets of the Bursary Award Programme. We also encourage them to share their knowledge and talent with the community and
take a more active role in fostering community and intergenerational relationships. All the very best in the
future, Juliana and Gabrielle!
Patricia Moore
Chair
Bursary Awards Commi(ee
Gabrielle’s mother, aunt and grandmother
accepting the bursary on her behalf
Juliana with her grandparents and
members of the Bursary Committee
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BURSARY AWARDS 2011
The BHS Board, in its wisdom, has decided to change the amount of the Bursary Award to $1000, a0er being $500 for
14 years.
Our talented and deserving Bursary Award winners this year are:
Valerie Ann Freemantle
Ashley Duarte-Devlin
Kadaisha Gibson-Samuels
These three young ladies achieved the highest academic credenals and displayed the most diverse qualies in volunteerism and cizenship, giving back to many deserving communies, even in a global sense.
Valerie Freemantle, grand-daughter of Berl Thompson, is a(ending the University of Guelph in a program of Environmental Science. She has a litany of volunteer experience, including being a camp leader and organizer for Girl Guides
of Canada, organizer, fundraiser and president of an Environmental Council and a Social Jusce Council, worked with
UNICEF and a canvasser for the Kidney Foundaon and sll found me to be an altar server. For Valerie’s high academic standards, diverse and connuous community work, strong leadership skills and an excellent all-rounder, she
was awarded the special Olive King Award for Excellence.
Ashley Duarte-Devlin, grand-daughter of Waveney Duarte and great-niece of Hazel Campayne, is a(ending Trent University, majoring in psychology. Her volunteer experience includes being the founder and president of Kidz 4 Kidz, responsible for the enre operaon from website to fundraising acvies. She is also involved in raising money to help
children in South Africa a(end and remain in school. Great work, Ashley!
Kadaisha Gibson-Samuels is a(ending York University, involved in a program of Social Work. Her unique volunteer
experience includes caring for disabled children in the Red Roof Retreat Program. She also restches bed sheets for
the Glenridge Child Care Centre. Well done, Kadaisha!
Congratulaons to all our recipients and we wish you all the very best in your studies. Connue the good community
work and encourage other young people to become posively involved in their communies. We, as a society, desperately need young people to become more involved and help to carry on the many legacies we inherited.
Patricia Moore, Chair of the Bursary Award Committee
Ashley and family
Kadaisha and family
Valerie and family
Page 8
The Red Bag And The Leg Are Mine
The School Tie
use simply because I was going to be ‘retired’.
And experiencing a country as a volunteer can’t
be beat for truly learning about the people, their
way of life, and the culture.
Realities for MSF in South Sudan
(Some recollections from my 14 months in South
Sudan)
I love to travel. Always have. But being an
‘eternal tourist’ (which the locals must sometimes label as ‘infernal tourists’ for me has
short-term appeal only. I retired early
enough to be able to continue to travel – and
to volunteer in some of the countries I would
visit.
Joining Doctors Without Borders (MSF)
South Sudan turned out to be one of those
countries. I joined Doctors Without Borders
(Medecins Sans Frontiers – MSF) for a 12month contract as the HR Coordinator in
that beautiful, troubled and very challenging
country. It must have been OK – I stayed on
for another two months to see the project
through South Sudan’s Referendum to separate from North Sudan. Yes, I was there
when the newest country on the planet was
born. (Just missed seeing George Clooney
when he came to Juba, though)!
Why volunteering? Well, I know I am one of
the lucky ones in the overall scheme of
things; I received an excellent foundational
education in Guyana which continued here in
Canada. Then there was the terrific experience, skills and training I gained during my
years at Enbridge. It just seemed a waste to
not continue to put that knowledge to good
The leadership team for the MSF South Sudan
project is in the capital of South Sudan, Juba, so
as a member of that team, I was based there.
There is much development and construction
going on in Juba which coexists with the many
small-groupings of family tukuls (round huts)
that are still home to many of the poor who live
in the city. There’s been a huge push to pave
roads within Juba, so there’s some reduction in
the red dust that prevails in the city. The few
roads leading out of the city, (where they exist),
are unpaved and not navigable during the wet
season. To get to Juba one must fly in (daily
flights from Kenya, weekly flights from Ethiopia
and Uganda) and there is some travel by river
(the Nile). And by foot, of course!
When I started with them in February 2010, MSF
had three projects in rural S Sudan (well, it’s
pretty much ALL rural in S Sudan) and even then,
after all our years in that country, the only surefire way to get our medicines, materials and volunteers to the projects is by plane.
About 90% of our needs in the projects have to
be flown in; there is extremely little available in
the local markets where our projects exist.
There are lots of miscellaneous plastic and other
junk from China with an incredible built-in ‘now
useless’ factor, but extremely little in terms of
vegetables of any sort, 99% of food as we know
it, or general supplies. Fresh meat, if there is
any, would be goat (one gets VERY sick of goat
meat!) or sometimes tough-so-as-to-be-inedible
beef. Cows, which are a measure of wealth for S
Sudanese (buys you wives), are not slaughtered
often.
Things like building materials and most other necessities that cannot be found in the villages
where we are located or things too big to be
flown in on the tiny 9-seater planes (even with
The School Tie
the seats removed for cargo), are sent in from
Juba in the dry season. The journey takes 6-8
weeks. (In case you’re wondering why larger
planes aren’t sent in, where our projects are located we’re still at the stage where the pilots
coming in to land on the dirt airstrips have to
do a fly-over to buzz the cows and goats off the
strip. In the rainy season they also fly by to see
for themselves (regardless of what the staff on
the ground tell them) if it’s ‘landable’). I kid
you not.
So what were my responsibilities?
Mostly, my work was HR and administrative –
and very varied; from creating advertisements
to replace expats coming to the end of their
missions and arranging telephone interviews,
then booking their flights in to and leaving S
Sudan – for start/end of missions or holidays.
Then there was finalizing and communicating
the Internal Regulations (the rules and regulations for local staff that take into account MSF
requirements AND the Labour Law of S Sudan).
Then there was the time-consuming (and costly
for MSF) task of ensuring the many and various
visas and work permits were in order for the 60
-odd expat staff (whose contracts ranged from 1
-12 months). With the above and the requirement to have everything for local staff approved by the Ministry of Labour (job advertisements, dismissals, the IR’s I mentioned
above, to name a few), a 65+ hour week was
quite normal. (Yes, I can see how some of you
must think I’m nuts!).
Life at the MSF S Sudan project sites
The flight rotation to each of the projects is
every 10 days. Flights from our supply centre in
Kenya carrying medicines, fresh food and MSF
volunteers stop in Juba once a month to pick
up salaries for local staff in the projects. Given
that priority for refrigeration space is for medicines, usually the fresh food has to be eaten by
day 7 or 8, sometimes sooner depending on
what was flown in. It becomes a (sometimes)
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fun exercise to see what can be created from
the canned food in storage when fresh food is
gone and the plane cannot land – sometimes
for several days. The most creative meal we
came up with in one of the projects: chopped
canned wieners in (unidentifiable, canned) orange-colored beans. It didn’t taste too bad,
actually, but definitely miss-able fare if there’s
an option. Take my word for it.
In each of our three projects there’s a site hospital and only two of the locations have capacity to do surgeries. If a surgery needs to be
done for a patient at the third project who
can’t wait until the next flight rotation, the
patient is ‘green-lighted’ on approval of the
Head of Mission (person responsible for the
South Sudan project) and the Medical Coordinator, and a plane is sent in (a 2.5 hour flight)
from our supply centre in northern Kenya, to
fly the patient to one of our other hospitals.
You might ask, why just not send the patient
to another hospital…maybe a ministry of
health facility? The simple answer: there ARE
no other hospitals in the areas where we operate, and the resources and staffing in the few
clinics (where there are any) are atrocious.
Just over three of my 14 months in S Sudan
were spent in the projects. Life there was
pretty primitive but the most beautiful and
enjoyable of my months in that country.
Why do I say this? First, the local staff in the
projects (about 180+ in each project) were, to
a person, a smiling, simple, kind and friendly
bunch. All our staff are supposed to be hired
with an ability to speak SOME English (not
always the case, however) and I learned some
basic Nuer (the predominant tribe in our areas
of operation) words. But with lots of smiles
and gesticulations (and sometimes with the
help of an interpreter, I confess, when the
message was too important to be misinterpreted) we made ourselves understood.
As well, nighttime was a complete, peaceful
silence when the generators were turned off
(they would only be kept on if a patient was
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on oxygen). And the accommodation – tukul
with a mattress on wooden bed (which I took
outside for the cooler night air whenever it was
not raining, to sleep under my mosquito net…
and under the stars) - was quite comfortable.
It was an absolute treat to awaken and lie in
bed watching the busy-ness of the birds starting
their day, and watch the fat, red sun (just like
you see in the pictures of Africa) creep over the
horizon. And to know that at the end of the
day that same sun would have warmed the
water for the delicious showers under the stars.
(After the heat and grime of the day, ‘delicious’
was the only word that fit the feeling of getting
that particular kind of clean).
What would I be happy to not have had as
part of the experience? The frog, which even
when I had the guards take it outside the compound, made its way back to my room in Juba
every night for months; the 35-45 degree C
temperatures (try sleeping in that heat!) In the
one project where I couldn’t sleep outside (and
given there was no electricity for a fan), I
learned to fan myself pretty much during my
sleep; never knew a person’s neck could sweat
that much!!). And the final thing? The one project with the squat-latrine (yes, I do know it
was the most sanitary as latrines go…but I still
didn’t like it).
So, now about the title of this article
It so happens that during the 25 years of civil
war (which ended in 2005), many S Sudanese
lost whole or parts of limbs to land mines and
other realities of warfare. The Red Cross has a
program in Juba to build prostheses for patients we bring in from our projects. The patients are measured, fitted and trained to use
the new limb and we take them back to the
projects with their new prostheses. Problems
arise when adjustments need to be made to a
prosthesis. The doctors at our projects measure
for adjustments and the prosthesis is carried to
the Red Cross by expats heading to Juba from
the projects. Enter Tara, at the baggage claim
melee in Juba – picking up a leg that almost
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reached to my chest (the Nuer are a TALL people!) and my red travel bag.
Novel experience! All of it!
Tara Seon (nee Prashad)
Derek Moses, past-President of
our TO Chapter, is a brand new
father. He and is wife, Prea,
welcomed their son Ethan at
9:49pm on Thursday May 26.
Ethan, weighing 6 lbs 11 ozs is a healthy
and happy baby boy.
Our congratulations go out to Dad,
Mom and Ethan.
Diane and Ibrahim El Amin (Kerry) are
now the happy grandparents of 2
grandsons - Ncholas was born on November 9, 2010 - his cousin Eliot in
Brussels is now two and a half.
The School Tie
LAST LAP LIME 2011
Last Lap Lime 2011 was a huge success. In spite of
the fact that there were no
School or GT Lime Reunions lots
of people showed up. Ticket sales
were sll good.
The weather was great – hot as
usual and thankfully dry. The layout of the ground
had been changed and most people said they
liked the new way. The BBQ on the spot was a big
hit – there were long lines at that tent all day.
There was a lot to eat and drink and some kind of
fun for everyone.
Folks also said the entertainment was great and
there was the usual amount of hugging and kissing. I have not heard a negave comment about
the event so far. If you have never been don’t
miss the opportunity in 2010.
We thank all who came from near and far to support this event.
Congratulaons to the folks who worked hard
puDng this all together.
A big thank-you to the BHS alumni who helped
sell our poron of the LLL ckets this year.
A job well-done! See you all on August 2nd!
Denise (Savory) Archer
BHS and St. Joseph’s Alumni
Associaons held a joint Casino Rama trip in November.
It was our first venture together and from all reports, a great success.
Page 11
CHAPTER EVENTS
Twel0h Night Dance 2011
Our 12th Night Dance, held jointly with
the Queen’s College Alumni Associaon,
took place this year on January 9th at the
Thornhill Community Centre. Our cket sales were up
this year and we are very happy about that. Those in
a(endance said they had a fabulous me.
May Ha(ers’ Tea Party 2011
Our Annual Tea Party was held this year on May 1st at
St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Church Hall. It was really well
a(ended this year, in fact it was sold out! Thank you to
all who came.
The food was lovely and so were the hats.
We had the Hat Parade and lots of good
music.. If you have never been to the Tea
Party you should try and come next year—
it is a lovely way to spend a Saturday a0ernoon.
Page 12
The School Tie
COMPUTER LAB
NEW FURNITURE
DONATED TO BHS by the TORONTO CHAPTER
The School Tie
Lamaha Gardens Gathering
Louise Joseph, a horculturist and an avid lover of plants, demonstrated the use of sand, clay and manure as she po(ed a nutmeg
fern. She explained that she uses her bare hands when handling
her plants since she believes that, otherwise, the plants may feel
that she scorns them. Louise said that she speaks to her plants as
they are sensive. She noted that when her husband became ill,
the plants went down so, a0er his death, she had to work hard for
the plants to revive. Some of the ps she gave us were:
* Use soap water for blight.
* Sprinkle Seven dust around the roots of plants o0en infested
with wood ants.
* Use goat manure as it is very good.
* Use coal dust with soil for anthurium lilies and orchids.
* Mix sand with manure for plants like roses.
* Many plants thrive on loose soil.
Later we were served with different beverages and delicacies sweet and savory. We ended with wine.
Seven plants were to be given away. We sat around five tables and
parcipated in a raffle with a difference. No money needed! Pieces
of blank paper, enough to go around the table were put in a hat.
One piece of paper at each table had the word 'plant'. At each table, the person who pulled the word plant received a plant. One of
the remaining plants was given to Jean Sankies who recently lost
her mother and brother, and the other was presented to our hostess, Derry Harry.
It was intended that we should see scenes from Reunion 2011
which was recently held in Jamaica.
Because of a technical difficulty with the big screen, we viewed on
a smaller scale from a laptop, the cultural presentaon staged by
BHSOSA which featured designs of tradional dress and modern
adaptaons of nine African countries done by Donna Ramsammy
James. We were pleased to see that the models were members of
BHSOSA. We hope to see the scenes on another occasion.
by Waveney Dalgety Payne
Page 13
Page 14
Much to do
What makes you weary is not what you have
done.
What makes you feel weary is the thought that
there is so much more you have to do.
What if you were to look at it in a different way,
though?
What if, instead of letting your commitments
and responsibilities make you feel weary, you
could choose for them to make you feel empowered?
Remind yourself that every action you must take
enables you to make your mark on the world.
Each of those commitments and responsibilities
represents an opportunity for you to make a difference.
Consider how empty and meaningless life
would be if there were no one counting on you
to get things done.
Precisely because there is much you must do,
there are many powerful ways you can have a
positive influence on your world.
The School Tie
INTERACTIVE VOLUNTEER
PROGRAM
Are you planning a trip to Guyana this year?
Sign up for the Interactive Volunteer Program
where you spend a day or more at your alma
mater interacting with the students and staff.
Contract any member of the Board to discuss
ways in which you can contribute.
CHAPTERS ON THE NET
Some of our Chapters are now on the
internet—
Toronto www.bhstoronto.com
New York www.bhsnytristate,org
Washington www.bhswashmetro.org
Guyana www.bhsosa.org.gy
London www.bhsukeurope.com
BHS Alumni Hub www.bishopshighschool.com
Instead of resenting or disparaging what you
must do, find a way to connect it to what you
most passionately value.
Instead of falling into a feeling of weariness,
choose to feel the immensity of your opportunity
with eager enthusiasm.
There is much you have to do, and that's great.
For within it all is a life that's rich in meaning,
fulfillment and
joy.
Thanks to all who have taken the time to write us
with comments about the newsletter.
Ralph Marston
However, we do need news from our membership
about anything which would be of interest to our
readers.
Please do not hesitate to send us anything you have
written or any newsworthy items or ideas you may
have.
The School Tie
Page 15
A Prayer
I have wakened in Thy shelter, O my God, and
it becometh him that seeketh that shelter to
abide within the Sanctuary of Thy protecon
and the Stronghold of Thy defense. Illumine
my inner being, O my Lord, with the splendors of the Dayspring of Thy Revelaon, even
as Thou didst illumine my outer being with the
morning light of Thy favor.
Evelyn Rayman—mother of Lanclyn
Beryl Danny—mother of Ann
Celeste Choo-Hum—mother of Jenny
Mildred Clarke—mother of Norma and Esther
Evadne D’Oliveira—mother of Denise
Dorothy Sills– mother of Ann
Stella Morrison—mother of Judy
Bertley Farnum—mother of Rae
Enid Edwards—mother of Marva and Sharon
Julia Duncan—mother of Carol
Cordelia Blair—mother of Sandra
Randolph Isaacs—father of Lynette and Gem
Leonard Whyte—father of Jackie
Martin Stephenson—father of Dingaan
Henry Fraser—father of Anzie and Bernie
Ivan Douglas—father of Meleena
Phillip Payne—brother of Zephine
Rudy Grant—brother of Ornette
Albert Bullen—brother of Pauline
Ingrid Burgan Hazlewood—sister of Marcelle
We remember alumna
Joy Merriman-Duncan
Sandra Plummer
Christine Enniss
Gail-Ann Hamilton
Joan Lord Davis
Phyllis Mae Abraham-Harris
Judith Coggins
Bertley Farnum
Leslyn Hazel-Lyte
We remember in our prayers
Lucille Mongul—mother of Angele and
Claire
Beryl Hinds—mother of Sheila, Grace,
Joyce, Ruth, Desiree and Mignon.
Mother-in-law of Barbara Bowen
Hemraji Tiwari—mother of Rohini and
Amrita
George Jackman—husband of Shirley
Claude Fung—husband of Daphne
Lawrence Stuart—husband of Terry
Armando D’Oliveira—husband of Fay
Leslie Lackhan—husband of Indrani
Ivan Douglas—husband of Syble
Winslow Vickerie—husband of Marva
Stella Chase— aunt of Barbara
He who kneels before God can stand before anyone
If you have any comments or suggestions about the newsletter, please write to us at
Newsletter staff :
Jennifer Cave-Williams
Denise Savory-Archer
BHS Alumni Association (Toronto Chapter)
170-6A The Donway West
Box 700
Don Mills, Ontario, M3C 2E8
or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]