St Mary's Alumni | Old Girls' Day

As Johannesburg bursts into spring, St Mary’s Old Girls meet to enjoy the companionship and rekindle friendships of past years. Old Girls’ Day is filled with laughter, interest and excitement. Each year, a special reunion group is celebrated: 10 year, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60 and even 70 year reunions are held. These are wonderful opportunities to reconnect with past school friends.

The day begins with a morning Chapel Service followed by tours of the School campus. Old Girls’ memories are resurrected as familiar classrooms are visited and there is much interest in the new development. Cultural interests are catered for with an exhibition of current pupils’ art and the mellow sounds of the Jazz Band. For those more familiar with the sports field, a hotly-contested Hockey match between the Old Girls XI and the St Mary’s 1st Team is played on the Astroturf. After the Chairperson has addressed everyone, the prestigious Old Girls’ Awards are presented. The Headmistress presents a short speech and a delicious lunch is served on the verdant lawns outside SMOGS (St Mary’s Old Girls’) Cottage.

Old girls' day on Saturday morning, 29 September, was a splendid and sunny opportunity for reunions and much reminiscing. The school came alive with the memories of St Mary's matriculants from years stretching over half a decade. The women remembered the buildings and grounds fondly and many commented on the school's substantial growth over the years. Matriculants of 1962 recalled the days when the school was run by nuns while the younger generations formed an old girls' team and beat the St Mary's firsts 3 - 2.The day on a whole seemed to bring back memories of high school days and was enjoyed and appreciated by all who attended.
Clare Walker
Form IV


» Chairperson’s address – Old Girls’ Day 2012 read more
» Special reunion years– Old Girls’ Day 2011read more