Kim Monteiro
Auckland, August 29, 2024
July 2024 marked a momentous occasion for the alumni of Mumbai’s St Annes High School in Aotearoa, New Zealand, as they gathered for their inaugural reunion event to commemorate the Feast of St Anne. The historic event, held in Auckland brought together former students and teachers from both the North and South Island of New Zealand, representing six decades of the school’s rich 100-year history. The presence of alumni spanning sixty years highlighted the school’s longstanding impact and the timeless nature of its educational philosophy ‘With Love and Faith Alone’. It was an evening that was filled with nostalgia, camaraderie, and a shared sense of belonging as memories of school days were fondly recalled and celebrated in line with the school’s philosophy.
About the Event
St Anne’s High School, a school renowned for its high academic, sports and extracurricular achievements, has educated generations of students, many of whom have made New Zealand their home. The event was held at Christ the King Parish Hall, Owairaka, Auckland and was attended by thirty ex-students and teachers living in New Zealand, and their whānau. The venue was decorated with memorabilia like school photos, school history, school flags and banners that took the alumni back to their school days. The alumni event provided a unique opportunity for individuals to reconnect with old friends and mentors. One ex-student said, “It’s been ages since I had met any of the boys”. Another ex-student exclaimed, “I did not that know that some of the people here in New Zealand were alumni or former teachers of St Annes. Now that I know, I can renew my connection with my alma mater through them.”
To enrich this event, former principals and teachers from India sent in their heartfelt messages and blessings via video, social media, and email. One message said, “You are all away from your motherland, but not away from all of us, from our heritage and our culture.” These messages united the alumni in New Zealand to their origins. The alumni attending the event acknowledged the dedication of the principals and teachers who with their positive influence played pivotal roles in shaping student’s lives.
Alumni events play a crucial role in building a supportive network of people of Indian origin who have relocated to New Zealand. They offer opportunities for professional networking, mentorship, and community engagement. The event saw an exchange of valuable insights, and career path discussions, and explored potential collaborations. The reunion thus extended beyond socialising, paving the way forward for future endeavours and partnerships within the community.
Organising Committee
The event was organised by a group of former teachers and students within three weeks, with the theme ‘Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi | With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive.’ A planning committee member stated that “It was a challenge to get an alumni event organised in three weeks’ in time for the feast of St Anne because we did not have an established contact list of alumni and teachers in New Zealand. However, together we were able to promptly spread the message and build the network. In true St Anne’s spirit, our people came together and shared their talents and resources, this was the true catalyst to the success of the inaugural alumni event in New Zealand.”
The organising committee expressed their gratitude to all who attended and contributed to making the event a resounding success. They also emphasised the importance of staying connected and encouraged alumni to grow the network of St Anne’s alumni in New Zealand. The alumni are dedicated to organising future events and activities that will further strengthen the newly rekindled connections and further support the growing alumni community. The organisers can be contacted via St Anne’s High School (Orlem), Alumni New Zealand Facebook page.
In conclusion, the inaugural St Anne’s alumni event in Aotearoa, New Zealand was a heartfelt and joyous occasion that brought together individuals from different walks of life, united by their shared educational journey. It underscored the importance of alumni events in fostering a sense of community, preserving cultural ties, and providing a support network for Indians living abroad. The success of this event has set the stage for future reunions and initiatives, to ensure that the legacy of St Annes High School continues to thrive wherever her alumni are.
Kim Monteiro is a Member of the Organising Committee, St Anne’s Alumni NZ. The pictures appearing here were supplied by him.
