18 September 2017
On Friday 15 September, Fahan School welcomed back over 100 alumni for the annual Alumni Reunion Weekend. Alumni from 1947-51, 1957-61, 1967, 1977, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2012 and 2016 were invited to return to the School and participate in a number of activities planned over the course of the weekend.
The Reunion activities began with the popular Alumni v Student Sport matches in netball and hockey taking place over lunch. The teams were cheered on by students from around the School who were drawn to the oval with a sausage sizzle and music. In the end, the students were victorious in the netball match and the alumni were crowned champions in the hockey.
A tour of the School followed the trophy presentations, and was attended by alumni from all years who enjoyed seeing the changes made to the School since their departure.
On Friday evening, the School hosted a Welcome Back to Fahan Cocktail Party for over 100 alumni on Level Two of the Senior School. Overlooking magnificent views, the alumni enjoyed reliving fond memories and exchanging stories about their time at Fahan over a drink and some canapés.
An Alumni Lunch was held at the new venue, Seagrass, on Saturday 16 September and was attended by around 70 alumni from the Class of 1957 through to 2012. Over a delicious three-course lunch, they relished the opportunity to connect again with their peers.
“I look forward to the Reunion Weekend each year because the energy it creates is infectious. From alumni who haven’t seen each other for long stretches, to those who still keep in regular contact, the laughter and tears always flow. We are connected no matter where we are in the world and it is a unique feeling that we all share, “ said President of the Fahan School Alumni Association and Class of 1997, Kate Langridge.
“For the leavers of 1957, this weekend has been very special and a lot of fun. The bonds of friendship forged all those years ago were taken up again as if we had only seen each other yesterday. With much laughter, we recalled the mischief we got up to and our memories of teachers. We all agreed that Fahan had given us so much, beyond the sphere of education to an enduring sense of shared values. We all hope we can come back together in 2027!” commented leavers from the Class of 1957
“I found the reunion weekend a wonderful trip down memory lane with an amazing group of girls. All of the events were beautifully organised and created a lovely relaxed environment for re-engaging with old friends,” said Jill Abel, Class of 1987.
"There was no way I was going to miss our 20 year reunion. The weekend has been such a great opportunity to catch up with everyone and what they have been doing for the last 10 years. It’s amazing how, although everyone is paving their own path, we can get together and talk endlessly about everything and anything like we only saw each other yesterday! How lucky we are to be a part of the wonderful Fahan Community," said Catherine Davies, Class of 1997.
“I booked my flights the minute I received the dates for the reunion – there wasn’t a chance I was going to miss out reminiscing and catching up on six years that shaped my life. My fellow Fahanies, although spread far and wide, mean a great deal to me. Prior to the cocktail party, I was about to get in the car to drive up to Fahan and noticed I felt light in the head and had shakey hands! It was the pure excitement and anticipation of catching up with the 33 other girls that I shared my Fahan experience with. I’m forever grateful for my years at Fahan and catching up with my fellow Fahanies has brought back so many happy, hilarious and wonderful memories, ” commented Sarah Hopkins, Class of 1997.
“I have such fond memories of my time at Fahan and was very much looking forward to catching up with the peers I spent so much time with and who ultimately had some influence in shaping the person I am today. It was a lovely opportunity to catch up with past and present friends in a warm and inviting environment and so lovely to see the School again,” remarked Christel Helmers (nee Armstrong), Class of 1997.
“As I left the cocktail party on Friday night, I commented to Sara Quinn (Woodhouse) that it is the most bizarre feeling to be a capable, intelligent, educated, confident woman and walk into a School where the building smell alone brings a feeling of safety greater than anything known since. Then to seamlessly join a conversation with a bunch of girls we haven’t seen for 10 years, as easily as if we’d just come in from a history lesson with Mr Williamson. These girls are and always will be my sisters, because they were the people we spent the most time with for so long,” said Melinda Briton (Newell), Class of 1997
Fahan Principal, Tony Freeman, said “The Fahan School Alumni Association committee members have worked tirelessly with the School to host another successful Alumni Reunion Weekend. The passion and enthusiasm they display is echoed in the sentiments of returning alumni.”
