A TREK DOWN MEMORY LANE…by Beverley Pinder OAM
Three Melburnians recently took time to visit their Alma Marter to celebrate its 125th anniversary.
Sharron Paulse (Neydorff), Marina de Niese (Fredericks) and I were last together at St Lawrence’s Convent, Wellawatte, when we were 12 years of age…nearly six decades ago – parting ways when my family migrated to Australia..
And, this time around, it is the 125th anniversary of the school we all loved so much. A school that brought us together and nurtured our spirit and fellowship enabling a solid platform for the friendship we still hold today. Although we live several kilometres apart in Melbourne, we still catch up and share fond memories alongside our other pal, Sally Grero (Machado) who last year visited Sri Lanka with me to launch my book.
The highlight of this trip was a catch up with the St Lawrence’s Past Pupils Committee headed by newly-elected President Fiona Crusz-Impett, who was keen to again meet having been introduced to me last year at the Sri Lankan launch of my autobiography: Pride without Prejudice.
Reflecting on our early education we recalled with fondness the nuns, the teachers, our sporting prowess (or lack of it!) and of course the solid foundation we each received with discipline and rigour that gave us every opportunity to be the best at what we chose to do in our lives many thousands of kilometres from the land of our birth.
For me this trip held particular importance as it gave me an opportunity to meet the three St Lawrence’s students whose education I am sponsoring, For Sharron it was a chance to reconnect with a school where she started her teaching career all those years ago. And for Marina, the chance to visit Jaffna and Delft Island places that have held her fascination since meeting her late husband, Stephen de Niese.
The years have not diminished the love we each have for our alma mater and indeed we continue to support the Past Pupils’ Association back home in Melbourne. As well, I will endeavour to support Fiona’s great work over the next 12 months – on home-ground.
Marina, who left Colombo when she was 15, reflected: “This is such a rewarding experience being back at the old school with Sharron and Beverley. They were great times and I always knew I had Beverley watching out for me.”
Sharron exclaimed: “Often we talk about adventures such as these and never go through with it – but this is the very best way for true friends to connect heralding that connection and, our spirit, maintaining solid friendships throughout our lives.”
In recounting the years past I am delighted that these two friends joined me on this trip. “Success in life only comes when you share experiences and gain strength from each other. Along with Sally, I guess you could call us four peas in the sweetest pod!”
Please click here for more photos of the event on eLanka Facebook page
Sr Dilrukshi, Principal of St Lawrence’s Convent, Wellawatte, imbuing Marina and Beverley with her words of wisdom and gratitude for their sponsorship of two new students in Grade 3.
Beverley with three of the students whose education she spnsors: (Standing) Rachel, (front left) Amandi and Aleena (right)
Sri Lanka-based Bernie Roche a friend of the School and of Beverley (left), Sr Jennifer, Beverley and Marina at the plaque unveiled by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith
Students listening intently to Beverley speaking on resilience, care, love and compassion with Head Prefect Myriam Benjamin (extreme left)
Students listening intently to Beverley speaking on resilience, care, love and compassion with Head Prefect Myriam Benjamin (extreme left)
Sharron Paulse (nee Neydorff) – a school mate of Beverley and Marina from the days of St Lawrence’s Montessori (the 60s) and later a teacher at the Convent as well as a parent – addresses the students about her time at the school and the riches it bestowed upon her
Sr Dilrukshi – a leader and a visionary whom St Lawrence’s is so lucky to have as its Principal
A private cutting of the cake to celebrate 125 years – reflection and gratitude for the solid foundation that Beverley, Marina and Sharron received from the School all those years ago
Students celebrating the opportunity to meet all three women from Melbourne who visited Sri Lanka especially for the 125th Anniversary
Beverley and Marina have pledged two additional sponsorships for Grade 3 students Anne (front left) and Sanuli whose families are facing tremendous disadvantage
