Saints class of ’79 ready to reunite
FORTY years after they graduated from St Augustine’s College in Cairns, the Class of ’79 is heading back to the classroom.
“At the time, it was inconceivable that 40 years could go by, but it has,” says former student Noel Cristaudo, who is now principal of Daradgee Environmental Education Centre near Innisfail.
The 40-year reunion will be held from October 25-27 and includes a meet and greet at the Jack Hotel, a tour of the school, a reunion dinner at Fetta’s Greek Taverna and a Sunday brunch.
“This date was picked to avoid clashing with nominated dates on the Cairns events calendar, including the Cairns Amateurs, Cairns Cup, Queensland school holidays, Melbourne Cup and so on.
“There’s every chance that it won’t suit everyone, but we will see how it goes.”
Mr Cristaudo says fellow Saints graduate Charles Lombardo has created a reunion website listing more than 220 students from 1975-1979, a roll call of those already contacted and a list of 40 or so old boys confirmed to attend.
“Past and present photos, personal bios and social media contacts are featured to enable pre-reunion contact.”
Sadly, it also includes a memoriam page of 12 former students who have passed away.
Mr Cristaudo says all who were part of the cohort from Year 8 in 1975 to Year 12 in 1979 are welcome, as are partners.
“Everyone who enrolled anywhere between 1975 and 1979 is invited, whether you left after Year 9, got expelled in Year 8 or didn’t quite finish senior.
“All are invited to relive those days and catch up on where everyone’s lives have headed since.”
Mr Cristaudo says the reunion will begin with an informal get-together at The Jack Hotel from 5pm Friday, October 25.
“This will be a great opportunity for reintroductions and to jolt very distant memories.”
Saint Augustine’s Old Boys Association has organised a tour of the school, boarding facilities and lunch at the campus on Saturday, October 26.
Mr Cristaudo says the tour of Saints would “refresh the memory and take in the changes from what was the cheapest boarding school in Australia to what is pretty impressive today”.
“Witnessing the incredible growth and development which has taken place at Saints since the ’70s will be a highlight for many past students, some of whom haven’t returned for over 40 years.”