Class of ‘87 ready to reunite

Sixty-four former students from the Class of ’87 at St Monica’s College have returned to Cairns today for their 30-year reunion.

THE Class of ’ 87 at St Monica’s College in Cairns was a special one, says former student Trish Foley.

“It was the days when bullying or stress was unknown. If there was a squabble or misunderstanding, we would write letters to each other to make it all better,” Trish says.

“We worked on the friendships back then. It was a time when we were all growing up from different backgrounds and families and getting to know ourselves, but moreover learning how to know others and communicate and be accepting.

“I think that’s why the school is still very special.”

Sixty-four of the cohort have returned to Cairns today from across Australia for their 30-year reunion.

“It’s the biggest and best yet. Out of 92 girls, we were able to track and find nearly all bar a handful, which is amazing,” Trish said.

She said former classmate Silvia Biasini started the ball rolling a year ago, while Pauline Piccone kept track of finances and Sr Therese Masterson helping track down former students and teachers.

“It was a mammoth effort and great teamwork. Sr Therese is still at St Monica’s and hasn’t aged a bit. She will take us on a tour of the school, which has changed a lot.”

Trish said Facebook made it easier to find people and led to St Augustine’s College Class of ’87 also having a reunion.

“I happened to see one of the boys post an old school photo and said we were having our reunion. That prompted them to organise one on the same weekend,” Trish said.

“We are having ours at Double Tree, they are having a cruise then ending up at the Salthouse, where we will join them at midnight. Tomorrow we will hold a joint recovery party at Gilligans.”

Trish said the reunion would be a chance to “rediscover the friendships we forged and the bonds we had back then”.

“The St Monica girls have become great citizens, role models, parents and all around good girls with huge hearts, as we always knew. They all inspire me and I couldn’t be more grateful or proud.”