THE LINK March 2017 Celebrating 90 Years of O.O.M.A. OVERSEAS OLD MARGARETIAN ASSOCIATION 1927 - 2017 O.O.M.A. “Old Girl” Pins OVERSEAS OLD MARGARETIAN ASSOCIATION The first Q.M.S. Old Girl’s gathering was held on June 11, 1927. The School was only six years old, so the fifteen Old Girls present at that meeting would seem a very good percentage of the total number. At that gathering, the Overseas Old Margaretian Association (O.O.M.A.) was formed. A Constitution was drawn up which stated, “The object of the Association is to be a bond of fellowship between former members of the School, and to help them to carry out the School ideals of loyalty, self-discipline and service.” It was at that meeting that the Old Girl’s blazer was designed, with its red and gold binding. For a number of years, since the first School Magazine appeared in the summer of 1928, news of Old Girls was put in the Magazine, but, for some years now, the Old Girls have had their own paper, most suitably entitled, “The Link.” It has been the policy of the Association, throughout the years, to keep dues for members as low as possible to enable everyone to join. It cannot be too strongly stressed that this “bond of fellowship between former members of the School” is a great asset to the School. Since 1945, the O.O.M.A. has had a Memorial Bursary Fund which, each year, has helped a child financially. It was founded “In memory of those former pupils who lost their lives in the World War of 1939-45.” The O.O.M.A. gathering is usually held at the weekend nearest to Queen Margaret’s Day, June 10th. Through the years, there have been various activities at that time—School sports, Old Girls tennis and cricket matches and entertainments—but the most important events that always take place are the beautiful Chapel Service and the Annual Business Meeting. At other times, there have been Gatherings in Vancouver, Victoria, and even in England. Small reunions are sometimes held for those in a particular year. This is an excellent way to keep in touch with old School friends, besides the fact that fellowship of this kind does form a link with the School. It is hoped that, in the years to come, a great many more old members will join the Association. Since the early days, old members of Staff are welcomed as Associate Members, with half fees and no voting power, and, through the years ahead, it is hoped many more will join O.O.M.A. Q.M.S. MEMORIAL BURSARY FUND In the School Magazine of Summer 1945, there is an account of the O.O.M.A. gathering of that year, and there is mention of the founding of the Q.M.S. Memorial Bursary Fund. I quote from my Speech Day address of that year, “It is of a decision of that meeting that I was particularly asked to speak today. It was unanimously decided to start a Bursary Fund, this to be called the Q.M.S. Memorial Bursary Fund and is to be in memory of old members of the School who have laid down their lives in the war. This fund is eventually to be available to help some child, who could not otherwise afford it, to come to Q.M.S. and receive the benefits which they believe Q.M.S. can give.” [From Beyond All Dreams 1975–2006] O. O. M. A. This year, 2017, marks the 90th anniversary of the Overseas Old Margaretian Association, otherwise known as the O.O.M.A. Miss Denny and Miss Geoghegan realized that as the years went by, many students who were so close in school would go out into the world and gradually lose contact. They felt that an association of Old Girls would keep former students in touch with the school and help them to find their childhood friends, so the O.O.M.A. was founded. They also decided that the O.O.M.A. should be an autonomous society, entirely apart from Q.M.S. and responsible only to its Members. In 1945, it was decided to expand our responsibilities and raise money for a Memorial Bursary [above] to benefit the child of an Old Girl whose family was experiencing financial difficulties. Nowadays we often donate enough for more than one bursary, and also contribute financially to the school—for example, the recent repairs to the Chapel. Many years have passed. Each year there are fewer Old Girls who remember Miss Denny and Miss Geoghegan as Heads, or even as “The Founders,” who would visit on important occasions. Times have changed and traditions are changing, but it is still so important to remember our roots! We also need to remember the “other things” that they felt were part of a complete education: kindness, sportsmanship, loyalty, and service— to name just a few. The phrase “making the world a better place” was frequently used. The world is so much more complicated now, but these goals are still valid, and today’s students are still learning them. The O.O.M.A. is the body that links the Past with the Present of Q.M.S. The Future will join us in due time. But for it to continue we need people willing to stand for our Board of Directors. We have a great mix of older and younger members, and retired staff on our Board. Some of them have children of their own enrolled at Q.M.S. – Heritage Students. Directors meet about five times a year, and are instrumental in planning Old Girls’ Weekend. We also have tables at the annual School Bazaar [photos, following] to raise money, and attend as many functions at school as possible. We realize that life is very busy, and plan what we do accordingly. Anyone interested in joining us will be most welcome! O.O.M.A. BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2016-2017 Elizabeth Abercrombie (’88; Parent of 3 QMS Students) Director Dola Boas (Mitchell, ’59; Parent of 1 Old Girl; Cousin of 3 Old Girls; Board of Governors) 1st Vice-President Shelagh Boggs (Randel, ’56; Parent of 3 Old Girls; former Board of Governors) President Nicole Bond (MacDonald, ’88) Secretary Chris Compton (Parent of 1 Old Girl; Staff ’78- ) Director, School Liaison Dawn Fox (Lesiuk, ’96; Parent of 2 QMS Students) Treasurer Rita Mayer-Webb (’88) 2nd Vice-President Lily Anne Millar (Staff, retired) Director Melissa Spencer Montgomery (’84) Director Rebecca Staley (Class of ’17) Grade 12 Rep Yuki Watanabe (Class of ’17) Grade 12 Rep Trudy Byers (Conibear, ’56) Editor, The Link Melissa Spencer Montgomery (’84) Communications Message from the O.O.M.A. President Hello to all of our Old Girls/Boys and friends, and my congratulations on our 90th anniversary of the O.O.M.A. My first thoughts are to thank the Board of Directors who have been very supportive this past year. 2016 was an interesting year. One of the best events for me was the 60th Reunion of our Class of ’56 (May 6-8). Fourteen of our small class stayed at the Best Western Chemainus Inn and participated in all of the Old Girls’ Weekend events at school. It was a fabulous success—sharing memories, fun and friendship. A wonderful time was had by all. Founders’ Day in October was well attended. Carol Newington (Student ’55-’57; Staff ’70-’73 &’05-’16) was our guest speaker. Our Christmas Bazaar [below] in November was a huge success—everyone contributed items to wear, to eat or to decorate Christmas Trees!! The best part of this two-day event is gathering at school and enjoying the fun of being together. A big thank you to Bruce and the Facilities/Maintenance staff who are always there to help! A highlight in January was the visit of The Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia for the school’s celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation. A Tea was held at the Head's House before the morning ceremony—a lovely opportunity to meet and talk with the very special guest. We are looking forward to Old Girls’ Weekend (May 6-7), and hope to see you all there. Saturday is always a fun day for family and friends as we celebrate our Strawberry Tea (High Tea), with special plates for the children. Games for the little ones, assisted by older students, make it a successful event. Raffles for our "famous" goodie baskets raise funds for our annual Bursary. Sunday is our day: Chapel Service, luncheon given by the school – where we “pin” our newest O.O.M.A. Members, the Class of ’17—then our Annual General Meeting, and the beginning of another year. Thanks everyone. Shelagh Boggs (Randel, Class of ’56) 1997 Shelagh [front], our Bazaar Chair Extraordinaire! 2012 Dola [In 1997, we set up one small table, and the Parents provided us with a second table as we had “too much stuff to sell” – we raised $150! Times change (e.g., 2012), and continue on – our main fundraiser.] Message from the Head Girl – Murphy Zhang Queen Margaret’s School is a harmonious community where we all feel a sense of belonging. I learned about this soon after arriving at the school campus and seeing so many friendly, smiling faces. Over my last two years here, I enjoyed enriched subjects, a unique equestrian program, innovative clubs, and numerous opportunities within this thriving community.