The Tribune

Fifty years after they stepped through the doors of Xavier's College for a final time, the more than 20 women who made up the graduating class of 1967 came together to celebrate a milestone reunion.

They came from all of the world, and from right here at home, to give a toast to the school they knew as the Bahamas' leading all-girls educational institution.

The recent weekend-long reunion allowed the former classmates to reflect on the times that shaped their very existence, said Jacqueline Davis-Bain. She, along with former classmate Albertha William-Bartlett, were responsible for spearheading a committee to locate and invite all members of the class of '67 to participate in the reunion.

And it was not an easy task they had set themselves, considering that their former classmates were dispersed throughout the world. But with the help of Shirley Mitchell-Smith and Pamela Higgs-Pinder, and tireless research and communication, all 28 women were contacted. The most exhilarating news of all was that every member of the class was still alive and doing well, and that many would be able to take part in the reunion here in Nassau.

Those who were unable to be attend sent their good wishes and expressed appreciation for the blessings, values, opportunities and rewards their Xavier's education bestowed upon them.

The reunion commenced with a donation from the class of 1967 to the current Xavier's College Primary School. This was followed by a dinner party at Sapodilla, which brought the Friday festivities to an end.

During the dinner, they were graced by the presence of former teachers Betty Cole - life-long PE teacher - and Dr Munir Rashad, science teacher for one year. Sister Elizabeth Judge, a former Spanish teacher, was also scheduled to attend, but was stricken ill and unable to make it. Well wishes along with an invitation for a future visit were conveyed to Sister Elizabeth.

Then, on the Saturday, the reunion celebrations continued with a poolside picnic for the class of '67 and their families at Xavier's facilities on West Bay Street.

On the Sunday, the former classmates participated in an Eucharist service at St Francis Xavier's, officiated by the church's pastor, Father Glen Nixon, who recognised the half a century reunion celebration and duly blessed and honoured all.

Finally, the golden anniversary celebration culminated in an impromptu party at Marie Ann Symmonette-Gayle's Coral Harbour residence. School day memories were revisited, post-graduation achievements were shared, and a desire for future get-togethers was expressed. Barbara Saunders-Stubbs made beautiful, smooth music on her saxophone as she accompanied the women's singing of "O' Alma Mater Xavier" to bring the festivities to a resoundingly memorable and rousing close.

Xavier's College of yesteryear, of which the class of '67 was the last, has a very rich and vibrant history. Since its beginnings in the Bahamas, the Catholic Church has always been synonymous with stellar education and healthcare for all Bahamians. Thus, it was no surprise when a very astute Order of Nuns, including the Sisters of Charity of Mount St Vincent, New York, founded, staffed and administered a system of education akin to none and copied by many. Over the years, the school was housed at various locations, underwent several name changes, one of which was St Francis Xavier Academy, and was sprinkled with a few young men from time to time.

The vision of these Sisters of Charity was to educate people of all religious beliefs, races and ethnicities and economic backgrounds. Xavier's offered much diversity as Bahamian students were able to interact with others from all over the world who attended the school while their parents were stationed to work in the Bahamas. This was another educational plus as it broadened Xavierites' horizons. Graduates from the class of '67 came from: Australia (1); England (2); Carol Stream, Illinois (1); Fort Lucie, Florida (1); Fort Lauderdale, Florida (1); Canada (1); as well as from Freeport and Nassau of course.

In 1955, the property on West Bay Street became the final location for the school, and in 1956, the name Xavier's College became the enduring name for this institution of learning.

The all-girls school of Xavier's College embodied principles and standards that were a cut above others. To this end, Xavier's even adopted its own calligraphy, with each student having her own stylus and bottle of ink. And the mission of the Sisters of Charity of Mount St Vincent, to cultivate women of substance, was duly realised.

After 1967, the remaining student body of Xavier's College (comprising forms I through V; freshmen to senior) was merged with St Augustine's College on Bernard Road - the only all-boys school in the Bahamas - thereby creating a coeducational campus for St Augustine's. No longer would the traditional brown and white uniforms be worn. Instead, plaid skirts and white blouses would be donned as an indicator of the new coeducational system.