Schutz Grand Reunion 2007

Marina Moraitis, Schutz Reunion 2007 Coordinator

July 30, 2007 

Dear Schutzites, 

The 2007 Grand Reunion took place July 12-15 in Ottawa and what a reunion it was!

Shukran, Thank you, Merci, Gracias, Efgharisto!

To those of you who participated….Thank you so much to each and every one of you for helping make the reunion such a special one. You were awesome!!

First and foremost, to Gloria Holcomb, Ann Meloy, Larry and Lavina Pattee and Ann Turnbull, my endearing Reunion Committee members without whom the reunion would not have been such a success, my heartfelt gratitude and sincere thanks for all your hard work, exceptional contribution, expertise and support throughout the two years.

To Ed Nicholas and the members of the SASAF board who supported the Reunion Committee throughout the two years of planning, thank you. And last but not least, to all the helpers, participants and supporters of the reunion, who gave their time and/or made a financial contribution to support this reunion, shukran. Among them are Jean Stultz, Ron and Janie Walters, Bill Pollock, Steve Brooks, my sister Agnes and my son Karim. What a privilege it was to coordinate this event with, and for, each and every one of you!

To those of you who couldn't make it, I speak for everyone when I say, Wish you had been there!

View reunion photos!

Thanks to Ernie Baca, we have our first set of reunion photos on our web site. Click here to view a subset of them or go to the Photos Library to view all of them. We would love to have you send us more. Please email Ed Nicholas if you have some to share.

Here's what we did...

Upon arrival on Thursday, after registration, get-togethers and dinner in the cafeteria, we were treated to a fun evening of finding out our colour (not color, we were in Canada after all) in a workshop led by Ann Turnbull and Coleen Carder. Did you know that we each have a colour or combination of colours ? By knowing our colour and that of our friends, colleagues and loved ones, it helps us better understand each other …and it definitely “coloured” our vocabulary for the rest of the week-end!

On Friday, we explored Ottawa. First, we headed to Parliament Hill to see the popular Changing of the Guard ceremony. Then we were off on a bus tour with our guide, Lori Thornton, from the National Capital Commission, to the colourful ByWard Market, the official residences of the Prime Minister and that of the Governor General. We then crossed over to the city of Gatineau in the Province of Quebec to admire the Museum of Civilization and had lunch in the ByWard market. The afternoon was free to wander around the fresh fruits and vegetables stalls, visit the Art Gallery, ride on the Rideau canal or shop in the area boutiques. In the evening, Lahela and Kyle Isaacson talked to us about Third Culture Kids (TCKs). That’s us! Their presentation was based on David C. Pollock and Ruth E. Van Reken’s “Third Culture Kids: the Experience of Growing Up Among Worlds”. It was thought-provoking and interesting.

On Saturday, Lahela and Kyle resumed the session on TCKs by leading a discussion with panelists and participants Glen Jamison, Dot Turnbull, Bill Pollock, Steve Brooks and Debbie Martin. More genuine sharing, more reflections, made it a memorable time.

After lunch, the SASAF Board met, led by Ed Nicholas. Ann Akers then led a non-denominational worship service during which Carolyn Pollock performed a lovely worship dance. We then had group photos taken with a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Corporal Brault. We did not shy away from the rain! Then, off we went to the Egyptian Dinner and talent show, where we enjoyed delicious food with Egyptian music and were most impressed by the talent displayed by the participating Schutzites! Debbie Bacon also gave us an interesting overview of Schutz as it is today, gifts and prizes were awarded and the reunion was over, all too soon for many of us.

Here’s what you said about the reunion…

Twenty-seven (27) of you completed the evaluation form on the reunion. Here are the main points:

• On the overall opinion of the reunion : Excellent (17/27); very good (6/27); good (2/27); (2 left blank)
• On whether you will attend the next reunion: Definitely (14/27); most likely (7/27)
• On your favourite reunion activities : Personal time with family and friends (10/27); The Egyptian dinner (10/27)

Some highlights of the reunion...

• Glen Jamison and Lee Lafont reunite after 40 years
• We speak of colours throughout the week-end
• The Pattees celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary
• We realize how much we have in common and how unique we are as Third Culture Kids
• After a rainy bus trip to Parliament Hill, we are treated to a magically sunny ceremony of the Changing of the Guard. We get first-class view of the mounties!
• At the amazing talent show, Ron Walters and George Reed make great Masters of Ceremonies
• The Quick sisters display their talent in singing Arabic fellahi songs
• Ed displays his hidden yoga – and contortionist - talent. Oh, my!
• The Pollocks, and Glen Jamison impress us with their diverse talent.
• Lavina recites an Arabic-English poem. What fun!
• In our tour of Ottawa, we discover the best kept secret of the city – a beautiful restroom, but there’s no time to stop! (We did end up stopping at the Museum of Civilization – whew!)
• Debbie Bacon gives us an interesting snapshot of Schutz as it is today

What next?

So what happens next? Where would you like the next reunion to be held and how frequently? Would you like to help coordinate it? Please email the Reunion Committee or any SASAF board member with your thoughts and comments. We would love to hear from you.

See you at the next reunion, insha’allah!

Marina Moraitis
Schutz Reunion 2007 Coordinator

A Schutz History is Being Written Charlotte Weaver-Gelzer and Alice Meloy are pulling together YEARS of research on the history of Schutz. The book is taking shape, but it is never too late for individual stories to be sent in. The authors would love to hear from former students, staff members, parents and friends of Schutz who have something to say about their experiences.

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