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MARCH 2014 Newsletter for MCS Former Students’ Association Members Only

For those of us who were at MCS during the mid-1960's, Sr. Rose Duchesne was always much more than Principal of the school. She supported and shared in many aspects of school life that helped shape our lives and prepare us for the future.

I remember how in 1964, she encouraged us to write for the then fledgling school newspaper, the Maryknoller, to hone our English writing skills and take an interest in current affairs. She helped set up an opportunity for Myra Teng and I to interview the then Senator Edward Kennedy and Mrs. Joan Kennedy when they visited the Maryknoll Hospital , an experience we cherished over the decades. She spoke to us every time we bumped into her on the school premises and never failed to flash a warm smile, combining her trademark dignity with a genuine kindness.When we made the inevitable mistakes, Sr. Duchesne - or "Ah Du " as we fondly nicknamed her - made the feared visits to the Principal's office end up with a clear under-standing of where we went wrong, and a determination to learn from our teenage nonsense. And we had much respect for the firm yet fair way in which any penalty was meted out, or advice offered.

Sr. Duchesne had a remarkable memory. To this day, class-mates like Emily Cheng (class of 1966) who went abroad for studies, remain amazed by the way she always remembers former students despite their being away for years. And she always made their "homecomings" to MCS and Hong Kong, a welcome one. Which is why Emily and so many others keep coming back.

Sr. Duchesne also loved music, and enjoyed fun times with the students. Christine Wong of MSS, told me how much fun she had in their Glee Club which Sr. Duchesne conducted in the late 1950's. Her affection and great respect for her teacher and mentor is one of the main reasons Christine keeps supporting the Join Hands for Maryknoll fundraising campaign. And the MCS class of 1966 still cherish the fun photos Sr. Duchesne took with us during our first Hallowe'en parties in in 1964 and 1965. She even encouraged us to dress up and gave out prizes for the most ridiculous outfits!

But for me, one of the most enduring legacies Sr. Duch-esne left behind is the decision she made in 1967-8 in accepting my proposal to change the Head Prefect system to a more democratic establishment of a Student Association. The rest is history, and MCS remains one of the earliest schools in Hong Kong where democracy amongst the student leadership is practised.

So much more remains in our hearts when we think of Sr. Rose Duchesne. But for me and my sisters Mary, Lily, Jeanne and Olivia, she not only gave us unconditional love, as do all our dear Maryknoll Sisters. She taught us the importance of discipline, resilience and respect - quali-ties which we know all Maryknoll girls learn to possess as they leave school and face new challenges.

Thank you, dear Sr. Rose Duchesne. Shelley Lee

Class of 1966

It was with great sadness to share with you the news that Sr Rose Duchesne Debrecht, MM, passed away peacefully on the morning of February 22, 2014 in the Maryknoll Sisters Home Care in New York.

Sr Rose Duchesne spent her entire missionary life for the education of Hong Kong. She was both a teacher and Princi-pal of the Secondary Section and Supervisor of the Primary Section, Maryknoll Convent School. Sr Rose Duchesne’s guidance, gentle voice and elegant presence will be sorely missed by all who had known her.

A video interview of Sr Rose (http://vimeo.com/79950906) was posted on the MCS Foundation website http://foundation.mcs.hk/.

May the soul of Sr Rose rest in peace in The Lord!

Photos of the Memorial Service & Mass of Resurrection of Sr Rose Duchesne (March 17, MCS Secondary Section School Hall) - http://mcs.edu.hk/mcs_1213/eventP/140317/index.html

MCS FoundationImpact Corner

Wigging it with Annie Woon (’92)From transforming hairstyles to transforming livesDate: May 17, 2014 SaturdayTime: 3pm to 4:30pmVenue: School Hall, MCS Sec. Section Fees: Current students free-of-chargeAdults $ 50 Light refreshments will be served.

RSVP: Velma Roberts - robertsvelma@hotmail.com First come first serve.Facebook Link:https://www.facebook.com/events/273159099513121/

save the date!

next AGMon

28th AUG

Date: August 2 - 3, 2014

Schedule of events:Saturday, August 2. 2014 Registration and cocktail reception at Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park, Toronto)

Sunday, August 3, 2014 MassWWR and 30th Anniversary Dinner at Hyatt Regency, (370 King St. W, Toronto)Ticket price: CAD$350 for full event

Optional: Friday, August 1, 2014 Niagara Falls and Wine Tour at Niagara-on- the-Lake (Additional cost for the day tour)

Email: mcswwr2014@gmail.comWebsite: www.mcsontario.org

From MCS Former Students (Ontario) Inc.

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