Macdonald High School Alumni Association

Registration online is now closed but have no fear, walk-in registration on Friday and Saturday is still available though space will be limited. Further, once we reach those limits, we will have no choice but to close down the registration desks.

Please Note: For those that are unable to attend the Centennial Reunion, there will be two Webcams (links on this page) starting Friday. Enjoy!

Mac authors…what an impressive gathering! Lyrical and historical, technical and sociological, childrens’ books and biographies - we have it all. Learned at the knee, honed in school and tempered by life, the brainchild of each author speaks of a passion for teaching and sharing.

We invite you to come by the library, Saturday afternoon from 2-4p.m., while touring the school. Bring your families (it’s free!); introduce them to the world of writing. Ask our writers how they got started and what their motivations were. Find out what makes them tick! But before you stop in, swing by Mac Store (room 242)and pick up a centennial tote bag to hold the treasures you might find and want to read or listen to at your leisure.

Have a gander at the Beacon display that librarian, Sandi Davis, has set out. Catch the memorabilia collection in the glass case in the hall that she arranged using keepsakes from Anda (Kajaks) Hannah’s collection.

And feel free to TALK in the library - Sandi promises not to shush you!

Thanks very much to all who have registered for the Macdonald High School Centennial Reunion May 18-20.

As some alumni experienced difficulties with PayPal and as PayPal registrations for the Reunion continued to arrive after the midnight Friday deadline, the MHSCCC decided to continue to accept registrations via PayPal until 18:00 on May 16.

We also decided that alumni registrations received after 15:00 today will be subject to a late registration charge of $20.00. All other fees remain the same as before.

In order to limit potential problems at the registration desk (“But I mailed it yesterday! Why do I have to pay again today and get a refund when you receive my cheque next week?”), the mail-in registration form has been removed from the web site.

Due to strict fire and SAQ restrictions, a very limited number of “walk-in” registrations may be permitted. However, once we reach those limits, we will have no choice but to close down the registration desks. So, if you were planning to register at the door, perhaps a PayPal late registration would be a better choice…

John Marrett
Volunteer Alumni Database Manager
Macdonald High School Alumni Association

Norman St. Aubin

Class of 1937

A conversation with our celebrity turned out to be not only informative but also nostalgic. Norman, a raconteur par excellence with a prodigious talent for detail, is a gold mine of knowledge about local maritime history and technology.

He recalled when the train to school from his Vaudreuil home cost $2.50 a month. No school buses in those days! His after-school life focused on repairing, as well as operating, cars and engines. This knowledge equipped him with valuable skills. (Apparently, the English-speaking girls were another attraction in the Hudson locale!)

He noted that in 1937 Macdonald was a demonstration school for the Education faculty at Macdonald College. He spoke highly of his teachers, including the redoubtable Miss Grace Revel, who were hand-picked role models for Macdonald College students. He produced a Grade 11 report card which demonstrated that he had offered them a challenge! Barely sixteen, he graduated from “Mac”.

A very young Norman served in the RCAF during WWII, as part of the vital ground crew in Gander, Newfoundland. Shortly after the war, he purchased Marina Ste. Anne across from the Post Office, with another Mac grad, Ivan Brown. The Marina enterprise soon became successful and the partners took pride in building its reputation. Perhaps he derives his greatest joy from the Marina itself, which still boasts a few of the “old-fashioned” pieces of equipment that function as well as ever.

The Marina is now owned by yet another Macdonald graduate, Kerry Gillings!

Norman met his wife Marjorie (Marge), also a Macdonald grad, after high school, at a ski resort. They enjoyed a happy marriage until, sadly, Marge passed away in January, 2007. Because home is in Hudson, both of their sons attended Hudson High.

When asked to what he attributes his extraordinarily good health, memory, wit and joie de vivre, Norman stated that he never smoked and always tried to work hard in the fresh air every day. He still does!

Submitted by Don Barnes,

Vice Principal (retired)

Since being deputized by the Celebrations Committee to round up visiting teachers to man the registration desks, our own Don Barnes has roped in some good ‘uns!

The following teachers will be greeting you at check-in (our sincere thanks to all):

Mr. Bob Morrison
Ms. Anda Kajaks (Hanna)
Mr. Peter Clark
Mrs. Margo Hebert (Clark)
Mrs. Bonnie Ramage (Robb)
Mr. Don Barnes
Mr. Bruce Munro
Mrs. Marilyn Wray
Dr. Connie Middleton-Hope
Mr. David Hill
Mr. Ted West
Mr. Peter Gloutney
Miss Elaine Evans
Mr. Colin Ross
Mrs. Lee Petford
Miss Ruth Evans
Mr. Steve Jackson
Mrs. Sue Winn
Dr. Heather Wilson (Nogrady)

…more to come

Change to the Fee Structure:

The organizing committee has tightened up its budget and is passing along the savings to you.

The registration for alumni has been changed from $40 to $20.

For those who have paid the old rate, you will automatically be credited in coupons (Mac Bucks) that can be redeemed or spent on souvenirs and refreshments.

Donald K Donald will be here Saturday night…how’s THAT for party?! So, get out your dancin’ shoes folks, you’re gonna need ‘em.

And too, bring your photos and be prepared to schmooze at one of the many tables being set out for that very reason. Classes are overlapping and old hometown denizens are exchanging memories as we speak.

Beat the May 4th registration deadline folks! Take advantage of the new and reduced registration fees. Time is slipping away and it would be a real shame to miss this one.

… writes Cheryl Cornacchia of the Gazette in the West Island edition, April 12, 2007.

You can read the full story HERE. (story in PDF)

[PDF Format requires Adobe Reader. CLICK HERE for free reader.]

Our winner fo the ’NAME THE TIME CAPSULE’ competition is:

ROGER WILCOX

for

“QUANTUM LEAP”

An Accommodation Page has been added.

Local area hotels that have been previewed by a Mac Alumna “in the biz”.

CLICK HERE

An Entertainment Page has been added.

An up-to-the-minute schedule of who is performing over the weekend.

CLICK HERE