| In 1944 a sylph-like, youthful 18yr old stepped into the Office to take up her place at the
desk as the School’s Secretary. Thus began the journey of Emrie James with St Andrew High School for
Girls. Officially that journey ended after 42 years when you retired in 1986. But only your presence in
the Office ceased at that time, as you have continued to travel with us through the ensuing years. Miss
Emrie James, Aunt Em to many, Mother especially to those who boarded, and Friend to all of us who
make up the St Andrew Family.
Today we salute you and name this Museum in your honour.
A Museum is the repository of history and YOU carry with you memories, tales and the history of this
wonderful Institution. Never mind what you keep saying about your memory.
You are our living Museum !!
More importantly being the wise and efficient person that you are, with insight and foresight ,you
carefully ensured the preservation of historical material that laid the groundwork for much of what
is on display here today. Mindful as you were of preserving the records of the Institution, which goes
back to the beginning - 21st September, 1925 - and in response to your deep appreciation and love for
St. Andrew High School you ensured that documents, records, files and all memorabilia were secured
and stored. With this instinct to preserve, you embarked on a project to enlarge the vault to twice the
original size! Everyone thought it was farfetched. As usual we had no funds, but you prevailed. Money
for everything extra came from the canteen. Among your many duties you managed the canteen and
ensured that the much needed funds were realised. During your tenure here you devoted yourself totally
to the school. You have seen the school develop and been an integral part of that development.
You were the consummate professional, serving first as Secretary to Miss Gartshore and Miss Dawson,
then from 1967 as Executive Secretary and for a while as Secretary to the Board, until your retirement.
Forty- two ( 42) years of unbroken service, except for 17 weeks vacation when you travelled overseas.
You were concerned for the school as a whole, but you never lost sight of the value of the individual.
You have been friend and counselor, confidant and role model to students and staff alike. You have
provided to students and teachers, a kind word, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, wise counsel and
mature practical help and advice. Many bless you for the vital influence you had on their lives. The
many letters from Old Girls, former Headmistresses and Staff are testimony to this. One Old Girl in
writing to you shortly after leaving school remarked— “I don’t think I can ever thank you enough for
all you have done to make my school days so happy. I am going to miss talking with you and all the
kindly advice that you gave me under any circumstances”
Your devotion to duty meant you were often the first one here in the morning and the last one to leave
at night! You were always willing to go beyond the call of duty and you remain an example and an
inspiration to all who were privileged as girls to be guided by you, or to have worked with you, as you
ensured that the core values of St Andrew were always maintained. You have given and continue to give
so much of yourself to St. Andrew. Your love for this school is hardly matched by our love for you.
You epitomise what is means to live a Life More Abundant.
Miss Emrie James, consummate Professional, Counselor, Mentor and Friend,
The St Andrew High School For Girls and the St Andrew Family salutes you.
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