Over the past few decades, reunions have become cherished events, allowing former classmates to reconnect and reminisce about shared experiences. Recently, two notable reunions took place for the RK Dr Ariensschool and Sint Hubertusschool, each serving as heartfelt gatherings filled with nostalgia.
The RK Dr Ariensschool, established in 1943, initially opened its doors to boys and later became coeducational by the late 1960s. This school grew to be not just significant for the immediate community, but also for those around Arnhem, leading to various branch schools being established, including one in Velp. After multiple changes, including the transition to KSA, the main building was unfortunately demolished in the early 1990s, marking the end of this prominent institution.
Leo Verschuur, one of the organizers of the upcoming RK Dr Ariensschool reunion scheduled for October 25, 2025, aims to reach out to former students whose ties to the school have dwindled over the years. With over 2,500 names recorded from the school’s history, many contacts have sadly been lost due to changes in communication technology. Some of the first reunion attendees left their email addresses during the successful 2007 event, yet the closure of various email providers has hindered outreach efforts.
To rekindle connections and reminisce about their school days, Verschuur encourages anyone interested to reach out for updates about the forthcoming reunion, including sharing nostalgic stories and old photographs. The gathering is expected to offer alumni the chance to reconnect with old friends and share memories of their formative years at RK Dr Ariensschool.
Meanwhile, the Sint Hubertusschool also celebrated its alumni with a recent reunion organized by two former students, Paula Schenk and Joke de Waal-van der Sommen. They extended their reach to classmates from the 2nd and 4th grades, who were taught by Mr. Piet van Dorst, who dedicated 42 years to education, retiring as the director of the Ste. Marie school.
This reunion took place this past weekend at Café Puts Meuleke in Ossendrecht, where conversations flowed easily among the 26 former students who were able to attend. Schenk noted how they formed lists of their classmates from their time in Mr. van Dorst’s classes during the years 1968 to 1971, tracing many back and even recalling their last day with him during his retirement party.
Although four classmates could not be located and some were unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, the sense of camaraderie and nostalgia made the event special. "It was so heartwarming to see everyone, and naturally, we had much to discuss!" Schenk remarked. The joy of the reunion sparked suggestions to gather again in another five years, solidifying the importance of these connections.
Each reunion highlights not only the significance of educational institutions like RK Dr Ariensschool and Sint Hubertusschool but also the enduring bonds formed during those formative years. Former students attending these reunions walk away with renewed friendships and cherished memories, proving how impactful school days can be on one’s life.
These two reunions stand as testaments to the memories held dear by alumni and showcase the importance of maintaining connections through shared experiences. And as the world continues to change, opportunities for reconnections at events like these allow past students to celebrate their history, reminisce about the influence their schools had on them, and contemplate where life has taken them since their early days of education.