Feature
The two of us: Maggie Bassily and Sofie Carfi
Maggie: I first met Sofie Carfi in 2012 when we both volunteered to co-ordinate the student meals roster for the Middle School Musical. My first impression of Sofie was that she had years of experience on me as she had older children (albeit only two years older!) and I immediately valued her insight and work ethic. Our paths then diverted until we started our second stint together as parent volunteers. In 2017 Sofie was nominated as Middle School Parent Association (MSPA) President, succeeding our mutual friend Titilayo Adetunji. I was already on the MSPA and was pleased that Sofie was to be leading us. Filling Titilayo’s shoes would be difficult, but if anyone could do it, it was Sofie! In 2017 and 2018, the MSPA supported many new initiatives, including the Whole School Ball, Fathers Day Dinner and Mothers Dinner. Sofie was instrumental in their success and actively helped grow the whole-school Mothers Day Luncheon (MDL). One event is never enough for Sofie, and she is always thinking up new ways to bring parents together. The 2017 MDL Committee, headed by the very capable Cathy Addison, selected a new venue under the guidance of both Titilayo and Sofie. The event grew from an attendance of 180 to over 250. Sofie left the detailed planning of the event to our committee but was always on hand for advice and guidance as she had a clear understanding of the desired outcome. As MSPA President, 22 | Torch
Sofie spoke at the beginning of the 2017 MDL, and she was a natural! She was so positive and had a way of instantly relating to all the mums present. This made her the obvious choice to host and MC the 2018 event, which she did elegantly and successfully! The MDL has grown from an MSPA-run event to a committee consisting of parents from all school sections and a truly whole-school representation, with an attendance of over 450 in both 2018 and 2019. Sofie has been a driving force behind this change and without her support, along with the other parents associations, this would not have been possible. Sofie and I work well together as we both have a keen interest in being involved in the parent committees, helping at school events and fostering the connection between parents, school and students. I admire Sofie’s passion for bringing parents together, not only for our own benefit, but ultimately for the benefit of our children. We also share a love of organising events, so we naturally get a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction seeing our events succeed and everyone enjoying themselves! Last year, along with our equally enthusiastic friend Titilayo, we held our first fundraiser for the JMB Foundation, which Sofie kindly hosted in her home. We raised over $4000! I look forward to continuing to work with Sofie over the next few years at Carey, supporting the parent associations and the School in our collective aim to encourage and maintain connectedness.
‘I admire Sofie’s passion for bringing parents together, not only for our own benefit, but ultimately for the benefit of our children.’
