Convent High School Celebrates 152 Years Of Excellence In Education
Who would have thought that the Convent High School would still be in existence, one hundred and fifty-two years after the Sisters of the Faithful Virgin welcomed their first students – six little girls – on the second day of February, 1858?
Today, with a roll of 573 students of every denomination in Dominica, Convent High School boasts a reputation for being one of the premier learning institutions on the island.
On a balmy Tuesday morning, 2nd February, 2010, staff, students, alumnae, parents and well-wishers celebrated 152 years of existence with a Thanksgiving Mass which was officiated by the school’s Chaplain, Monsignor William John-Lewis.
The school’s courtyard and galleries provided an appropriate setting for the mass as fluffy, white clouds floated under a canopy of blue skies.
Students waited in anticipation, as final preparations were made for the Mass.
The school’s choir, under the direction of Ms. Kimone George, and the Band, under the baton of Mrs. Huguette St. Hilaire, provided sweet sounds throughout the Mass, while Monsignor John-Lewis inspired all with his homily which was punctuated with songs and wise creole adages.
Monsignor John-Lewis exhorted all to let their light shine so that the world could see, and impressed on the attentive gathering the need to speak the truth even if it were offensive to some. In other words, he emphasised the need to stand up for what is right – at all times. Monsignor also gave thanks to God for His spiritual guidance in allowing the school to attain this milestone.
The neatly-groomed students were encouraged to emulate those luminaries of the Convent High School who had preceded them, and he hoped that they would uphold the values that had propelled those before them towards success.
The discipline engendered by the Convent High School was evident in the orderly manner in which students moved from the courtyard to the gallery to avoid a drizzle.
Head Girl, Yende Grell, delivered the vote of thanks.
The morning’s proceedings ended with the enthusiastic students singing the school’s song which preceded the Anniversary song that was composed by a former teacher, Mrs. Bertha Toulon.
Congratulations, Convent High School. We all wish you 152 more years!!!!
by Euvilla Lewis
