As the first term of the school year comes to an end, with both staff and student alike anticipating the christmas vacation, let’s take a few minutes to just remember what we, as a school community, have experienced.
To start off the term, new Form 1 students were welcomed into the school through the use notice boards designed by students from their various Houses. There were four boards in total, one for each house, done by the current Form 5 students, during the previous term. The boards included the names of all the Form 1 students joining us this term, and was a wonderful introduction to the school community and the beginning of the school year.
Along with the acceptance of new students, however, came the letting go of a cherished member of staff. Ms. Soo Ping Chow celebrated her 60th birthday, and consequential retirement, with the school. A ceremony was held for her, with staff and students reminiscing on their memories with her, and all that she has given to the school. A gift that just keeps on giving, many tears were shed, and she is deeply missed. A legend, as Mr. Charles so rightly said.
More celebrations were had with the feast day of St. Dominics and St. Alberts. Assembly presentations were done by members of each house, on their respective feast days, informing students about the life of these saints, and then quizzing them afterwards, with rewards for students able to answer correctly. Members of the house were also later invited to convene to have a house celebration, with treats and games.
Along with past pupils coming into the school to talk with the Form 5’s and help prepare them for adult life, students persuing spanish as a subject also received a similar opportunity. Dignataries from Cuba and other spanish speaking countries came down to Trinidad and spoke to the senior students who had chosen spanish as one of their subjects. Students were given the oppurtunity to ask whatever questions they had (in spanish of course) and receive a reply.
More cause for celebration was the prize giving ceremony. The first since the beginning of Covid 19 lockdowns. Students were acknowledged for their achievements, and were invited, along with their parents, to celebrate. Students were called onto the stage to accept medals and trophies for being the top of their subjects and top of their year groups, and special awards were given to students for exceptional behaviour noticed by teachers.
Additionally, a major highlight of the term is the return of the HNC Bazaar! This year, we had the first bazaar in two years, and it was a resounding success. The turn out was great, and the efforts of students were not wasted. Form classes and clubs were in charge of stall ideas and implementation. There were Santa Stalls, Robotics Stalls, Smoothie Stalls, and of course, the Disco.
HNC students also participated in a Parang Competition, with both primary and secondary schools. They sang songs such as a Daisy medley which included Alegria Alegria, Hurray Hurrah, and Gloria de Nacimento. With students Chaya Vincent, Faith Haywood, Taariq Joseph and Jade Huggins, leading as the main vocals. Holy Name returned with 7th place and were congratulated the next day by students and staff for their wonderful performance.
In more good news, Holy Name Convent celebrated their 120th anniversary with “An Evening of Light”. Students, past pupils and parents alike were invited to celebrate this anniversary at the school. The commemoration included a Mass held in the Marian Hall and then guests were ushered to the courtyard where food stalls with main courses, dessert stalls and drink stalls were set up. The stalls were run by Form 6 volunteers and teachers. The food was made by past pupils, now professional culinary workers, who were happy to offer their talent and time. Entertainment was provided by a parang group with the school’s own principal Ms. Khan and the student choir.
Another external event our girls brought life to, was “Gifts of the Blue and Gold” (GOBAG), in collaboratin with Fatima College. 2022 was the celebrated year of the Jubliee, so they performed, popular broadway musicals that were celebrating important jubliees such as Grease, Les Miserables, Lion King, The Jeckyll and Hyde Musical, Annie and Newsies before going into their Reggae Redemption theme. During that segment, with the use of popular reggae tunes, they portrayed a variety of different biblical stories. The performance was aweing, beautiful and touching. Many commented it was the best concert they had put on.
Finally, the last week of school will be dedicated to fun and community with days allocated towards activities organised by the Lower and Upper 6 student body and the last day of school and the start of Christmas vacation being observed by an advent ceremony with a skit put on by student volunteers, followed by Mark Reading.
This term has been an adjustment period for us all, student, teacher and parent. We’d like to say a special thanks to all sponsors, PTA members, parents and students who participated in this term’s fundraisers and events, and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!