Form 6 Orientation Weekend 2025
As the lower 6 students stepped into a new chapter of their journey at Holy Name Convent, an Orientation Weekend was held on September 19th, 20th, and 21st, offering more than just an introduction. It served as a time to learn, reflect, and grow. This weekend aimed to prepare the girls not only for academic success but also for the challenges they would face outside the classroom.
Each session, in true Holy Name fashion, began with a heartfelt praise and worship, setting a tone for the day, and closed with prayer, reminding everyone how our faith builds us.
On day one, the session ran from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and was led by Mrs Joan Brammer, who shared a message that resonated with the students: “Kindness rules the world.” She emphasised this theme throughout her session, reminding us that true happiness is found in the small, thoughtful actions that shape how others see us. She guided us through the importance of first impressions, teaching how proper etiquette, greetings, body language, and non-verbal cues can influence the way we are perceived. Beyond manners, she spoke passionately about loving and taking pride in our country, Trinidad and Tobago. Fittingly, the session began with the singing of the national Anthem and ended with our national song.
The following morning began with a session led by Miss Kadelia Achille, a past student of Holy Name Convent, who was once the Vice Captain of St. Dominic’s House twenty years ago. She returned to share her wisdom on effective communication. She explained not only how to communicate effectively, but also how communication can strengthen relationships or break them. There were many activities in which we had to try to properly communicate an idea to our peers, and if Miss Achille found that it could have been said better, she would guide the students, allowing for an interactive and fun morning.
In the afternoon, the students were addressed by their very own principal, Ms Khan. In addition to an assignment given to them the previous week, where the girls were tasked to create a poster highlighting a woman they admired, several students presented on their ‘Woman of Worth’. From these presentations, we learned about many leaders who would’ve struggled throughout their lives to allow for a change. Six students also created actions that allowed for the easy remembrance of the lesson, teaching us what we must live life by; one in particular is being able to recognise the difference between being productive and merely being ‘busy’, reminding the students that productivity comes with purpose. Her words motivated students to practise balance, discipline, and vision as they prepare for the demands of Form 6 life.
On the Final Day, in the morning, they were addressed by another past student, Miss Keisha Cruickshank, who once served as captain of St. Catherine’s. Her presentation was lively, interactive, and energetic. This filled the students with a sense of determination and enthusiasm as they answered more questions on leadership. She explained the qualities of a good leader and outlined the different types of leadership. As part of the session, students took part in activities where they were challenged to design a plan that would help their school achieve a specific goal. By the end, the students not only gained practical insight into leadership but also discovered more about the type of leaders they saw themselves to be.
In the afternoon, there was a session followed by a mass. During the session, a past pupil, Miss Cyan Sylvester, guided us in creating vision boards. This exercise allowed us to visualise what they hope to achieve and contemplate the bigger questions of the future. It was a fun and meaningful way to connect our goals.
This session was followed by Holy Mass at 3:00 pm, which focused on the theme of becoming a future leader and how the Bible calls us to lead with God at the centre of our lives. Fr. Gregory Augustine’s homily emphasised that true leadership is built through humility, prayer, and service. Fr. Gregory reminded the Lower Six body that ambitions are guided by values that uplift ourselves and our communities.
Overall, the experience was a meaningful and enriching one that not only encouraged creativity and reflection but also inspired a deeper understanding of leadership rooted in faith, service, and personal growth. Through the sessions, activities, and moments of worship, the students were able to envision their future, strengthening what they believe and who they can be as leaders.
Written by Jalene James