Turning 60 is a milestone for any individual or institution, and the Holy Faith Convent in Couva is pulling out the stops in celebration of this major achievement. The school marked its 60th year in existence on January 12, and in commemoration of the event it has embarked on a number of activities and events to celebrate the occasion-among them, a grand day of reunion being planned by the Past Pupils' Association. The event is carded for October 2 on the school's compound from 9 to 5 pm, and will see the gathering of students who attended the convent from its inception in 1951 to the present.
Efforts are being made to include past teachers as well.
The reunion will begin with breakfast, followed by lunch, interspersed by performances by popular local artistes. Holy Faith Convent, Couva opened its doors to its first 50 students on January 12, 1951.
Sister Magdalena MacBride, the school's first principal, wanted to ensure that the young women who attended the school were exposed to a curriculum that not only included the academic subjects, but also a variety of aesthetic subjects. With the influence of their European background, the sisters introduced elocution, dancing, drama and the study of the classics. The school has since produced graduates who have taken their place in government service, in the legal profession, in the medical field, in the education system, and in the home.
A significant element of this Government assisted girls' Catholic secondary school is that over the years it has catered to students of multi-religious backgrounds. Both the teaching staff and student population have remained one third Catholic and two thirds students belonging to other religious denominations.
Holy Faith Convent was among the first secondary schools to introduce the teaching of Hindi to students who opted for this subject. All the major festivals are celebrated at the school, so students are exposed to each other's religion and a sense of patriotism is fostered.
Tickets for the event are available from members of the Past Pupils' Association, the mail office at Holy Faith, Couva, as well as at Nigel R Khan Bookstore Price Plaza Chaguanas, Hilo Chaguanas and Marabella branches.
For further information please call association representatives at 703-5500
or e-mail hfccpastpupils@gmail. com