Friends of SAGHS, F Nunes host ‘Astra’ Sunday

The group’s goal is to assist, financially and otherwise, in the upgrading and overall improvement of the school’s infrastructure and relevant programmes.

Its first major fund raising venture is a premium all-inclusive Carnival fete, “Astra” which will take place at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya on Sunday from 2 pm to 10 pm. Entertainment will be provide by Roy Cape All Stars with Blaxx, 2014 Chutney Soca Monarch KI and his band 3veni, San Juan All Stars Tassa Group, Tunapuna Vibrations Engine, DJ Duane and guest artistes.

The group aims for this event to become a permanent fixture on the annual Carnival calendar of events.

St Augustine Girls’ High School opened its doors on September 19, 1950 at the Archibald Institute in St Augustine with 49 students. Today the school population has increased to just over 700 students at its present location on Evans Street, St Augustine. From that time to the present, the curriculum has been broadened, systems expanded and strengthened and facilities improved to some degree. However the physical plant has not kept pace with these developments. The main building was constructed in five phases over a period of 55 years, and is in dire need of repair, upgrade and in some instances complete replacement. This raises concerns in terms of maintenance and structural integrity, especially in light of modern constructing standards.

With a reputation for holistic development that has been consistent over the years, St Augustine Girls’ High School has topped the country in academic excellence on many occasions. This is evidenced by the number of national scholarships won each year achieved under conditions that were intended in some cases to facilitate 12-15 students but now working with class sizes in excess of 30 students.

Members of the group and well-wishers of the school have recognised the urgent need to address these concerns and have decided to do what they can to support an institution that has molded the lives of thousands of women in this country.