St Joseph’s Convent (PoS) to get multi-media classes

The initiatives, part of the school’s strategic plan for the year, were made public at yesterday’s awards function to honour and recognise students for their achievements during the year 2004/2005. The function was held at the school’s chapel, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain.

Principal, Elizabeth Crouch, said the multi-media classrooms will further transform the school, which underwent the first transformation 50 years ago under Sr Francis Xavier, who introduced the first science block. Another transformation took place several years ago under Sr Paul D’Ornellas, when the school got its first computer room.

Crouch said she hoped to get the support of parents to implement the initiatives, moreso as the school moves to ensure that its students are not kept in a cocoon, but understand what is happening in the "real" world.

She said as the school sought to introduce tracking, to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of students, the staff was also aiming to ensure that every student gets a Grade One in Mathematics by 2008.

The principal noted that with 32 clubs at the school fostering leadership skills in the students, teachers will also be sent abroad this year to receive training in that area.

School Supervisor III, Yvonne Ramsey, in her remarks on behalf of the Ministry of Education, urged students to check what they stand for, since values seem to be losing ground in society.

She said she hoped they understood what was happening in society and played their part to sustain democracy, and be empowered and guided by adults. She also endorsed the involvement of parents in the school’s activities.

The school received 29 national scholarships last year. Forty-two students got awards of excellence for outstanding performance in the GCE Cambridge Advanced Level exams, and 37 students received general proficiency certificates. The top A’Level student was Caroline De Verteuil who got an open scholarship and was ranked third and ninth respectively in French and Spanish in the world. She is now studying in southern France.

The Sr Paul D’Ornellas Medal was awarded to Sue Mara Akong for facing extraordinary challenges in her life. In accepting the award, Sue Mara, a Lower Six student, broke down in tears as she received a standing ovation. The Suzanne Lambert Cup was awarded to Shera Mungroo for best exemplifying the qualities of a Rhodes Scholar, and the Rose Bowl award to Catherine Koo-Min Chee, who best represented the ideals of the school through her integrity, honesty and desire to serve. The top Fifth Form student was Nizette Edwards. Arianne Camacho got a special award for being the lone female member on the Math Olympiad team, and 128 students were named to the Principal’s List.