Govt pledges support

Among those being honoured was President’s Medal winner, Raquel Le Blanc.

In addressing the audience, comprised of parents, past pupils, and current students, Garcia said during this year’s national consultation on education one of the areas focused upon was the relationship between church and school.

He added that there were many in society who felt that that system should no longer be, but that it had the Government’s support and that Cabinet decided the church would continue to play its role in education.

He said, “In February, the Ministry of Education commissioned a National Consultation on Education.

This consultation gave a number of stakeholders the opportunity of voicing their views on how the education system should be shaped or re-shaped.

“Our Cabinet, last week Thursday, examined the results of this consultation and cabinet was very happy to note some of the encouraging recommendations made.

“One of the areas that was focused on was the area of the Concordat.

“As the denominational schools continue to press forward, there are many in the society who feel that the time has come when that system of education should be disbanded. Cabinet and the Government of this country is pleased to state that the church will continue to play its role in education and the church will continue to be supported by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.” In 2012 it was reported that former Minister of Education, Dr Tim Gopeesingh hinted at changes to the 1960 agreement between denominational boards and the Government.

It was reported that former Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teacher’s Association (TTUTA) president Devanand Sinanan said it was time for the Concordat to be revisited.

Garcia also congratulated the schools on its 180 years of academic excellence saying it was, “truly something to admire.” He noted that academics was not the only feature of the school but that it continued to excel in most areas of endeavor, athletics, culture etc. he said the school continued to move forward it, “carved a beautiful tradition.” The school honoured its students from forms one to upper six. A tribute was paid to the sisters of the St Joseph of Cluny by former headgirl and Humming- Bird Medal (Gold) recipient 1980 for Sport, Maria Nunes.

The respected photographer and history teacher showed, mainly through photos, the history of the school.

Noting that the school started with the seed of Saint Ann Marie Javouhey, founder of the Sisters of the St Joseph Cluny, Nunes called upon the students to, “Pay attention to the root, so that the fruit would be really something special.”