The Convent High School in Dominica celebrated its 150th anniversary with a concelebrated Thanksgiving Mass at the Roseau Cathedral on February 1.

Bishop Gabriel Malzaire was the main celebrant; concelebrants were Monsignor William Jno Lewis and Fr Franklyn Cuffy CSsR.

In his homily the bishop paid tribute to the school and the many benefactors, former bishops and principals. He called on all to continue supporting the school as it strived to continue providing excellent education for young women.

Among the invited guests were the President, His Excellency Dr Nicholas JO Liverpool and Mrs Liverpool, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, and Education Minister Mr Vince Henderson.

More than 2000 past and present students attended, the majority dressed in the school’s uniform through the different eras. Among the former students were a few men; CHS educated young men until 1969.

CHS students with banner before parade through streets of Roseau. J. Grimner photo

After Mass, they paraded through the streets of Roseau in a show of pride in their alma mater. The march ended at the school where a plaque commemorating the sesquicentennial year was unveiled by Sr Hilda Verdonck, ICM, the last religious principal. The ICM Sisters took over management in 1933.

Calls have been made that a similar occasion be made available to former students returning for Independence celebrations later this year.

The year-long anniversary celebrations were launched at Fort Young Hotel on January 11 under the patronage of President Liverpool.

“One hundred and fifty years is a long time in the life of any institution, and your school has done extremely well to remain steadfast over this period. It is to be congratulated for reaching this milestone and also for providing exceptional education and service despite the many challenges presented by technological changes and by changes in society generally,” President Liverpool said.

CHS principal, Josephine Dublin gave the history of the school from 1858 to the present.  She noted the challenges faced back when the Sisters of the Faithful Virgin managed the school, and the challenges the school faces in the 21st century. She also noted the school’s contribution to Dominica society.

“Our early founders were driven with faith that was translated into dedication and commitment of service to others,” said Dublin. “The vision of providing quality education to girls is still alive. The school’s dominance in academic education, debate and essay competitions as well as in netball, Junior Monarch and teen competitions attest to this.”

In his address at the launch, Bishop Malzaire congratulated the school and urged staff and students to remain models of excellence.

In her closing remarks and vote of thanks, deputy principal responsible for pastoral care, Annette Austrie, expressed sincere gratitude to the many constituents who had made positive contributions to the development of the school.

Also present at the launch were Minister of Culture and Community Development, Hon Loreen Bannis-Roberts, local clergy, religious sisters and brothers, other school principals, benefactors and several former students.

Upcoming anniversary activities include a sports festival between old girls and the current student body in April, a lecture series between March and July, the launch of a school magazine in September, a dinner and dance in October, and a thanksgiving Mass in December to close the year.