February 1 is always celebrated with flair at Holy Faith Convent, Couva. This year was no different. The celebration of the school’s patron saint, St Brigid, and a Valedictory function were rolled into one. The auditorium was filled to capacity with students, staff and guests and was gaily decorated with plants, balloons and banners.

The day’s proceedings began with Holy Mass celebrated by Fr Joe Harris. It was his first visit to the school and hopefully not his last. Father urged all to follow St Brigid’s example – a woman of deep prayer and wonderful deeds. He emphasised the need for trust in our society which leads to harmony.

The question was then put to all, “What can I do to make a place as God wants it to be?” and all were challenged to be “servants and agents of harmony” in the world. Fr Harris stressed that prayers alone will not solve all our problems. They must be accompanied by truthfulness and faithfulness to our world in all situations.

The music teacher led us in songs of praise and worship. Prayers were offered for the Holy Faith Sisters who 56 years ago established a school “on the Caroni Plains” for young women in the area. A meditative dance by two girls came before the final blessing of the Mass.

After a short interval, the programme continued. Special guests included the Holy Faith Sisters from Valencia, Couva, Woodbrook and Siparia, past principals and staff members, our honouree Mr Sampath, his family, close relatives and friends.

Principal Angela Iloo praised the Sisters for their “vision splendid” when they arrived in Couva in 1951. Their efforts to train young girls to “be women of substance” were indeed challenging but well rewarded. She thanked all those who journeyed since those early days to forge an institution which today is continuing to maintain a very high standard in education.

Annually, interpretations of Sr Mary Magdalene’s (first principal) poems and other writings vary. This year, it took the form of chorale speaking, rendered by the First Formers. Songs and dances entertained and showcased the talents of the students. All these splendid performances were well appreciated and applauded.

Glowing tribute to Mr Sampath was made by two members of staff and included his daughter’s contribution. Other tributes by one of the six principals under whom he served and students of the different form levels gave all additional insight into the honouree who is fondly referred to as “Sampie”, “Birr”, “The Great One”.

The banner on the stage proclaimed him “A Gentleman of Integrity”. A father figure who recommended doing plenty past papers in Chemistry, and who did not tolerate late coming and mediocrity, will surely be missed by all.
The programme ended with the school song and reflections of God’s goodness with thanksgiving to Him for all the morning’s proceedings and the people within.