On a bright and sunny morning in February, the church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in San Fernando was alive with activity.

From left: Patricia Sones-Daniel, Curly Golah, Ann Marie Rabathaly and Annette Hunte-Lessey

Fr Ventour distributes Holy Communion

The day was February 8, and the occasion was the Mass and Valedictory function held in honour of four “Women of Worth”, all retiring from the parish school, St Gabriel’s Girls’ RC.

Those being honoured were:
Curly E Golah – Acting Principal I
Annette Hunte-Lessey – Acting Vice Principal
Ann Marie Rabathaly – Teacher
Patricia Sones-Daniel – Teacher

Parish priest, Fr Allan Ventour, officiated at the Mass which was attended by the honourees, members of their families, representatives from the Catholic Education Board of Management, Parent Teachers Action team, and teachers and students from St Gabriel’s.

The school choir, ably assisted by the teachers’ choir, rendered wonderful praise in song throughout the Mass and Fr Ventour paid fitting tribute to the retirees for their sterling contribution to St Gabriel’s and education in general.

After the Mass, the official function commenced with greetings from Aura Brown who introduced the chairpersons. During the function students honoured the retirees with cultural items.

The high points of the function were, of course, the reading of the valedictory address of each honouree. Excerpts are highlighted below.

Curly E Golah – Acting Principal I

“Well done, good and faithful servant”.
Mrs Golah’s teaching career spanned forty years, beginning in Rock River RC, Moruga in 1966. She entered St Gabriel’s in 1976 and was appointed Acting Principal in 2002.

During her tenure she discharged her duties with a “great level of elegance, dignity and diligence.” Described as a woman of worth, a dynamic and charismatic teacher and leader, she was praised for her contributions to the spiritual, physical and academic development of the school.

Under her leadership the school excelled in many academic, cultural, social and sporting activities.

Annette Hunte-Lessey – Acting Vice Principal

“Once, twice, three times a lady.”
Mrs Lessey’s association with St Gabriel’s began in 1953 as a student. She joined the teaching staff in 1969 and worked there until she retired in January 2007.

She will be remembered for her remarkable diction and sense of style and her contributions to the cultural life of the school. She is well known in the community as an emcee par excellence and has provided her services free of charge as a commentator, judge and presenter for many competitions.

She is associated with the San Fernando Arts Council and is a member of the Southernaire’s Choir. She was described as a “lady of class, a lady of style, a lady of smiles.”

Ann Marie Rabathaly – Teacher I

“Teacher par excellence.”
Mrs Rabathaly’s teaching career began in 1968 at Cipero RC, La Romaine. She joined St Gabriel’s in 1979 and during her stay, proved herself to be the ideal teacher.

“Diligence, commitment, responsibility, punctuality and regularity” were all traits attributed to her and she was also described as being very resourceful. She is multi-talented and was involved in the school’s Drama Group and Teachers’ Choir.

Her skill in calligraphy embellished many First Communion and Graduation certificates for the school. Above all, she will be remembered for her deep spirituality which has enabled her to spearhead the First Communion programme at the school, as well as play an active part in its chapter of the Cenacle of the Blessed Virgin Mary and All for Jesus through Mary Prayer Group.

Patricia Sones-Daniel

Mrs Sones-Daniel began her teaching career in 1972 at La Lune RC, Moruga. Her stint at St Gabriel’s started in 1979 and she was plunged whole heartedly into the very fabric of the school through sports, fund-raising, Carnival activities, Red Cross, as treasurer and member of the various prayer groups.

Described as a “woman of substance and adamant faith, who preserves to the end, encourages with persistence and supports with love”, she demonstrated care, hope, wisdom, dedication and service at all times during her career.

The function ended with a vote of thanks by principal Anne Marie Braxton. While St Gabriel’s will miss the influence of these four remarkable teachers, we know that the wider community will continue to benefit from their skills and commitment to service and God.

May God continue to guide and bless all their endeavours.