Education: Second Level

Holy Faith Convent, Couva

Holy Faith Convent Couva was the first secondary school in the Central rural area. Established in 1951, it remained small until the introduction of free education in the 60s. However, the warm, loving family atmosphere of the small school was well grounded to adapt, not only to over 700 pupils, but to a multi-denominational student body today.

One of the pioneer sisters, Sr. Magdalena McBride, was principal for over twenty years and it was a joy for the school when the first lay principal, Pamela Punch, was also a past-pupil. Today Ms. Angela Iloo is principal, and our Sr. Theresa Vialva is vice-principal. Theresa also teaches Spanish, Communication Studies and Caribbean Studies and Sr. Mary Anthony is involved in the school on a part-time basis teaching Religious Education.

Teachers Remember!

Sr. Baptista Smiddy taught in Couva for twelve of the forty years she spent in Trinidad. The following words to a past-pupil show the memory and heart of teachers for their students:

“I’m so happy to have had a ‘tiny’ part in your education and formation. May God fill you with wisdom and courage to speak up and to speak out when necessary; to use your gifts of education and natural ability for the betterment of your sisters and brothers ... ... If I have helped in any way to educate you and others - to be alert, aware, courageous and vocal when necessary - that’s reward enough for me. God bless you and all my past-pupils in this school!"

Past-pupils Recall

Sr. Theresa reviewing exam
papers with students

Past-pupils writing at anniversary times speak of the school as being "prayer-filled, love-filled and fun-filled" and another tribute, summing up the whole ethos of the school, states:

"The Sisters and my Trini teachers promoted our mental, spiritual, moral, cultural, social and physical development. They taught us to respect life and human dignity; to understand our rights and responsibilities; to promote family life, community and the common good; to stand in solidarity with the poor and the oppressed; to care for God's creation; and to be active participants in our society.

I am who I am today mainly because of the positive influence
of my parents and teachers."

Couva has moved with the times, continually adding to its academic curriculum and embracing the new CAPE system with enthusiasm, which has resulted in the award of many student scholarships. Extra-curricular activities are numerous and also produce award-winners in areas as varied as Debating and the Secondary Schools Scrabble Competition.

As Couva heads towards its 60th anniversary, staff and students know that the school stands poised and ready for change and challenges, just as it was in previous decades.

Holy Faith Convent, Penal

Holy Faith Convent Penal began as a private school in 1967, initially giving quality education to students who were unsuccessful in the Common Entrance Examination. Beginning with an enrolment of 24 pupils, it went from strength to strength, became government assisted in 1988 and now has some 690 students and over 50 staff members.

Significant milestones in growth were the addition of the GCE and A-level courses and the inclusion of Computer Science on the curriculum with the construction of the Margaret Aylward Computer Laboratory.

The school crest bears the motto "This is the victory that overcomes the world: Our Faith" and the unique characteristic spirit of Penal is summed up in the following 'watchwords':

There were four Holy Faith Principals before Ms. Valerie Bethel took over in 1991. Sr. Columba, former Principal and now Episcopal Delegate for Catechetics, still maintains contact through giving 6th Year religious education classes and Sisters also serve on the joint Couva/Penal Board of Management.

Penal is a school where all students can have a place to "shine" and where multiple intelligences are appreciated and nurtured. The school hosts its own music festival and has a strong co-curricular programme of sporting, dramatic and other cultural activities.

Pupils have made their mark through gaining National Scholarships and a proud note in the school's history were the 1st and 2nd places in the world gained by Sociology students.

Today, both staff and parents recognise that the school owes its sterling performance to the dedicated and committed service of past and present administration and staff, the supportive parents who have served faithfully over the years and the young girls who offer the gift of themselves to the building up of the school's reputation and spirit.

Holy Faith Convent "WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE"
reunite after 40 years - with accolades, honours and tributes

[Click on photos for larger images]

From near and afar
The Holy Faith Convent, Couva, Class of ’69 (5B) “forever sisters, forever friends” recently celebrated their 40th Anniversary with an unforgettable week's reunion.
Classmates came from abroad and Trinidad to reconnect, reminisce, and rejoice. They especially wished to thank their Alma Mater where, according to Coordinator Ann Maturasingh-Seepersad, they were moulded into “women of substance” – specially equipped with the tools necessary to meet with life’s challenges, and to overcome.
[Ann and some of the Organising Committee]

Special Tributes and Thanks

Specially honoured guests on the night of the Gala Dinner included former teacher, mentor, and one among the first group of students to enter HFC in 1951 - Mrs Pamela Punch. She was commended for exceptional and dedicated service to Church, Education and Community; for being a role model to women and community - in the women’s eyes, a true “woman of substance”. The Holy Faith Sisters in Trinidad (represented by Sr. Theresa Vialva) were honoured for their unwavering service to God and to communities in every aspect of life; for affording young women the opportunity of an holistic education, and to grow into “women of substance".

		Present principal, Ms Angela Iloo, was honoured for her courage and strength in taking the reigns of leadership of Holy Faith Convent, Couva, and for embracing it with the same passion and interest as the former principals, while upholding the values and morals of the Holy Faith Sisters. She received a donation from the 5Bs towards the school’s library.
		A donation was also made to Ms Lenora De Verteuil, of Holy Faith Convent’s Credo House, where the group conducted many of their Reunion activities during the week’s celebrations.
		[Group at gala dinner]

Honour was also bestowed on Mrs. Patricia Bryan, past Secretary, whose service spanned five principals, beginning with the very first, Sr. Mary Magdalena, and ending with Ms Iloo.

Ms Wendy Ann Wattie brought greetings to these remarkable women on behalf of the HFC Past Pupils’ Association. Homage was paid to their former teachers, who were represented by Ms Lucille Ramsumair.

	In Ann's words:
	“the curriculum is so much a necessity, but the warmth and understanding is necessary for the soul of the child; and this is also what our teachers contributed towards the 5Bs' holistic development."

Guest speaker Mr. Ronald Tagallie saw the reunion as a rebirth where it offered the women opportunities for them to renew themselves and to give thanks for blessings received through HFC. He said that only heroes and heroines return home, and they were therefore heroines.

Ann Maturasingh-Seepersad was specially honoured for her innovation in bringing the reunion idea to the forefront, her passionate and relentless pursuit over a three-year period in locating classmates and for coordinating the very successful and unique reunion, 40 years after their graduation. Her co-coordinator, Jennie Lewis, with the core committee, Heather Hunte and Shaharazad Khan were also honoured.

[After the Thanksgiving Mass]

Ann stated that without the enthusiasm and hard work of the entire committee, which also included Rosemarie Batchasingh, Annette Camacho, Joycelyn Boodasingh, Innis Johnson and Jasmine Barton, the Reunion would not have been possible, as each played a pivotal role in the planning and success of the event.

... To be continued!

There was a special Sunday Mass where the women offered thanksgiving to God for bringing them together after 40 years, and for their forever sisterhood, forever friendship. At the end of the week’s celebrations, these “women of substance” parted with joy and tears as they promised to meet for a 43rd Anniversary Reunion in Miami.

Pastpupils at Tea Party

Pastpupils at Barbeque

Shaharazad Khan and Mrs. Pamela Punch

Education

Faith Development