Holy Name Convent has embarked on a school expansion drive to build more teaching spaces to ensure the rich legacy of the Dominican Sisters continues in its drive to educate the young women of Trinidad and Tobago.
Commenting on the school's rich tradition in education via a media release, chairman of the Building Veritas Fund, Ian Benjamin, explained, “We are proud of the tremendous heritage that Holy Name Convent has. Its physical space has proven to be a sacred space that allows our young women to blossom and grow in service.”
The school said the expansion of the institution has been in planning for the last 14 years as current capacity allows for only 66 per cent of CAPE students to return to Form 6. In addition to a pre-existing shortfall of eight classrooms, there are now 18 spaces in the school that cannot be used, meaning the school is now lacking 26 teaching spaces.
A conceptual drawing of the new proposed wing at Holy Name Convent which the school is now raising funds to construct.
Courtesy Holy Name Convent
The release added that the damage sustained after the 6.9 magnitude earthquake in August further revealed structural issues.
As such, some renovations to the existing structure are planned but a new wing is critical, it noted. The new wing will honour the memory of two Dominican Sisters, Sr. Bernadette De la Bastide and Sr. Helen Gomes and is projected to cost $10 million for the building alone.
The school has, however, embarked upon several fund-raising initiatives, including an alumni fundraising challenge, Deeds of Covenant, special concerts and events and the sale of memorabilia items to raise the necessary funds for the project.
The next event is an art auction entitled Art is LIFE! on Friday at the Archbishop’s House, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain from 5.30 pm.
The Auction will offer for sale a mix of novice and professional art, sculpture, jewellery. Art from HNC Alumni artists Karen Sylvester, Sarah Joseph Dasent and Marisse Rodriguez, alongside well-known artists such as Christopher Cozier, Irenee Shaw Cozier, Judy Shaw, Fitzroy Hoyte, Dermot Louison, Jackie Hinkson, Che Lovelace, Lisa O’Connor and Kenny Yu will be on offer. Items from emerging artists Alicia Milne, Vivian Wall, as well as current head girl La Shelle Charles and other current students will also be available.
Crown Point by veteran master artist Jackie Hinkson.
Courtesy Holy Name Convent
Speaking about the event, Form Six Dean Sr. Renee Hall, said, “We have had such a glorious outpouring of art for the auction that we wanted to give guests multiple opportunities to purchase. Therefore, we have three categories: outright purchase at listed prices; silent incremental bidding till the bell and the limited-edition raffle, there is truly a price point and that special something for everyone.”
Direct deposits can be facilitated at Scotiabank – 131908 (TT deposits) or Republic Bank 180999 343901 (US deposits). For more info check the school's Facebook page or call 475-6502 or 623-8168.