After 36 years at Holy Faith Prep (St Bernadette’s), St Ann’s, former teacher and vice principal Rosalie Jacob was honoured at her retirement function on July 6. St Bernadette’s invited former students and teachers, parents and current students to pay homage to a woman who has devoted her life to the holistic development of her students.
The function, hosted by administrative assistance Sheraine Joseph, began promptly at 9:30 am with the national anthem and school song. This was followed by welcome remarks by principal Anne-Marie Boisson, who wished Jacob all the best in her future endeavours. Standard five student Amelia Geawan performed a song titled The Climb, and was followed by the standard five class recitation of Our Purpose, a poem written by Chantal Blanc and Angelo Eifell. The class also sang one of their original compositions titled Our Purpose.
The junior infants, senior infants and standard one students performed I have a Dream, for which they received a standing ovation. Subsequently, standards four and five students combined to perform You Raise Me Up, to which standard five student Kori Pierre danced.
Standards two and three eloquently recited a poem acclaiming Jacob’s contributions to the school. The poem was written by teacher Shelly-Ann Elms. Another noteworthy musical performance came from standard five student Chantal Blanc with Never Enough.
[caption id="attachment_964183" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Standards four and five students during their performance of You Raise Me Up, with dancer Kori Pierre, during the retirement ceremony for Rosalie Jacob at St Bernadette Preparatory School, Port of Spain on July 6. Photo courtesy Tenisha Sylvester -[/caption]
Nadia St Hillaire-Thomas, the junior infants class teacher, moved the audience to tears with her rendition of I will always love you.
The tribute speech was given by teacher Colette Daniel, who referred to Jacob as being more than a vice principal and a colleague.
“She’s a true friend, a true steward who devoted her time, talents and treasures to this institution. Mrs Jacob worked towards the holistic development of students,” Daniel said.
“There was never too much glitter for costumes. Her motto was ‘work hard play harder.’ She focused on more than academics. Jacob went all out for our events. Giving back during Lent and Advent, was a necessity. She encouraged St Bernadette’s to donate money to the less fortunate. She took care of the staff and treated us like her children, providing sound advice about work and personal life. She gave it straight and she was always thorough in every exchange.”
Daniel reminisced on the resounding laughter that would emanate from the staffroom during lunch and break intervals.
“We have to eat and we enjoyed your company while doing so. Rosalie, we thank you for the years of service, we love you.”
Parents were given the opportunity to give brief speeches, and Darryl Duke represented the fathers of St Bernadette’s.
“She’s a very spiritual person and she’s a true Trini at heart. She c
