Fundraising efforts have begun for the Saint Joseph’s International Catholic College – 100 years of centenary celebrations.
Port Moresby Catholic Archbishop, Sir John Ribat, has launched the Centenary Celebrations Program 2017.
It’s a story of transformation, from its humble beginnings with classes conducted at Our Lady of Sacred Heart Sisters’ convent, to now a bigger college.
Former students gathered last night for the corporate dinner to support the celebrations for one of the oldest running schools in the country.
Packed tables was a testimony of how the school has grown over the years and has become a provider of education, which parents have entrusted in the college.
His grace, Sir John Ribat, shared the history of the catholic school and thanked the former and current members of the OLSH sisters, parents and school board members for the growing success of the school.
Special guest speaker of the night was Lynda Babao-O’Neill, a former student and alumni of St. Joseph’s, sharing her fondest memories and experiences of her time at the Catholic school.
“I am a proud former student of St. Joseph’s, which I believed instilled in me my faith, my convictions, my resilience and my strive to be the best I can be. Knowing the next time I could always give more” said the former student, Lynda Babao-O’Neill.
Funds raised from last night’s corporate dinner and raffles will go towards the 2017 celebrations that will be staged in mid next year.
It will be a five-day program jam-packed with activities and is an opportunity for old and current students to get together in celebrations.
Meanwhile, College Board Chairman, Peter Aisti, said the challenge to be successful in raising funds for next year’s celebrations.
If this challenge is successful, Aitsi said, they will begin a scholarship program for students who cannot afford to attend school at the college after the centenary celebrations.
The college has a staff of 120 staff and around 1,000 students, with 75% of the children being nationals.
