Students attend St Paul’s back to school church service

Back to School Sunday, September 8, was a kaleidoscope of colours, as students, dressed in full school colours, swelled the congregations of the churches of St Paul’s, Calliaqua and St John’s, Belair.{{more}}

It was the occasion of the Annual Back to School Service which is celebrated by the parish of St Paul with St John every first Sunday of the new academic year.

Students came from all levels of the school system: pre-school, primary and secondary school students, as well as students from the various divisions of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College. Many were accompanied by principals and teachers of the various schools which participated.

The theme this year focused on young people – particularly girls – and ICT. Presentations were made by the Girls’ High School Young Leaders, in both churches, on their findings from their research for their Young Leaders Project and the ways they are able to use ICT to further their academic work.

Additionally, the congregations were exposed to a very informative PowerPoint presentation by SVG Information Technology Division, outlining the dangers of cyber crime. A 13-minute video clip was also shown, illustrating the critical issues which sometimes affect unsuspecting young people as they use the available technology.

The congregations of St John and St Paul were very appreciative of the information provided. Follow-up discussions and presentations are anticipated by the Parish.

Students were recognized and applauded for their excellent performances at the Common Entrance, CSEC, A’level and CAPE Examinations. One interesting feature was that all students who served as acolytes at the altar did so in full school uniform, emphasizing their link with the school and the church. Students pledged to use their talents to develop their homes, schools, churches and nation. The service concluded with the blessing of all participating students by the Rector of the Parish, the Reverend Canon O. Samuel Nichols.

After the service, students and teachers were given gifts of school supplies and a snack box. They enjoyed fellowship with parishioners, as the seeds of the plans for the 2014 Back to School Service began to germinate.

The parish thanks the parishioners in the diaspora for gifts of school supplies. We remember with deep appreciation and prayers, Maureen Parsons, Stephanie Seales and Grace Toney-Stephens. It continues to be the joy of the parish to reach out to the students of the nation and to support our education project.