GHS launches library rehabilitation drive

A drive has been launched by the St Vincent Girls’ High School (GHS) to rehabilitate its library.

Speaking at the school’s 104th anniversary lecture at Frenches House on May 7, English teacher Athalie Caine-Soleyn called on the public to support the drive by volunteering {{more}}their time or services; donating reading material, subscriptions, furniture, posters, murals, additional storage or money.

In a very eloquent presentation, Caine-Soleyn said at present, there is insufficient reading material in the library and what is there is “neither visually appealing to nor interest stimulating” for the girls.

She said the school’s objective therefore is to restock the library with age appropriate reading material that will stimulate the girls’ interest in reading.

The English teacher said at present, the library, located in the Norma Keizer Resource Centre, which was built in 1986, is “neither aesthetically appealing nor welcoming.”

“…There is not enough storage for their belongings, or seats for them to sit comfortably. The walls are bare, save for two dismal posters, a hanging carving and a faded painting. As such, our objective is to improve the overall aesthetic of the library by adding motivating posters and murals, comfortable furniture and additional storage.”

Caine-Soleyn also lamented the technological limitations of the facility.

“Technology has left our library very far behind. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the school’s photocopier machine is the only modern device that works in the library. Fortunately, our girls benefit from the one laptop per child initiative, but struggle most times to get a reliable Internet connection when they are in the library. As such, our objective is to establish a reliable network system in the library that allows for monitored access to the wealth of information available online.”

Estimated costs of the improvements so far total EC$23,100 or US$8,500, Caine said.

The Rotary Club of St Vincent, represented by Rotarians Joel Toney and Sir Errol Allen, made a symbolic presentation of novels to the school. Caine thanked them as well as other individuals and groups who have already contributed to the project.

“… Our librarian is receiving training, and she has a modern desk from which to perform her duties; our library floor has been tiled, thanks to the generosity of our Toronto alumnae; and our library is now air-conditioned. We have also been blessed with the technological support of ICT Orbit, an ICT consulting company that believes that technology revolves around business success, and artistic support from Miss Kemara Brackin.”

The featured speaker at the anniversary lecture was Dr Arusha Campbell-Chambers, while the chairperson of the event was Miss SVG 2014 Shadeisha George, a member of the Class of 2009.

At the event, an award for Excellence in Academics was presented to Abigail Scott, a student of Form 5 Science, who, throughout her five years at the school, has maintained an average of 90 per cent and above. Additionally, Scott, in her citation, was described as an honest, disciplined, hard-working and ambitious student, who serves as deputy head girl. In the 2015 May/June CSEC examinations, she will set a new record for the GHS and SVG in attempting 15 subjects in one sitting.

GHS alumna Dr Rosalind Ambrose gave the GHS update, while head girl Justene Farrell gave the vote of thanks.