The elite private Providence School marked its 20th anniversary on Friday with a ceremony in St George celebrating two decades of growth from a small operation housed in tents to a dual-campus institution, while honouring founders, staff and community members who shaped its development.
Founding principal Tom Sheedy told students, alumni, staff and invited guests that the St George school’s success rested on the resolve of its founders and the adaptability of its community.
Founding Principal Tom Sheedy. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla)
“We need not be fearful of these times of change that lie ahead. As they say, the only thing constant in life is change. And young people, keep that in the back of your mind. Life is always changing, but you don’t ever give up on it.”
Reflecting on the school’s opening in September 2005, Sheedy recalled that Providence began with just five staff members and classes conducted in tents while the property’s previous owners completed their move.
“In 2005, September 12th to be exact, I think we had five staff… and we had tents. So if we’re a school, what are we doing with tents?
“And looking back on that, I wouldn’t have changed that for anything because it was an experience that, if there are any children that are here today, I don’t know if there are, but umbrellas and tents and washroom breaks, and you can figure out the rest of all of that, right? It was quite exciting.”
The subsequent expansion from a single institution to both an elementary and secondary school reflected the strength of a shared vision, he said.
“As we grew within the five to six years, we were nearing capacity at the elementary and we started talking about and entertaining the possibility of a secondary school. And that’s quite a vision to have, not just one school but two. It truly did take a village to bring us to where we are today 20 years later.”
Board of management member Greg Hook used the occasion to recognise contributors to the school’s development, with particular praise for founder Laura Melnyk.
Board of Management member Greg Hook. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla)
“I know you said Eugene Melnyk was the vision of the school. It’s not quite correct. Laura Melnyk; everything you see was Laura,” he said.
Hook also acknowledged the commitment of early staff and parents.
“I’d really like to thank the staff, in particular the staff that took a huge leap of faith in those first couple of years. But most important were those parents who really made a leap of faith.”
Sheedy, in turn, highlighted Hook’s role in the institution’s growth.
“If you needed something to happen, something fixed, Greg was right there and never missed a beat. One of the most reliable people that I’ve ever worked with.”
Principal of Providence Elementary School Kiran Mahtani said the institution had remained focused on holistic development alongside academic and extracurricular achievement.
“Yes, we celebrate excellent results, trophies, medals, performances and accomplishments. But what makes Providence special is that we never lose sight of the child behind the achievement.”
He pointed to recent successes, including strong performances in the Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination, as well as achievements in swimming, football, visual arts, public speaking and gymnastics, but added that less visible milestones were equally significant.
Providence Secondary School students. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla)
“The child who learned how to work through disappointment after not winning a race. The child who struggled to blend letter sounds is able to confidently read. The student who attended speech therapy wins the public speaking contest. Those are the moments that define us. Those are the victories that matter most.”
Former students had gone on to a wide range of professions and continued to reflect the school’s values, Mahtani said.
“Some have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, entrepreneurs, artists, engineers and leaders in their communities. Others are still discovering who they will become. But every one of them carries a piece of Providence with them.”
During the ceremony, long-serving contributors Greg Hook, Laura Melnyk, Melissa Fisher, Josy Pacetti and Tom Sheedy were recognised for their service.
The Providence School choir. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla)
The anniversary event, held under the theme Grounded in Tradition, Building Toward The Future, featured the unveiling of a time capsule buried by the graduating Class of 2010 and the debut of the Providence School Song, performed by the school’s choir.
(LE)
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