Did you know that the story of St. Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain, Chapel began with a boat ride? In 1836 six Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny arrived from Martinique. Bishop McDonnell invited them to Trinidad. He wanted them to found a house of education. It would be open to all classes and religions.
These nuns were sent by Mère Marie-Therese. She was the Superior in Martinique. She was also the sister of Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey. Blessed Anne Marie never came to Trinidad. She was busy working in French Guiana. But her spirit of education lives on here at St. Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain.
Initially, the sisters stayed on St. James Street. This street is now Frederick Street. Madame le Cadre Bégorrat housed them. Soon, they moved to Kent Street, now Pembroke Street. They bought a building next to the Bishop’s residence. This is where St. Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain, stands today.
The school opened on April 5, 1836. It was a boarding school for girls. The school fee was 52 pounds per year. All students were boarders. They were taught in both French and English. This bilingual system lasted until 1894. The boarding school continued until 1966.
In 1845, the foundation stone for the first chapel was laid. You can still see this stone. It is behind the goalpost of the netball court. By 1869, there were four courses. They were Preparatory, Elementary, Secondary, and Superior. They are equivalent to today’s Forms.
St. Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain, celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 1887. New buildings were built. The school needed more space. In 1894, classes were only taught in English. This ended the bilingual system.
In 1904, the Archbishop moved. His old residence became part of the school. In 1907, the Centenary Hall was built. It marked 100 years since the founding of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny. The hall was used for classrooms, concerts, and plays.
St. Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain, was affiliated with QRC in 1911. This allowed students to take Cambridge exams. The school also received a government subsidy. By the 1920s, students studied Art, Literature, and Domestic Science. These subjects were in addition to traditional subjects.
A fire destroyed much of the school and chapel in 1944. Four sisters tragically died. But the school was rebuilt. It reopened in 1946. The southern wing built in 1936 survived the fire.
In 1962, non-paying students were accepted. This was after the first Common Entrance Examinations. In 1972, a three-story wing was built for Forms 4 and 5.
Sr. Paul D’Ornellas retired as Principal in 1990. She was the last Sister of St. Joseph of Cluny in charge. In 2016, St. Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain, celebrated its 180th anniversary. It also marked 70 years since the school was rebuilt after the fire.
Today, St. Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain, continues to excel. It upholds its motto: Sapientia et Scientia, Wisdom and Knowledge. The school is divided into six houses. They are Blessed Anne-Marie, Holy Trinity, Our Lady, St. Joseph, St. Theresa, and St. Xavier.
Many notable women have graduated from here. They include Bridgid Annisette-George, Anya Ayoung-Chee, and Wendy Fitzwilliam. The school song praises Alma Mater. It sings of devotion and loyalty.
St. Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain, Chapel is more than just a building. It represents a legacy of education and faith. It is a place where young women are empowered to make a difference in the world.