The compact two-and-a-half hour programme which got underway at 9:30 hours, brought together the student population, members of the teaching staff and past heads, among others, for a splendid time of celebration, reflection, and sharing their vision for the future of the institution.

The programme included the honouring of five all-female Heads and Deputy Heads for dedicated service through the years, as well as the current head who, over the last year since taking up that mantle at the school, has been leading the staff and students commendably towards living up to the schools' motto: `Excellence’.

For the hundreds of students - new and continuing, with glowing faces, all smartly and neatly attired, it was a proud and heartwarming experience. Following the opening prayer, with a sense of patriotism, they all sang lustily the Hymn for Guyana's Children. That and other choral selections were done under the baton of Music Master, Mr. Kennard Pickett, accompanied by Pianist Mrs. Rosemarie Henry.

The programme included an Inspirational Message by Pastor Paul Adams of the Christian faith. Chairperson was Mr. Clarence Brotherson, and Guest of Honour, Ms. Jane De Freitas.

A section of the student population and others gathered in the Christ Church Secondary School's auditorium for their 38th anniversary celebrations.
A short history of the school was read by Headmistress, Ms Debbie Da Silva.

There was a standing ovation for the fifth form students who recently did the school proud at the May/June sitting of the CXC Examinations.

Heading the list of those who performed with distinction was Ms Tiana Roberts who wrote six subjects, passed all six with Grade 1 and secured five distinctions. Her name will be included on the Honours Roll when the School holds its graduation ceremony in November, after a three-year break. The school last held its graduation ceremony in 1998. Ms Da Silva said that they are making preparations for the ceremony scheduled to take place within the next two months.

Bhojnarine Pradhuman who wrote six subjects, gained five Grade Ones; one Grade Two and three distinctions. Nirmala Pradhuman who wrote seven subjects, gained three Grade Ones, three Grade Twos, one Grade Three and two distinctions. Nichola Layne wrote six subjects, got four Grade Ones, two grade threes and two distinctions. Christine Sumner also sat six subjects, got five Grade Ones, one Grade Two and one distinction. Sherry Ann Khan, who wrote six subjects, got three Grade Ones, three Grade Twos and two distinctions. Camille Allen wrote six subjects, got three Grade Ones, two Grade Twos, one Grade Three and two distinctions.

An analysis of the examination results showed that two students passed seven subjects; 32 passed six subjects and 30 passed five subjects (inclusive of distinctions and Grade Ones).

Percentage passes at the individual subjects revealed 88.6 per cent at English A; Mathematics - 56.4 per cent; Biology - 87 per cent; Integrated Science - 100 per cent; Social Studies - 99 per cent; Food and Nutrition 100 per cent; Technical Drawing 100 per cent; Clothing and Textile - 100 per cent; Principles of Accounts - 97 per cent; Principles of Business - 97 per cent; Office Practice - 96 per cent. The majority of these passes, the Headmistress said, ranged from Grade One to Three.

Other areas in which the school has excelled recently include: Three prizes won at the Essay Writing Competition at the Umana Yana - two first prizes - one as a national winner, as well as a third place position.

During last year, Christ Church also won at the national Science Fair.

And combining their distinctive areas of specialty to assist in molding well-rounded students with the kind of attributes of which the school can be truly proud are School's Bible Club; Interact Club and Environment Club.

The Headmistress congratulated students on their performance, and teachers for their input. She said that the success achieved by the students was in no small measure due to the work of the very capable, versatile, militant and energetic team of teachers.

Teachers, in turn, lauded Ms DaSilva for her astute leadership. They said that since taking up the mantle last October, she has been doing much to motivate the students and teachers, providing a healthy working environment, despite constraints.

The following past Heads and Deputy Heads were honoured for efficient and dedicated service:

Ms Brenda Garrett - Deputy Headmistress
Ms Marjorie Cambridge Carr - Headmistress
Ms Carmen Parris - Headmistress
Ms Debbie Da Silva - Headmistress
Ms Bibi Mohamed - Deputy Headmistress

Also honoured for long and dedicated service, was Ms. Coreen Dolphin, Senior Mistress. She is the longest serving teacher with 21 years' service under her belt. Ms Dolphin, with a deserved reputation of being the students' favourite is also in charge of the Home Economics Department. At the last sitting of the CXC examinations, her class in Food and Nutrition secured 100 per cent passes.

Ms Rosemarie Henry, a past student, now a teacher of the school who assisted in writing the lyrics for the School's Song also came in for honourable mention.

Meanwhile, an Old Student, Mr. Royston Meredith (1975-1979) now residing in the United States of America, was among those assembled to celebrate the auspicious occasion. Mr. Meredith who took great pride in witnessing the strides made by the school over the years, promised to maintain his contact with them, and help supply the needs of the institution in whatever way possible.