St. John’s School is 70 years
St. John’s School is 70 years, Hurray!!!!
The invitation of the brothers to the shore of the Ghanaian soil to run a catholic school for boys has yielded much fruit for the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese, the western region and the country as a whole. St. John’s School which was started with just forty-seven students in 1952 has yielded in thousands and over students. St. John’s School saw much significant change when the Congregation of Holy Cross took over the administration of the school. We celebrate the achievement of those men and women who contributed for the success of St. John’s school.
The anniversary started on 17th July through to 23rd July, 2023 on the theme; Celebrating 70 Years of Impactful Catholic Training on the Boy Child; the Saint John’s Experience. The week was power packed with lot of activities to mark the anniversary.
A memorial mass was held at the St. Pauls Pro-Cathedral to remember all those who have gone before us most importantly, the Brothers of Holy Cross, the Old students, teachers and non-teaching staffs and all those who in one way or the other have contributed for the growth of St. John’s School. A clean-up exercise was organized in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. Some students were led by teachers to the Effiankwanta regional hospital to clean, some students were led by other teachers to Sekondi township and others went to the nearby communities to clean up the streets and areas that needed attention. In the course of the week, a pavilion was inaugurated and dedicated to Matthew Chapter Five Band. This is where students who are interested in music could go for rehearsals to polish their God given talents in music and the playing of the musical instruments. A big recognition was given to Brother Raymond Papenfuss who spearheaded the Matthew Chapter Five (MCF) from the beginning. There were sporting activities between the Old Saints and the students, and between few selected schools in the metropolis.
On Saturday, 22nd July, the Bishop of the Sekondi-Takoradi diocese Most Rev. John Baptist Attakruh, the Regional Minister representing the President of the Republic of Ghana, the Regional Director of Education, Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools, the PTA, the Provincial Superior of the Province of West Africa, Brother John Badu Affum, CSC and the Congregation of holy Cross, the teaching and non-teaching staffs, the Alumni and the entire students gathered for the grand durbar. The school choir in collaboration with the Archbishop Porter Girls’ School choir sung with angelic voices to usher the dignitaries and to grace the occasion. The regimental band and the Matthew Chapter Five Band displayed melodiously and to give thanks to God for all these years of existence. Goodwill messages were delivered from all invited guest. Poetry recitation and drama were not left out.
Some teaching and non-teaching staffs, students, old students and former staffs on retirement received awards for their services to St. John’s school. Brother Paul Bukari CSC, received an award for best housemaster while Brother Stephen Aidoo, CSC and Brother Anthony Dadzie CSC received citations each for their tremendous contributions towards the school. The provincial of West Africa, Brother John Affum, gave the concluding prayer for this memorable occasion.
Mass of thanksgiving on Sunday morning was offered and presided by the Bishop of Sekondi-Takoradi, Most Rev John Baptist Attakruh. In his homily, he thanked the Brothers for their great contribution toward the school.
