St Bernadette’s buries 2022 time capsule

Students, members of staff and invited guests gathered on the compound of St Bernadette’s Preparatory, St Ann’s July 6 for the unearthing of a time capsule which was buried in 2001.

Among those in attendance was retired teacher and Vice Principal Rosalie Jacob (36 years as an educator at St Bernadette’s), Jackie Rose (an educator with 25 years of experience and specialisation in Mathematics) and six past pupils who were in Standard Five when the time capsule was buried.

Natalie Pawirodihardjo, the Standard Five class teacher, who was also present when the initial time capsule was buried, welcomed everyone, and reminded them that it is a memorable occasion.

The idea for the school to create a time capsule was suggested by Rose, during her tenure as teacher. “After 21 years, today is indeed an important day for us at St Bernadette’s Prep. The items we’re placing into the time capsule will be a reminder of this historical time that we’re living in. This pandemic has adjusted our lives,” stated Pawirodihardjo.

She stated that the contents within the 2001 time capsule were: the 2001 SEA exam paper, a copy of the graduation ceremony booklet, list of staff members and a Guardian newspaper.

The 2001 items were revealed by the group of past pupils: Shannon de Montrichard, Dara-Marie King, Letitia Cherrie, Idrees Dhanessar, Mithra Gieowarsingh and Jonathan Agostini.

The items placed into the 2022 time capsule were: pandemic inspired artwork by Standard Five students, a 2022 graduation ceremony booklet, letters from students sharing their experience during the pandemic, a Newsday newspaper, a disposable mask, a burgundy St Bernadette’s branded cloth mask and T&T cotton currency.

The time capsule was placed into the earth by Standard Five students Lindsy Walcott and Ethan Reid. The area, which is next to the flagpole was later covered with dirt and cemented.

The time capsule will be unearthed in 20 years, 2042.

—Story and photos by Tenisha Sylvester, teacher