Patriotism dominated this year’s Prize Day at St. Patrick’s. The theme chosen for this year’s production was an eventful day in Maltese politics way back in 1919. The 7th of June of that year was marked by the bloodshed of four unarmed protestors in Valletta. The Maltese were demanding a constitution from their British colonizers. This event was dramatized and enacted by the students at the Salesian theatre in Sliema on April 30, 2009.
The evening was ushered in by a Form 4 student. The St Patrick’s prize day is celebrated in a rather grand style. The reasons for giving it such importance is manifold. Firstly, basically all the school participates in the production. All the teachers contribute by pooling their many talents. Everything is done at school, from costumes to props and scene painting. The students help considerably in these preparations. The prize day production is in fact a team building experience. The audience appreciated the effort that went into the production and enjoyed the high level of the work, something to which they are now accustomed.
Another aspect to which those familiar with our school is the way prizes are given. At St Patrick’s we do not reward those who achieve the best marks only. Those who put an effort in all they do, be it school work or self development, are also acknowledged. Book prizes and certificates were given by Mr Brian Magro, Head of the Secretariat within the Ministry of Education. Mr Magro was very happy to be with us, particularly because he had spent a good time of his career as a teacher and social worker at St Patrick’s. He encouraged the work being done and praised the homely atmosphere which makes St Patrick’s so special.
