adminperformance in different genres.
In addition to its feat in the academic arena, the school has focused on turning out well-rounded pupils, as demonstrated by their participation in many co-curricular activities, especially the arts.
Over the last year Dominican Convent Primary has participated in the National Allied Arts Institute Festivals. Pupils competed in different art genres that included the literary, (writing short poems and stories), musical (both ethnic and Western) and Speech and Drama.
The NIAA festivals were held throughout the year, giving pupils enough time to prepare and further nurture their talents in areas of specialisation.
Last year the school’s Shona choir, comprising pupils in Grades Four to Seven, took part in the Vocal and Instrumental Eisteddfod and was awarded a First Grade Plus and an Honours for their outstanding performance in the African Contemporary and Traditional Section.
In the Gospel category they were awarded yet another honours and a trophy, a feat they achieved under the tutelage of Mrs Julita Marimira.
The trophy is usually awarded to senior competing schools, but Dominican Convent Primary School got the trophy after it impressed the adjudicator.
The English choirs — Grades Three, Four, Five and junior girls — were awarded both honours and trophies in their respective categories.
In addition, they walked away with the coveted adjudicators trophy for the most outstanding Western entry in the festival, which was held at the Harare International School.
The amazing performance of the school in the arts has not been confined to group efforts; individual participants have been awarded prizes and accolades for their outstanding performances too.
In the Allied Arts Speech and Drama Festival the school was awarded the Deloitte Cup.
This highly prestigious award was given to a school which had the most honours grades in choral speech, after 11 of the school’s 14 entries were awarded honours- —he whole school, which has two classes for each grade, entered the competition.
“We also entered a number of soloists, who excelled, either with a First Grade or First Grade Plus. Our music teacher, Mrs Rebecca Fowlds, showed tenacity,
dedication and determination in coaching them,” said Sister Monica Nyachowe, the headmistress of Dominican Convent Primary School.
She noted that it was the good performance of the school’s Grade Five marimba group at the Junior School Marimba Challenge that earned the school a slot to perform at the just-ended Harare International Festival of the Arts for the second year running.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for the school, and particularly for the group, to showcase their talent to thousands of people who attended Hifa.
“Of course, let me say that the achievements did not come on a silver plate, but it was a challenge that the staff took up with real determination,” she said.
Sister Monica added that the school does not limit the pupils’ participation to activities initiated by the school, but they are free to participate at any forum and in their individual capacity.
“One of our students, Tapuwa Kabaira, won the Gender Art Competition after beating 40 000 other contestants, and her drawing was selected with 14 other finalists. She came first in her age group in Africa as a whole.
“We feel encouraged when we see the girls doing extremely well in their respective areas. It is, however, important to note that we have been producing excellent results for 120 years.”
The school turns 120 this year and a number of activities have already been lined up for the celebrations.
Online Reporter