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The old lady is turning 100. This Saturday, April 25, a variety of events are being organized to celebrate the anniversary of the Sainte-Marie de Colombier private school, which operates under a contract with the government. “For a century, our school has been passing on knowledge, Christian values, and a spirit of brotherhood to generations of students,” reads the invitation sent to the island’s residents. “This centennial is an opportunity to give thanks for the journey we’ve taken and to share a moment of fellowship with all those who have brought this beautiful story to life.” And many of them will be in attendance. Like the milestones of a history that has accompanied the island’s evolution.
For months, the school’s teaching staff has been collecting photographs from former students, island residents, and neighborhood residents. The goal is to host a major exhibition at the school that traces the history of Sainte-Marie. “The photos have been grouped by decade because it wasn’t always possible to pinpoint the exact date some were taken,” explains Cécile Rubino Tessier, a teacher at the school. Visitors on Saturday, April 25, will thus be able to immerse themselves in numerous scenes illustrating school life since its founding in 1926. They will also be able to discover (or rediscover) the projects that have been carried out there.
In Georges Bourdin’s book titled “History of Saint-Barthélemy,” we read that documents dated 1902 contain a draft proposal for the construction of a school in Colombier. However, it was not until December 12, 1921, during a city council meeting, that the subject resurfaced. “The mayor announced that the construction of this school must be completed in 1922,” writes the author. He mentions the date of February 4, 1922, when a plot of land was purchased for 400 francs from Jean-François Magras. But this actually pertains to the construction of the Alcide Terrac School, which now houses the music school. For the Sainte-Marie School, it was the efforts undertaken by Father Irénée de Bruyn that led to the construction of a chapel and then a school in Colombier. On a plot of land that, at the time, was graciously donated by Frédéric Blanchard and his wife, Augustine (née Gréaux).
Construction was completed in 1924, “but its opening was delayed,” writes Georges Bourdin. “The government of Guadeloupe, after years of delay, had finally built a public school in Colombier and was unsure whether it wanted a religious school in the neighborhood,” he explains. Ultimately, the school was inaugurated in March 1926.
Mass, testimonials, community dance
Thus, following a Mass in the Colombier chapel at 10 a.m., a procession will make its way up to the school, where a commemorative plaque will be unveiled. Then there will be a break at noon. When the event resumes at 5 p.m., alumni will come to share their memories of the school. It will then be time to celebrate the occasion.
A community dance will take over the schoolyard—or, more precisely, the school’s sports field. Les Gongonnes, Ti Lina, and Les Romantiques will take turns on stage until midnight to get the crowd dancing. Attendees will be able to enjoy a meal on-site, featuring traditional fare, of course. This will take place under gazebos set up for the occasion. Students from the fourth and fifth grades will also perform during the event, singing one or more songs.
Needless to say, admission is open to everyone. To experience a moment of the island’s history. And out of courtesy. Because it would be a shame not to take the time to wish the old lady of Colombier a happy birthday.
