A Beacon of Love and Legacy: We Celebrate Annual Presentation Day with Historic Significance
On November 21, 2025, we, the community of Presentation Convent High School, celebrated our annual Presentation Day with profound joy and historical anticipation. The event served not only as a vibrant celebration of our guiding values but also as a momentous pre-cursor to a globally significant milestone: the 250th Jubilee Year of the Congregation of the Presentation Sisters. The day resonated with the timeless adage of our foundress, Nano Nagle: “Love is the foundation of all virtues,” a message that continues to bridge continents from Ireland to our hearts here in Rawalpindi.
The ceremony was graced by an exceptional line-up of dignitaries, highlighting the enduring international bonds fostered by our mission. We were profoundly honoured to welcome Her Excellency Ambassador Mary O’Neill, the first resident Ambassador of Ireland to Pakistan, as our esteemed Chief Guest, accompanied by her husband, Mr. Noel Moloney. Their presence underscored the deep historical ties and the significant Irish contribution to education here in Pakistan. Further guiding our celebrations were Sister Ann Marie Codd, the Unit Leader for the Presentation Sisters in Pakistan, and our beloved Principal, Sister Akhtar.
Our programme was a meticulously curated blend of spiritual reverence, cultural performances, and historical reflection. The event commenced with an invocation led by our student Rohama, setting a tone of peace and reflection. Mrs. Noreen Silas, our esteemed Vice Principal, delivered a warm and comprehensive Welcome Address, officially inaugurating the day’s proceedings and setting a tone of profound anticipation for the events to follow.
Our students captivated the audience with a diverse array of performances: the talented students of Class 7 presented a graceful dance on reflection; the energetic students of Class 5 uplifted the festive spirit with a lively Happy Feast Dance; and a highlight of the day was the debut of a special song written and composed by our very own music teacher, Mr. Amir, and performed by our school choir as a heartfelt tribute to the upcoming 250-year legacy.
A powerful and moving theatrical presentation formed the centerpiece of our celebrations, depicting the Presentation of Mother Mary and the life of our foundress, Nano Nagle. This compelling display of devotion, purity, strength, and faith left a lasting impression on all attendees, mirroring the enduring work and inspirational journey of our foundress.
A significant moment of the day was the solemn and symbolic Balloon Release Ceremony, a visual representation of our shared values and future aspirations as we anticipate our Jubilee Year. Our Student Council members, representing their respective houses (Nano Nagle House with green for hope; Fatima Jinnah House with yellow for knowledge; Asma Jahangir House with orange for courage; Mother Teresa House with red for love), gathered with our distinguished guests. Together, they released these vibrant balloons along with special golden ones, symbolising our gratitude, divine light, and the eternal value of Nano Nagle’s enduring legacy. The sight of the balloons ascending into the sky created a magnificent and moving spectacle of unity and hope.
The ceremony concluded with inspiring addresses from our esteemed guests. Her Excellency Ambassador Mary O’Neill delivered a warm and heartfelt speech, expressing how deeply she enjoyed the entire programme. She highly praised the exceptional talent, discipline, and dedication displayed by all our students in their various performances, commending the school for successfully upholding the profound legacy of Nano Nagle.
Our respected Principal, Sister Akhtar, then addressed the gathering with her words of wisdom, commending our students’ commitment to holistic education. Sister Akhtar urged the students to internalize Nano Nagle’s foundational message, not just as a motto but as a living philosophy, encouraging them to be beacons of hope and agents of positive change in their communities.
To formally express our deep appreciation, significant tokens of gratitude were presented to our esteemed guests. The Chief Guest, Her Excellency Ambassador Mary O’Neill, was presented with a special token by Sister Akhtar, a symbolic gesture of thanks for gracing our occasion. A similar gesture of thanks was extended to Sister Ann Marie Codd for her leadership and guidance. The ceremony culminated in a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by our Head Girl, Maheen.
Following the formal proceedings, our respected guests and all dedicated teachers were warmly invited to the school hall for refreshments. The hall itself had been beautifully decorated, featuring an exquisite picture wall of stories celebrating the remarkable 250-year journey of the Presentation Sisters, spanning from 1775 to 2025. This provided a wonderful opportunity for informal fellowship and shared celebration, further strengthening the bonds within our cherished community while reflecting on our rich history.
Our Annual Presentation Day was a resounding success, reinforcing our communal bonds and igniting excitement for the historic Jubilee Year ahead, ensuring Nano Nagle’s mission of love and service continues to shine brightly.