By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Archdiocese of Freetown, through the Office of the Vicar General, has issued an official statement addressing the ongoing disagreement among members of the St Joseph’s Secondary School Ex-Pupils Association over the dress code for the school’s upcoming Thanksgiving Mass and march past to commemorate the institution’s 160th anniversary celebration.
In the statement dated 31st March 2026, the Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Tamba Kamanda, PhD, said the intervention was made with the mandate of Metropolitan Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles, who also serves as the Proprietor of Catholic schools within the Archdiocese’s jurisdiction, including St Joseph’s Secondary School, Brookfields.
The statement explained that the Archdiocese had deliberately refrained from interfering in the initial discussions among members of the ex-pupils association, trusting that the matter would be resolved amicably through internal dialogue among the alumnae.
However, following the escalation of the disagreement, including reports of legal consultations and exchanges on social media, the Archdiocese deemed it necessary to provide clarity and guidance aimed at preserving unity and the dignity of the historic institution.
Quoting Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles, the statement expressed concern over the decision by some alumnae to take the issue to court, stressing that such a path was unnecessary for women regarded as accomplished and capable of resolving differences through sincere and respectful engagement.
The Archbishop reportedly noted that while the support and commitment of the ex-pupils to their alma mater are deeply appreciated, such support does not automatically confer decision-making rights over school matters, particularly those relating to official ceremonies organized under the authority of the school and its proprietors.
He further cautioned against attempts to frame the disagreement as an issue of religious discrimination in order to gain public sympathy, describing such an approach as both misleading and potentially harmful.
Following consultations with legal counsel, the Archdiocese announced its endorsement of a compromise proposal jointly put forward by the parties involved. Under the approved arrangement, those who wish may wear a long, straight white dress for the ceremony. The statement also allows participants who choose to cover their hair to do so, provided the style does not interfere with the proper wearing of the ceremonial hat and hat band, which form part of the traditional dress protocol.
The statement noted that a photograph of the approved dress style has been attached for guidance to ensure uniformity and avoid further misunderstandings ahead of the anniversary event.
In a final appeal, Archbishop Tamba Charles called on all sides to remember their status as role models for the present generation of students at St Joseph’s Secondary School. He urged members of the ex-pupils association to conduct themselves with nobility, maturity and a sense of responsibility worthy of the esteem in which society holds them.
Using the French phrase “Noblesse oblige”—meaning nobility obliges—the Archbishop reminded the alumnae that those held in high regard must act with dignity and restraint, especially in matters concerning their beloved alma mater.
The statement concluded with a strong appeal for all parties to desist from further public attacks on social media and to avoid resorting to lawyers over internal association matters, emphasizing instead the need for unity, faithfulness and constructive dialogue as the school prepares for its landmark anniversary celebration.
This intervention by the Archdiocese is expected to calm tensions and refocus attention on the significance of the 160 years of excellence and legacy of St Joseph’s Secondary School, Brookfields, one of Sierra Leone’s most respected educational institutions.
