HISTORY OF ST. MARY HIGH SCHOOL

 

Do you know where the school began?

 

On a little mound, a little mound which was originally part of the Constantine Lands. Then, Mitzi Seaga (nee Constantine) lived in a house on that little mound and that house on the mound became St. Mary High.

 

The Portals of St. Mary High opened on the 12^th of January 1960 at 8:30 a.m., to sixty-nine (69) pupils – of which 31 were boys and 38 girls; four (4) teachers including the principal, Mr. L. W. Brown, B.Sc. Parents and students assembled, anticipating the beginning of the new school term. At that time, there were three (3) forms, 1¹, 1², and 1³. Currently we have one thousand six hundred and sixteen (1,616) students enrolled and eighty-three (83) teachers on staff. The aforementioned house accommodated the three classrooms, the bathrooms and a kitchen. But the house was soon converted into an Assembly Hall, a sewing room and a library, after the building of new classrooms. Presently on that historical site is the music room, the netball, volleyball and basketball courts and also a beautiful garden.

 

Expansions did not stop, as the World Bank project extended the “B” Block which housed the Home Economics and Business Departments. Since then, three other blocks have been added, with the most recent addition being the Sixth Form block which was relocated and expanded in 2007.

 

In 1960, the school began with only five (5) clubs (including the popular Glee Club) and offered nine (9) subjects, including Latin. The curriculum now comprises twenty-six (26) subjects at the CSEC level and thirty (30) units at the CAPE Level. The Co-Curricular activities have also increased to twenty-one (21). During lunch time, students dined under an air of classical music; a tradition that still remains today, but in a more modernistic form. A more recent tradition has also been embarked upon, the playing of the National Anthem at the beginning of school.

 

The House system was introduced in January 1962; two years after the school first opened its doors and the first inter-house sports competition in March 1962. The four houses then: Harry, Henry, Stanley and Whitehorne competed. Harry house won that event. Cargill and Clarke houses were later added. Cargill House was named after the 2^nd Principal, the late Mr. E. U. Cargill and Clarke House after the late track coach, Mr. Douglas Clarke.

 

The first Cadet inspection was held in February 1966. The Unit has grown over the years and has come to be the most successful in the nation.

 

To date the school has had four (4) Principals: Mr. L. W. Brown, Mr. E. U. Cargill, Mr. P. N. Hamilton and currently Lt. Col. E. V. Johnson.

 

St. Mary High has travelled a long fifty (50) years – explored, expanded and excelled.

 

 

By: Olivia Derrett

        Grade 12

A CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE

 

St. Mary High is no ordinary institution

Through its gate comes the crème de la crème,

Where we sit on the wheel of the potter

Becoming refined young ladies and men.

 

Here we are groomed for excellence

To be proud, outstanding and bold

Like our athletes who were in Beijing,

Our aim is always for Gold.

 

We are taught not to settle for normal

We are a cut above the rest

We’ll conquer with faith and courage,

When the world puts us to the test.

 

We’re trendsetters in every arena

Five decades going steadfast and strong

And in fifty more years we’ll still be here

Singing our lovely school song.

 

                                                                                    By Janell Kelly – Grade 11¹

 

 

SCHOOL SONG

 

1:         God gave a vision, to men of great pride,

            A school to establish to serve far and wide,

            And those who enter all boldly venture,

            A name to hold high – ST. MARY HIGH

 

CHO:                St. Mary High, forward we go,

                        St. Mary High, let others know,

                        With faith and courage our school will grow

                        St. Mary High – we love you so.

 

2:         Through years of toil to be the best

            Teaching and moulding, we stood the test,

            Hurdles we conquered while others wondered

            This name we hold high – ST. MARY HIGH.

 

3:         With Faith and Courage, or motto guides

            Our goals pursuing, whate’er betides,

            To those who follow these halls to hallow

            Be loyal and true to ST. MARY HIGH.

 

                                                                                    Lyrics by V. Bedward