Fun, well-rounded learning at St Mary’s RC School

At the St Mary’s Roman Catholic School, learning is fun.

Much like the colourfully decorated classrooms, teachers and pupils exude warm, bright spirits, as they engage in enthusiastic instruction and learning.

It’s no wonder that the school, meant to accommodate about 300, is bursting at the seams with almost 650 students.

They recently purchased an adjacent building to accommodate more classrooms. Still, many are turned away during the annual registration period, according to the principal: “When it’s registration time, we get a lot of applicants and it’s heartbreaking sometimes to tell people no. A lot of people want their children to come to this school because they believe that the discipline is second to none. The teachers work hard and the children generally do well for CPEA. In addition to that, when they filter into other schools, they generally are good students,” Johnney declared.

Johnney, who has been at the helm of the Catholic school for close to five years, is only the second lay principal since its establishment in 1922. She noted that she is motivated by her desire for the children to become good products of society. Daily prayer and discipline are core elements of the school’s education philosophy.

Johnney stressed that without these, academics become meaningless. “God plays a very important part in what we do, so every day our prayers are important. Our prayers are for the nation, for our success and we ensure that our children pray because without prayer there is nothing. Relationship with God is the main thing. Then come Maths and English and Social Studies and all the other subjects and interaction with one another.”

The formula is evidently effective, as Vincentians have chosen St Mary’s as the Best Primary School in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The school has consistently excelled academically over the years, earning top places in the CPEA examinations. This year, they had two places in the top 10, tying for second and fourth.

However, 2016 saw the best results ever, with the school placing first and gaining 100 per cent passes. In addition to academic excellence, St Mary’s is also prominent in extracurricular activities, winning multiple awards in science, art, sports, cultural and other contests.

Johnney said the intention is to ensure that students become well-rounded during their time at the school. “School is not just Maths and English. When children reflect on their experience, they will remember little outings, when they had fun with their classmates, so we try to ensure that our children gain as many experiences as possible.”

Johnney is very elated about the award and is looking forward to receiving it again next year.

“It makes us feel as if the whole Vincentian society really looks up to us and they feel that we are doing something good. You feel humbled to know that you’re minding your own business going around trying to ensure that your children do well, but people are looking and seeing that you are really producing for St Vincent, so that feels good.

She expressed gratitude to the teachers, parents, the church and all those who support the school, but she singled out businessman OT Mayers, whom she referred to as a benefactor.

“He gives a monetary contribution each month. In addition, we have the use of three classes and a little area for the teachers free of charge. I want to thank Mr Mayers for his continued generosity towards our school.”

As for the children: “The children are lovely. All of them have their challenges, but they are God’s gift to us, so we have to ensure we do the best with them.”