Our Heritage

Established in 1891, the Tunapuna Girls’ Roman Catholic School has a proud and enduring legacy of academic excellence, Catholic values, and community service.

Early Beginnings

The school was originally founded as a co-educational institution, located on the same compound where the St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church stands today. The building was divided into two sections—one for male students and the other for female students.

Between 1891 and 1924, the school underwent major renovations, including the addition of extensions and the completion of the ground floor. Despite these improvements, the school still could not accommodate the growing number of students. As a Roman Catholic institution, it had earned a strong reputation and was becoming the most prestigious primary school in the Tunapuna area.

Becoming a Separate Institution

In 1948, Father Austin Fennesey, the parish priest and school manager, secured two wooden army huts from the Chaguaramas Base. A concrete base was constructed on land donated by Mrs. Isabel Watson. One of the huts was placed on this foundation as a temporary structure, forming the ground floor of a two-storey building. In 1949, the Tunapuna Girls’ Roman Catholic School officially became a separate entity.

The original building was eventually demolished in 1976, and an annex was constructed to serve the Infant Department.

Leadership Through the Years

From 1941 to 1984, the school was led by the following Principals:
Mrs. Semper, Mrs. Haynes, Mrs. Osborne, Mrs. Marques, Mrs. Sinkia, Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Innis, Mrs. St. Louis, and Sister Elaine Meosa.
Sr. Meosa, who had been Vice Principal in 1977, served as Acting Principal before her appointment as Principal in 1978.

From 1984 to 2008, the school benefited from the leadership of:
Miss Bennett, Miss Rivers, Miss Licorish, Miss Nelson, Miss Ramsaroop, and Miss Patrick-Doolam.

Miss Lum Young served as Principal from 2008 to 2025. Upon her retirement, Mrs. Brache-Joseph was appointed Principal (Ag.) in 2025, continuing the school’s tradition of committed and visionary leadership.

Milestones and Community Spirit

In 1989, the opening of the Dinsley/Trincity Government Primary School resulted in a decrease in the student population, as many students transferred to schools closer to their homes. At that time, the school population stood at 620 students, with a staff of 21 teachers.

In February 1980, the Parent-Teachers' Association (PTA) was revived under the presidency of Mr. Kenneth Mohammed. That same year, the House System was reintroduced, and the first Sports Meet was held at the Lever Brothers’ Grounds in Champs Fleurs.

During the July/August vacation in 1991, the school marked its 100th anniversary with another round of renovations. A Thanksgiving Mass was held on Sunday, 1st December 1991, to commemorate this centenary milestone. The event featured the school choir, Youth Red Cross, Brownies, and many former principals, vice-principals, teachers, and students.

Facilities and Modernization

In September 1997, the school adopted a shift system in collaboration with the Tunapuna Boys’ R.C. School, to facilitate further renovations. Although construction halted in 1999, the building was completed in 2006/2007, providing students and staff with a modern learning environment.

Our School Today

Today, Tunapuna Girls’ Roman Catholic School proudly operates from a modern facility, which includes a three-level building designed to support a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

The school currently has an enrolment of approximately 420 pupils and a dedicated team of 21 staff members, including the Principal and Vice Principal. In addition, the school is supported by four ancillary staff members and a security guard, ensuring a safe and well-maintained campus.

Facilities

• Levels Two and Three house the Standards Four and Five classrooms, each with their own dedicated space.
  
  

• Other classrooms are creatively partitioned using whiteboards and blinds, promoting flexibility and collaboration.
  
  

• The school is equipped with an air-conditioned library and a computer lab, enhancing both literacy and digital competence across all age groups.
  
  

Our Educational Philosophy

Rooted in the values of the Roman Catholic faith, the school's educational philosophy emphasizes moral development alongside academic excellence. Students are guided to grow not only in knowledge but also in character and compassion.

Our goals and objectives align closely with the school’s mission statement, focusing on:

• A broad and inclusive curriculum

• The development and support of our teachers

• The holistic growth of every pupil

• Strong partnerships with parents and the wider community
  
  

These goals are both realistic and attainable, ensuring that every child is empowered to achieve their fullest potential in a nurturing and values-based environment.