History

HISTORY 

The Tunapuna Girls’ Roman Catholic School was founded in 1891. It was initially established as a co-educational institution situated on the same compound as the St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church stands today. The building was divided into two sections; one for the male students and the other for the girls.

During the period 1891 to 1924 major renovations were done to the school; extensions were added and the ground floor was completed. In spite of the infrastructural upgrades, the school building was still inadequate and could not accommodate the growing student population. This was because, as a Roman Catholic school, it was becoming the most prestigious primary educational institution in the area of Tunapuna. 

In 1948 Father Austin Fennesey, the parish priest and school manager was able to secure two wooden army huts from the Chaguaramas Base. A concrete base was constructed on land donated by Mrs Isabel Watson. This concrete base formed the ground floor of a two storeyed building and one of the army huts was placed on the concrete foundation as a temporary structure. Thus in 1949 the Girls’ Roman Catholic School emerged as a separate entity. The old school was eventually demolished in 1976 and an annex was constructed to serve as the infant department.

During the period 1941-1984 the following Principals served in office: Misses Semper, Haynes, Osborne, Marques, Sinkia, Mitchell, Innis, St. Louis and Sr. Meosa. Sr. Elaine Meosa who was the Vice Principal in 1977, acted as Principal until she was appointed to the post in 1978. 

During the period 1984 – 2008 the following Principals served in office: Misses Bennett, Rivers, Licorish, Nelson, Ramsaroop and Patrick-Doolam. Ms Michelle Lum Young has been Principal from 2008 to the present time. 

Due to the opening of the Dinsley/Trincity Government Primary School in 1989, the school experienced a decrease in student population and enrolment, as students transferred out to be closer to their homes. The population then stood at six hundred and twenty (620) students with twenty-one (21) members of staff. 

In February 1980, the Parent Teachers’ Association was revived under the Presidency of Mr. Kenneth Mohammed. The first Sports Meet was held in the same year at the Lever Brothers’ Grounds in Champs Fleurs after reviving the House System. 

During the July/August vacation period in 1991, the school, which had by this time reached a landmark 100 years of service, was again renovated. To celebrate this centenary, a Thanksgiving Mass was held on Sunday 1st December 1991. In attendance were the school choir and other uniformed groups, such as the Youth Red Cross and Brownies. Past Principals, Vice-Principals, teachers and students of the school were also present. 

During the period September 1997, the Tunapuna Girls’ R.C. went on a shift system with the Tunapuna Boys’ Roman Catholic School. This was to accommodate further renovation to the school. In 1999 work on the school halted. The structure was finally completed in 2006/2007.

THE SCHOOL TODAY

The school now boasts of a new building, part of which consists of three levels. The school population is four hundred and eighty-four (460) pupils and twenty two (22) members of staff inclusive of the Principal and Vice Principal. There are also four ancillary staff members and a security guard. 

The Standards Four and Five classes have their own classrooms on levels two and three of the new building. The other classrooms are separated by white boards and blinds. The second level of the northern wing accommodates a stage on which a Standard One class is located. The stage is also multifunctional as it is used for functions and concerts as the need arise. The school also boasts of an air conditioned library and computer lab. 

The educational philosophy of the school is highly influenced by the doctrines of the Christian faith as propagated by the Roman Catholic Church. There is a concerted focus on the delivery of moral education as well as the academics. The goals and objectives of the school reflect the mission statement. They are attainable and realistic and they focus on broad curriculum areas, teachers, pupils and community needs.