Contributions to Presentation College

Here is a breakdown of individual contributions made to the school.

Principal's Reflections and Vision for the Next Millenium:

8th January, 1998.

  We have not only come of age but we have grown into an Institution that is solidly established with a glorious past and great promise for the future. Our roots have been solidly sown in the rich soil of the initial legacy of the Benedictine Monks followed by the vision and expansiveness of an Order of the Presentation Brothers that brought with them an educational experience that was second to none. When the Brothers took over the main existing building of the Old Block, they quickly undertook the construction of the New Block and Sixth Form Block under the supervision of Bro. Bartholomew Browne. He was a true visionary in building for the future. The 'Golden Era' of many scholarships and Gold Medals was ushered in by the dynamic and indefatigable Bro. Jerome Kelly. Tradition plays an extremely important part of any Organization, and organizational methods and systems form part of this tradition. Here, at Presentation, the watchword of the present Administration, which has been caught from former Administrations, is flexibility. This comes from the recognition that every person is unique and is also uniquely gifted and must be given a deep respect in their individual effort to grow into the persons that God intends them to become. Growth cannot take place without the personal acceptance of responsibility and a willingness and generosity in going beyond the call of duty. It requires an identification with the vision and goals of the Institution and above all with the call of the Creator in the fulfillment of our very purpose here on earth.

  The very same process is carefully extended to the students of the College who are given the opportunity of growth in the many Organizations and Clubs and Societies that are existent, and the majority, albeit, without Adult supervision. Here within lies the opportunities for Leadership and team work and the cultivation of a very healthy self image. There is the scope of real growth through the school of experience, when failure at times can be successfully managed and lessons can be graciously learnt without much mental anguish and material expense. It is important sometimes to be allowed to 'fail' in order to succeed in the future. It is important to learn to manage time even if it is sometimes through the abuse of free time - all this is part of student experience here at 'Pres'.

  It can truly be said that 'Pres' enjoys every possible necessary facility for the preparation of tomorrow's citizen. We are also very blessed in having a tremendous wealth of human resource in the persons of our Staff. Their innovativeness and creativity are of the very essence of the success that is synonymous with the tradition of 'Pres'. They are accorded a freedom of operation and an independence of action in their various faculties and areas of interest that must bear much fruit because they are special. We are always seeking new avenues to effect a final product that continues to be relavent to the changing needs of the times. We would like to see implemented courses leading to Technical courses in the areas of Electronics, Welding, Automechanics, Refrigeration and Woodwork, to mention but a few.

  The construction of a Swimming Pool will soon become a reality. This has been a 22 year old dream, but with the generosity of some outstanding citizens, Parents, and loyal Associates of the College, this Pool will be operational by the end of May of this year. We envisage that the facilities will be shared by all the Primary and Secondary Schools of San Fernando and environs, and that it will be the catalyst that is needed for other Pools to be built in South. The overall cost of this project is in the vicinity of $750,000.00! We would like to see our Auditorium air conditioned and fitted out with comfortable seating, as well as having adequate lighting and a sound system that will do us proud. Once again, the overall cost of this phased project will be in the vicinity of $125,000.00! It is also hoped that by the end of this fiscal year, that we will see the construction of a School Cafeteria and lunch rooms that are in keeping with the dignity with which students should be treated.

  We have recently launched a programme that caters for Tertiary Education that caters for working persons who either prefer to do an external degree while working, or who cannot afford to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in acquiring a Degree. We are affiliated to London University and hope to widen our scope to Universities of Canada and the United States. The name of this Institution is PCDOCS (Presentation College Department of Continuing Studies). It is our responsibility to provide Tutors in the preparation of candidates for these examinations. There is an Office that has been set up to handle the affairs of PCDOCS in the Sixth Form Block and a separate library in what was formerly the Storeroom for the Chemistry Laboratories.

  We are very proud of our achievements in the Computer and Mathematic Olympiad fields. We were the first school to introduce Computers and we have maintained a functional laboratory, which can only now be recognised as a properly equipped Computer Laboratory. The students really enjoy a hands on experience, and in the area of Mathematics, our prodigious results in the National and foreign Olympiads stand second to none in the country.

  At the bottom of all this lies a deep religious conviction that all things must be undertaken for the 'Greater honour and glory of God', and that His presence must not only be the beginning of every day, with a Religious Assembly on mornings, but must permeate our entire being and exercises of every day. Students can often be seen entering our College Chapel at all hours of the day to spend a few quiet moments with the Lord. They seek inspiration and solutions for their problems, and they fulfill a need to give praise and honour to their Creator. It is all this that has created and continues to create the FAMILY that is 'PRES'.

Bro. Michael Samuel, FPM.,
Principal II

Copyright © 1998, Presentation College, San Fernando.
All Rights Reserved.