A Brief History of St Augustine Roman Catholic School by Cathy Buffonge

In his book, “Catholic Church in the Emerald Isle of the West”, the late Bishop Dmets says, “Money spent on training minds, fashioning characters and strengthening bodies in turning out better, brighter and sounder people  may well be one of the soundest investments one can make. The key to a country’s prosperity lies in man himself.”

Early Catholic Education

A handwritten document submitted in 1949 by Father DeRidder, School Manager, to the Supervisor of School, Mr James Carrott, throws some light on some of the early history of the Roman Catholic School (as it was known). In 1875 a small schoolroom was built under the leadership of a priest of French descent, Father Gagneux. Miss Savage and Miss Kirnon (both from England) are mentioned as the names of the two teachers at the time.

However outgoing  Principal Mrs Eileen Edwards says that from information gleaned, Catholic education seemed to have started as far back as 1860, with classes being held in the church building. Bishop Demts says in his book: “1860-1870, Father Patrick Smythe ….opens first parochial school.”

1899 hurricane destroys school

On 7th August 1899, the school built by Father Gagneus was destroyed by a terrific and destructive hurricane” – “nothing remained but a heap of ruins”. Two days later a new priest , Father Thomas Fortune, arrived and with his flock built a new more spacious school within four months. From 1900 to 1920 nothing special is recorded about that school.

Economic hardships affects attendance

In 1920 the parish priest Father Devos lamented the poor school attendance. This was due to the harsh socio economic conditions at the time; he reported, “During the last quarter most of the children help their parents pick cotton.” Parents also said they had no provisions due to a drought, and that many children had no clothes to wear to school. Those who did not attend regularly were not “eligible” to sit the exams

Hurricane and Earthquakes

On 12th September 1928 the school was again destroyed by a hurricane. It was rebuilt under the leadership of Father Arnold Morris and reopened in November with a roll of 252. Other schools had been destroyed and the roll soon rose to 310 including 91 non-Catholic children.

In 1935, severe earthquakes shook the island  ( we now know that it is part of the “thirty year cycle” of volcanic activity). The church was severely damaged, but at the school, “work went on as well as circumstances permitted.” The land to the west of the school was bought from the Loving family as a playground for the children, and between 1935 and 1947 three other classrooms were built in the convent yard for pre- school to Standard 1.

Progress into the modern age

Handicraft and gardening for boys and domestic science, handicraft and needle work for girls, were introduced in the 1940’s, together with typewriting and shorthand after school hours. The school continued to attract praise for academic achievement as it gradually progressed into the modern age. No further natural disasters struck until Hurricane Hugo hit the island September 1989.

Hugo strikes

In September 1989 the school was severely damaged by Hurricane Hugo. Principal Mrs Edwards described the sight: “school books, teaching equipment, galvanize and trees were strewn all over the yard.” Teachers came out in full force to clear the grounds and salvage what could be saved; and to help relieve the trauma and stress, a hot lunch was served at the school for the next six months. For awhile was held in the church, with a tarpaulin over the damaged roof to keep out rain, and later most classes moved into temporary buildings. The school roll was 178 – half of whom were non-Catholics, Gifts of books, equipment and other donations came from around the region, the UK and USA.

New school goes up, to be destroyed by volcano

During the next two years an ambitious new school took shape on the same site, thanks to an outpouring of voluntary contributions both at home and overseas. Guiding the project was parish priest Father Ed Herberger, with the technical input of architects from the Philippines, engineers from Trinidad and many others.

The impressive new three storey building was opened in September 1991. It was well equipped thanks to the ingenuity of Father Ed. As they settled into their new surroundings the teachers and children thrived in the pleasant, new classrooms and things looked set for a bright future. But the days of this school, built with so much dedication and effort were numbered for 18 July 1995 the Soufriere Hills Volcano came to life.

Volcanic crisis – a school moves to Woodlands

The escalation of volcanic activity in April 1996 forced the relocation of the school to its present location- a house in Palm Loop, Woodlands, where it opened in May 1996, thanks to the dedication and hard work of teachers and volunteers.

During July and August 1997 the intensified volcanic activity caused the evacuation of two thirds of the population, including 95% of the school’s students, four teachers and the secretary.Thanks to the assistance of Government and the loan of three teachers the school bravely reopened in September 1997, for a while holding the fort for primary education. At first there were 35 students, rising later to 108, only 16 of whom were catholics.

Generous donations, dedicated teachers

Through generous donations the school was later purchased, making for greater permanence.  A new presbytery was also added, enabling space for two classes and a computer room, and all this was made possible by generous donations both local and overseas.

The dedication and hard work of staff and volunteers made a tremendous difference and was greatly appreciated. In spite of all the dislocation the children were able to participate in enriching activities like sports, essay competitions, steelband, singing, art, serenading of the shut i-ins, and Christmas Festival troupes- all helping to relieve stress.

The recent retirement of Principal Mrs Eileen Edwards and the departure of parish priest and School Manager Rev Father Larry Finnegan, both of whose leadership and dedication have been so crucial, will leave big challenges for the school. But at this important milestone the school, with its team of dedicated teachers, can look ahead with renewed hope towards the future.