CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
Diocese of St. George's in GRENADA, CARIBBEAN
Schools within the Parish
St. Louis RC Girls School (Mother Rose) History (click on the name of the School)
1876-1900
On 25 January 1876, at the request of Archbishop Gonin, four sisters of St. Joseph Cluny came from Trinidad to round the first Convent and school in Grenada. Two schools were started for young ladies, a ‘fee-paying’ school and a free primary school. The first Head Teacher of the free primary school was Mother Meary of Meicy Nesbit, who served until 1887. In 1897 under the direction of Fr. De Martin and Conon Maingot a new stone structure with alcove in from was erected (the same houses several classes toady). This was made possible through Mr. Louis Ferdinand Marrast – an Englishman – on whose instruction in his will, the funds were made available by his widow.
1900-1930
As the school population grew, there was need for additional space and a wooden building was constructed (at present; it is a concrete structure adjacent to the main building). Here infants were housed while the juniors and seniors remained in the stone structure. The school population stood at four hundred (400) girls.
1931-1955
In 1931 with a change in the Code of education, the school registered boys, and became co-educational up to junior level or standard three. The students were then separated, the girls remaining to continue in the wooden building (now concrete), while the boys were transferred to the St. George’s Senior Boys School on Grand Etang Road. During these years the Head Teachers were Mother Rose Barker and Mother Gonzague in charge of the senior girls. Mother Rose and Mother Gonzague retired in the late forties, and were succeeded by Mother Enda Harley in the senior school and Mother Ann-Marie in junior school. In 1952 Mother Rose was recalled to Trinidad leaving behind a legacy which endures today. Mother Rose was an outstanding Head Teacher who served for twenty-one (21) years. Her strength of character, deep faith and love for children impacted greatly on the minds and heart of all her students. She fondly remembered by all, and to this day the school bears the name ‘Mother Rose’.
1956 onwards:
In January 1956 another change was effected and the school reverted to its original character of an all girls’ school. Mother Theresa became the Head Teacher and the boys were transferred to the St. George’s Senior Boys School which became known as the St. George’s RC Boys School. During this time the girls wore a blue skirt, pleated kimono with a white blouse. A blue tie and white belt completed the uniform. The population of the school continued to increase and under Mother Monica Agostini the over crowdedness became unbearable causing classes to be conducted under the Cathedral on Church Street. In 1966 through the instrumentality of Bishop Justin Field, the additional L shaped concrete structure was build and dedicated to Fr. William Sheehan + through whom the funds were obtained.
The downstairs area of the front section houses the Home Economics Department. The school continued to make progress under the religious sisters Sr. Ann Keens-Douglas and her assistant Sr. Jean Carriaman, Sr. Goretti Cherubin and Sr. Paula Andrew all had their share of success. Ms. Christina Lashington is the current principal. Two other lay persons also shared task of running the school. Mrs. Phyllis Squires acted for eighteen months before the appointment of Sr. Paula and Mrs. Judith Mitchell did so for two terms prior to the appointment of Mrs. Bernadette Thomas. She served as principal from 1995-2005. Ms. Claudette Williams was acting principal for two terms in the 2006-2007 academic year. Followed by Mrs. Jeanette Hypolite who acted in a similar position from September 2007-2008. Mrs. Claudette Phillip held the realm of principal from 2008-2017.
The present population of the school is three hundred and ninety. The teaching staff consist of 20 inclusive of the principal. Three new Imani assistant teachers. In addition there are two cleaners, three cooks, a secretary and a gardener is called when needed.
St. Louis RC Girls School (Mother Rose) produced outstanding sons and daughters in its early years and continues to produce daughters of which the nation can be justly proud.
LONG LIVE “MOTHER ROSE SCHOOL’.
FEBRUARY 2018.