The shame of Girls’ High School

EDITOR: I have fond memories of the Girls’ High School compound. As a Grammar School boy it was considered my sister school. Every morning, under the watchful eye of the indomitable Beryl Boucher, I would come through the bridge entrance, pass behind, under the plumrose tree, and go up the long concrete steps that joined Girls’ High School to St. Vincent Grammar School. It was down those same steps, an adventurous boy who forgot his “Songs of Praise”, would venture to borrow one. Under the dreaded gaze of Headmaster “Morgy” during morning assembly, it was a brave boy who dared to enter the Hall without his “Songs of Praise”.

Most of us would remember the opening line of Morgy’s favourite prayer – “what may happen to us this day, oh Lord, we know not”.

But back to GHS. My wife and our two daughters attended that prestigious institution. Now, as a grandfather, on August 31, 2018, I passed through Grimble Hall, then exited to find 1G Norris, close to 1G Young. I was appalled. Were these shabby classrooms to be the abode of my granddaughter and others of her ilk, pursuing their dreams?

The place is totally rundown and worm-eaten. Some workmen were there doing some “sticking plaster” repairs. At this late stage, the smell of varnish would surely linger when school reopened. When I entered the St. Vincent Grammar School in 1968 through 2 Alpha Room 1, the classroom was impeccable, its furniture neat, workable and clean. It held all the promises I heard about Grammar School. How can our young dreamers now entering GHS, reconcile this depressing place with the image of one of the nation’s leading girls’ schools? Some of the desks and chairs absolutely need throwing away. I am told that water is often on the floor in the toilet area, and that students tiptoe through it. That entire wing needs a facelift- no, a body and facelift- inside and out.

My good friend, Jimmy, of Princely thought, I appeal to you. Some of
us build fancy dog houses of which we are proud. These young girls, brimful of our hopes, deserve better. Please do something to help them. I urge you to visit and see for yourself.

Steve J. Wyllie