Presentation College
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Presentation College is a Roman Catholic secondary school in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago. It claims to be the first Catholic secondary school in South Trinidad, having been established circa 1930 in the basement of San Fernando Presbytery. It relocated to the Colony Buildings at La Pique in 1931. Originally it was named Saint Benedict's College, the name was changed in the 1940s when management of the school was taken over by the Presentation Brothers.
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[edit] Early History
The early history of Presentation College, San Fernando begins in 1930, when a small school called St. Benedict's was established in a lowly basement beneath the San Fernando Presbytery on Harris Promenade.
This was the first Catholic secondary school in South Trinidad, and was set up in response to the requests of the Catholic population - as well as many non-Catholic residents - there. After repeated petitions to the Archbishop of Port-of-Spain, the latter directed the Benedictine Fathers of Mount St. Benedict to start the college as a diocesan institution, and on March 31, 1930, the legacy began.
Under the spiritual directorship of Rev. Fr. Sebastian Weber, OSB, and with a teaching staff of two (Mr. Vincent Ferrer and Mr. Mitchell), St. Benedict's opened with twenty-three students on its roll, including such names as Raphie Gillezeau, the Espinet brothers, the Hart brothers, Steve Bennett, Elwin Maingot, and Rex Latour.
From this small beginning, there was rapid progress. In November of the same year, the Benedictine Fathers purchased the Colony Buildings and grounds at La Pique, nestled at the foothills of the San Fernando Hill. This six-acre site was the former residence of the Governor during his visits to South Trinidad, and cost some £5,000 to acquire.
Rev. Fr. Placide Ganteaumme was recalled from St. Vincent in 1948 to prepare the College for the takeover by the Presentation Brothers, the latter who had begun to arrive in Trinidad in December of the previous year. Br. Kelley of Presentation and Fr. Placide of St. Benedict's were the principal figures in this momentous act in which the old order gave way to the new, and the Presentation Brothers began the gigantic task of reorganising the College to cope with the new conditions, new requirements, and new material. The Presentation era had begun.
[edit] Present Day
Presentation College San Fernando is considered to be one of the best Secondary Schools in Trinidad, based on the academic achievements of its graduates. Every year, several students are awarded National Scholarships, which are essentially grants that are given to students who have the highest marks in the Advanced Level Examinations that students take upon completion of their Secondary School Education. The top Scholarship in Trinidad, known as the "President's Medal", has been won on several occasions by Presentation College San Fernando students.
[edit] Principals
The current Principal of Presentation College San Fernando is Errol Jaikeransingh. Mr. Jaikeransingh replaces Michael Samuel as Principal. Michael Samuel held the post of Principal of the College for many years, and was an avid supporter of the College's Football team. A former Brother of the Order of the Presentation Brothers of Ireland, Michael Samuel was very keen on keeping the "Spirit of Pres" alive within the College. He could famously be found walking the College grounds in his white robes, keeping the boys out of mischief. He resigned as Principal at the age of 65, and later renounced his vows as a "Presentation Brother" for unknown reasons. Prior to Michael Samuel, several other "Presentation Brothers" held the position of Principal, with Br. Jerome Kelly being perhaps the most famous of them all.
[edit] The Spirit of Presentation
Presentation College San Fernando prides itself on the presence of a special spirit that thrives within the College walls. Teamwork, discipline and cohesiveness were stressed as an integral part of college life. Every morning, the school would assemble in the general auditorium, after being summoned by the "First Bell", where the Principal or chosen staff member would lead the school in Prayer, with the occasional song followed by College announcements. Every "Presman" who passed through Pres can recall these daily meetings, as they added to school cohesiveness and the general feeling of Brotherhood.
The "Pres Spirit" was most evident during the Football season, when Secondary Schools in Trinidad would compete against each other all over the country. Presentation College San Fernando usually had an exceptionally talented football team, and produced several players who would later represent Trinidad and Tobago's National Football Team, as well as other teams throughout the United States and Europe. Notable players include Avery John, who played with the Soca Warriors in Germany in World Cup 2006. In the 1980s and early 1990s, "Pres Spirit" was high as the Football played several prolific matches. The school's "Riddim Section" comprising of members of the school's Band would beat catchy rhythms as school supporters chanted encouragement to the team. The riddim section would play at football matches for the school and on many occasions has won the riddim section competition against other schools.
[edit] College Hymn
"Oh Lady of Presentation"
Oh Lady of Presentation,
For us we bid thee pray, thee pray;
That college days may be of worth,
While we our time abide on Earth,
And trials face each day.
As students of Presentation,
We pledge to ever be, to be;
Brave soldiers in the bitter strife,
For self assertion in this life,
And men of dignity.
It matters little where we go,
In the years that lie ahead, ahead.
The knowledge which we here acquire,
Shall help our nation to aspire,
For we are men sincere.
Majestic on its verdant Hill,
Our school o'er looks the sea, the sea.
It stands a monument to those,
Who all their lives to serve it chose,
And it fore'er may be.
[edit] Famous Alumni
- Patrick Manning - Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago
- Basdeo Panday - Former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago
- Denis Singh - General Manager of Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission
- Machel Montano - Musician
- Avery John - Professional Soccer Player
[edit] Facilities
Facilities of Presentation College San Fernando include the Football Field, Tennis Court, Squash Court and Basketball Court. The swimming pool is not owned by the school and can be accessed by the public.
