Dominica Grammar School

Dominica Grammar School
Location
Roseau
Dominica
Information
Type Public School Government School
Motto Mens Sana in Corpore Sano A strong mind in a healthy body
Established 1893
Principal Mrs. Alicia Jean Jacques
Staff approximately 80
Website http://dgs.sch.dm/

The Dominica Grammar School (DGS) is a public co-education secondary school in Roseau, Dominica, established in 1893, one of the oldest educational institutions on the island.[1] Contrary to its name, the school no longer functions as a traditional grammar school, as it has expanded its curriculum beyond its historical scope.

History

The birthplace of the Dominica Grammar School was in "Lagon", Roseau. It was in the building known as No. 66 Queen Mary Street, now occupied by Mr Ashton Piper, Barrister-at-Law and Solicitor. Up to 1877, the plot of land measuring just over 5,000 square feet (460 m2), at the corner of what was then Marlborough Street and Grandby Street, was vacant. It was purchased at public auction by a merchant named Henry Hamilton on behalf of his friend Alexander Robinson. The latter started to build on the plot of land in 1878.

The story goes that Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence, and his younger brother, Prince George, who later became King George V, visited Dominica in 1879 as naval cadets on HMS Bacchante and were entertained at the Robinson house which was afterwards named "Clarence Hall", in honor of its royal visitor. The name, however, appears to have fallen into disuse with the passage of time. Robinson probably occupied the building as a dwelling, but when the Government decided to open the Dominica Grammar School, the spacious stone building on Grandby Street was rented for that purpose and opened as a school on January 16, 1893. The property has been in the possession of the Piper family since 1924, when it was purchased by public auction by Augustus Piper. The building is said to have been extensively damaged by fire before it was acquired by Piper.

As of January 2014, the Principal of DGS is Alicia Jean Jacques.[2]

Curriculum

The school offers a range of academic and technical subjects aimed at catering to the increasing demands of its in excess of 1,000 student population. These include but are not limited to agricultural science, auto mechanics, home economics and management in addition to its traditional natural and social science offerings

Distinguished alumni

Dominica Grammar School symbols

Motto: Mens Sana in Corpore Sano (Latin for "A sound mind in a healthy body")

Pledge: I pledge allegiance to the Dominica Grammar School, I promise to co-operate in promoting a healthy learning environment, I will strive for success and uphold the standards of the school, And under God persevere with a sound mind in a healthy body.

Song:

The greatest
The greatest, the greatest of all builders
Wrought with his mighty hand
All that we see around us
In sky, and sea, and land
And land.

The mansion he made was perfect
Nor could it be otherwise
Built from his deep foundation
Made visible by patience
A school for human eyes.

Look then upon this building
And emulate his deed
And to his greater glory
Evolve from it our creed.
 
The mansion he made was perfect
Nor could it be otherwise
Built from his deep foundation
Made visible by patience
A school for human eyes.

When childhood days are over
Fare forth to wider lore
Building on with the old school spirit
Craftmen forever more.

The mansion he made was perfect
Nor could it be otherwise
Built from his deep foundation
Made visible by patience
A school for human eyes.

The student council

The school currently has a system in which a student council, which includes prefects and form representatives, is led by the headboy and headgirl of the school.

References

  1. ↑ "Dominica Grammar School prepares to celebrate 120 years" Archived February 23, 2014, at the Wayback Machine., Dominica Vibes, October 24, 2012.
  2. ↑ "Dominica Grammar School celebrates 121" Archived February 23, 2014, at the Wayback Machine., Dominica Vibes, January 16, 2014.
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