December 2021 – Holiday Newsletter

It was the early fifties and Clarendon College was one of only three co-educational boarding schools on the island, with an enrolment of approximately 300 students.

Most of the students were boarders, and males lived in dormitory at Tavanore, the old “Great House” and females on the hillside above and just below the main classrooms.

Some “day students” travelled from the May Pen area on the Kalamazoo (a one-unit rail car) while others arrived by bus.  Several of us in and around Chapelton walked to school. I looked at the school gate from my house and heard the ringing of the bell.

Devotions were held every morning and evening in the main corridor where passages were read from the Bible by a staff member, followed by a hymn and prayer. If anyone was caught talking during assembly, they could receive a demerit or detention, and that was not something they needed to have on their records.

At Clarendon College, discipline was strictly maintained and enforced, especially by the Headmaster, Mr. Stuart who was affectionately called “Pops Stu”, and a member of the Board of Governors, Mrs. Lena Harvey.

Mrs. Harvey introduced the weekly deportment classes and this became a main feature of our lives. On Wednesday afternoons, the entire school sat on the big verandah at Tavanore. We listened to interesting guest speakers from all walks of life and there was an abundance of amazing stories. Included in the list was the Governor General’s wife and other dignitaries, who held us spellbound with stories of their travels and adventurous exploits. I remember one woman of colour with a French name who arrived in an unusual outfit which matched her blue-green hair. During her talk my entire focus was on her hair and attire instead of her speech. I was mesmerized at this beautiful woman who looked like a mannequin dressed in rainbow.

We were taught etiquette, table manners, aesthetics, grooming, hygiene, and the importance of always speaking proper English and in all places. At one of the deportment classes, Mrs. Harvey brought a set of her cutlery, which included every possible piece that is used on a table. She laid them all out and explained that when using same, start from the outside in. With the spoon it is, “porridge–point, soup –side,” and to serve meals on the left side and take away from the right. Boys were taught how to properly ask a lady for a dance. “May I have this dance, please?” and, “Thank you,” after escorting her back to her seat.

For musical appreciation, we listened to Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Strauss, and other great musical masters. This was also done regularly on Sunday evenings for the boarders, and it was something that we all looked forward to.

Lessons learnt at deportment classes were practiced at “Formal” nights held on the second Saturday of each month, starting at 7:00p.m. Our Matron and her kitchen staff worked diligently to prepare their best “Special Dinner” and the mouth-watering culinary delights they shared were always highly anticipated. The boarders and a few day students, including me, were invited all dressed for this special occasion, enjoyed a three-course meal and later danced to our favorite music until 10:30p.m. Yes, that’s how ‘early’ everything ended back then.

We all felt excited when our entertainment improved. How? The Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr. Sharp donated a sound projector and Saturday night movies were introduced. I can tell you; things were never the same after that. The first show held in the dining hall, was Student Prince. On other weekends we had Great Expectations, Wuthering Heights and other classics. One Saturday night, the movie Blackboard Jungle was shown. The following Monday a group of us acting as if we were in the movie, started referring to our teachers as “Teach.” We also entered each classroom and wrote on the blackboard “STRIKE” in large letters. These rebellious actions were not tolerated. We were severely reprimanded and given detentions and one or two-day suspensions. Luckily, no one was expelled, but that was it; there was a pause on the Saturday night movies.

Academic achievements or lack thereof was on full display after the “tri-weekly” tests. It happened in my class when the Headmaster had each student, depending on their marks, from high to low, form a line in order of their position. As the student, head bowed, slowly walks towards the end of the line Pops Stu sang “Down and down and down and down and down she goes.” This was totally embarrassing, as others walking along the corridor, giggled.  I made sure to be among the top five positions to avoid being ridiculed.

Inspiring activities and clubs such as Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, 4H Club, and Spanish Club, Debating Society, Student Christian Movement, Public Speaking, and various sports kept us mentally and physically engaged throughout our time at CC. We visited schools where we competed in Drama and Music festivals. We cheered and fervently supported our footballers and we soaked up every glorious moment of the games. Playing Football against Cornwall College was always a big excitement, especially when we were the host. Of course, we know who is the real “CC”.

The elegance of the Senior Cambridge Dinner was the perfect “Grand finale.” For most, it was the end of school life and out to the working world. So, the girls had their hair done and the boys went to the barber. Us, girls arrived looking confident in the latest style dresses and high heels shoes, while the boys in their white shirts, neckties and well-polished footwear, looked proud as they strutted around like peacocks. After the grace, a toast to Her Majesty, the Queen; speeches, and a sumptuous dinner, we danced to the latest music including one of the top favorites at the time, a song called “Memories are made of this” by Dean Martin. The evening closed with the National Anthem, “God Save the Queen”.

These are some of the pleasant memories of my high school years. Looking back, I am thankful for those beautiful, life-changing years. Even up to this day, I jokingly remind my friends that it was not necessary for me to travel to Switzerland and attend “Finishing School” as it was available at Clarendon College.