0'Hare 110 Newsletter (George's Week)

ISSUE #1 | APRIL 2021 |GEORGE'S WEEK

1913-2023

" O'hare we are: Honouring our past,
&

inspiring our future”

ISSUE #1 | APRIL 2021 |GEORGE'S WEEK

ISSUE #1 | APRIL 2021 |GEORGE'S WEEK

O'Hare 110

ISSUE #1 | APRIL 2021 |GEORGE'S WEEK

How did we get here? It was just last year we were
walking around laughing and having fun with our
friends. Suddenly, COVID-19 interrupted our lives. Is this
real? Am I in a movie? Some of us are sitting waiting for
things to revert to what they were before COVID-19,
others have adapted to the new norm, while some, like
myself, are trying to figure it out. Masks, hand sanitizers,
and social distancing have become a part of life during
COVID-19 times. Online teaching is taking place, but
online learning is questionable.

Being nostalgic can be a good thing, honouring the past and it’s legacy are important elements
in the formation of one’s story. We are emerging from a community; we are emerging from
relationships. So, when we hear our parents or the elders talk about the “good old days”, they
are honouring their past. The “good old days” usually comes with a feeling of pride and a sense
of achievement. However, for others, it is a time of great pondering, since we have made
progress in many areas, but still we are lagging morally and spiritually. It is not uncommon to
hear elders speak about how “safe” they felt “back in the day,” compared to these days. Yet
still, we have progressed. I guess the perspective from which one views “progress” is
important. For some progress, is gaining material possessions and status, while for others it is
more about being impactful and spiritually grounded. Be, it as it may, sometimes the drive for
“progress” can be all-consuming, thus distracting us from the things of God.

The dawn of COVID-19 has allowed me to pause and take a step back. This introspection process
is the space for me to become more intentional about the way I am living my life and to realign
my values. I have suffered the loss of some good friends to COVID-19. I have heard the cry of the
poor and seen the impact of this pandemic on their lives.

So many of us, feed ourselves daily on a diet of negativity and
“bad news.” These elements create a space of fear. Being locked
in fear is something we saw in one of the post-resurrection
appearances of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Luke 24: 36 49, we
hear of Jesus appearing to his disciples in a locked room. They
locked themselves in because they were fearful of persecution
from the authorities and fear as to the direction their lives will
take. They had left everything behind to follow their teacher,
Jesus Christ, only for him to be crucified like a common
criminal.

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In many ways, their inability to deal with their situation led to them
locking themselves in a room. Many of us, like the disciples, are “locked in”
because of fear. We fear for ourselves and our loved ones being infected
with COVID-19.

Most of all, we fear dying. Amidst the fear of the disciples, Jesus appeared
to them and offered peace. In a similar way, Jesus is appearing to us,
offering us peace during this pandemic. A good deal of us might miss this
timely offering by Jesus, since we have taken our eyes off the Lord and put
our focus on things of the world. The one, true and living God has been
replaced.

Let us think back to the good old days, admittedly for many, these times were not good, but
people with the help of God pushed through, to see the goodness in their situation. Endurance
by faith. It is by pushing through by faith that we come to experience the peace that Jesus
offers. It is by faith many of the slaves during the time of slavery survived their harsh
realities; it is by faith, our foreparents laboured from colonial days to nationhood. It is by this
same faith that we shall survive this pandemic. Faith is not magic. It is highly unlikely that
God will come now and make things “better or right.” God, however, will give us the graces
that we need to deal with the problems associated with this pandemic.

The graces we need to work through grieve after losing loved ones. The graces we need to
address our financial realities. The grace we need to deal with our broken and/or toxic
relationships. We do not know the full impact of this pandemic on our lives, but I am sure that
with God we can find peace amidst the storm. Let us continue to labour through the storms of
COVID-19 for the Greater Glory of God. Let us focus our energies on our spiritual lives.

Be assured of my prayers

Rohan G. Tulloch, S.J.

ISSUE #1 | APRIL 2021 |GEORGE'S WEEK

Greetings Staff Members, Students, Parents,
Old Boys, and Friends of St. George’s College,
On April 23 each year, we celebrate the Feast
of St. George. At this time, we also celebrate
the legacy of St. George’s College with a
week of activities, culminating in our St.
George’s Day celebrations. At a time such as
this, it is even more important to celebrate,
allowing our past to inspire our present and
future. So this year, we celebrated virtually.

Saint George (George of Lydda) who lived in the 3rd century, was a Christian soldier in the
Roman army who was sentenced to death for refusing to recant his Christian faith. He is
immortalized in the legend of Saint George and the Dragon, a story which encourages us to
overcome the “dragons” in our lives and in our world; the dragons of injustice, poverty,
ignorance, cruelty, selfishness and sin.
This year, our theme for St. George’s Day is “O’Hare we are: honouring our past, embracing
our present, inspiring our future”.

Since its construction in 1913, the grand O’Hare building has contributed to the legacy of
the school. Many Georgian dragon-slayers have walked its hallowed halls, on the journey
towards leadership in nation building and transforming the world.
This year, we are launching a project to renovate and update the building at an estimated
price tag of JMD $12M. Our goal is to complete the project in 2023, on the 110th
anniversary of this historic edifice. We encourage all stakeholder groups to get involved
and assist with fundraising.

As we celebrate, let us allow the legend of St. George the dragon slayer to inspire us to be
resilient in the face of the challenges of the pandemic. Stay positive and healthy in mind,
body and spirit.

Happy Feast of St. George!

Mrs. Margaret Campbell

ISSUE #1 | APRIL 2021 |GEORGE'S WEEK

Honouring Our Past

ISSUE #1 | APRIL 2021 |GEORGE'S WEEK

Adapted by Robbie Vernon

St. George´s College was founded in 1850 by twenty-one exiled Spanish Jesuits from New
Granada (now Colombia). It actually opened its doors on September 2, 1850 in a rented house at
26 North Street on the southeast corner of North and Orange Streets. The new College opened
with thirty-eight day students and thirty boarders. The first subjects taught included Latin,
Greek, French, English, Rhetoric, History, Mathematics, Logic, Metaphysics, Ethics, Drawing
and Calligraphy.

Two years after, the college was turned over to the English Jesuits. The school moved to 5 Upper
King Street and changed its name to the Presbytery Secondary School. There it remained until
January 1866, when, for unclear reasons, it was closed. A few months later, thanks to Fr. James
Jones, S.J., the school was reopened with twenty-five students and moved back to its original
site at 26 North Street, again under the name of St. George's College.

In April 7, 1894, the first American Jesuits arrived: Fathers John J Collins, Patrick F.X. Mulry and
Andrew Rapp. These priests were well versed in high school and university administration and
took charge of the entire mission territory of Jamaica including St. George's College.

In February 1905 the Jesuits bought a large property called Pawsey's Pen (what is now
Winchester Park) and converted the Pawsey residence into a classroom building with classes
started before the end of March. That original building stood until 1979, when it was
demolished to make way for the new Issa Auditorium.

The present Jesuit Residence (now called the Jesuit
Centre) was built in 1910, and the Jesuits moved from the
old site at North and Orange Streets. Enrollment in the
College at that time was barely one hundred boys, but
more classroom space was needed. In 1913 the
construction of a new building was authorized by the
headmaster whose name it bears, Fr. William O'Hare, S.J.
The O'Hare Building has become the landmark of St.
George's College.

ISSUE #1 | APRIL 2021 |GEORGE'S WEEK

Adapted by Robbie Vernon

In 1923 St. George's College became the largest Secondary
school in the island with 258 on the roll.
Discipline has always been a strong element of St.
George's College, and the College's Merit/ Demerit system
was inaugurated by Fr. William Hannas, S.J. in 1940. This
system was instituted to maintain a firm discipline but
also to encourage a spirit of competition. To this end, Fr.
Hannas, S.J. emphasized the English-based 'House' system
already existing at the College. The student body at that
time was divided into three 'houses': Bellarmine, Campion
and Xavier. Two more houses were soon added: Loyola in
September 1941 and Regis in the late 1950's. These five
houses have become rivals for leadership in studies,
sports and discipline.

In 1945, after ninety-five years of existence, the College
welcomed its first Jamaican headmaster, Fr. Dennis
Cruchley, S.J., who was an Old Boy of the College. He
assumed the leadership of the College and remained in
office for the next five years.

The Chinese played a sizeable role in the History of St. George's College. It was Fr. Leo Butler
S.J, while pastor at St. Anne's church, who is credited with the first conversion in 1918 of a
student from the St. Anne's elementary school.

This student became headmaster of St. George's College (1929-1940), as the only Catholic high
school and with him at the helm, it became a magnet for the burgeoning Catholic converts, and
remained their school of choice after his departure.

ISSUE #1 | APRIL 2021 |GEORGE'S WEEK

Adapted by Robbie Vernon

By the 1960's a remarkable 25% of the student population was Chinese. Some of these
graduates gained recognition locally and abroad; Rhode's scholar Maurice Tenn, Barrister,
Distinguished UWI Professor Anthony Chen, part of the United Nations Intergovernmental
panel on climate change that won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, Dr. G Raymond Chang
philanthropist & Chancellor of Ryerson University in Toronto, and Dr. Herbert Ho Ping Kong,
recipient of numerous hospital based teaching , university departmental teaching awards
and faculty wide teaching awards at the University of Toronto, Canada. Many of these alumni
have remained some of the schools most loyal supporters.

The school's motto reflects the vision and spirit of the over 160-year-old institution: Ad
Majorem Dei Gloriam (For the Greater Glory of God).

In 1945, after ninety-five years of existence, the College welcomed its first Jamaican
headmaster, Fr. Dennis Cruchley, S.J., who was an Old Boy of the College. He assumed the

leadership of the College and remained in office for the next five years.

ISSUE #1 | APRIL 2021 |GEORGE'S WEEK

Fr.Emmanuel Gil, S.J. 1850-1852 Fr.Maurice Feres, S.J. 1970-1980

Fr.Alexis Simon, S.J. 1852-1865 Fr.Lawrence Burke, S.J. 1980-1981

NO RECORDS 1866-1867 Mr.Van Hitchener 1981-1982

Fr.James Jones, S.J. 1868-1871 Fr.James Hosie, S.J. 1982-1987

Fr.Richard Barton, S.J. 1871-1872 Fr.Kenneth Hughes, S.J. 1987-1992

Fr.Francis Jaeckel, S.J. 1873-1879 Mr. Hector Stephenson 1992-1997

Fr.Thomas Porter, S.J. 1879-1880 Mr. Van Hitchener 1998-2000

Fr.John Ryan, S.J . 1880-1884 Mr. Lloyd Fearon 2000-2004

Fr.William Burns, S.J. 1885-1889 Dr. Fred Kennedy 2004-2006

Fr.Henry Parker, S.J. 1889-1895 Mrs. Margaret Campbell 2006-Present

Fr.Patrick Kelly, S.J. 1895-1896

Fr.William Gregory, S.J. 1896-1902

Fr.Augustus Duarte, S.J. 1902-1906

Fr. Joseph Dinnard, S.J. 1906-1908

Fr.William O'Hare, S.J. 1908-1910

Fr.Partick Collins, S.J. 1910-1911

Fr.William O'Hare, S.J. 1911-1915

Fr.Francis Delaney, S.J. 1915-1920

Fr.Ferdinand Wheeler, S.J. 1920-1923
Fr.George McDonald, S.J. 1923-1929
Fr.Leo Butler, S.J. 1929-1940
Fr.Walter Ballou, S.J. 1940-1945
Fr.Denis Cruchley S.J. 1945-1950
Fr.Charles A.McMullan, S.J. 1950-1960
Fr.Edward Donohue, S.J. 1960-1962
Fr.Leo Quinlan, S.J. 1962-1970

ISSUE #1 | APRIL 2021 |GEORGE'S WEEK

The Feast of St. George, commonly known as St.
George’s Day is celebrated in England for hundreds
of years on the 23rd of April. St George's Day is one
of the single most important feast days in the
history of England and in both Western and Eastern
Christian churches such as the Roman Catholic all
over the world.

The feast of St. George, is marked as a national day,
dedicated to celebrate the life, courage and
martyrdom of the great patron St. George. St. George
is a saint that is known for his strength, kindness to
people, and like a knight- his courage; in sacrificing
his life to save his people from a deadly dragon. St.
George was a man who lived his life ‘for the greater
glory of God’. It is believed that, during the
persecutions of the Emperor Diocletian in the early
4th century, St George was executed for refusing to
make a sacrifice in honour of the pagan gods and
was tortured to death on April 23, as he refused to
denounce his Christian faith.

St. George’s College wears the name of St. George.
He is not only celebrated on the 23rd of April by
the school, but he is celebrated every day,
through the school’s motto “Ad Majorem Dei
Gloriam- For the Greater Glory of God”.

ISSUE #1 | APRIL 2021 |GEORGE'S WEEK

Gladstone Orlando Stanislaus Wilson was born on 10th
March 1906 in Mavis Bank, St. Andrew. He was the eldest
child of seven, and the only boy. His mother and father were
both teachers so he didn’t attend primary school but was
instead taught at home by his parents.

For high school, his parents wanted him to attend Jamaica
College (JC) but the headmaster refused because he already
had one black student and thought that was enough.

In 1918 he won a scholarship to St. George's College and
attended from 1918-1922. While there, he questioned the
existence of God, but after debating the matter, he
converted to the Roman Catholic faith in Fifth Form and
became an altar-server at St. Anne’s Church in Western
Kingston.

At STGC, he came 1st in 3rd Form and 1st in Fifth Form and
won several awards.

In 1929 at the age of 23 years he obtained his first PhD with highest honours from the Pontificio
Colegio Urbano de Propaganda Fidei in Rome, and was first in his College.

On Christmas Eve 1931 he was ordained to the priesthood in Rome at 25 years of age.

In 1932 at the age of 26 years he was awarded a 2nd Ph.D., again with highest honours and
won the Chancellor's Gold Medal for General Excellence.
With two doctoral degrees, from 1932-1933 he was appointed Tutor at the college in Rome,
the only West Indian and the only black person to occupy this post.

In 1934 he came home for the first time since he began studying in Rome. He celebrated his
first Mass in Jamaica at the school chapel of St. George’s, as the first black Jamaican priest
since the English conquest of the island.

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In 1936 at age 30 he received his third Doctorate . Ever the learner, in 1938 he went to Fordham
University, New York City, to study for a Master of Science degree in Medical Social Work. On
the boat ride from Kingston to New York he shared a cabin with a fellow Georgian. The racism
on board ship prevented them from eating at the same table in the dining room, so they ate
together in their cabin for the whole voyage.

Despite unjust challenges because of his colour, this Georgian Knight excelled and was
considered to be the seventh most learned person in the world at the time of his death on
December 1, 1974. He received 4 doctorates and spoke 14 languages fluently.
In 2000 Rt. Rev. Monsignor Gladstone Orlando Stanislaus Wilson was inducted into the St.
George's College Hall of Fame and named St. George's College Student of the 20th Century.

ISSUE #1 | APRIL 2021 |GEORGE'S WEEK

“Trust your instincts, take time to hone your skills and talents, and
pursue careers that will ultimately earn your personal joy and

fulfilment. Do not be boxed in by your circumstances or physical
environment. Change the things you can and prepare well for

effecting social transformation in Jamaica and beyond. Equip yourself
so that you can tackle change effectively”.

(St. George’s College Pre University School Leaving Ceremony – April 29, 2019)

I was not engaged in duplicity or was I a part of any cabal or secret society to which
I was sworn to silence. I was not a Walter Mitty character flitting mindlessly
between the realms of reality and fiction. I was not bipolar or was I diagnosed with
any particular personality disorder. I had what to many would seem a normal life.
Yet, I occupied two entirely different worlds. As a resident of Jones Town — which
shares the iconic Kingston 12 postal code with its more famous neighbour (thanks
to Bob Marley) — I was at the epicentre of the mayhem which defined our
dysfunctional political discourse during the cataclysmic period of the 70s and 80s.

As a student of the Jesuit-run St. George's College I would rub shoulders daily with the scions
of gentry, who were largely oblivious of my provenance. Yet, at St George's I belonged to an
elite group of that great institution serving as head boy, president of the students' council,
captain of the Schools' Challenge Quiz team, debater, dramatist, elocutionist, and a nationally
ranked junior tennis player. I was also able to secure a scholarship to Harvard as a result of my
academic and extracurricular efforts. Through this experience I learned that individual
achievements were often the outcomes of collective efforts and that we often discount the
impact of our environment on our individual accomplishments.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at St. George's College, which was often spent in the company of
some of the most talented and brilliant individuals imaginable. Andrew Nicholas Mais was one
of my schoolmates daring enough to venture from the relative comfort of his own domestic
arrangements to enter into the chaotic world of mine. Mais, one of the few individuals I have
ever known to get a perfect score in the SATs, would win a scholarship to attend Yale.

ISSUE #1 | APRIL 2021 |GEORGE'S WEEK

I learned so much from him, especially through the frequent debates we had which often
attracted onlookers and could become particularly entertaining with the participation of
our exceedingly witty friend Dwight Bacquie, whose father, Neville, along with Adrian
Foreman and R Danny Williams, was a founder of Life of Jamaica. Through these
encounters I learned that (at school) the best lessons were often taught outside the
classroom and the most effective teachers were usually those not paid for our instruction.

I had some great teachers, including John Rupley and Larkland Tabois, both of whom taught
mathematics. Then there were those, such as Joseph Sanguinetti and Winston Wilson, who
would continue being my friends long after my days at St George's. Wilson unravelled the
mysteries of Spanish with his wry sense of humour and his deep knowledge of English, while
Sanguinetti, a polymath, deepened my interest in and knowledge of sports and world
affairs. I was particularly impressed with Sanguinetti's firm grasp of complex issues and his
unswerving commitment to excellence. His generosity was fathomless.

Though these men employed differing pedagogical methods, they all shared a deep
understanding of the subject they taught. I certainly had my favourites among the Jesuits.
There were Father James Hosie, who helped so many students to learn the game of tennis and
secure scholarships abroad, and Father Leo Quinlan, who not only officiated at my first
wedding and my son's christening, but presided at the funerals when my paternal
grandmother passed and later when my young wife died tragically. These men, through their
actions, taught me that gentility and generosity were not signs of weakness, but evidence of
strength.

While in sixth form parts of my weekends were sometimes
spent with a group of my contemporaries, which included
some of the most brilliant individuals ever to attend a high
school anywhere in the world. These were my Schools'
Challenge Quiz associates, which included such scholastic
legends as Dale Abel (Wolmer's), Stephen Vasciannie
(Kingston College), and Yolande Brown (Campion). All three
mentioned would become Rhodes scholars and chart
distinguished academic careers.

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They taught me that arrogance was usually the companion of ignorance, and that
humility was often the handmaid of a beautiful mind.
While still attending St George's I secured a job as a sports reporter with The Gleaner
through the efforts of my close friend Curtis Myrie, who at the time was also a student of
St George's and working with the newspaper. At The Gleaner I would come under the
tutelage of such legendary figures of journalism as Raymond Sharpe and Freddy Smith.
There I quickly learned that some of the best lessons in life were not directly taught, and
that sarcasm could serve as an excellent teacher.

Myrie, who lived right across from me on Asquith Street, then the major thoroughfare in
Jones Town, had a profound influence on a number of the choices I would make in life. He
inspired me to write, impressing me with his formidable literary gifts which found
expression in delightful pieces of prose and poetry. He encouraged me to play tennis —
though he was never as passionate about the game as I was. I picked up valuable dancing
lessons from him while observing how he, Ricky Chin, and my cousin Richard Robinson were
able to attract the attention — and I suspect favours — of many attractive, young ladies who
were mesmerised by their skills on the dance floor.
NB. Clyde McKenzie O.D. served as the Head Boy of St.
George’s College in 1976. Upon graduating, he
returned for a short stint as a Spanish teacher. Today,
he is well known as a former judge on TVJ’s Digicel
Rising Stars and as the Managing Director at Irie FM
and Vibes Production.

(Jamaica Observer, Sunday, May 21, 2017)

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Embracing

OUR
Present

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The history of St. George’s College features a constant presence of the
Jesuits who, even today are playing a very important role in the
operation of the school.

Fr. Lester Orville Shields S.J. taught General Paper, Ethics and
Religious Education at St. George’s College. In 2017 he hosted a five
series Personal Development workshop with the Pre-University
(Sixth Form) students on Stress Management.

Mr. Ricardo Perkins S.J. came to St. George’s in 2013. After a year he
left and returned in 2017 as teacher of CAPE Tourism (Units 1 and 2)
and Campus Minister. As campus minister he was responsible for
assigning and supervising student’s Christian Service (ministry),
planning and organising weekend retreats for 4th, 5th and 6th form
students, days of recollection and mass for Catholic students.

Fr. Rohan Tulloch S.J. is today, the Chairman of the Board of
Management. He teaches CSEC Principle of Accounts, CAPE
Economics and Introduction to Moral Philosophy. He is the
brainchild for many fundraising activities at the college. He
is known island-wide for his radical pastoral and spiritual
influence. Fr. Tulloch writes to local and international
publications about topical issues affecting Jamaica’s youth,
education and society.

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Fr. Peter McIsaacs S.J served in various social ministries during his
assigned years of service in Jamaica. He was the Chairman of the Board
of Management from 2006 to 2014. Fr. McIsaacs was instrumental in
the endowment fund as well as other fundraising activities at the
school. Under his leadership as chairman, in September of 2013, the
college opened and specially dedicated The Chapel of St Francis of
Assisi in honour of the late Evelyn Mahfood. Fr. McIsaacs now leads the
Jesuits in Guyana and Jamaica as Regional Superior.

Fr. Christopher Llanos S.J. served at St. George’s College as the Vice
Chairman and Acting Chair of the Board of Management. During
his time at St. George’s College he directed the school’s endowment
fund. He also taught Introduction to Moral Philosophy to 6th Form
students.

Presently , Fr. Rohan Tulloch S.J. , Fr. Orville Shield S.J. , and Fr. Peter McIsaacs S.J. are
assigned to ministries in Jamaica. Fr. Llanos is in Canada and Ricardo Perkins is completing
theological studies in the United States.

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"In light of the recent closure of school, the St. George’s College Old Boys Association,
under the leadership of its president Mr. Ian Telfer, distributed food packages to some
of our students on the PATH programme and our Welfare programme. While the
Ministry of Education is committed to distributing food to students, based on the
location of many of our students they are unable to take advantage of such
distributions.
We need your HELP! If you would like to assist, contact via WhatsApp Mr. Telfer @ 876-815-9517 .
A.M.D.G

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“Heights of great men reach and kept were not attain by sudden flight, but
they, while their companions slept were upward toiling through the night”

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Match Highlights of the 52nd School Challenge Quiz Competition
FINAL POINTS
Round 1 St. George’s College 43-21 St. Andrew Technical High School
Round 2 St. George’s College 43-40 Glenmuir High School
Round 3 St. George’s College 23-41 Wolmer’s Boys

Team Ranking
• St. George’s College - ranked seed 24
• St. Andrew Technical High School- ranked seed 41
• Glenmuir High School- ranked seed 9
• Wolmer’s Boys- ranked seed 8

Congratulations to our School’s Challenge Quiz team.
For the first time in eight years the St. George’s College Quiz team made it to the third round of
the National School’s Challenge Quiz Competition.

How Did They Get There?
Since the pandemic, student participation in co-curricular activities has been limited. Unaware
of the format of the National SCQ Competition the team and coach had high hopes for
competition. Prior to the pandemic quizzers would usually meet for training at least two hours
and thirty minutes, four days per week. Since March 2020, training sessions reduced
significantly in time, and limited to self-study, WhatsApp group messages and sometimes zoom
conferencing.

Seeing the effort of our students, a committee was formed to put in place a structural
framework to plan and implement feasible strategies to support the team in competition as well
as to improve the quality of the school’s quiz programme.

Even with the challenges encountered, as it relates to a compatible training space, losing a
team member at the start of the school year, the lack of critical equipment for training,
camping and practice matches, just to name a few, the team hustled to acquire the necessary
skills and competence for competition as best as they possibly could.

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With the support received to facilitate much needed study camps and
vigorous training sessions while in competition, the team’s confidence
and performance improved significantly as were evident by match
scores.

With four young knights, the programme now remains hopeful for the 53rd season which starts
in 2022. We are also on the hunt for new recruits.

The team is coached by Mr. Gifton Wright and supervised by Ms. Clarine McFarlane.

Sponsors Herman Athias (1970)
• Devon Leckie (class of 1983) The Travelling Knights
• Nicholas Chang (class 1971) GG Tropixx
• Victor Chang (class of 1965) Ms Lorna Higgins (past parent)
• Michael Chai (class of 1972) Mark Gentles
• Tony Wong (class of 1957) Ms Coral Jonas
• Lloyd Tenn (class of 1974)

From left to right: Roshane Gilpin (team captain), Nicavia Henriques, Aaron Barnett and Kerr Griffiths

ISSUE #1 | APRIL 2021 |GEORGE'S WEEK

Early 2020, we were on a high from copping gold and silver medals
(Speech & Song categories respectively) at the all island Spanish
Festival after a 15-year absence! We were also in the final phases of
attempting to repeat another clean sweep at the Francophone
Festival when the dreaded COVID-19 hit our shores and closed down
everything. What a disappointment for us as we faced the inevitable
cancellation!

However, we drew on our resilient St George’s spirit and moved
everything into the virtual space because we were determined that
COVID-19 can’t stop the love for Modern Languages. Spearheaded by the
tireless and fearless Señorita/Mademoiselle Walcolm and the ever-
passionate Shaquille Brown (6-1) among others, the club continued to
provide a fun atmosphere for learning foreign languages.

Some of the other highlights for the year 2020-2021 include:
Prizes in the Translation Competition organised by Translators & Interpreters Association–
Shaquille Brown (2nd – High School French), Wendy-Ann Ivey (2nd – High School Spanish),
Madame Wong (1st –Open Category French)

Success in the 1st virtual Francophone Festival (2021)-silver (Joel Brown) & bronze (Javier
Foster) in Radio announcement; silver (Malcolm-Jamal Newland) & bronze (Shaquille
Brown) in Poetry Writing; bronze (Jor-Dan Henry) & gold (Shaquille Brown) in Speech, a
category that saw them competing against and triumphing over university students!

The culmination was the 1st Modern Languages Day with the theme “Learning a language
is Fun!” . This exciting event was organised by Senorita Walcolm with our senior students
ably playing the role of MC. The blessing of it being in the virtual space was that there
were no barriers. We were graced with many distinguished guests such as Senior
Education Officer for Modern Languages in the MOEYI – Señora Martha Corbett-Baugh,
Madame Leonie Wallace – Senior French Lecturer at Shortwood Teachers’ College,
Monsieur Larry Lamartiniere – Director of the Alliance Française de la Jamaïque . There
were visitors from Jamaica (Guy’s Hill High School & Kingston Technical High S,chool)
from overseas as far as France, Colombia, Panama and of different languages (Spanish,
French, Italian). It was a fun-filled afternoon of games, prizes and surprises.

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2020 and 2021 have taught us to Learn, Grow, Adapt because the Present
Demands It! AMDG!

(Pictures ( l-r )- Spanish festival, Translation Competition Prizegiving, Francophone Festival,
Modern languages Day)

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The St. George's College Debate Society and UN Club has entered two
debate championships namely JADE Academy of Debate and
Opening and the National Debate Championship for High School,
formerly the Burger King Debate Championships, since the
resumption of clubs and societies in November of last term. From
the championships entered, we have won 4 trophies, two individual
trophies and 2 team trophies.

Khayla Pryce copped our first individual trophies when she place 2nd in the public speaking
competition of our first match. Khayla was also among the men namely; Darrell and Shaquille
when they copied the 3rd runners up team trophy.

Our other 2 trophies were won in our second match when the team comprising Darrell
Scott, Shaquille Brown and Antonisia Bogle walked away with the 3rd place trophy
while Ms. Bogle copped the coveted best debater trophy.

Other members of the team namely; Teddesha McLean, Dravid Matthews and Abygale Elliott
continue to make us proud as they were named best speaker in their various rounds.

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St George's alumnus earns JPS Foundation Engineering
Scholarship.

"The JPS Foundation has awarded the first scholarship in its recently launched programme,
providing financial support for students pursuing tertiary education in engineering.
In 2019, the foundation introduced ‘The JPS Foundation Engineering Scholarship’ giving
students sitting CSEC Electrical Technology an opportunity to receive a full scholarship
valued at US$10,000 per year to a university of choice in Jamaica.

Shemour Martin, a first-year electrical engineering student, is
the programme’s first official scholar and will be attending the
University of Technology (UTech) this semester.
Shemour, a diligent and determined young man, is the first in
his family to excel in CSEC and the first to attend university, the
foundation said in a press release.
A well-rounded St. George’s alumnus actively involved in
extracurriculars such as Tae-Kwon-Do, Track & Field, Robotics
and Community Service, Shemour also enrolled himself in the
HEART Trust NTA night programme in Portmore to acquire a
trade in welding."

- LOOP NEWS

Congratulations!

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Congratulations!

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Congratulations!

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Congratulations!

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Spotlight on Old Boys

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Name: Michael Lewis
What year did you leave St. George's College?: 1985
Briefly describe your best memory as a student at St. George's College? Curiously, my best
memory is one of activism. In first form we had no water in the lower school. I remember
leading a student protest. We wrote signs on cardboard and boycotted class and
demonstrated outside the office of Fr Quinlan, the then VP. Fr Q reminded me of that day
till just before he died. He pointed to my ability to lead, even from them.
What impact would your experience at St. George's College have on your life today? The
person I am today was shaped and determined by my experiences with my peers and
faculty. The crucible of St Georges college molded me as a man who thinks of others and
cares for others, even before myself at times. I would not be who I am today if I did not
have the privilege of having attended the greatest high school for young men, St Georges
College.

Name: Lloyd Tenn
What year did you leave St. George's College?: 1974
Briefly describe your best memory as a student at St. George's
College? Being presented with the Physics and Additional Math
Prizes at Graduation 1973.
What impact would your experience at St. George's College have on
your life today? St. George's College gave me the tools to develop my
personal talents into skills.

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Name: Tony Wong
What year did you leave St. George's College?: 1957
Briefly describe your best memory as a student at St.
George's College? When I was picked to play on the Manning
Cup team.
What impact would your experience at St. George's College
have on your life today? Faith in friends and the lessons
learnt from the Jesuits.

Name: Parris Lyew-Ayee
What year did you leave St. George's College?: 1998
Briefly describe your best memory as a student at St. George's College?
Hanging out with friends on the Winchester Park wall and the Chemistry building steps.

And playing garbage basketball upstairs the O’Hare Building.
What impact would your experience at St. George's College have on your life today?
Joining a rich network of Old Boys, all proud of our common heritage.

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Name: Chris Chin
What year did you leave St. George's College?: 1976
Briefly describe your best memory as a student at St.
George's College? Math class with John T Rupley
What impact would your experience at St. George's College
have on your life today? Great camaraderie with the
majority of the class to this day

Name: Patrick Williams
What year did you leave St. George's College?: 1983
Briefly describe your best memory as a student at St. George's College? I have so many great
memories as a student at St. George's College, but the one that I remember vividly, and which
involves the O'Hare Building, was when I took the CXC English exam paper on May 25, 1981.
The exam was held on the first floor of the O'Hare Building from a room that has a
tremendous view of Winchester Park and the Holy Trinity Catherdral in the background. This
is particularly important to note because the day of the exam was also Labour Day, which
meant that there were no classes that day. The O'Hare Building was empty and quiet, except
for my fifth form class taking that exam. It was a calm, serene and comforting environment.
I recall finishing the exam early and could see through the window that my father was
waiting for me to finish. I handed my paper in early and left to spend a memorable late-
afternoon lunch with him and his work colleagues.
What impact would your experience at St. George's College have on your life today? My
experience at St. George's College continues to have a major impact on my life. From the
exposure to the rigor and rewards of a Jesuit-inspired secondary education to the
cameraderie I enjoyed with fellow students in my class, as well as other classes, the
experience has been formidable in making me the person that I am today.

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St. George’s College Old Boys Association of the District of Columbia

On behalf of the St. George’s College Old Boys Association of the District of Columbia
(STGCOBADC), I would like to congratulate the St. George’s College administration, staff, and
students on staging St. George’s Week from April 19 - 23, 2021, which culminates in the
celebration of the Feast of St. George and St. George's Day on April 23. It is certainly a pleasure
to see such an ambitious week of activities which includes Quiz and Debate competitions on
the history of STGC, as well as Panel Discussions with Old Boys who will be presenting on
various topics of empowerment to current STGC students. Additionally, we place our full
support behind the theme for this year: "O'Hare we are: Honouring our past, Embracing our
present and Inspiring our future", and look forward to assisting the school to achieve its goal
on the Restoration of the O'Hare Building project.
The OBADC members look forward to virtually attending the St. George’s Week activities and
wish the school the greatest of success during this momentous week of celebration.
A.M.D.G
Patrick X. Williams (Class of 1981)
President,
St. George’s College OBA DC Chapter

“Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam – For The Greater Glory of God”

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inspiring our future

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What an exciting time! Despite all its ills, Covid19 had brought the
challenge of learning 21st century skills, right to our doorsteps.
These skills include collaboration, communication, creativity,
critical thinking, flexibility and adaptability, global awareness,
information literacy, leadership, initiative, digital literacy,
technological literacy, social responsibility and ethics. Thanks to the
pandemic, we have had to transfer our teaching and learning to the
virtual space, where online learning forces us to improve on many of
these skills.
We must communicate diversely, clearly and frequently, flexibly find creative solutions to
connectivity challenges and the delivery of lessons, and we are becoming more tech savvy by
the day. With a little bit of courage to navigate the real obstacles that we face, as well as
those obstacles created by our fears of this new technological world, we can meet the
challenges of 21st century learning with eagerness to learn, and that is a powerful tool.

So learn something new this month! Create an email address or a twitter account,
start a blog, or take a free online course on Coursera
(https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=free ) in an area on that interests you.
Learn, grow, adapt, the future present demands it, and you are certainly up to the
challenge!

Mrs. Margaret Campbell

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STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science,
Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for
guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.
– Susan Riley, Arts Integration Specialist
This approach to learning applies meaningful maths,
science, and technology content to solve real-world
problems through hands-on learning activities and
creative design.

STEAM...It’s musical.
The inquiry learning acquired through the STEAM
approach is driven by one driving question and a
series of sub-questions in each discipline.

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Inspired by characters in science fiction movies and the emerging
technologies of our rapidly modernizing world, the St. George's
College Robotics Club was born, thanks to the kind sponsorship of the
STGC Old Boys' Association, North East Chapter.
In the 2018/2019 academic year, nine teams participated recently in the Red Spring Robotic
Challenge held at Immaculate Conception High School and St. George's College, entering the
competition for the first time with only five lower school students, was crowned the
champion Boy's team.

In October 2019, one of our own Knights was a part of a team of high school students who
represented Jamaica at the FIRST Global Challenge in Dubai, UAE.
Although we are not able to meet face-to-face, our Robotics program continue in the virtual
space and our students continue to learn about the engineering and programming aspects of
robotics.
The 2017 First Global robotics challenge
(Washington D.C, USA)- Team Jamaica
delegation members -Rasheed Callum
(STGC)and Jason Morris (STGC) along with
Old Boys Christopher Chaplain, Patrick
Williams and Michael Levy of the STGC
OBA DC.

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Fr. William F. O'Hare was born in Boston, Massachusetts on 23 January 1870, entered the
Society of Jesus in what was then the Maryland-New York Province. He was ordained priest
in 1903, and came to the Jamaica mission. In 1913, as headmaster of St. George's College in
Kingston, he authorized the construction of the landmark building (shown below) that was
later to be named for him. He was appointed vicar apostolic of Jamaica in 1919 and ordained
bishop the following year. He remained in office until his death on 11 October 1926.
The iconic building was featured on a
stamp issued in 1992 to celebrate the
50th anniversary of the Credit Union
Movement in Jamaica, for it was in
this building that the Jamaican Credit
Union League was founded by Jesuit,
Fr. John Sullivan S.J. of St. George's
College.

In 2009, the termite infested O'Hare Building, on the verge of being condemned, was gutted
and renovated in time for the reopening of school in September 2009, due largely to the
efforts of old boy Carl Chang.

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On February 10, 2021, under the leadership of the Chairman of the School Board, Fr. Rohan
Tulloch S.J., a team was engaged to lead additional restoration of the O’Hare building.
The scope of work will include, but is not limited to, repair of the termite infested roof,
upgrading of windows and doors, and general infrastructural development to fully equip
classrooms and audio visual labs to meet the demand of the 21st century Georgian learner.
St. George’s College will celebrate the 110th anniversary of the dedication of the O’Hare
Building in 2023. The success of the restoration and infrastructural development of the O’Hare
Building is dependent on the active involvement and generosity of all stakeholders – students,
parents, teachers, administration, board members, Old Boy’s Associations, members of the
surrounding communities, and private and public sector entities.
Phase one of the project will be over a two-year period, beginning April 2021, and ending in
April, 2023 with the 110th anniversary celebration of the O’Hare Building. The overall project
will involve an education campaign, identification of donors/sponsors, fundraising activities
and scheduling of project activities, culminating in the restoration and infrastructural
upgrading of the O’Hare Building.
The project management team envisions the full restoration of the O’Hare Building and
upgrading of infrastructure to include the restoration of interior, roofing, windows and doors,
creation of an audio visual smart lab, conference rooms as well as the landscaping of the
surrounding area.

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The main idea is to enhance the educational experience of our students through the creation
of 21st Century facilities that assist in the development of the whole person. The O’Hare
Infrastructural development project will seek to drive the vision and mission of the school
in the development of Georgians who will assume positive leadership roles in transforming
societies.

After its restoration and infrastructural development, the O’Hare building will continue to be
a key feature of the architectural heritage of our school and city. The O’Hare Building with its
new functions, will play an active role in the development and application of STEAM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) through the skills acquired in our smart lab.

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O’Hare 110

The O’Hare 110 Newsletter is a publication of the 2021 St. George’s week committee in collaboration with the
O’Hare 110 Restoration committee. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. If we

have made an error please contact the school at [email protected]
Many thanks to the newsletter media production team for their design and layout of the O’Hare 110.

“O’Hare We Are: Honouring Our Past, Embracing Our Present & Inspiring Our Future.”