GASPARILLO SECONDARY which was formally known as GASPARILLO COMPOSITE

REFLECTIONS ON THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF GASPARILLO SECONDARY SCHOOL

Gasparillo in 1984. When classes finally started on October 22, 1984, with 236 students, it was after a period of meetings and much discussion among the Principal, Vice Principal, and the assigned teaching staff of seven(7),1 Clerk lll, and 1 Clerk Typist.

By June 5^th, 1984 when the school was formally declared open, the school flag was raised, a School C and Drama Club, along with folk, calypso and Indian dancers, were ready to contribute to the program This was the result of the collaborative effort of all categories of staff. The MTS security person was instrumental in the formation of the Drama Club.

The Composite School model was new, Gasparillo Composite being only the sixth such in Trinidad. the input of Curriculum Officers and teaching staff was therefore vital. One impediment was that the school was constructed as a Junior Secondary School so that meant the presence of workmen adjusting Science labs during the workday. In spite of these challenges, teachers insisted on and generally kept high standards for the school. In the ensuing years, we were not cautious about making adjustments to fulfill needs e.g. organizing classes with boys and girls separately, offering the opportunity for boys to do Home Management, and for a Science Class to do Clothing and Textiles. In those years, the staff was willing to provide a supportive environment for students and parents themselves.

The functioning of many committees helped to enhance school life-Sports and Cultural, A House System, a Welfare committee, ISCF group, Environmental Committee, and a Journalist club (which produced school magazines and science booklets) The celebration of the school anniversary with an annual Thanksgiving service was an early established tradition that taught a valuable lesson. Many past students would remember the sacrifice of Business Studies teachers who taxied with them to San Fernando Technical Institute to conduct our first Business Studies class. The students who, along with the Electrical Technology teacher, helped to construct the First Electrical Technology classroom/Lab would appreciate the spirit of dedication and team effort required for success.

The enthusiasm of parents in those early years resulted in the emergence of parents groups working to build the Library fund and even accompanying staff and students on local and foreign trips. We were not however spared the challenges (such as indiscipline) of a large Secondary School of 1200 students. Efforts were always made to ensure that the educational priorities and the welfare of the students were not unduly compromised. The contribution of many partners helped to mould the ethos of what evolved in Gasparillo Composite. The Religious Instructors of many faiths who lifted the spiritual life of the students helped not only at the weekly timetabled periods but also at school functions. The business community of Gasparillo and environs contributed generously.