ABOUT US
Our thousands of graduates can attest to the quality of St. Gabriel’s academic programme, but that is only one aspect of the education a student receives.
Through interactions with members of the entire St. Gabriel’s community, and with strong parent-teacher relations that are fostered through frequent communication and parental involvement, students mature into young people who not only have stretched their minds, but have grown personally, artistically, and athletically. What sets St. Gabriel’s apart? A Tradition of Excellence.
St. Gabriel’s School provides a well-rounded quality education, within a Christian framework, for a highly diverse student body.
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OUR MISSION
To develop wholesome and confident members of society by creating an environment underpinned by religious faith where children’s individual talents and creativity can flourish
OUR VISION STATEMENT
A school community of excellence in academia, sports and the arts.
Families new to St. Gabriel’s sometimes ask what their children may need to do to ‘fit in’. The answer is simple: simply be themselves. St. Gabriel’s is a community that has long embraced students and faculty of many backgrounds, cultures, races, and beliefs. What binds everyone together is not just the shared commitment to learning but the supportive atmosphere in the community. There is pride in the fact that there is no “typical” St. Gabriel’s student, no cultural mold to fit.
We pride ourselves in discovering and developing the talents of each pupil. The curriculum followsthe guidelines provided by the Ministry of Education, and a multimedia approach is adopted to promote cognitive, creative, aesthetic, practical, physical, social and spiritual development. A wide range of ability levels are catered for, including specific learning disabilities and moderate global disability. Our graduating class is consistently among the top achievers in the Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination.
In keeping with our philosophy, “Education for Life”, particular attention is given to the provision of astimulating and nurturing environment where the opportunity for learning, recreation and socialization are varied and plentiful. We use a range of tools and resources to engage our students, to get them thinking critically, and to turn them into life-long learners. In addition, the high quality of our music, sports and arts programmers are recognized nationwide.
Happy Atmosphere
Active Learning
Creative Environment
Amazing Playground
ST GABRIELS SCHOOL
OUR HISTORY
ESTABLISHED 1947
In the Beginning...
In 1947, Bishop Hughes invited the Clewer Sisters of the St. John the Baptist Order to establish St. Gabriel’s School. Mrs. ‘Sunny’ Wiles was specially recruited to teach at the new school along with the U.K. Sisters of the Companions of Jesus the Good Shepherd. The half – day programme opened on October 1st that year with 28 students between the ages of four and eight. By the following term, the roll increased tremendously; the school day extended to 2:30 p.m. and naturally, the staff expanded. By 1949, houses, named after the Bishops, were formed: Hughes (red); Bentley (yellow) and Berkley (blue). Following the visit of Princess Alice in 1950, the roll increased again and recorded 136 students by September 1950.
Also in 1950, a school uniform was designed, the annual Sports Day was organized, the school received recognition from local government, plays were performed for the public’s entertainment and the fourth House was founded and all were renamed after the saints: St. Francis (red); St. Martin (yellow); St. Alban (blue) and St. Patrick (green). On November 22, 1957, the senior school building was officially opened by Governor Robert Arundell. While St. Gabriel’s School started in one small wooden building in the late 1940’s, it steadily grew and through many contributions and drives, acquired nearby properties for its expansion.
YEARS 1960 - 2000
Transforming...
During the 1960’s, St. Gabriel’s embarked on a series of changes, improvements and expansions. One such expansion was the St. Gabriel’s Chapel established through funds raised by the Society of the Propogation of the Gospel (SPG) Sisters in the U.K. and the students’ mile-a-penny project. The new chapel was consecrated on May 28, 1961 by Bishop Lewis Evans. Progressive programmes such as Technical and Commerce for bookkeeping, shorthand and typing were enhanced and a new domestic science block was constructed with cookery and needlework rooms. Other significant changes during this era were the change from the Panama hats to skull caps designed with the school’s crest and the introduction of the school song penned by the music teacher, Mr. Gerald Hudson. By 1966, the Sisters returned to the U.K. due to a reduction in the U.K. Sisters that inhibited their continued work overseas, and with much sadness their departure led to the transfer of the management of the school to the local diocese who then appointed a Board of Governors and Mrs. Suzette Cayless became the Headmistress.
During the years, expansion continued with the purchases of the surrounding Hackett, Dumfries, and Fairview properties providing much-needed extra classrooms, of which one was a science lab. The early 70’s brought more improvements to St. Gabriel’s with the launch of the Parent Teachers Association and a co-educational senior school. Unfortunately, between 1977 and 1979, the senior roll dropped significantly and on August 31, 1979,the Board of Governors made the decision to close that wing and focus on the Infant and Junior departments that both flourish to this day. On the social scene, St. Gabriel’s School organized its first school fair in May 1949. This event, now usually hosted in October, is eagerly anticipated by all across Barbados.
YEARS 2000 - 2022
Past Scholars...
With such an outstanding history and great bonds among schoolmates, the past students established a registered charity association. The association’s primary objectives are to preserve the school’s history; keep the school’s spirit alive and maintain contact with students and teachers. The proceeds raised from their efforts are contributed to the school for various projects; particularly those that relate to the history of the school. Some of these are the installation of the school Motto, Shield and plaque replicas of the House emblems exhibiting the associated Saints; all of the above are displayed in the Anne Johnson Auditorium. From a community outreach view and in the spirit of goodwill,
The Past Scholars and Friends of St. Gabriel’s School contribute to the community in various ways, such as Because of Jenna Trust; The Thelma Vaughn Memorial Home; The Learning Centre; The Barbados Girl Guides Association; The Barbados Cancer Society; individuals in the society who are in need of medical emergencies and relief. On the auspicious occasion of the institution’s 65th anniversary.
The Past Scholars and Friends of St. Gabriel’s School organized three special events that commenced with an Evening Lime at Pirates Inn on October 27th; a Thanksgiving Service on October 28th at the St. Gabriel’s Chapel and concluded with a Gala Evening on November 3rd at Mahogany Ridge in St. Thomas. The association also designed a special commemorative pin for this anniversary that is available for purchase. To find out more about The Past Scholars and Friends of St. Gabriel’s School, those interested can contact its members through their Facebook page or via email at stgabrielspastschl@hotmail.com.Source: Business Barbados, October 29th, 2012
For the 2017/2018 academic year, the school celebrated its 70th Anniversary with one special event per term. In term one, the school community celebrated with a Special Thanksgiving Service in November 2017 which was officiated by the Most Revd. Dr. John Holder, Bishop of Barbados and Archbishop of the West Indies. In term Two, the school celebrated with an Easter Bonnet/KiteParade, Tea Party and for the very first time, an Art Auction. The children worked assiduously to create the art work and local artists, Cathy Alkins and Lorna Wilson, also supported the school by donating art work for the event. It was well attended and the children had a marvelous time.
School Chaplin
DIOCESE
St. Gabriel’s is by tradition an Anglican School and enjoys the benefits of a school Chaplain, who conducts special services, such as Ash Wednesday and Ascension Day, which are held at the St. Paul Church. Junior assembly is held three times a week and Infant assembly twice a week in the Auditorium. Religious Education forms part of the Curriculum and the principles and practices of Christianity are upheld. Children of many different religions attend the school and may, if their parents request in writing, be excused from Religious Education.
Rev.d Erma Ambrose
Diocese Welcome,
Dear Friends in Christ,
“The lot is fallen unto me in a fair ground * yea, I have a goodly heritage.” These sentiments expressed in Psalm 16, remind us of the wonderful sense of history we enjoy as it endears in us a sense of appreciation for life with all of its joys and complexities. Children need to embrace this attitude for they too possess a mind, a body and a soul; all need nurturing! St. Gabriel’s, being the only Anglican school in the Diocese of Barbados provides such nurturing, as we educate the whole child for a more moral life as they continue this goodly heritage. This is grounded in our faith which provides the foundation for everything we do.
Christ illuminates learning and life at this wonderful school. From preschool through to graduation, students in St. Gabriel’s school grow in faith and grace, achieve more in school and life, develop creativity and character, and feel welcomed and cherished.
This exposure happens through daily devotions either in the school’s auditorium or in the class room which is led by teachers and students alike. Additionally, the children have the opportunity to worship atleast thrice yearly at the St. Paul church located on Bay Street, for special services. These services are held on Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the Lenten season during which time focus is place on becoming a better person through sacrifice and giving; at Easter when we recall the sacrifice and giving of Our Lord; and, at Ascension when we put focus on Christ going to heaven to prepare to receive all believers at His return.
As we acknowledge that children are our gifts from God, it cannot be emphasised enough how valuable it is for them to have the spiritual foundation or, as the Psalmist calls it, a fair ground and a goodly heritage. Knowing and appreciating this, we therefore invite you to prayerfully consider St. Gabriel’s school. We understand that parents are the primary educators of their children in various areas including that of faith. As such, we look forward to partnering with you in the formation of your children.
Yours In Christ
Erma Ambrose (Rev.’d.)
School Chaplain