Iere_High_School

Iere High School

Iere High School

Coeducational school in Trinidad and Tobago


Iere High School is one of five Presbyterian secondary schools located in the Borough of Siparia, Trinidad and Tobago. Commonly, referred to as “Iere,” this school is the only co- educational high school operated under the Presbyterian School Board of Education. Iere, has a long tradition of academic, sporting and cultural excellence. In its 69 years of existence, graduates have contributed substantially to the development of the nation. Grounded in the Presbyterian faith, Iere fosters values and beliefs that are rooted in the belief that through God all things are possible. Iere also embraces the diversity that is Trinidad & Tobago where every creed and race can find an equal place.

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History

Iere High School Blazer

Pioneer Canadian Presbyterian Minister Rev’d John Morton arrived in Trinidad on 6 January 1868 instituting a ‘mission’ that lasted until 1975 with the departure of the last Missionary personnel.

Within a few short weeks of his arrival Morton was inducted into the Iere Village Pastoral Charge which had been established by American Presbyterian Missionaries in 1843 but was not continued after 1853 because of heavy casualties among the personnel. However, the little African congregation along with an outstation at Mt. Steward continued to be served by Scottish Missionaries working out of San Fernando. It was this little missionary plant that Morton ‘inherited’ and out of which has grown what is today recognised as the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago (PCTT).

Very early the Missionaries embarked upon an Educational thrust along with Evangelism amongst the East Indian indentured labourers. This latter group began arriving in Trinidad in 1845 – slavery being finally abolished in 1838.

While Evangelism was always the main thrust in the life of the Church, education played an increasingly important dimension in the subsequent growth and expansion of the Canadian Mission (PCTT). Such an interest and commitment to Education were vital and necessary order to create and sustain a literate population so that the Christian Gospel would be available to all who come into contact with Church and School.

By 1892 there were already 52 Primary Schools established throughout the length and breadth of the island. This number eventually grew to 72 schools at the present time. In addition there were a number of non-assisted schools run entirely by the Canadian Mission from its own resources most of which in time completely disappeared or were taken over by the Government. One good example is the Coora Road Canadian Mission Indian (CMI) School which was closed but shortly thereafter revived by the Villagers and eventually become what is now known as the Penal-Quinam Government School.

The Church was also involved in operating ‘Night Schools’ for those who wanted to gain an education and who were able to attend such schools after their day's labour in the cane fields. By 1897 in the San Fernando Field alone there were 18 such ‘Night Schools’.

It became obvious that with thousands of children in the Primary School System there would arise a need for Post-Primary Schooling and this development was not long in coming.

1892: A Theological College was established to train Preachers and Church Workers.

1894: Naparima Training College for Teachers

1894: Naparima College which had its origin in 1883 in Dr. K.J. Grant's Class.

1931: Archibald Vocational Institute in St. Augustine

1950: St. Augustine Girls’ High School

In the early 1950s a survey was carried out at Naparima Boys and Naparima Girls which revealed that more than 50% of the students travelled for three to four hours everyday to get to school – all from villages outside of San Fernando.

From this survey it was learnt that about one hundred and fifty (150) students came from the oilfield area within a five-mile radius of the little town of Siparia. The information gleaned pointed in one direction.

January 17, 1955 was the great day when Naparima College (South) was opened with Rev’d. Weldon Grant as the Founding Principal along with staff members – Mrs. Phyllis Ramcharan and Mr. Clifford Ramcharan. Enrollment on the first day of school was 75 students.

Iere High School Students in the 1960s

By 1957/58 Iere High School was firmly established on a fine site comprising 14 acres at Bayanie Terrace at De Gannes Village, Siparia – the first and only Presbyterian Co-Ed Secondary School.

It is also necessary to note that Naparima College (North) was opened on the same day as Iere High School – the 17th of January 1955. Now known as Hillview College, the founding Principal was Rev. H.F. Swann the former Principal of the Naparima Training College for Teachers. The first classes were held on the Aramalaya Church grounds and subsequently established at El Dorado Road, Tunapuna.

Mission Statement

Iere High School seeks to provide quality education in a holistic fashion to cater for the multiple intelligences of the students. This is to occur in a caring, professional environment where students will develop skills and values for self-actualization and social responsibility.

Academics

Iere High School Flora

Iere High School is a first-choice secondary school by students when writing their SEA The school requires a score of at least over 85% in the Secondary Entrance Examination.

The school is divided into the Lower and Upper Schools. The Lower School includes Forms 1- 3 and the Upper School are Forms Four (4) - Upper Six (6). Students at this institution write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certification (CSEC) at the Form 5 level and the Lower as well as Upper Six students complete the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).

Over the years, Iere High School has attained over fifty (50) academic scholarships. The school follows the Grammar School model of education and focuses on academic rigor as well as the holistic development of its students.

Principals

Portraits of Former Principals in the Main Office
  • Rev. E. T. Lute (founder)
  • Mr. Weldon Grant (1955 - 1961)
  • Miss Constance Wager (1961- 1964)
  • Rev. Cyrill F. Beharry (1964 - 1981)
  • Mr. Charles Sinanan (1981 - 1994)
  • Mr. Sooksargar Babooram (1995 - 1999)
  • Mr. Irving Hoosanie (1999 - 2001)
  • Dr. Michael R. Dowlath (2001 - 2006)
  • Mr. Roy Ramlogan (2006-2012)
  • Mr Deraj Sookdeo (2012)
  • Mr. Roy Nandlal (2012-2023)
  • Ms.Sharon Umraw(since 2023)[1]

Campus

Main Building
Iere High School Auditorium
Panoramic View of Iere High School

Iere High School is located on a sprawling fourteen (14) acres, in the Borough of Siparia, Trinidad and Tobago.

Sporting facilities

Covered Multi-Purpose Court - Iere High School
The Lower Field
  • Courtyard: Basketball court, Volleyball court, Badminton court, and Lawn-tennis capabilities.
  • Football Field referred to as Upper Field
  • Cricket Field referred to as Lower Field
  • Cricket nets (located on lower field)
  • Football nets (located on lower field)
  • Table Tennis in the Benetorium

Notable alumni

  • Kamla Persad-Bissessar, former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago,
  • Reema Harrysingh-Carmona, former First Lady of Trinidad and Tobago,
  • Karishma Ramharack, West Indies Women's Cricketer
  • Glen Ramadharsingh, former Minister of the People and Social Development,
  • Stacy Roopnarine, former Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs
  • Steven Katwaroo, Trinidad and Tobago National Cricketer
  • Nicole Olliverre, former Minister in the Ministry of Energy.

References

  1. "Student Booklet". Iere.edu.tt. Retrieved 2023-09-28.

10.14752°N 61.50136°W / 10.14752; -61.50136


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