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Sonja
Vassall-Hurd was born in Four Path, Clarendon, Jamaica, attended
Wolmer’s Girls’ School from 1954 to 1961, and was among
the group of girls residing happily at the Marescaux Road hostel. At
school she was an outstanding netballer and debater. In fact,
she describes herself as “having been involved in everything” at
school and it was no surprise that in 1960, she was awarded the Wolmer’s
Old Girls’ Association (Jamaica) prize as the “best all
round girl.”
After leaving Wolmer’s Girls’ School, Sonja achieved academic distinctions that helped her to dedicate herself to the enrichment of the younger generation. She attended the University of the West Indies where she obtained a Masters Degree in Social Work, and completed courses at the Institute of Police Technology and Management, University of North Florida, and the Royal Cayman Islands Police training school, where she achieved certification in “Investigation of child Abuse/Forensic Child Interviewing.”
Sonja love for her alma mater caused her to join the Wolmer’s Old Girls’ Association (WOGA) upon leaving school where she continued to “be involved in everything” that had to do with Wolmer’s Girls’ School. This is indicated by the fact that she has served in every position in WOGA including, Secretary, First and Second Vice President, Treasurer, and President in 1984. Her ascension to the presidency of WOGA coincided with the appointment of the new Principal, Mrs. Pamela Harrison, who received Sonja’s assurance that the WOGA would be strong supporters of her efforts on behalf of our alma mater.
Outside the Wolmer’s Community, Sonja was Vice President of the Jamaica Netball Association and a committee member from 1994 to 1999. She has also served as the Senior Liaison officer at several international conferences such as the Law of the Sea, CARICOM, and the International Bauxite Association.
The welfare of the Wolmer’s Old Girls’ Association’s “seniors” is very dear to Sonja Vassall-Hurd’s heart and she continues to actively see to their needs. She has committed her time and resources to assist them with providing transportation to attend functions, a practice which continues still today. She has been equally involved in seeing to the welfare of the younger generation by helping to supervise students with their homework.
The chapter on WOGA in our brand new book, In
the Light of the Sun, the story of Wolmer’s Girls’ School speaks
of the particularly strong bond that girls who boarded at the Wolmer’s
hostel have with each other and the Wolmer’s Old Girls’ Association. Sonja
Vassall-Hurd exemplifies that particular loyalty to her alma mater;
at heart their Wolmer’s friends are lifelong friends. Wolmer’s
Alumni Association, the South Florida Chapter honors Mrs. Sonja
Vassall- Hurd as a dedicated and committed Wolmerian, who has
unselfishly contributed her talents to helping our alma mater and all
who come within her sphere of influence.
Coleridge Barnett began
his relationship with Wolmer’s
Boys School in 1950 in third form, but it was not until his sixth form
years that he discovered that school could be very enjoyable. His years
at Wolmer’s Boys School prepared him for university and of course,
he excelled at the University of the West Indies, Mona, earning a Bachelors
of Arts in History (Honors) and a Diploma in Education.
After leaving the University of the West Indies, Mr. Barnett taught History at Knox College for three years and although his tenure at Knox was short he certainly made an impression on students. One student from Knox, Jacqui Dear ('54-'65) commented that when she looked back at those formative years at Knox, among the many teachers who influenced her adult life was Coleridge Barnett.
Not contented to be only a historian, Mr. Barnett completed a Bachelors of Divinity degree in the United Kingdom where he also married a Scottish Artist, Catriona Campbell. The union produced three children Alan, Alison, and Karen. He left England to take up an appointment as the Headmaster of Wesley College, a Methodist high school in Belize City. Of course that was a tremendous challenge for the then 29-year old minister with a wife and three children.
Mr. Barnett suffered some personal tragedy in his early life when his wife died from cancer leaving him to care for three children. He stayed in Belize City with the children for two years after his wife’s death teaching English and History, at one point serving as the head of Guidance at Alford Academy. Mr. Barnett returned to Jamaica in 1974 and went back to Knox College, this time as the head of Social Studies, Dean of Boarding, and Vice Principal. In 1979, Mr. Barnett accepted a teaching position at Wolmer’s Boys School, where he would eventually become the principal.
Mr. Barnett spent nineteen years at Wolmer’s Boys School, a period in which the school achievements were outstanding. These include the following:
- The erection of a “joint-use” 6th form complex for WBS and WGS, and significant plant improvements despite severe setbacks from Hurricane Gilbert, September 1985, and the fire of January 1991 which destroyed the administrative block, the Hall, and two classrooms.
- A reduction in emphasis on streaming and with the introduction of the “capital pool system” at the 4th form level that gave greater flexibility in the choice of subjects and smaller classes at the 4th and 5th form levels.
- There was significant upgrading of the front of the school which now includes a security guard room, a students’ waiting area, and a new garden area.
- Five Rhodes’ scholars (Peter Goldson, Dale Abel, David McBean, Neil Hanchard and Darryl Stewart).
- The introduction of a small computer program at the 4th form level in 1984 that has been expanded to the point where computer science is now introduced at First Form, with it now being an examination subject at 5th and 6th forms.
Between 1975 and 1993 Mr. Barnett was actively involved with the development
and operation of the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), particularly
Caribbean History. Mr. Barnett, the South Florida Chapter of Wolmer’s
Alumni Association salutes you as a distinguished Wolmerian, an outstanding
teacher and principal, and an all round exemplary human being.
2009
