St. John’s School

St. John’s School (renamed to St. John’s Primary School) is a prominent Roman Catholic educational institution in Portsmouth, Dominica, has been a cornerstone of education since its establishment in the late 1920s. Founded under the auspices of Bishop J. Morris and initially staffed by three Belgian nuns from the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (I.C.M.), the school began in a modest two-storey building on Bay Street.

Founding and Growth

The school officially began in 1928, housed in the building that is now the St. John’s Centre. The first educators were Mother Michaela, Mother Seraphine, and Mother Agnes, who taught 30-40 students. Due to rapid enrollment growth, a new school building was constructed across from the Roman Catholic Church and officially opened in 1930.

• 1927 – Two-storey building constructed on Bay Street; school began on the ground floor, convent above.
• 1928 – Arrival of I.C.M. Sisters from Belgium: Sr. Michaela, Sr. Seraphine, Sr. Agnes.
• 1929 – Death of Sr. Michaela (Feb 13); land purchased across from Catholic Church; new school building constructed.
• 1930 – Official opening of the new school building.
• 1938 – School parade on Empire Day, led by student drummers.
• 1940 – Introduction of school luncheon scheme with bamboo shed; garden project and lime grafting by students.
• 1945 – Inspector H.V. Wiseman reports 416 students, strong discipline and progress.
• 1953 – Silver Jubilee celebrated; enrollment rises to 600.
• 1954 – Fundraising begins for new classrooms; enrollment reaches 633.
• 1960 – New wing built (by Mr. Austin Andre).
• 1968 – Upper floor added by Mr. Rudy Alexis; opened for classes.
• 1970s–1980s – Development of J.S.P., home economics unit, intercom system, student awards, and open days.
• 1978 – Golden Jubilee celebrated; sisters move to new convent on Rodney Street.
• 1979 – Hurricane David damages school; repairs and shift system implemented.
• 1981 – Introduction of Junior Secondary Programme (J.S.P.).
• 1985 – Infant department moved to Rodney Street; St. John’s Centre created in Bay Street.
• 1989–1992 – Clean-up campaigns, school rallies, National Day Parade activities, technical/vocational enhancements.
• 1993 – Cluny Sisters take over management; Sister Regina Leiba becomes principal.
• 1995 – Cultural activities, science exhibitions, and community awards.
• 1996 – Sr. Bernard Ng Fan becomes principal.

Contributions and Legacy

Throughout its history, St. John’s School was renowned not only for academics but also for home economics, craft, typing, drama, sports, and community outreach, including a breakfast shed for students from distant villages. It produced many notable Dominican educators such as Fostival James, John Powell, Peter Israel, and Josephine Bethel.

The Junior Secondary Programme (J.S.P.) and technical-vocational training were major educational milestones, offering practical skills to students not continuing into formal secondary education.

Administration and Religious Orders

The school was led primarily by I.C.M. sisters until the 1990s, when management was passed to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny (S.J.C.) in 1993. A full list of principals from 1927 onward is preserved in the school’s official history.

Table of Principals of St. John’s Catholic Primary School, Portsmouth

The school’s legacy is shaped by a devoted line of principals. This table documents the women and educators who led St. John’s through decades of transformation.

Modern Era and Mission

By the 1990s, St. John’s School had modernized its buildings, introduced house systems, held national award-winning science and essay competitions, and maintained vibrant participation in civic activities. Its mission remains:

“To educate students in a Christian atmosphere of discipline, love, and service… so they can develop holistically and become responsible citizens of their society.”