K O L I J......Kolij

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This week was a quite nostalgic and emotional one for me. My daughter continued the tradition of both her parents in entering the world renowned Harrison College at Crumpton Street. She joins not only myself and her dad but five of our island's Prime Ministers and several Governors General to list just a few. To say that Harrison College has a tradition of excellence in education is no idle boast.
Founded in 1733 by a Bridgetown merchant Thomas Harrison, Kolij (as it's known to its alumni) has earned the stellar reputation of being the most prestigious secondary school in the entire British West Indies. Many affluent persons throughout the Caribbean have opted to have their wards enrolled there for this very reason.
Kolij has retained many of its traditional practices and standards. It was very amusing to discover it has also held on to much of its old furniture....lol. The lever-operated chalkboards in classrooms have been replaced by tech savvy whiteboards but my daughter like thousands before her sits at an old-school, sturdy, wooden flip top desk  complete with inkwell! Its buildings have also been maintained quite impressively and stand tall with history and pride. I think they lend to a more college/university type setting than a school and this may also influence students' attitude toward their school as one of higher learning.
Assembly Hall in pristine conditionThe assembly hall is exactly as it was back in 1984 when I entered for the first time.
Cenutaph
The Cenutaph is the site of Remembrance Day activities. It bears the names of those Harrisonians who served in the World Wars. Cadets and members of the prefect body attired in somber blaszers, perform age old rituals for an audience of staff, guests and fellow students. I now look forward to such observations more than I did during my tenure :) and eagerly await news of events such as Founder's Day etc.
Note the Central Bank in the background for later.
View from quadranlge.
The building on the left was one of my favourites with its winding iron staircase situated right at the entrance and its old shutter, push out windows. It bears a plaque commenmorating the 250th anniversary of the school back in 1983. The belfry building on the right houses the bell (still rung by rope).It still serves as the Second Form block and bears the school's crest and  motto...... In Deo Fides

Headmaster's Quarters
This language seems so ancient doesn't it, HQ?! Centuries later it still houses the headmaster's office and while he no longer lives on the premises, all administrative offices are housed here. My sports house (and now my daughter's) Dalton meets upstairs this building. GO DALTON!
Staff Room
Aren't these buildings superbly kept?


Class 1-.2 student :)
Here's a fun bit for you, the Harrison College that we know today was actually not the original school! Where was the original school located and when did it move to Crumpton Street? This article will prove informative. http://kolij.org/about-us/our-history
Bye for now.


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