What makes Fatima College one of the most sought after education institutions in T&T? A dynamic principal and even more dynamic and dedicated staff.
This year the school celebrates the milestone of 75 years of which principal Fr Gregory Augustine has been at the helm for the past 12 years.
In a one-to-one interview, Augustine spoke on a range of topics including his journey into the priesthood and the modern-day education system.
"At Fatima, we have a high calibre of teachers who sculpt the minds of our students and produce well-rounded, emotionally sound men who can confidently lead our nation tomorrow," Augustine said.
The last of the Holy Ghost Father in academia, Augustine is also a proud past pupil of the college.
He noted that like any other sphere in life, both the priesthood and education have had its challenges.
Augustine began his career as a teacher at Fatima in 1992, imparting his knowledge of history and religion.
He still teaches religion as this enables him to connect more with his charges.
"As an administrator it's not easy but I feel it's important to have that connection with the students and that gives me the ability to know them," Augustine who teaches Forms Two and Six explained.
Coming from a teaching family, Augustine said he was always drawn to teaching as his parents, Evans and Edith, were also educators.
"But it's a vocation within a vocation. I was drawn to the Holy Ghost Fathers because I enjoyed my time at Fatima. I grew as a person but like all teenagers at that time I had struggles. I look back and say to myself that I'm right back where I was educated," Augustine added, smiling.
He also grew up in "a very Catholic family" and between his exposure to Fatima and the teachings at home he got his vocation to join the priesthood.
Thus, he entered the Holy Ghost Fathers at 21.
Years later Augustine has barely aged, still maintaining his sense of humour and charisma.
A cut above the rest
Throughout its existence Fatima College has won countless medals and accolades and continues to excel not only academically but also in various sporting disciplines.
Additionally, when other schools were struggling to keep up with technology, Fatima already had installed smart boards in each classroom.
Throughout the years there have also been significant changes to the school's physical environment to engender learning.
"We have old buildings and therefore have to constantly keep upgrading. For a good 25 years, we didn't use our hall for assembly and when I became principal a mezzanine was built which accommodates 200 students.
"So for the past ten years assemblies have been held in the hall in the comfort of air condition for the students," Augustine said.
Under his astute stewardship, other improvements included a fully air-conditioned school, a science wing, upgraded chapel and sporting facilities including an enhanced basketball court and small goal facilities and a playing field that's second to none.
Fatima was also the first school with a language lab.
'Those were new things in those days and we really got a sense that we were at the cutting edge of technology in the 70s," Augustine said.
The school's curriculum was also expanded to include new drama, art and technical drawing rooms.
"The secondary school curriculum is expanding and we have catered for that. We are constantly improving to meet the demands of the 21st century."
He also revamped the school's House System to a compass a more holistic experience for the student.
"This engenders greater school loyalty," Augustine said, adding that the school's policy is also to ensure students take part in at least one extracurricular activity.
"I thoroughly enjoy teaching. These are 900 lives, 900 young men who are looking forward to what life brings them and you have to be there to guide them and be their mentor," Augustine added.
Challenges
The breakdown in family life and the misuse of technology are factors which Augustine said continues to be impediments.
Saying that the school cannot do it alone, Augustine appealed to parents and caregivers to be responsible for their children's welfare.
"When there is family breakdowns you see the repercussions in the student. A child who is experiencing challenges at home can't simply shut that out at school," Augustine said.
There can also be challenges regarding technology.
While this tool is valuable it must, however, be managed properly, especially by young minds, Augustine said.
To ensure this, Fatima's policy is that cell phones must be off during the day.
'The cell phone is not a child's be all and end all that has its challenges which some times the educator has to deal with," he added.
He advised parents to always be mindful of what their children are exposed to.
About Fatima
It was Fr Francis Flavin of St Theresa’s Church in Woodbrook, who recognised the need for an additional Catholic college in north Trinidad.
The school was then established in 1945.
The first principal, Father Byrne, selected the Fatima motto, Nitendo Vinces —By Striving You Conquer, which exemplifies the essential ideals of the college.
