VISION

To enrich lives and fulfil dreams by preparing students to pursue and achieve excellence.

MISSION STATEMENT

To enrich students’ lives and facilitate the fulfilment of their dreams by providing students with comprehensive academic and extra-curricular programmes that contribute to their pursuit and achievement of excellence in all aspects of their lives.


THE SCHOOL’S PHILOSOPHY

  1. 1. The school exists for students.
  2. 2. Pupil-Teacher relationships should be based on mutual respect, trust and friendship.
  3. 3. The school should be a place where students know that teachers care.
  4. 4. The school should offer a variety of teaching and learning methods to cater for individual differences.
  5. 5. The capable and concerned teacher is the school’s most valuable asset.
  6. 6. School life should be happy, interesting, secure and fruitful.
  7. 7. The curriculum should aim at the development of the whole personality and should prepare students for a world of rapid change and uncertainty.



CORE VALUES

  1. 1. Respect– Show respect for self, others and the school.
  2. 2. Excellence– Strive to achieve the highest quality of standards in performance through commitment and motivation.
  3. 3. Integrity– Be honest, demonstrate ethical behaviour and be accountable for all actions.
  4. 4. Enthusiasm– Desire to participate in the life of the school, feeling a sense of motivation, enjoyment and commitment to learning and teamwork.
  5. 5. Discipline– Exercise self-control, adhere to the rules of the school and society and be orderly in conduct on and off the compound.
  6. 6. Balance– Approach the GHS experience by pursuing academics, athletics, the arts and personal development.

HISTORY

 

One hundred and thirteen (113) years of existence for any academic institution is an historic milestone. On May 8, this year The Girls’ High School celebrated its one hundred and twelfth anniversary having opened its doors as a private institution for upper class girls in 1911. The school was opened by Miss Mary L. Ince. Over those one hundred and twelve (112) years the school’s population gradually increased from a mere handful of students to over six hundred (600) students and the curriculum expanded as well to cater to the needs of all of its students. The following article captures the major highlights of the school’s history.

 

1914

The school was taken over by the government. There were thirty- one (31) students on roll and Miss Mary L. Ince was appointed as Headmistress. The school was located at the corner of Linley and Tyrell Street in Kingstown.

1915

Students were entered for the first time in Cambridge Local Examinations. Nine students passed the Junior Cambridge Local Examinations.

1926

Increased student population resulted in the rental of an additional building opposite the school to provide added classrooms.

1934

Students were entered for both the Junior Cambridge Certificate and the London Matriculation Examination.

1935

The School moved to its present site, known as the Judges Lodge. The Grimble Building which consisted of four (4) classrooms was constructed. The Headmistress’s office occupied the upper floor while the lower floor served as an Assembly Hall (the present Grimble Hall), classrooms and Preparatory School for boys and girls.

1954

The Coutts Building was constructed and named after the then Administrator.

1960s

Science was introduced at the Girls’ High School (1961). G.C.E Examinations replaced The School Certificate and Higher School Certificate Examinations in 1964. The Sixth Form was taken away from the school in 1969. The Byron Block was built.

1979

CXC Examinations were taken for the first time.

1987

The Norma Keizer Resource Centre was opened. It houses the Library, a Chemistry and General Science Laboratory and an Information Technology Laboratory.

2018

The inauguration of the Gillis Francis Mathematics Quiz

2019

The inauguration of the Gary Constantine Inter-Secondary School Swim Meet.

2020

COVID 19– Online School

2021

Virtual Sports Meet—Winner– Grimble House (1styr)

Move to Arnos Vale Tarmac location due to renovations to the GHS Building.

2022

Introduction of Student Life Shafia London Business Challenge

2023

Introduction of Laura Anthony Browne Business Forum Simone Murray Business

2024

The creation of GHS website, student and staff emails and the Google Learning Management system.

Food and nutrition returned to the GHS as a subject.

Introduction of the mark reading pins.

2025

Introduction of the Headmistress Honor Roll and Honor Roll for students.

Introduction of the academic advisory council.

Meet Our Headmistress

    • Cherese LaToya DeRoche-John serves as the esteemed headmistress of St. Vincent’s Girls’ High School, where her visionary leadership has brought meaningful growth and transformation to the school community. Under her administration, the school has launched several impactful initiatives, including the School Feeding Program, the introduction of Agricultural Science and Culinary Arts as subjects, and the construction of the TVET Centre.


    All of these were designed to broaden students’ learning experiences and practical skills. She also spearheaded the revamping of subject choices for fourth and fifth formers, ensuring that the curriculum not only reflects students' personal interests but also aligns with their career aspirations, the advancements in technology, and the evolving demands of the modern workplace. This forward-thinking approach equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing global economy.


    Before assuming the role of headmistress, Mrs. DeRoche-John served for several years as the Head of the Business Department, where she founded the Shafia London Business Challenge and Simone Murray Marathon, both of which continue to inspire entrepreneurial thinking and healthy competition among students. She also played a key role in encouraging the development of the Business Teachers’ Association where she serves as an advisor to the association. Mrs DeRoche-John has a passion for the arts which motivated her to establish the school’s first performing arts society, Loyal Hearts Ad Alta, giving students a platform to express creativity and build confidence through performance.


    Mrs. DeRoche-John is a dedicated academic leader with a passion for continuous learning.
    She holds a B.Sc. Hons from SUNY Plattsburgh, a Diploma in Education from the University of the West Indies (U.W.I.), and both a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Administration and an M.A. in Creative Events Management (Merit) from Falmouth University. Her diverse academic background equips her with a well-rounded perspective on educational leadership, blending administrative expertise with creativity and a deep understanding of how to effectively manage the complex needs of modern schools.


    Beyond her administrative and academic pursuits, Mrs. DeRoche-John is deeply passionate about spoken word, and she enjoys decorating and event planning, bringing her creative flair to many of the school’s cultural and ceremonial events.
    Guided by the belief that every student deserves an equal opportunity to chase their dreams, she continues to advocate for a balanced approach to education. One that values both academic excellence and the extracurricular activities that help students develop social skills, confidence, and character.

    Fun Facts About Mrs. John: House she belonged to in GHS: Staff
    Favorite Drink: Red Ju-C

    Meet Our Deputy Headmistress

    • Casheena Sylvia James is our dedicated Deputy Headmistress at St. Vincent’s Girls’ High School, where she brings years of experience, a passion for languages, and a deep commitment to student development. Before stepping into her current role, she served as the Head of the Foreign Language Department, where she was not only a respected leader but also a passionate Spanish teacher, inspiring students to appreciate the beauty and complexity of foreign languages. Her enthusiasm for language learning has been a hallmark of her teaching career, and she continues to advocate for the value of multilingualism in today’s interconnected world.


    Mrs. James holds a     B.A. Hons in French and Spanish from the University of the West Indies (UWI), as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from UWI. Her academic background in languages, paired with her extensive teaching experience, equips her with the skills and insights needed to support both academic growth and cultural awareness in her students. Her dedication to continuous learning and educational excellence is reflected in her leadership and innovative approaches to language teaching.


    As Deputy Headmistress, Mrs. James has been instrumental in introducing and managing several key initiatives, including the     School’s Honor Program, which recognizes and celebrates the academic achievements of students. This program, consisting of students placed on the Honor Roll and the Headmistress Honor Roll, is a testament to her belief that hard work, dedication, and persistence should be acknowledged and celebrated.


    Outside of her professional life, Mrs. James is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring new cultures and languages, deepening her appreciation for the diverse world around us. She also uses her translation skills to help bridge linguistic gaps and promote greater understanding across cultures.
    With her wealth of experience, passion for languages, and dedication to student success, Mrs. James plays a vital role in shaping a dynamic and supportive environment at our school. 
    Fun Facts about Mrs James: Favourite color- Red
    Favourite spot on the compound: At the southern end of the compound overlooking the sea.