The Dominica grammar School (DGS) is going an extra mile in celebrations this year as the school commemorate its 124th year of being an established educational institution, and is counted as one of the oldest in Dominica.
Various facilitators including Principal Alicia Jean-Jacques (from 2014), and teachers Aretha Francis and Gezel Mondesire, have organized an entire week of school-based activities that began on Monday January 16th, and will culminate with a grand assembly on Friday January 20th, which will include student exhibition and concert that will be showcased throughout that day.
The exhibition will show off pieces of work done by the students based on the different school departments, including food and nutrition, and English.
DGS students will be given the opportunity to display their talents in various ways including a “Live Museum” where live re-enactments of different literary scenes will be done.
Musical icon Michelle Henderson, a past student of the school will be featured at the concert along with singing, dancing and much more done by the students themselves.
During the course of the week, there are different activities. Competitive quizzes will be held on Wednesday, January 18th which is aimed at sensitizing the students on the history of the school.
On Thursday, January 18th the students will wear shirts in the school colours (Chocolate Brown, Gold and White), with the words “Straight Outta DGS” or the institution’s motto “Mens Sana in Corpore Sano” inscribed on them.
The students have shown much interest in the activities and are especially looking forward to the highlights of Friday’s happenings.
Founded by the Government of Dominica on January 16th 1893, DGS. in its early years, was an all-boys (Single-Ed) institution and later down in the early 1970’s, accepted registration from female students, which has been one of its major changes.
It has also grown to be the biggest secondary school on island, with a population of about 900 members, staff included.
Another Major change the institution has experienced is the acceptance of every student under the provisions of the Universal Secondary Education movement. Unlike the past, there is now no selective entrance to attaining a high school education at the Grammar School.
Over the 124 years since its establishment, the school takes pride in being an institution that has taught many well-known and well established persons today, including the current Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit and former President of Dominica Vernon Shaw.
The school offers a range of academic and technical subjects. These include, but are not limited to, agricultural science, auto mechanics, home economics and management in addition to its traditional natural and social science offerings.
Goodness gracious, how could I have missed this. I’ll be there for sure next year, and I’d sure love to have my old friends show up too. I owe my entire career to my humble beginnings at DGS. At the time “Sleepy Leevy” was the Headmaster; Mr. Kelker” Martin was our Math Teacher. I remember Miss Harris as my History Teacher, Daniel Caudorant was our drama teacher. Miss Cools-latige was the Geography Teacher, but everyday I came to school just to see Heidi James, my favorite English Teacher. I had a terrible crush on her, even though she made me write 100 times on the blackboard as punishment, “The lesson is not under my teacher’s dress.” I blame Desmond Burton for getting me in trouble for that on that day.
Where’s Desmond Burton, where’s Samuel Burton, where’s Crisbon Shillingford, where’s Julian Prevost?
Prevost busted my lip in a fight. I’ve been waiting more than 40 years to bust that fella in the nose. See you next year Prevost. Happy Anniversary Dominica Grammer…
Happy birthday to DGS. A great learning institution of all times second only the greatest St.Marys Academy (Smartest Men Alive). May your students continue to shine ever so brightly always remembering that they are blessed but will always be superseded by only one institution called the St.Marys Academy.
Always Assertive!
Congratulations DGS!!!
Congratulations DGS!!! And to Skinner n Dupigny House!!!
Wish they had invited the past students. It would have been nice to meet with students past and present In DA as well those who reside abroad.
A most venerable institution.
It can count proudly, numerous alumni who have made outstanding contributions in service, to
Dominica, the Caribbean, and the world.
And so did I. Congrats to all past and present students. Regretfully, the celebrations appear to have omitted contributions from past students which could motivate and greatly impact students.
The establishment of an online website and register of DGS grads for connection of past classmates and organization of all types of reunion, scholarships, career planning support, mentoring programs, fund raising and promotional events could be considered at this time.
The immediate establishment and activation of a DGS Alumni Association is also recommended as an event during the celebrations.
A very good idea indeed !!!!!!
An excellent idea ..There are many ex DGS students who have excelled locally and internationally .. DAAS has recognised them on its website as DAAS Honorees
LIST of DAAS HONOREES
Alleyne, Justice Sir Brian
Bowers, Bishop Joseph
Felix, Cardinal Kelvin
Georges, Justice Telford
Potter, Reverend Dr. Philip
Rawle, Honorable Cecil
Shillingford, Albert Cavendish
Shillingford, Hon. Howell
Sorhaindo, Dr. Bernard
…And many, many more. Too numerous to mention.
I think you are one of them.
Am a graduate of the DGS I would like to be there for any activities plan. The program for next year should be out already. Shame..
I hope big things are plan or in planning stage for the 125 anniversary of DGS in 2018 Dominica will be 40 years as an independence country in 2018 .
Why plans for Dominica Grammar school 125 Birthday next year not in planning stage at the moment?
what are the PTA, Principal and Former graduates including the ministry of education planning?? Seems you all are late starters
GO DGS
I am appalled at the state of the school buildings after 124 years. That school needs a face life or some refurbishment. The yard and car park of the new wing is unsightly with overgrown brush. This should be one of the premier schools on the island. Come on Min. of Education you can do better!!!.
Albeit I congratulate the principal, staff and students on this milestone.
Face lift…Correction
It still is? If I recall a few years ago I read on DNO about the grass and animal grazing there. A picture was shown. Surely the authorities should do something about that. Hope it will be fixed next year for the 125th celebration.
Congratulations to DGS – Dominica Grammar School. It has come a long way.
Congratulations to all the teachers past and present.
Congratulations to the students past and present who attended DGS. Each one of you have reasons to be proud of DGS.
Congratulations to the students who presently attend DGS. Make the most of this God-given, golden opportunity, learning process with no child left behind.
Have a happy celebration. God bless you!
DGS holds many memories for those who attended it and who knew those who attended it. Those good old DGS boys. It is a high school to be proud of.
The “Masters” as they were called, teachers were strict. I listened to many jokes about the “Masters”. Those Grammar School boys, even as adults would love to repeat those jokes and pranks they played.
Many well-known nationals attended it. Some of them are overseas and others in Dominica.
Great memories of those fellas, some troublesome ones.
Sadly, some have passed away young. I know of one who, if he were alive today, would have been elated and would assist in the celebration of his DGS.
One of my older brothers attended DGS. He does not reside in Dominica. He will be happy to know of the 124th celebration. He may already know but I will inform him.
I recall those days when student dances were held at the DGS. My friends and I attended them. So much more could be stated. Those were the days my friend..
And so did I. Still attribute much of who I am today to my years at that great institution.
There are so many of us who have enjoyed much success because of, and owe so much to, the DGS.
It is disappointing that the institution has not made more of connecting with its grads and their relations.
The present President of Dominica also attended the Dominica Grammar School. This school was located on Great George street.