The Vaz preparatory School

Hazel Louise VazHazel Louise Vaz (nee Chaplin), Founder disciplinarian, devoted Christian educator and philanthropist, was born in Morant Bay, St. Thomas, the youngest daughter of Arnold and Caroline Chaplin.

 

Growing up, she admired her eldest sister Sybil, and aspired to be just like her – to be a nurse – but fate had its own agenda. As soon as she completed Junior Cambridge at Wolmer's High School For Girls, she applied to nursing school, only to be told to wait as she was too young!

While waiting, she decided to take up a temporary teaching post at Morris Knibb Preparatory School.

This one term stretched into twenty years (20), until 1951, when she launched out on her own. Fully grounded in the elements of primary education learned at the feet of her mentor, she was ready to make her dream a reality.

With the strong support of her husband, Everad, they built, nurtured and established what was to become on the pre-eminent preparatory learning institutions in the English-speaking Caribbean. The road was not without its road blocks, obstacles and challenges – but her faith and reliance on her Saviour, Jesus Christ and His promise to her to be her everything, kept her committed to this calling.

Fifty-five (55) years later, Vaz Preparatory school is now a living testimony to her faith and Christ's faithfulness! From this small acorn, a mighty oak flourishes. Aunt Hazel, as she is fondly called, served her community in East Kingston and her country well. She was awarded the Order of Distinction in 1982 by the Government of Jamaica, in recognition of her contribution to education.

The present staff of the school continues to build on the solid foundation laid by Aunt Hazel. The Christian principles espoused, the discipline and the all round 'good' educational curriculum are still practiced today, under the guidance of her niece Beverley. We have learned well that it is good to give thanks in all things, to start and end everything with prayer.

Even in retirement, she was a symbol, a tower of strength to all – parents, students and staff. We look back with a deep sense of gratitude for His guidance, for His favour to her and the school that bears her name, and the many lives that she touched and for those yet to come that will feel her influence, she would tell you this "Whatever I did for them, I did it for my Lord and Master."

Hazel Louise Vaz - July25, 1914 - August 15, 2006, a strong Jamaican woman, a woman of substance, a committed child of the living God – the school's motto reflects who you are.

HONEST LABOUR BEARS A LOVELY FACE

Mrs.Beverley UlettBeing the head of any institution is not an easy task. I have been associated with Vaz Preparatory School all my life – as a pupil, as a class teacher, and now as Principal.

 

I was one of the three pupils with whom Hazel Vaz, our Founder, began this institution on September 10, 1951. Later, in 1966, I joined the teaching staff, receiving the baton as Principal in 1976.

As I reflect on my long association with this outstanding institution, I experience feelings of both pride and humility. I am proud because I have been privileged to witness the tremendous transformation this school has undergone since its inception.

Observing growth from a school room with a few make shift desks and a chalk board, housed in a garage, to an imposing school plant with modern equipment, indeed engender feelingsof great pride. The feelings of humility come as aresult of my being chosen as a young teacher to walk in the footsteps of my dear aunt, Hazel Vaz, who thought it fit in 1976 to lay the mantle of principal on my shoulders.

Vaz Preparatory School has enjoyed a variety of successes over these many years, and of those we are indeed proud. Our successes, we believe, came from the hands of God, who has always been the head of our school. Vaz Prep has, over these many years, been served by a most dedicated cadre of academic, administrative and ancillary staff, without whom our growth and development would never have been possible. The support obtained from thousands of parents who made Vaz Prep their children's "home" away from home, has simply been remarkable.

Vaz Prep has sought to maintain a focus on excellence in all our fields of endeavour. Good discipline, a high academic standard, emphasis on Christian principles and participation in a variety of sports, constitutes some of the facets of our school life which have made Vaz the outstanding institution it is.

Vaz Preparatory caters for the complete development of each child "schooled within its walls". Daily devotional activities form the primary method through which strong moral values are instilled in our children. This lays the foundation for their future lives. We recognize the importance of continued rapport between home and school in the educational development of children. This healthy relationship is one we seek to foster at all times.

The Rollington Town Community has throughout the years displayed much support and understanding for our school. We especially appreciate the assistance offered by the Rollington Town Police Officers who have played a vital role in seeing to the free traffic flow particularly during the mornings when vehicular traffic is often problematic in the vicinity of the school.

Vaz Preparatory School is determined, with the help of the Almighty, to sustain, and in some respects, improve its performance. We express sincere thanks to those who have contributed, and continue to do so, and look forward to many more years of distinguished service to our nation as we uphold our school motto – "Honest Labour Bears a Lovely Face."