Our History
Vaz Preparatory School has become synonymous with quality education, due to hard work linked with prayer, over the past sixty years. This has been no accident or quirk of fate - rather, it owes its success to the deep and abiding faith in God of its founder, the late Hazel Louise Vaz.
In months following Hurricane Charlie in 1951, Hazel Vaz started her school with just three students – her daughter, Paulette, her niece, Beverley and nephew Maurice.
Soon friends and acquaintances heard of her "summer" school, and sent their children to benefit from the teaching experience she had developed from twenty years at Morris Knibb Preparatory School. With little more than a converted garage to accommodate her growing school, her husband Everad set about collecting crates and boxes to substitute for necessary desks and benches.
Thus began Vaz Prep School. She never looked back, and with the help of friends and neighbours, desks and chairs were made, and generous credit extended. Daily, small miracles were evidenced and God blessed her efforts.
The school's motto: "Honest Labour Bears A Lovely Face", echoes Christian principles of hard work and diligence, the deep trust and commitment to a God who never fails. Mrs. Vaz typified this dictum in all aspects of her personal life, and by extension, her school.
In months following Hurricane Charlie in 1951, Hazel Vaz started her school with just three students – her daughter, Paulette, her niece, Beverley and nephew Maurice.
Soon friends and acquaintances heard of her "summer" school, and sent their children to benefit from the teaching experience she had developed from twenty years at Morris Knibb Preparatory School. With little more than a converted garage to accommodate her growing school, her husband Everad set about collecting crates and boxes to substitute for necessary desks and benches.
Thus began Vaz Prep School. She never looked back, and with the help of friends and neighbours, desks and chairs were made, and generous credit extended. Daily, small miracles were evidenced and God blessed her efforts.
The school's motto: "Honest Labour Bears A Lovely Face", echoes Christian principles of hard work and diligence, the deep trust and commitment to a God who never fails. Mrs. Vaz typified this dictum in all aspects of her personal life, and by extension, her school.
A woman of foresight, she looked forward to the day she would retire as Principal and give up the reigns of leadership. She selected and trained her successor early. Her choice was her niece, one of her first students, Beverley Ulett (nee Boggis). Beverley learned well at the "feet of Gamaliel", and has been Principal for the past 31 years. An outstanding teacher and administrator, she has continued to guide Vaz Prep, the school growing from strength to strength through her dedication to duty and constant striving for excellence, and the faith in God to guide and to bless.
There have been many achievements and so much to give God thanks for over the years. The school boasts many excellent and dedicated teachers, some with over 30 years unbroken service, who continue to give yeoman assistance, many whose teaching careers have been spent at school, moulding young minds. Our nation owes them a debt of gratitude.
It is said the "teachers affect eternity; they can never tell where their influence stops". So it is with Vaz Prep School – so many lives have been touched and many influenced for good. We will forever give thanks!
There have been many achievements and so much to give God thanks for over the years. The school boasts many excellent and dedicated teachers, some with over 30 years unbroken service, who continue to give yeoman assistance, many whose teaching careers have been spent at school, moulding young minds. Our nation owes them a debt of gratitude.
It is said the "teachers affect eternity; they can never tell where their influence stops". So it is with Vaz Prep School – so many lives have been touched and many influenced for good. We will forever give thanks!