St. Mary’s Boy’s Senior High School

1. MARY’S BOYS’ SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
2. BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL

St. Mary’s Boys’ Senior High School has been in existence for 63 years.  This great Institution traces its origin from Amisano in the Central Region, where the Catholic Church in her avowed aim to offer best training for her young adherents, set up a two-year training college in 1947 to train teachers.  It was formally opened by His Lordship W.T. Porter on 26th January, 1947.  The staff consisted of the following:

Principal                                                   –               Mr. B.J. Goggin

Vice Principal                                           –               Mr. R. J. Nicholson

Senior Housemaster                               –               Mr. W. L. Laast

Housemasters                                         –               Mr. J. S. Nyamekye

• D. K. Puni

Head of Practice School                          –          Mr. F. A. Quagraine

Amidst great odds and challenges, the Principal and his team produced a number of certificate ‘B’ teachers for catholic schools all over the country.

On 28th November 1951, Mr. J.D. Otoo took over the administration as the first Ghanaian Principal of the college.  As time rolled on, the church secured a big parcel of land at Apowa to permanently house the institution.  By 1st February, 1954 the permanent buildings had been completed and handed over to the Church by the contractor.  The new buildings were solemnly blessed by His Grace W.T. Porter, Archbishop of Cape Coast and officially opened by the late honourable Kojo Botsio, Minister of State on 11th December, 1954.  It was later upgraded to the Teachers’ Certificate ‘A’ when circumstances in the country changed.

In September 1973 the college had to change it’s mandate as a teacher training into a Secondary School due to government policy and it currently headed by Mr. Joseph L. Bagbin.

The school transacts business on the telephone numbers 031-2091110 and 031-2091676.

On the school’s academic calendar are the following important dates: The Immaculate Heart of Mary observed in May and the Patron’s Feast Day which is also observed on the 31 October or the last Saturday of October every year.

STATUS:                The school is both Day and Boarding.

2. MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

The school has produced prominent personalities since its inception and these selfless, devoted and committed persons are working in different institutions across the country.

Academically, the school is still performing excellently.  The years 2008 and 2009 were no exception.  Out of 353 and 306 candidates who set for the WASSCE respectively, 350 and 303 passed with very good grades.

SPORTS AND GAMES

The School’s athletic and soccer teams placed first and third respectively in the 2009/10 Sekondi/ Takoradi Zonal Inter School Sports Festival.

3. SCHOOL FACILITIES

The school has five dormitories.  In pursuance of the avowed aim of the Catholic Church to offer the best training for her young adherents, the school has a Minor Seminary which gives tutelage to students who also reside on the compound and are part of the mainstream. Fully in place is a block of eight classrooms that accommodate third year students and a storey building that also takes care of the second and some of the first year students.

A science and information communication Technology (I.C.T.) laboratories supported by a library facility are also available for students to do their practical and research works.

4. STAKEHOLDERS

Old students Association:  The old students of St. Mary’s (SMOSA) have been active in the affairs of the school.  They participate in the schools annual “Award and Patrons Day” meaningfully and also contribute to infrastructure development of the school.  A case in point is the erection of a modern school gate which is still under construction.

Parent-Teacher Association (PTA): The PTA also maintains healthy relations with staff and management of the school.   Their meaningful contributions coupled with foresight from managers of the school culminated in the buying of a bus for the school amongst other contribution.

Ahanta West District Assembly: Matters of concern to the school that are beyond the reach of the school and one within the mandate of the Assembly are forwarded to them for the appropriate actions to be taken.  Notable among the numerous assistance from the Assembly are a twelve (12) Seater KVIP and the construction of a computer laboratory that is near completion.

The Traditional Authority:.  St. Mary’s has no problems with the chiefs and people of Apowa in matters relating to land or relationship.

Ahantaman Rural Bank located in Apowa, Management and Staff of the bank presented some building materials and football jersey to the school to help in infrastructural development and sporting activities of the school.

Member of Parliament (MP):  Hon.  Johnfia presented poly-tanks to the school to help ease the water problem of the school.

6. CO-CURRICULA ACTIVITIES

Inspite of our rigorous academic life and activities staff and students of St. Mary’s Boys’ High still find time for the following Co-curricula activities.

1. Games and sporting activities
2. Entertainment and recreation
3. Club Activities
4. Religious activities
5. School Gardening
6. Preps ad manual work.

CLUB ACTIVITIES:  A number of clubs operate in the school

Civic Education Club, Wildlife Club, School Cadet Corp, Prayer Group, Drama Club, Debating Society,  Historical Society, Tourist Club, Energy Saving Club, Peace Building Club, Science and Mathematics Club, Red Cross, French Club, Future Leaders Investment Club