1901

Grassfield School founded by Miss Edith Ince, later to become Mrs. G.B.R. Burton. Located where the St. Michael’s School is today.

1921

Miss Jane Charlotte 'LOTTIE' Seale, Foundress

This property was to be sold to a Syndicate which would carry on the school along the lines laid down by its foundress. Unable to raise the necessary funds, Grassfield School closed down during the Easter Term. Miss Ince accepted a post of Librarian at the Public Library. Thirty pupils remained at Grassfield School until June, taught by Miss Minnie Ince, Miss North Burton and Miss Jane Charlotte Seale. Miss Seale and Miss Laborde continued to coach those girls who were sitting Cambridge Examinations until the end of July.

Pupils from the new defunct Grassfield School went to Queen’s College, Codrington High School or the Convent but there remained twenty-one pupils whose parents were wishful that they should be taught by Miss Seale and other Staff members from Grassfield School.

Miss Seale tried to purchase a piece of land in Belleville as well as the board-and-shingle room at Grassfield but could not raise the necessary funds. In despair, she rented two rooms from Miss Kate Trotman in 9^th Avenue, Belleville. This school opened on September 13^th. 1921 with a roll of 21 pupils and three teachers:

• Miss Jane Charlotte Seale
• Miss Ethel Ince
• Miss Norah Burton

It was named Saint Winifred’s School for several reasons:

• After Olive Winifred Seale, who died in 1911, to perpetuate her memory;
• Saint Winifred was the patron saint of spinsters – the three teachers were unmarried;
• It means "Peace" and it was hoped that there would always be peace in the association with Staff, Pupils and Parents.

Two (2) scholarships were granted – "The Olive Winifred Scholarships".

1922

Miss Minnie Ince joined the Staff in May 1922. In September, the Belleville School Room, next to St. Cyprian’s Church, was rented from the St. Cyprian’s Committee.

Mr. Jack Murray raised funds and repaired the building which had been vacant for a number of years. The School remained on these premises until the end of 1949.

1923

St. Winifred’s Guide Company founded by Miss Norah Burton was registered in London as "2^nd Barbados". The Cambridge Senior Certificate examination was written.

1924

April 4^th – First Prize Day, a double one. A silver medal donated by a Friend was awarded for good work to Ida Greaves (later to gain a Professorship in Economics). Miss Seale was forced to build, at her own expense, a very large room at the southern end of the tennis lawn.

1925

St. Winifred’s began to play inter-school Tennis Tournaments. October 10^th, Miss Ethel Ince died.

1926

March 25^th – Second Prize Day, a double one.

The School Song "Jerusalem" was sung for the first time. (It was not known at the time that this was the favorite song of King George V).

Click on the icon to download the words to the school song.

The School was divided into three Houses :

• Seale (blue) after the Foundress, Miss J. C. Seale.
• Ince (green) , it is assumed after Miss Ethel Ince.
• Burton (mauve), it is assumed after Miss Norah Burton.

Mr. and Mrs. Waite gave a House Cup, which was first won by Burton House.Mr.G.B.R. Burton, then Headmaster of Combermere School, devised the School’s Motto: "Nostra Fundamenta in Pace Condita (Our Foundations are laid in Peace). 2^nd Barbados Brownies Registered.

1927

Old Girls gave two Tennis Cups. Guides won the O’Brian Shield for the first time.

1928

 Mrs. Poyser gave the Brownie Pack a Totem.

1929

The drill shed was built. A clock was given by Old Girls.

1930

Miss Seale went on long leave to England in August. Miss Rosalie Laborde acted as Headmistress. Mr. E.R.D Moulder, former Headmaster of Queen’s College, British Guiana took over Latin instruction until 1934 when he resigned through ill health.

1931

First Old Girls Re-union. Old Girls Association formed.

1932

First publication of School Magazine started and edited by Miss Winona H.L. Bascom, cover designed by Daphne Bynoe Form V.

1933

Scare of poliomyelitis meant heavy financial losses. Staff members worked for half-pay.

1934

Gymnastics apparatus given to the School. Badges given for the first time to Head Girl, Prefects and Tennis Captain.

1935

The school Past and Present took part in the Jubilee Pageant. Old Girls Pin (designed by Miss Seale) introduced also School Blazer with crest (designed by Allie Parkinson).

1936

A second storey was built on to Miss Seale’s building with money raised by the Old Girls. Senior forms moved upstairs. The School was grateful for all the help given by Mr. J.H. Wilkinson and Mr. Manning.

1937

The School took part in the Coronation Pageant and is presented with two medals as a momento of the occasion.

1938

Mrs. D.G. Leacock gave a cup for Drill Competitions.

1939

Uniform changed from serge skirts to green tunics with brown stockings and shoes. (First school in the island to change to tunics and the pupils were called "Green Lizards").

1940

Effects of World War Two became felt. Cambridge Certificate Examinations written in December instead of preceding July. Heather Bourne won Senior Essay Prize and Barbara Seale won the Junior Essay Prize.

1941

The school raised $219 for War Funds. Weekly collections of "pennies" made for the Wool Fund and many articles were knitted and sent overseas to Refugee children and the Forces.

1944

Geffrey William Carter R.A.F, ex-pupil of St. Winifred’s, the only boy so far (till 1967), was killed in action.

1945

School roll is 135.

1947

Committee of Management appointed and decision made to raise a substantial sum to be vested in Trustees for the purpose of purchasing a suitable property so that Miss Seale’s "beloved School will live on". Appeal made for funds. School roll 168.

1950

The school moved to "Welbeck", Pine Hill. The 2-storey building belonging to Miss Seale and the Old Girls moved to Welbeck. School commenced on January 23^rd and the premises blessed Miss Seale’s request formed to have the sole control, regulation and administration of the funds of the school and the property of the School vested in three Trustees. Mrs. Horace Barker, highly recommended, started working in the grounds. School roll over 200. December 14^th - Prize Day held in grounds under big evergreen tree. Miss Seale was unable to attend as she had suffered a heart attack.

1951

Miss Minnie Ince retired.

1953

February 5^th Miss Seale resigned on account of ill health. March 1^st Miss Rosalie Laborde was appointed Headmistress. School roll 250. June 1^st Miss Seale and Mrs. Bentley planted trees to comemorate the Coronation of Elizabeth II.

1955

July 30^th Miss J. C. Seale died, and she was buried at St. Michael’s Cathedral. In September, Mrs. Bentley also died.

1956

July 5^th Mrs. Wright cut the ribbon and declared the Hall open. The Hall was then blessed by Bishop Bentley. The Hall was built with funds donated by Mr. Clifton Wright who was not spared to see it finished. It was dedicated to the memory of the Foundress of the School, Miss J.C. Seale. Up until this time Prize Days were held outdoors.

June Warren, youngest First Class Brownie in the Island, presented a bouquet to Princess Margaret at a Youth Rally on the Garrison Savannah. Judy Harris became the first Queen’s Guide in Barbados. The School roll 280.

1957

Miss Bascom retired after 30 years of service.

1960

St. Winifred’s competed in the all the inter-school tournaments, tennis, netball and athletics.

1962

The School became Government approved. Cambridge G.C.E. was written. The Old Girls Association re-named St. Winifred’s School’s Assoc.

1964

Miss Rosalie Laborde resigned as Headmistress. School roll 209. Mrs. Ena Power was appointed as Head on May 16^th. The Stable and Garage were converted into Domestic and General Science Rooms. The School Secretary was appointed.

1965

Government financial aid was given. The uniform was once again changed (tunic with out pleats), three Senior forms outside blouse with skirt. Old Panama hat replaced by straw boater.

1966

Kathryn Hunte was awarded the Queen’s Guide Badge. New Guide Colours dedicated the 2^nd Barbados carried Island Colors during the Queen’s visit.

1967

U.S. Naval Facility pupils accepted and boys up to 10 plus. Four classrooms were built at the back of the Hall. Also, the domestic Science Room was extended.

1968

Mrs. Power resigned as Head to return to England. School roll increased to 285. In September Mrs. Daphne St. John appointed as Head. A new staff room was built , and the cellar was made into a changing room.

1969

Admittance of 4-year olds (Kindergarten). Two new classrooms were built over the Domestic Science Room. The First Pantomime of "Mother Goose" produced by Anna Adamira. Tennis practice was erected.

1970

The Wilkinson Family, in memory of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Wilkinson donated holy Bible and Organ. School roll 336 pupils, 22 Staff members.

1971

Golden Jubilee Year. Jubilee Block built. Annex converted to General Science Laboratory and Art Room.

1973

Art room and Science Laboratory extended and Laboratory further equipped. Evergreen tree removed and main yard paved.

1974

School Secretary replaced by Secretary-Treasurer and Headmistress’ Secretary. Office in Domestic Science building partitioned for Secretary-Treasurer. New office built for Headmistress and Secretary. Mrs. Dorothy Cook-Johnson appointed Head. School roll 396. A pension scheme for staff was made.

1975

Opening of running track, tennis courts and planting of six Cassia tress to commemorate 25^th Anniversary of the School at "Welbeck", Pine Hill (silver Jubilee). Flowers taken to Miss Seale’s grave. The fourth pantomime of "Robin Hood" produced by Anna Adamira. A P.A system was purchased. Additional Stage/Art Room was constructed. Annex Art Room was then converted into two classrooms. Staff room furniture was then built. They then started the Government Text Book Loan Scheme.

1977

Fifth Pantomime "Fire Princess" produced by Anna Adamira. New Lavatory Block with 10 toilets, 4 baths and one classroom constructed. 102^nd Barbados Brownie Pack registered.

1978

Mrs. Ena Power appointed Acting Headmistress. School roll 560 Guide Hut repaired. Main Building Annex (building of 3 classrooms and breezeway) constructed. U.S. Naval Facility pupils leave, and the facility closes.

1980

Extension to Staff Rooms, increased lavatory facilities for staff, two classrooms and walkways connecting Lavatory Block and Main Building Annexes.

1981

Change in uniform – seniors (IV & V) blouse inside of skirt. September 14^th – 60^th Anniversary Service (1921 –1981) held at St. Cyprian’s Church, Belleville, conducted by Canon Hazelwood. Junior and Senior School attended – 400 pupils. School roll of 607. For 60^th Anniversary, gift of 21 books, Oxford Children’s Reference Library and 13 volumes of Oxford Junior Encyclopedia Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Walker.

1982

May 5^th, Cub Pack Started as a result of a request made by Mrs. Ena Power, under the leadership of Mrs. Simone Gittens. Mrs. A. W. Binks appointed Headmistress. School roll 602. Computer Studies introduced. Equipment donated by S.W.S.A., Graduation Class, Barbados Rotary Club, Canadian International Development Agency, Dr. Bennett and family.

1984

Graduation Ceremony Held on the School premises for the first time.

1985

Chemistry introduced. Equipment donated by Esso Standard Oil Co.

1990

Mrs. Bancroft retired.

1993

Physics and InformationTechnology were added to the school academic program.

1995

The opening of the new science and art blocks.

1997

Mrs. A.W. Binks retired as Headmistress. Appointment of Ms. M. Belgrave as Headmistress.

1999

The construction of a new Pavilion constructed with covered seating and which also houses a dance/drama room.

2004

Construction of the car park at the lower playing field. Ms. M. Belgrave retired as Headmistress. Appointment of Mrs. D. Strickland-Nurse as Headmistress.

2007
Celebrated 85 years with a church service at St. Marys Church. To view some pictures click here.

Click on the thumbnails below to view some historic pictures.