Ramdin to speak at Youth Awareness workshop

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Ramdin-to-speak-at-Youth-Awareness-workshop-241398161.html

Story Created: Jan 21, 2014 at 10:39 PM ECT

Story Updated: Jan 21, 2014 at 10:39 PM ECT 

 West Indies wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin will give a motivational lecture to students at Hillview College today, during a workshop entitled “Building Youth Awareness” project which was started by the Zaheer Ali Foundation late last year.

The foundation, which was founded by former Trinidad and Tobago cricketer Zaheer Ali, will be continuing the initiative in various schools throughout the country after receiving positive feedback from the principals and staff that were part of the project last year.

Ali said that the idea behind the workshops is to take a proactive approach to fighting crime in light of the prevalence of youth violence and criminal behaviour in schools. 

Today, police officers from the Criminal Gang and Intelligence Unit will speak about criminal gangs and gang related activities, drug use and bullying, with the objective of discouraging youths from getting involved in those activities.

Prison officers, a psychologist and a psychiatrist will also be on hand to speak to the children.

Ali also noted that Flavorite brand has partnered with the foundation to provide refreshments for the students and facilitators to show their support for the workshop.

The programme is scheduled to start at 8 a.m. and run until 12.30 p.m.

59th Founder's Day Celebration

Hillview College celebrates its birthday each year on the 17th of January, encouraging our students to appreciate the rich history of our school. The guest speaker for the 59th Founder's Day celebration was none other than Rev. Damien Sieunarine, brother of our current College Chaplain, Rev. Adrian Sieunarine. 

HOBA AGM 2013 : Annual General Meeting . . .

    

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From User : http://www.panoramio.com/user/1139419

Photo taken in Tunapuna-Piarco, Trinidad and Tobago

10° 39' 12.30" N  61° 22' 52.18" W

Divali Program 2012

Divali was observed in Trinidad & Tobago on November 13th 2012.

We believe the school held this Divali Program on Friday 9th 2012.

(seeking confirmation)

Ganga motivates Hillview pupils . . .

From : http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Ganga-motivates-Hillview-pupils--141836403.html

‘...make the most out of any bad situation’

role model: National cricketer Daren Ganga reads from the novel Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

at Hillview College, El Dorado, Tunapuna,  

yesterday, during a collaboration with the school 

and the non-governmental organisation Random Acts of Good Deeds 

to celebrate World Read Aloud Day 2012. —Photo: CURTIS CHASE

By Kimberly Castillo

Story Created: Mar 7, 2012 at 8:57 PM ECT

Story Updated: Mar 7, 2012 at 8:57 PM ECT 

“DO not take the simple things in life for granted, and don’t wait for a life-changing moment to lift your intensity.” 

Former captain of the T&T cricket team Daren Ganga imparted these words of advice yesterday to a crowd of enthusiastic pupils at Hillview College, Tunapuna. 

The event was a collaborative effort by Hillview College and the non-governmental organisation Random Acts of Good Deeds. Ganga made a guest appearance at the school to celebrate World Read Aloud Day 2012. 

The school’s auditorium came to life as pupils erupted in cheers, whistles and applause while Ganga took the stage. As he later attempted to exit the auditorium, he was mobbed by a group of pupils who bolted towards the cricketer, pen and paper in hand. 

“This is a day that highlights awareness of literacy as a right that belongs to all people. By raising our voices together on this day, we show the world’s children that we support their future and their universal right to read,” the school’s principal, Leslie Mahase, said.

Ganga arrived after midday and read aloud a chapter from the NY Times best seller Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. 

He gave a motivational speech afterwards, during which he also paid tribute to his former teammate Runako Morton, who died in a highway crash on Sunday night as he was headed to his Princes Town home. Ganga expressed sadness and shock over his colleague’s death. His last interaction with Morton was on Friday at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain.

Ganga said one of the lessons he learned from reading Tuesdays with Morrie was the protagonist’s determination to make the most of his life in the face of adversity, and Ganga urged the young men in the audience to make the most out of any bad situation.

“Sometimes, it takes a negative or a tough situation to build character in ourselves. When you encounter negative situations in your life, it is very important for you to take the positives out of it,” said Ganga.

Ganga will travel to London, England, later this week where he will be graduating with his law degree. The 33-year-old said his ambition is to practise law, and he encouraged the pupils not to limit themselves and to balance schoolwork with extracurricular activities. 

the feature address for Founder's Day 2011

Don't ever dare to take your college as a matter of course - because, like democracy and freedom, many people you'll never know have broken their hearts to get it for you.

Alice Duer Miller

Mr Chairman

Principal of Hillview College, Mr Leslie Mahase

Representation of the Synod of the Presbyterian Church in Trinidad and Tobago

Representative of the Ministry of Education

Students and Staff of Hillview College

Specially invited Guests

Ladies and gentlemen

It is indeed a pleasure to be with you today as you celebrate the fifty-sixth anniversary of the Founding of this great institution, Hillview College. I wish to thank your principal, Mr Mahase for his kind invitation to deliver the feature address on this auspicious occasion. On behalf of my husband, himself a past student and myself sincere congratulations to the entire Hillview Community on achieving this milestone in your history. The Staff and students of SAGHS also extend their love and best wishes.

Hillview College opened its doors on the 15^th January 1955, at Sheriff Street in Tunapuna under the principalship of Rev Dr HF Swann. The staff consisted of Mr Effle Mohammed and Mr Stephen Alisharan who later served as Principal of the college. Forty-five young men made up the student body. (Their names are imortalised on the wall just south of this auditorium.) Its name was Naparima College (Tunapuna Branch).

Dr Allan McKenzie, Principal of Naparima College, in his greetings to the Hillview College community on their 25^th anniversary stated, “At the time we felt the need to bring to the community of Nothern Trinidad the rich traditions and quality of Education which Naparima College tried to nuture among its own student.” Today HIllview College can boast of not only living up to these expectations but building a valued reputation as a beacon of quality education in its own right.

Here are some milestones in the life of the College .

• 1951 – Official Board of the Aramalaya Church wrote to Presbytery urging the opening of a Boys Secondary School in Tunapuna. Of Interest is the Founding of SAGHS on September 17^th 1950 on the initiative of the same church.
• 1953 – Naparima College was instructed by Presbytery to proceed with plans for Secondary School Expansion which including Naps North.
• 1954 - A committee of members of the Aramalaya Congregation met with Rev Swann and Rev Gallagher of the Board of Overseas Missions to identify lands and buildings to accommodate the college. Sherrif Street was chosen as a good location since the church hall could serve as a class room and the grounds and the cowshed could be used for games.
• 15^th January 1955 classes began with 45 students a staff of 2 under the principalship of Rev Swann.
• 2^nd March 1956, 5 acres of land at El Dorado Rd was leased for 99 years at a peppercorn rental of 24c per annum.
• November 1956, work started on the new site.
• 20^th August 1957, the College was formally opened by Rt. Rev JS Thompson, Moderator of the United Church of Canada
• November 1957, the College received recognition as a Government Assisted Secondary School

As we celebrate 56 years of existence we must remember persons whose names are an integral part of our history.

• Earle Kalloo and Clarence Darsan who together with George Jitman, Harold Sukhbir, Charles Kalloo and CM Chatee who worked with Rev Dr Swann to make Naps North a reality.
• Mrs Swann, Mrs Kirkpatrick, Rev Alcorn and Rev Paul Sharma who assisted the staff of two with the teaching of Music, Religious studies and Mathematics.
• Lewis Campbell, Robert Moosai-Maharaj and Sydney Martin who freely gave of their knowledge and skill in the construction of the first permanent building at El Dorado Road in Tunapuna.
• And of course past principals Rev Swann, Rev Kirkpatrick, Mr Stephan Moosai-Maharaj, Mr Stephen Alisharan, Mr Stephen Seepersad, Mr Richard Kokaram and Mr Jeremiah Seepersad who all contribution to the Hillview College we know and love.
• I also wish to remember the many persons who I have not named who also worked to make Hillview College the school that it is today

What makes Hillview College the unique institution that it is?

This quote from an article by Mr Stephen Alisharan, member of the original staff of Hillview College and Principal from 1968 to 1975 gives a good picture of the vision of the Founders for Hillview College.

“This is a church-inspired and God-centered institution. The College is interested in imparting knowledge to the students and enabling them to acquire and develop certain skills to make them useful members of the community. But we are much more interested in deeper and basic things. Education is not merely the giving or acquiring knowledge. Education has the more difficult function of guiding the learner in the best development of his capacities for the efficient living in the most revolutionized society that Trinidad and the West Indies Federation are becoming. Education is essentially interested in producing a socially useful person”. He goes on to say “In this College be believe that God’s Holy Spirit pervades our whole lives, every moment of it, a constant guide and help, and the source of all goodness and love. In the final analysis the concerns of the Spirit and more important that the concerns of the intellect or mind.”

The Motto “Humani Nihil Alienum” – “I am interested in everything concerning mankind.” guides all matters concerning the school. Not only have students of Hillview College made a name for themselves in the Academic arena winning numerous awards and scholarships including several president medals but Hillview continues to excel in Cricket, Football, Astronomy, Scrabble and numerous other fields. The Principal and staff must be commended for the emphasis placed on the all-round development of their students. The College Song written by Dr Stephen Moosai-Maharaj and sung to the tune of a well-loved hymn proudly proclaims “All things concerning Human Ken are ours to Champion, Hillview Men”.

Here are just a few Hillview Men who have made their mark on the Landscape of Trinidad & Tobago and the world. (These are all graduates that I know personally and are just a few of many who have made us proud.)

• Vijay Naraynsing ,World renown vascular surgeon
• Satanand Sharma, Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago
• Mark Mohammed, Director of Public prosecution
• Stephen Kangal, member of Diplomatic Corps, Deputy High Commissioner to Canada
• Rawle Sukhu, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Trinidad and Tobago
• Anthony Garcia, President of T&TUTA, Principal of Fatima College
• Satanand Sharma (son of Rev Paul Sharma) Head of the Creative Arts Centre UWI.
• Dyer Narinesingh & Anderson Maxwell, Head of Chemistry Department UWI
• Roger Boynes & Rudy Indarsingh, Ministers of Government and members of parliament
• Anil Kokaram, Academy Award winner.
• Tyron Rudolfo & Ekatma Mooleedhar, Officers in the protective Services
• Dennis Puckerin, National Footballer
• Anil Rajah, National cricketer

A most impressive list that is far from complete.

In “The Hillviewer “ - 25^th Anniversary yearbook we read.

“We are not just buildings and blackboards and books. We are people”

It would be remiss of me if I did not mention three qualities that I admire about Hillview College Graduates.

• Hillview Graduates love their school.

During my 19 years as a teacher at this esteemed institution and in the 15 years since I have kept in touch with many of my students (close to 500 with the help of facebook) and a common thread are their fond memories of their days at Hillview.

• Hillview Graduates “Stay in touch”.

Muhammad Ali once said “Friendship... is not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything.”

Hillview College teaches the meaning of friendship

It never ceases to amaze me that the same groups who used to “get in scrapes” at school now meet for their children’s weddings, their kids birthday parties, birthdays, to lend supports at funerals and other difficult times. What a wonderful legacy.

• Hillview Graduates are committed to their families.

Hillview has always been family and this has influenced the lives of its graduates. My experience has been that Hillview graduates have a strong sense of commitment to their families be it their wives, their children or their parents. The anecdotes are too numerous to share with you today but I believe that the example set by the adults in their lives certainly influence Hillview Men and their relationships later in life.

And finally a few thoughts as we look to the future,

Hillview College as any well-established, successful institutions is guided by policies, practices and traditions that have served it well. I humbly wish to make a few observations to the members of the Hillview Family.

To the Principal and Vice-principal, congratulations on a job well done. Remember the dream that led to Hillview College. Continue to be anchored in the vision of the Founders of providing quality all-round education for young men in Northern Trinidad.

To the staff of Hillview, you have been role models for your students. Continue to treat your students with love and kindness so they will be kind and loving adults.

To the students of Hillview, You are part of a proud family. Everything you do and say reflects on you school. Be role models in society. Keep the flag of Hillview flying high.

Remember that your background and circumstances may have influenced who you are, but, you are responsible for who you become.

Best wishes to you all.

I now wish to ask you all to stand and salute our Founders, “those we know and many we will never know” with a hearty round of applause.

Kathleen Anderson
Teacher III Hillview College (1976 – 1995)

Principal St Augustine Girls’ High School (1996 – present)

Eulogy on the late Stephen Seepersad

From : http://www.trinidadandtobagonews.com/kangal/111208.html

By Stephen Kangal

Posted: December 11, 2008

The Honourable Wilmoth Daniel, Deputy Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda

The Honourable Hilston Baptise, Minister of Housing of Antigua and Barbuda

The Rt. Reverend Elvis Elahie- Moderator of the Presbyterian Church Reverend Everson T. Sieunarine

Members of the Bereaved Seepersad Family

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

My Dear Sisters and Brothers

Thank you for being here to share in this divine service. It is designed and dedicated to celebrating and giving praise to God for the bountiful grace and several favours that He so generously lavished on our late brother Stephen Seepersad. It was that grace and favour that enabled him to live a full, productive, community-based and God-fearing life for the benefit of his fellow men and earned our total respect and admiration.

The Four Supporting Pillars

May I also thank the bereaved Seepersad family for the privilege accorded to me to attempt to present on their behalf some sentiments on the rich and varied legacy of their late father, grand-father, husband that hopefully will help to allay our sorrows and be a model for posterity. 

In trying to assess the stewardship of the late Stephen Seepersad I have identified four major platforms on which his life's achievements were sustained, engineered and supported. These are:

Firstly

His outstanding contribution to the development and expansion of secondary education. In this regard he facilitated upward social and economic mobility for thousands of eager minds during the critically challenging and pre and post-oil bonanza periods in our social and economic history (The Intellectual Factor)

Secondly,

His driving passion for community building and welfare undertaken at the grass roots level in several spheres of national life ( Psycho-Social Platform)

sports development and physical fitness and (Physical);

spiritual evangelism and family cohesiveness (spiritual)

We also will recall, during this eulogy some of those cherished memories and moments and the varied and rich legacy bequeathed to us by our late brother and dear friend, Stephen Seepersad. 

Sisters and Brothers 

The Void 

In the socio-educational landscape of East Trinidad a great gap and void has now arisen. That gap will be difficult to bridge and to fill from the passing away of the late Stephen Seepersad. A great icon and role model has left his DNA in the footprints on the sands of time. His legacy will endure forever most notably at Hillview. Thousands of his students mourn his sad demise. 

Comfort and Solace of the Mourners 

To the thousands who mourn and are weighed down by his sad demise I say to you that we must derive respite and solace from the fact that he lived a full, fulfilling and selfless life. That he was a good and faithful servant of the Lord. That he regarded his life as a precious gift from God. That his innate talents were a trust from God - mustard seed capital that he developed and invested for the benefit of humanity. 

Entering the Kingdom of God 

Steeve adequately fulfilled his several calling. He is now worthy of entering the Kingdom of heaven; for that is the reward of the poor in spirit and those who are pure in heart. He allowed his intellectual and spiritual light to shine brightly and widely for the benefit of men and women that led to their salvation. Stephen Seepersad like the Apostle Paul "fought the good fight", finished the course and kept the faith. 

Blending Simplicity with Humility 

Steeve was a caring educator, devoted churchman, avid sportsman, community-based philanthropist. He blended the uniqueness of his unique, unassuming human personality with the simplicity and humility of one who rose from very humble beginnings while he lived in Maingot Road. He refused to be restricted by the walls of mediocrity. 

The Spiritual Platform 

He worshipped in this Church for the best of sixty years. He served as a spiritual Elder for 50 years and participated in the work of the major boards of the Presbyterian Church. His spirit will pervade this sanctuary for a long time to come. 

He was a true friend, mentor and benefactor of thousands. He was not capable of being the enemy and doing harm to anyone that I know of. 

I first met our late brother Steeve, as he was affectionately known to us, on 17 January 1962 when I joined the Staff of Hillview College as an A'Level Teacher. That was the beginning of a true friendship and an association that grew warmer and closer to our mutual benefit. Our common future unfolded as we worked together at Hillview and welded us to this growing community. He inspired and motivated me to reach for the stars but to keep my feet always firmly planted to the ground. 

The Hillview Ethic and Mores 

It was not surprising that Steeve as one of his dying wishes requested that his eulogy be delivered by someone representing the Hillview Community. That inn itself tells a thousand tales of his close connexion and synergy with Hillview College. 

From 1961 when he joined the staff of Hillview College to his sad passing away a few days ago on Monday morning, the Hillview Community constituted his extended family. The Hillview ethic and spirit- the Hillview imperative- the prevailing norms and values as implied in the Motto - Nihil Humani Alienum - flowed in his cardio-vascular system. 

As the current Principal. Leslie Mahase, said on Monday, Stephen Seepersad framed the cultural and social mores of Hillview. His whole being beginning 1961 was student-centred and Hillview driven. He served as teacher, dean, Vice-Principal, Principal and Chairman of the Administrative Committee.

He lovingly touched and shaped the lives of all those who passed through the portals of Hillview College. He was held in very high regard by fellow teachers and students as one person from whom they came to expect justice, love and care for the human personality. That sentiment was expressed by Presiding Elder and current Chairman of the Administrative Committee. Mr Larry Kowlessar.

The late Stephen Seepersad ushered in the Golden Period from 1981 to 1988 when Hillview erupted unto the national stage as a Top Performing, Scholarship-winning School. Seventeen scholarships were won by Hillview students.

One of the distinguishing attraction about Steeve was that he was never impulsive in his decision-making and inter-personal relations. He exuded the essence and modus operandi of a calm and collected administrator. That is why so many willingly gravitated to him. They were impelled by his quiet, soft-spoken and magnetic personality when they needed help and wise counsel.

I must share an experience that took place Saturday last in Miami that was related to me by his dear wife Berla.

During his last recent visit to Miami for urgent medical attention Steeve was diagnosed by doctors to be terminally ill. He had two days to live. He could not and indeed refused to eat or drink anything on Saturday last as they prepared to return home. Berla said that she had to fool Steeve into believing that he had to attend a function at Hillview College that evening upon his return and that he had to be strong to do so.

I was told that Steeve immediately ate what was offered to him and his whole demeanor changed. That is what I meant when I said that he was Hillview-driven. For him teaching was a vocation through which knowledge can be imparted and love can be sown.

Stephen Seepersad had a profound influence and impact on the lives of many stretching from his youthful days spent at Maingot Road, Tunapuna, at the Aramalaya Presbyterian Church, from Hillview College, at Mt. Allison University in Canada, at Mona Jamaica, from the pulpits of the several Presbyterian Churches where he did lay preaching, at the El Dorado Consumers Co-operative, cricket clubs and the Savannah Drive neighbourhood in Trincity where he was pampered by a wide circle of genuine friends and caring neighbours.

He even became a faithful chela of an enlightened Political Pundit and Guru who lives in his Savannah Development and who espoused the tenets of new politics. That erudite Leader in the Wilderness is with us today to bid farewell to his disciple, great friend and supporter later on this programme.

Family Cohesiveness

From talking to his daughter Mavis I learnt that he was a very caring father who in her words "showed enormous character as a protective father". She recalled the occasion when with his brother Neil had undergone extreme difficulties with salvaging their Accountancy School. Her Dad stood with Neil shoulder to shoulder to ride out the turbulence. He never uttered a word of criticism to Neil for mistakes that were made in a commercial venture that went wrong. But his son Neil survived to make his Dad very proud by his business success in the form of Primis Corporation that has offices across the Caribbean including Miami.

Thank you Berla, Neil and Mavis for sparing no effort to look after our Brother Steeve.

Neil, Mavis and Burla accompanied Steeve to Miami via Air Ambulance for his last medical consultation. There medics told him that nothing could be done to save or prolong his life any further. His family was with him every step of the way.

Accolades

Steeve was a founding member of the Maingot Road Sumatee Sabha, Vice-Chairman of the El Dorado Consumers Co-Op, Honorary Old Boy of Hillview, Honorary Hillview PTA Member, former member of the Public Service Commission and member of both the Secondary and Primary Education Boards of the Presbyterian Church.

In 1990 he was conferred with a National Award Medal of Merit Gold for his contribution to Education and Community Development.

One of his proudest achievements occurred in 1992. He was appointed a member of the Commonwealth Observer Team under Former US President Jimmy Carter that monitored the 1992 Guyana Elections.

Acknowledgements

The bereaved family of our late brother has requested me to thank all friends, extended family members and members of the public for their overwhelming support, prayers, sympathy, messages, telephone calls and kind sentiments that meant a lot to them in their moment of sadness and the traumatic loss of their loved one. They especially want to thank those who have traveled from abroad to be here today to pay their last respects and homage to our dearly departed brother.

They are indebted to the medical personnel who attended to Steeve and those who made special arrangements to facilitate his travel abroad and return to Trinidad. Thanks to those who participated in the pre-funeral prayer services especially the Ministers and Presiding Elders.

What will buoy us up, Comfort and Sustain Us Now in Post- Seepersad Era? What is essence is his legacy and lesson for us who now face a social, economic and financial meltdown of unprecedented proportions?

Steeve has taught us that the core values of simplicity, humility, devotion to community building, family cohesiveness and service to humanity in the name of the Almighty are enduring, sustaining and superior to the pursuit of materialism. That is the legacy that must provide us with a margin of comfort and provide solace as we mourn his loss and his return to his Maker.

Having spoken of the deceased what advice do I offer to the living? Sisters and Brothers I will allow Linda Ellis to speak to us through hep Poem entitled The Dash.

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth

And spoke of the following date with tears,

But he said what matters most of all

Was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time

That she spent alive on earth

And now only those who loved her

Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,

The cars, the house the cash,

What matters is how we live and love

And how spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard;

Are there things you'd like to change?

For you never know how much time is left

That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough

To consider what's true and real

And always try to understand

The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger

And show appreciation more

And love the people in our lives

Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect

And more often wear a smile,

Remembering that this special dash

Might only last a little while

So when your eulogy is being read

With your life's actions to rehash

Would you be proud of the things they say

About how you spent your dash?

Death Notice

Trinidad Guardian : http://legacy.guardian.co.tt/archives/2008-12-06/classified/104.html

SEEPERSAD: STEPHEN RAMSUMAR M.O.M. Retired principal of Hillview College- peacefully departed this life on Monday 1st, December, 2008 at 4:40am at 107 Savannah Drive, Trincity. He was 79 years of age. Loving husband of Berla Vester Seepersad. Father of Mavis Gitanjali Seepersad and Neil Rabindranath Seepersad. Grandfather of Nikhita Kerensa Seepersad. Son of Lutchman and Mungaree Seepersad (dec). Brother of Sookdeo Seepersad. In-law of Charles Morton Bharath and Mildred Bharath (both deceased). Cousin of The Ramroop, Ramkisoon, Bharath families and many more. Uncle of many. Friend of many. The funeral service for the late Stephen Ramsumar Seepersad take place at the Aramalaya Presbyterian Church, Cochrance Street, Tunapuna, on Friday 5th December, 2008. followed by cremation at Belgroves Crematorium. No flowers by request. Donation for charitable cause will be picked up. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to belgroves Memorial Centre and Creematorium, #10 Orange Grove Road, Trincity. 645-2178.

Funeral today for former principal

Trinidad Express

Richard Kokaram



The funeral of former Hillview College Principal, Richard Kokaram will take place today at the Curepe Presbyterian Church, Lyndon Street, Curepe.

Kokaram, 67, passed away at the St Joseph Medical Associates on Monday evening, leaving behind his wife Lynette, three sons and a daughter - Dr. Anil Kokaram, Professor at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, attorney Vasheist Kokaram, of M G Daly and Partners, Dr Kavishti Kokaram, of Northwest Veterinary Associates and Dr Nalini Kokaram-Maharaj at the Mt Hope Medical Complex, as well as two grandchildren.

In 2000, after more than 30 years in service at the school, Kokaram retired as Principal of Hillview, where he had also served as teacher and Vice Principal.

In 1993, he received a national award for his outstanding service from the Trinidad and Tobago United Teachers' Association (TTUTA).

Kokaram served as Elder of the Curepe Presbyterian Church and also served on several Boards of the Presbyterian Church of T&T.

The funeral service begins at 1 p.m. followed by cremation at the Belgrove's Funeral Home at 5 p.m.
Link : https://web.archive.org/web/20080501132334/http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161316817



Nqparima College Staff 1962 : Richard Kokaram can be seen second from left in the back row

Retired Hillview principal dies

Former Hillview College principal Richard Kokaram and his wife Lynette.



Former principal of Hillview College, El Dorado, Richard Kokaram died yesterday at Medical Associates, St Joseph. He was 67-years-old.

Kokaram spent more than 30 years at Hillview during which he served as teacher, vice-principal and principal. He served as chairman of the National Textbook Committee and was a member of the National Advisory Committee on Education and Committee appointed to examine the delinking of the teaching service from the Public Service.

Kokaram was the recipient of several commendations for his service to education and national educational development. In 1993 he received a national award for his outstanding service from the TT Unified Teachers Association.

He served as elder of the Curepe Presbyterian Church and on several boards of the Presbyterian Church of TT. Kokaram leaves to mourn his wife Lynette, three sons and a daughter.

Linnk : http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,77896.html

Calypso Competition

Hillview College Graduation Address

Posted: Wednesday, October 19, 2005

By Stephen Kangal
On Thursday 13 October 2005

Forty -Sixth Graduation Ceremony

Mr. Chairman
Today we honour and pay tribute to our 46th class of graduates. You the graduates have applied themselves in true Hillview tradition. You have accordingly brought honour and glory to yourselves, your parents and the Greater Tunapuna community as well as to your Alma Mater, Hillview College. You have also brought glory and renown to Trinidad and Tobago because you attained top world ranking in Mathematics and Physics.

Fiftieth Golden Anniversary
This ceremony is also being held to commemorate a landmark event- the Golden, 50th Anniversary of Hillview College. From the humble makeshift beginnings in Sherrif Street in Tunapuna to this modern educational plant located in a most idyllic setting.

I congratulate all those students who have received Certificates based on the results of the CXC and the Cambridge Advanced Level Examinations.

May I also convey to the Chairman of the Administrative Committee of Hillview College as well as to The Principal my sincerest gratitude and deep appreciation for having kindly extended to me in my capacity as member of the First Graduating Class of Hillview College, this unique and special opportunity to deliver the Feature Graduation address this evening on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the College.

You have done me and our pioneering class of 1955 a great honour by inviting me to speak to this distinguished assembly on this very historic occasion. I will do so with great humility.

Mr. Chairman
I have always cherished and strengthened the very close emotional link and connexion that binds and conjoins us the graduates to this College- our BELOVED ALMA MATER This connexion is what I have always fondly regarded as the Hillview Imperative- the student-school bonding and relationship.

Mr. Chairman,
Ladies and Gentlemen

The Early and Humble Beginnings

On 17 January 1955, more than 50 years ago, a group of students that included our current Chief Justice The Honourable Mr. Justice Sat Sharma assembled at Sherrif Street in Tunapuna in a make-shift building to launch what has evolved as the success story of Hillview College. We feel a sense of achievement to have been the pioneers of the great Hillview legacy- to have initiated the Hillview social mission. That old building located in Sherrif Street, the current Minister of Education would have found to be unfit even for early childhood education. But we persevered with God's help, the support of the Aramalaya Congregation and succeeded against enormous odds.

This Hillview mission was geared to serve as a catalyst:
* For human capital development;
* for pushing the transformation process of T&T from an agrarian society to one that is now industrial, knowledge-based but also agri-based.
* for the total development of the human personality to equip our graduates to respond positively and adequately to the challenges of the external operating environment.

From today you graduates are expected to become missionaries bearing the good news of Hillview College to the world. You are each a firefly trained and equipped to light the way in an area of darkness. You must be like the flickering lights of the deyas on Divali.

Our initial teaching staff in 1955 consisted of the late Rev. Harold Swann, Effle Mohammed and Stephen Alisharan. When we occupied this Hall as our first classroom in 1957 the terrazo floor was still wet. No secondary school today in T&T will begin in the same surroundings as the humble beginnings of Hillview College. Hillview has now risen to the top. It is the school of first choice of students from 36 primary schools stretching from Sangre Grande to San Juan as well as to Couva in the central heartland. You the students have a mission and sacred duty to defend, preserve and enhance this image.

What is This Hillview Mission?
Beginning 1955, Hillview College has made fifty years of outstanding contribution:
* to nation- building
* to educational excellence;
* to fostering and promoting social and economic mobility and equality;
* to the development and transformation of our untutored and vital human capital living within the suburban and rural communities of the East-West Corridor.

Urban-based Secondary Education in the 50's
Hillview College started in Tunapuna in 1955. Access to secondary education then was largely the exclusive preserve of the urban-based populations of the cities of Port of Spain and San Fernando. The Presbyterian Church broke this urban strangle hold by establishing SAGHS in 1950 at the corner of the EMR and Austin Street, St. Augustine outside of the cities.

That was also the era in which secondary education, except for the state-established QRC and St. George's College, was pioneered by the churches. I will later in this address give my own take on the need to reinforce and expand the merits of this tried, proven and successful system of denominational secondary education. This is the system that gives us choice.

Today we are also celebrating the crowning achievement of the College in its 50th year by winning for a third time the coveted President's Medal by our very own Amrik Singh Kochhar in the Mathematics, Science and Environmental Science category. Amrik placed first in the world in Further Mathematics and fourth in Physics. Aiyejina placed 5th and Anderson St. Hill placed 6th in the world in Further Maths. The College also secured 12 other Scholarships. In fact the 5 Presbyterian Secondary Schools won 70 of the 200 Scholarships on offer. Take a bow Mr. Gardner.

Let me offer my congratulations to the Principal and staff for continuing to forge, deepen and expand a teaching/learning culture of excellence and relevance. We are proud to be Hillview. I also extend congratulations to SAGHS and Lakshmi Girls' College for securing scholarships as well.

Participation in the Alumni Association

I earlier referred to the loyalty and bonding spirit shown by the early graduates. Mr. Chairman, today it is challenging to the Hillview College Alumni Association to get past students to realise and appreciate that they have a continuing moral and ethical duty and obligation to contribute to the further enhancement of the Hillview legacy. You the graduates have a natural duty, having regard to the many training and development benefits that you have derived from Hillview- to give back to mother Hillview something that can help to expand and consolidate the Hillview legacy. Gratitude breeds grandeur. Graduates you cannot achieve genuine success, however phenomenal without first manifesting gratitude.

This Hillview legacy that I speak of is:
* firstly, as a place of educational excellence;
* secondly, for Hillview to continue to open career development paths and excite new goals for all our students;
* thirdly, for Hillview to continue to inspire and evolve a sound code of spiritual and sound moral values and personal attributes. It is this that can serve as a potent antidote to counteract the current decline and decay of the moral and social fabric of our society.

May I issue an appeal to this 2005 class of graduates to participate in the activities of the Alumni Association. After 50 years of Hillview's existence we do not have a viable and credible vehicle to channel responses of gratitude of the graduates in terms that are beneficial to the Hillview legacy.

Gratitude to Parents
Today is the day dedicated to recognise, reward and celebrate not only the outstanding academic success achieved by all our graduants. I am also sure that you graduants will want me to pay tribute and to recognise the joint contribution of the staff as well as of you the devoted, loving, caring and supportive parents. The critical parenting role tends to get marginalised at graduation ceremonies over the euphoria generated by the excellent achievements of our children. But I want to recognise and pay tribute to the parents of our graduants.

The Parent-Teacher Association

I must pay tribute to the Hillview College Parent-Teacher Association. Since the inception of Hillview, the PTA has supported the school to achieve its mission that I referred to earlier. The PTA has contributed to a culture in which the students assume a sense of ownership of and loyalty to Hillview because of the active involvement of their parents in assisting the school and interfacing with the staff.

School Boards in the State System

In this context I wish to welcome the introduction of the School Board experiment in state-run secondary schools. Management boards are successfully used by the churches including the Hillview Administrative Committee. The composition of such boards in State schools must be insulated from political patronage and favouritism because the education of our children must be freed from our own brand of divisive polarised politics. All the management and technical resources present in the host communities must be harnessed for the success of the Government School Board system. If not, it will fail due to political contamination.

The Emergence of the Concordat

When Hillview began in 1955 it immediately preceded the emergence of the nationalist movement spawned during the 1956 full internal government elections. The granting of assisted government status in 1957 to Naparima College, Tunapuna Branch as Hillview was then known up to 1964 was touch and go. The new nationalist movement wanted to monopolise all aspects of national life including education. This culminated in the Concordat concluded between the churches and Government of 1960 that placed an embargo on further school building and expansion by the churches.

Today in spite of consistently delivering quality education there is a moratorium on school building by the denominational boards even though these schools are community-inspired, community- based and community- managed and driven schools. They are in fact superior to the 17 State Companies established to carry out projects and deliver services. But why is the creation of these 17 State Companies right and further expansion of the denominational system of education wrong? Why?

Constitutional Right to Choice of Schools
We the Citizens and parents enjoy a constitutional right enshrined in Part I (4) (f) of our Constitution to select the schools in which we wish our children to be educated. The church secondary schools to which Cabinet Ministers send their children have outperformed the State system both in terms of excellence of the final product as well as in achieving a stable, almost incident-free teaching-learning environment and a physical plant that is non-vandalised. Why not allow this success story of community-driven education to work and expand for the benefit of our multicultural community? Church schools constitute a form of effective decentralisation of the management of the educational system?

May I take the opportunity today to pay tribute to the late Roy Joseph, Former Minister of Education in the Executive Council of 1950-56 for the critical role he played in encouraging and facilitating the expansion of the denominational system that has always delivered total quality education. As for Hillview we cannot thank adequately the late Canadian Missionaries such Reverends Swann, Alcorn and Kirkpatrick- all who served as former Principals.

Ten years ago a feature speaker at a graduation function was expected to provide Hillview graduates with some guidelines and advice on how to enter and perform well on the job market. But this has changed. You graduants are not about to enter the world of work just yet.

The Societal Challenge

Today we launch you the brilliant and intellectually mature A Level graduants into the wider world away from the safety net and protection provided by the Hillview Community. Most of you now must proceed to tertiary education having regard to the current free access to University education effective 1 January 2006.
You the promising O' Level graduates must approach your A' Level studies with a broader vision:
* that will identify your future career paths;
* enhance the reputation of Hillview College;
* and improve the school environment.

I need not remind you all that O and A Level passes do not know qualify you for meaningful employment. Both A and O Level graduants must now aim to be part of 30% target enrolment at the tertiary level.

The Nature of the Societal Environment

What then must be your response to the new challenges that we the multicultural community of T&T face? You the graduants must address and factor these growing challenges:
* in forging your future career paths;
* training and development initiatives?
* Your preparation for your nation-building role
* In your plans to make a difference in T&T

Never in the history of Hillview College graduations must an understanding of the fundamentally changed social, economic and technological environment in T&T occupy such a pivotal place in the career determination of you the graduating class. That is the societal challenge.

His Excellency The President Professor George Maxwell Richards, The Honourable Chief Justice Sat Sharma and the Principal of UWI have recently alluded to the crime/Kidnapping pandemic that is ravishing Mother T&T.

The Leadership Crisis in T&T

We also have a crisis of leadership in T&T in spite of our affluence and our high levels of literacy. The country needs a new cadre of leaders who can help us- a multicultural community of communities to realise our full potential as gifted and well-endowed people. Those challenges manifest themselves within our immediate community level, at the national as well as at the globalised level.

You graduants must kindle a community consciousness geared to improve the lot of your own home and school communities that nurtured you. The villages need leaders and activists to articulate their legitimate concerns. In T&T there is sadly a correlation between illegal agitation, demonstrations, burning tyres and blocking the roads and the delivery of your entitlements- to get basic community needs. That is how uncivilised and uncaring we have become.

Those of you graduates proceeding to A' Level studies at Hillview have an obligation to seek out and assist slow learners in the lower forms of Hillview. This is called Peer Group Learning. It is also an expression of the volunteer culture into which you graduates must immerse yourselves.

It may help to reduce the O' Level failure rate considerably. You can make a difference even in the life of one lower form student.

Loyalty and Patriotism
You must develop within your psyche a commitment to Trinidad and Tobago. You must put a stop to the brain drain that is a form of injustice to Dharti Mai T&T. You cannot be obsessed exclusively with developing your professional career to promote your own well being - to achieve all the trimmings and trappings of material, professional and social success. We need genuine nation- builders and real community leaders as well. We need models for our youths to emulate and surpass. You the graduants have to nurture patriotism and loyalty to T&T. You cannot assess your civic role exclusively by how well you do professionally. You must develop a social and community-oriented conscience. You must cultivate honesty and integrity- the spiritual side to your personality. You cannot afford to be sucked into the sub-culture of drink, drugs, drive and death on our roads. That is robbing us of some of our vital human resource. Order Graduates! Please do not cross the border! Heaven's first law is obedience to your parents and teachers. Drugs and weaponry do no make you a big man!

That is the standard of ethical conduct that your motto HUMANI NIHIL ALIENUM expects of you the members of the Hillview community. Your life must be humanity-centred and people driven.

You graduates must go back to basics. That will be the true measure of genuine success.

THANK YOU GRADUATING CLASS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

50th Anniversary

Today marks the 50th Anniversary since Hillview College was established.

Photo Album 2005

Planning for 50th Anniversary celebration.

Today , at the end of year closing ceremony at the college, and short description of the 50th Anniversary celebration was given.

It would begin at approximately 8:45am at the original site of the college in Tunapuna. A tree planting ceremony would follow , and then a march to the current site of the school at El Dorado Road.

Special guests include the current Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr.Sat Sharma and the grandson of Rev. Swann , the first Principal of Hillview College.

You are also required to purchase a $50 Polo Shirt when attending the event.
The takes place on the 17th of January 2005.

End of term exams

End of term exams are beginning on the 24th of November 2004.

Good Luck to all.

Carnival Fete

The student Counsel has organized their Carnival Fete which will take place on the 14th of February 2004,at the College grounds.

The cost is $20 in advance,and $20 at the door.

Bring 5 girls and get in freeeeeeeee.

We regret to annouce the passing of Mr Tony Boodram

On Febuary 4^th 2004 @ 11:10am Mr Tony Boodram passed away after due to his illnesses.
He will be missed dearly by the students and Staff of Hillview College.
We extend our condolences to his family.