In the Beginning

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In 1959 Canon Gordon Hazlewood founded the St. Cyprian’s Preparatory Boys' School. The school was sited on George Street, Belleville, St. Michael.  After starting with a roll of just forty-two (42) students, sixty years later it boasts a roll of two hundred and forty (240) students. This may be considered a small roll, but it is one which enables individual attention. The Principal and Staff know every student by name and what difficulty, if any, a student may be experiencing. The criteria for admission are centered on a first-come, first-serve basis. The earlier the parents registered their children the better. 

In 1986 a Company was formed consisting of a five-member Board of Directors. Canon Hazlewood was appointed Chairman and Mrs. Patricia Small, a Banker by profession, Secretary of the Company. Mrs. Small's association with the School commenced in 1977.  After the death of Canon Hazlewood in October 1990, she took over the Chairmanship of the Company. 

Founder's dream comes true... 

Canon Gordon Hazlewood founded and managed St. Cyprian's Preparatory Boys' School from its inception. He came to Barbados in 1934 as Senior Curate of St. Michael's Cathedral, becoming the Dean there in 1939. He served in that capacity for some 21 years. During that period, the Cathedral parish included the diocese of All Souls and St. Cyprian's churches. It was not surprising therefore that when the building adjacent to St. Cyprian's Church became vacant, he took the initiative to put it to good use, starting a school for boys. Canon Hazlewood took an active part in educating students. Every Wednesday morning, he conducted a Religious education period with the boys. In 1985, however, he realised that in order for the school to continue as a going concern, he would need to have a formal board in train. As a result, the school was incorporated, and a five-member Board of Directors elected. It is interesting to note that two of these members - Dr. Derek Griffith and Trevor Pinto were former pupils of the school. The consecration of the school's chapel by the Bishop - the Right Reverend Drexel Gomez - on October 18, 1989 seems to be the zenith of the Canon's association with the school. He acknowledges it was a dream come true. His sister, Zoe Leola Hazlewood, was very instrumental in helping him raise funds for the institution over the years and must be commended for her efforts. His name is synonymous with St. Cyprian's. In fact, the new chapel named in his honour, bears his portrait done by medical practitioner, Mr. Andrew Sears, one of the numerous parents so proud to be associated with this outstanding school. 

Handing Over The Reigns...

In 1985 Canon Hazlewood requested the assistance and knowledge of Mrs. Patricia Small in carrying the School forward. She considered this an honour and has carried on the wishes of the Late Canon. In 1998 as a senior Manager at Barclays Bank, Mrs. Small terminated thirty-one years of service. For two years after she worked with Canadian Bank of Commerce as a Consultant. In 2000 she closed her banking career and retired. This gave her more time to dedicate to St. Cyprian’s School. 

Canon Hazlewood ‘planted’ the School in 1959…Mrs. Patricia Small has ‘nurtured’ it from 1990 to the present. Now thirty-three years later she continues to be the driving force and backbone of the school.

May God continue to richly bless and guide her in her daily routine as she continues to maintain a high standard of education in our Island.