It is fifty years since the college opened and so many changes have taken place since then? Brother Michael (picture), rector of St Mary?s between 1969 and 1975, remembers the very beginning of the school when the teachers tried to balance the academic side and the practical aspect. The school mentality was built on the precepts of St John Baptist De la Salle. The brothers who taught in the school were his followers. In fact, he lived under the reign of Louis XIV and was very aware of the misery and poverty of that time. He wanted to improve the lot of the poor ? education was an integral part of his programme. This is where the brothers got their inspiration.

?The only hope I can have is that the college continues to perpetuate the traditions of discipline, hard-work and moral standards that we have so painfully built up,? declared Brother Michael. As he was in Mauritius for ?two short weeks? only, he was not really able to see how the situation has evolved since he left in 1975. ?Of course, the country has experienced great advancement. And I am proud to see what St Mary?s college has achieved during the past fifty years. I am happy that it has retained our philosophy while adjusting to change? I know this is not easy but it is worth the effort.?

Brother Michael is aware that ?life is very different from what it was in the 70s». The number of students in class has gone up and it is becoming more difficult for teachers to manage them. ?This is a worldwide phenomenon. There are more material things and students should be better educated on how to handle those things. Peer pressure is becoming worse. So education should show them the difference between what is right and what is wrong. Teachers must not be afraid to speak directly to young people; they can understand!? Today, there are many ways of getting an education other than through teachers. ?But teachers must remain the key factor. They should never forget that they are role models for students regarding both behaviour and academic performance.?

His visit? even if it was very short ? allowed him to see his former students. And he is so proud of what they have achieved. ?All the former students I have met have succeeded in one way or another. Although it was not always easy for us at the time ? especially because the government did not give so many grants as today ? I am proud to see that we have been successful? And I am sure that whoever takes over will continue the trend for the next hundred years.?