From humble beginnings on the island of Grand Turk to soaring proudly as one of the most respected primary schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the story of Ona Glinton Primary School is a journey of vision, resilience, excellence, and community spirit.
A journey much like a great flight taking off into the skies with courage, faith, and purpose.
These words perfectly capture the triumphs and spirit of a school whose wings first stretched open in September 1970.
Originally known as North Primary School, affectionately called North School, the institution began its flight with Mrs. Gladys Seymour serving as the Head Teacher. Like a skilled pilot preparing a new aircraft for its maiden voyage, Mrs. Seymour guided the school carefully during its earliest days. Six months later, Mr. Collins Clive Squance from the United Kingdom arrived and became the school’s first Principal, helping the young institution gain altitude and direction.
When Mr. Squance departed, Mrs. Seymour made history by becoming the first local Principal of North Primary School. A remarkable milestone that proved local leadership could confidently captain the journey of education in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Her commitment to learning and leadership continued in 1981 when she traveled to the United Kingdom to study at Cambridge University for one year. Upon returning home, she served briefly within the Education Department before becoming a Guidance Counselor at the high school level, continuing to uplift and direct young minds.
As the years passed, the school continued climbing higher through the dedication of many remarkable educators and leaders. The principals who helped navigate the school through different seasons included Mrs. Marjorie Been, Mrs. Georgina Been, Mrs. Mary Maureen Williams (1988-1992 during the North Primary School era), Mr. Ainsly Magregor (1992-1996), Mrs. Helena Durham (1996-1999), Mrs. Rosabelle Adams (1999-2004), Ms. Heidy Williams (2004-2008), Mrs. Gwen Harvey (2008-2021), and the present principal Mrs. Rhoda Williams, serving faithfully from 2021 to today.
Many of the teachers throughout the decades were qualified local educators whose love for children helped fuel the engines of progress within the school. Alongside them were expatriate teachers who also contributed their knowledge and experience, proving that education is strongest when many hands work together toward one destination.
In 1989, North Primary School was officially renamed Ona Glinton Primary School, honoring a distinguished and highly respected educator – Ona Irene Glinton, whose contributions helped shape the educational landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The renaming marked not just a change in title, but the continuation of a proud legacy rooted in service, excellence, and national pride.
Even the school uniform carries its own beautiful story woven into the fabric of OGPS history.
In September 1976, a lovely peach and white gingham jumper was specially designed for a student to wear with a white cotton blouse and matching white or peach socks. Mrs. Gladys Seymour admired the design and recommended it become the official girls’ school uniform. In September 2026, this beloved uniform proudly celebrates 50 years of tradition. The jumper was designed by Mrs. Mildred Angelina Garland-Astwood for her daughter, Joan Astwood-Sutton, who attended the school during that period. Today, generations later, families continue to preserve this treasured symbol of OGPS pride.
Today, the Ona Glinton Primary School celebrates 55 years of excellence, the institution continues flying proudly through the skies of educational achievement.
The 55th anniversary stood as more than a milestone. It was a reunion of generations, a tribute to educators, a celebration of community, and a reminder that many leaders throughout Turks and Caicos society first learned to dream within the classrooms of Ona Glinton Primary School.
For 55 years this institution has shaped minds, built character and produced generations of Turks and Caicos Islanders who continue to make meaningful contributions at home and abroad.
And on Friday night, an anniversary gala was held in the Nations Capital, in attendance was 3 generations of Miss Ona Glinton’s legacy… her son Fred Glinton, her grandaughter who moderated the evening Cheryl-Ann Forman and yours truly her great granddaughter Zoya Faessler.
Happy 55th Anniversary Ona Glinton Primary School! A Proud Past, A Promising Future!
And as this remarkable aircraft continues its flight through history, one thing remains certain: the skies are not the limit for Ona Glinton Primary School, they are only the beginning.
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