When Hurricane Fabian touched down in Bermuda on September 5, 2003 it came with forces which brought dreadful destruction to Bermuda.

The vicious winds and the forces of nature created destruction, fear and havoc on Bermuda’s relaxed way of life. The storm was one of the most costly and the most deadly recorded in Bermuda.

The Island was in a state of recovery and St. George’s Preparatory, one of the town’s historic school landmarks, was a victim on Church Folly Lane.

Despite the devastation of 2003 today the primary school stands as a shining example of old and new. The devoted principal, Mary Lodge, is very excited about the progress made as are all the teachers and students. They display a sense of jubilant pride as does the entire community.

As Mrs. Lodge shared her poignant memories she reflected that she was unable to reach the school until two days following Hurricane Fabian due to the severely damaged causeway.

“It was pouring with rain as I slowly approached the school. I went into instant survival mode. I thought, ‘where are we going to go?’

“In retrospect, I tried to put my emotions aside for the moment and deal with the painful reality.”

Two of the schools devoted trustees, Garth Rothwell and Terry Bowers, drove around St. George’s with Mrs. Lodge searching for a temporary school. With the help of Charlie Marshall they decided upon the Community Centre just off the top of Barrick Hill and adjacent to “King Bean”, a discount store.

Mrs. Lodge and the teachers of the Prep focused on the business at hand and school soon commenced.

It was a huge community effort to relocate the school but tenacity, patience, and good will from all prevailed. Mrs. Lodge said the prisoners from Ferry Reach and the Kiwanis Club of St. George’s were especially helpful.

“St. Georgians are wonderful, caring people and there was a wave of goodwill which washed over us. Citizens were extremely kind and generous.

“On our first day at our new school, a very gracious and kind elderly lady just popped up with a delicious batch of home made cookies for the children.

“The children were very happy to return to school. They were very cooperative and a special bonding occurred,” shared Mrs. Lodge.

Meanwhile preparations were being made to restore St. George’s Prep by the firm of A.J. Lewis and St. George’s architect, Terry Bowers.

Restoration began six months after Fabian and took 18 months to complete. It was almost two years exactly when the children returned last September.

Mrs. Lodge said: “While we were in transition, as a leader I learned to cope with ‘what I must accomplish now: this day, this hour, this moment.’

“The Prep is enjoying its new beginning. All of us have learned about dealing with diversity. Our PTA has been very supportive and we are grateful to all who have helped.”Our students are certainly more empathetic to others in need. I am proud to say they helped the children affected by the Tsunami incident by raising $10,000 for the Tsunami victims. They have also raised money for other disasters.”

The three well spoken school students that were briefly interviewed were: Cayla Wade, Taneesha Ottley ages ten and in primary 6, and Jai Trott age 8, primary 4.

They love their school and were impressive in the way they adoringly spoke of it. They shared some of their hurricane reflections.

Miss Wade said: “When the hurricane came I was disappointed because I thought we would be out of school. After it left I learned our school was closed. It was nice being out a little while but I need school to survive in the world.”

Miss Ottley’s comments were: “The hurricane was dangerous but I learned different things hurricanes do. They destroy our environment. It brought the community together and people helped people. I did not like cold water for a bath. I was just devastated about our school and I was so happy to come back!”

Master Trott confidently added: “The hurricane caused hard times but look at us now! We learned how to work in a different school place for a while. Our school is fresh, even the railings, and our classes look better than before. We have new books. It is nice to be back on our playground!”

When the group was asked about advice they would render to other students if a hurricane damages their school they said:

“Keep cool and get back to school work as soon as possible. Do home school by reading and doing math. To be smart, you need an education.

“Be patient and good while your school is repaired. Do not panic, stay calm.”

Hurricane Fabian came and caused devastation to the “Prep” as the locals refer to it.

However Fabian boosted community spirit and brought many people from various walks of life together through a common cause. As a result, the Prep stands tall and beautiful again and remains an even lovelier school than ever before.

St. Georges Preparatory was formerly The St. George’s Grammar School which became the first school in Bermuda to become racially integrated.

The first board meeting was December 3, 1875 but the school actually opened January 10, 1876. The school moved to the present site in 1924.

Currently, the school needs new playground equipment. If you would like to contribute towards this cause contact Mrs. Lodge who estimates the cost will exceed about $20,000. The phone number is: 297-0370.