Teaching is about connection

For 45 years, Ann Marie Clarke has been a cornerstone of St Monica’s Preparatory School (SMP). From her early days as a teacher to 25 years as principal, she has served with dedication, strength, and deep Catholic conviction. On behalf of the SMP community, former vice principal Olivia Guillen sat down with Clarke before her retirement, to catch a glimpse of the woman behind the leadership.

Q: What inspired you to become a teacher?

A: From my youngest days, I had a love for dolls and would line them up and teach them. I always wanted to impart knowledge. My own teachers like Miss Zamore and Theresa Winchester who once said to me, ‘Ann Marie Martin, you are a teacher,’ and that just led me in this direction.

Q: Do you remember your first day at SMP?

A: Oh yes. I started in Standard Three. I was nervous, but the children just fell in naturally. They made me love the work from day one.

Q: Who helped shape your path?

A: Sr Mary Eunan SJC was a guiding light—faith-filled and firm, yet kind. Of course, the many teachers who walked alongside me over the years truly helped to shape who I became. There is nothing quite like a teaching family.

Q: How did you uphold the Catholic identity of the school?

A: Faith was always at the centre. Every classroom had a crucifix and a statue of Mary. We maintained the traditions—Mary processions, the Stations of the Cross, even staging them at the National Academy for the Performing Arts. First Communion has remained a beautiful part of our school life. My favourite hymn, ‘Sing Out My Soul to the Lord,’ has carried me through all seasons. When things seemed too much of a challenge… I know He alone understands, and I have learned to place all my cares in His hands.

Q: What would you say was one of your proudest moments as principal?

A: There are so many proud moments, but I have to say naming the school houses with saint names is something I’ll always hold dear. Together with the staff, we chose strong male saints: St Michael, St Francis of Assisi, St Augustine, St Patrick, and St Thomas Aquinas. Fr Gregory [Augustine CSSp], then principal of Fatima, blessed them during a moving ceremony on the sports field. That image of his blessing each house is a fond memory.

Q: What challenges have you faced?

A: Covid was one of the biggest. We had to pivot quickly—create online platforms, support staff and students, and keep the school community intact. Even masks posed a challenge but faith and flexibility, and of course a strong team of teachers got us through.

Q: The arts have been central at SMP. How did you nurture that?

A: I’ve always loved English and Drama. I was taught by Belinda Barnes and even performed on stage while teaching. Working with the likes of Marina Bartholomew, Sonya Moze, and Cecilia Salazar, we have kept our dramatic and cultural traditions alive—Calypso competitions, all of it. These moments bring the school to life and create memories for the students who walk our halls.

Q: What will you miss most?

A: The people. Teaching is about connection. I’ve met lifelong friends here, and I’ll miss the laughter, conversations, and community.

Q: What advice would you give your successor?

A: Love the work. Take each day as it comes. You don’t have to fix the world in one day, but you do need to connect.

Q: What’s next?

A: I’d like to do missionary work—help others find their voice, offer service where I can. I pray to Sts Lucy and Agnes, and I hold close the words: ‘Jesus, Mercy,’ ‘Mary, Help,’ and ‘Lord, Increase Our Faith.’

As Clarke closes this chapter, her legacy is one of service, spirit, and faith deeply lived. She leaves behind not only a school, but a family bound by shared values and enduring love.

The SMP community thanks Ann Marie Clarke for her unwavering dedication, faith-filled leadership, and heart for others. Her influence will echo in the lives she touched for years to come.