14 things only a (Kingston) ‘College Man’ would know

Kingston College, more popularly referred to as KC, is a traditional all-boys school that has been around for more than a century. The institution, which is well known for the strong loyalty among its students and alumni, occupies two campuses: the North Street Campus and Melbourne Campus. But, more importantly, KC is renowned for its academic and sporting excellence. Observer Online spoke to members of the school community to uncover a number of things you would know only if you attended the institution. 1. The motto Over the first three weeks of attending the institution, new students had to be able to recite the school motto and say it properly in Latin. The institution is guided by the motto: “Fortis Cadere, Cedere Non Potest”, which means “The brave may fall but never yield”. The motto has become deeply embedded in the KC identity, reflected in the determination and perseverance of its students and alumni. 2. The perfect ‘V’ tie Students attending the institution also had to learn how to tie their school tie in a particular way that distinguished them from students of other schools. This method is the classic triangular ‘V’ knot. The tie must also be worn above the belt. 3. The dreaded third bell Every KC old boy knew what time it was when the school bell went off to signal the end of the lunch break. If the bell rang three times and students were still in the lunchroom, it could lead to caning, which was a form of corporal punishment at the time. 4. Disciplinarians Mr Ramsay and Mr Bryan When a student misbehaved and was instructed by a teacher to go to the principal’s office, he might simply receive a scolding. But it was a different matter when he was sent to Mr Keith Bryan or JAH Ramsay’s office. Students who were sent to either vice-principal’s office knew they were likely to receive caning. 5. Lignum vitae tree or ‘reasoning tree’ The Lignum vitae tree, also known as the ‘reasoning tree’, is a popular spot at the North Street Campus where boys gather to lime. It is also a location where a lot of ‘carding’, or teasing, takes place. For some KC old boys, sitting under the tree brings back memories of the caterpillars that would often fall on their heads or, sometimes, even into their sky juice. Not to mention the greenery that would quite often rub off on their trouser bottoms when they chose to take a seat. 6. Ms Pearl “If you never eat a Ms Pearl food you never went to KC” is a common declaration among the alumni community. Ms Pearl’s eatery was located behind the back wall at North Street. Jumping the wall for Ms Pearl’s food was a must. 7. George and Chilly A popular part of KC culture at the Melbourne Campus was the presence of two vendors, George and Chilly, who supplied students with bread and sky juice. George was the owner of the business, and Chilly was his side man. Chilly was said to have got his name from a cartoon character. George was one of the few vendors allowed on the school premises at the time with his cart. Students could purchase bread with butter and corned beef, along with a bag of sky juice, for 15 cents. 8. Sasa and his bread special Sasa and his bread special are staples in the lives of many students at the Melbourne Campus. The popular shop, located across from the campus, is where students go to purchase breakfast before school begins. Among the favourites is his bread special, an egg sandwich. 9. KC Mayfair KC Mayfair was a popular event held at the North Street Campus on a weekend in May. It featured games, food, rides and plenty of excitement. The event was also open to students from other schools. 10. Papa Smurf Papa Smurf is the name of a district barber whom KC boys go to for a trim or line-up, particularly when they are not in compliance with the school’s rules. 11. Champs march A critical part of KC culture is the annual walk from the North Street Campus to the National Stadium for the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Championships. The march, usually held on the penultimate day of the highly anticipated high-school track and field event, is a vibrant display of Fortis school spirit, with students decked out in purple and white, accompanied by marching bands and cheerleaders. 12. Brotherhood Mentorship takes place on the Melbourne campus for the boys from first to third form. From day one, KC boys are taught the history of the school and the importance of looking out for one another. This is evident in the school’s strong alumni network. KC students and old boys can easily recognise each other; sometimes, all it takes is a “Fortis”. No ‘KC man’ gets left behind, especially during Champs. They are protective of their brothers and rally around each other. 13. Mr Johnson ‘Johnno’ Mr Ivan ‘Wally’ Johnson, a former principal of the Melbourne Campus, was a no-nonsense principal and disciplinarian. He is remembered by students for his strict approach to discipline, including using the school bell to hit students on the head. 14. Morning chapel session with Father Michael Father Michael Brown is the school’s chaplain and an old boy of the institution himself. He leads devotion at the school one day each week. More affectionately known as Father Michael, the chaplain is described as both inspirational and funny. He also leads devotion for a grade once a week. - Vanassa McKenzie