by YVETTE BEST

FORMER PRINCIPAL of Bayley's Primary David Catlyn was back in command of morning assembly last week Wednesday.

Even though it was a function in his honour and he has not been in charge for almost two terms, the children quickly shuffled to attention and became quiet as soon as he gave the order to do so.

That was Catlyn, the disciplinarian that staff and pupils had grown to know and respect.

Senior teacher Joseph Harrison spoke on behalf of principal Margaret Brandford, students and the entire staff.

Harrison's tribute looked at the impact of the "retired but not expired" past principal as the man, academician, disciplinarian, sportsman and musician.

In every aspect it was clear that Catlyn had made a major difference. None moreso than in the areas of academics and sports.

During his decade at the school, there was reportedly a dramatic improvement in the students' performance in reading and comprehension. He even introduced the Principal's Challenge Shield for the top performer in Part B of the language paper at Common Entrance.

It was under his tenure and assistance with batting that the school reached the quarter-finals in the late 1990s through 2002 in the Herman Griffith Competition. They went on to the finals every year since and won in 2006.

Bayley's also did well in athletics, finishing in the Top 5 in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

Accolades and gifts were poured on him from students, staff and other professionals, including president of the Barbados Association of Principals of Primary Schools (BAPPS) Wilmont Straughan.

Straughan said he met Catlyn during his early years as a principal and was impressed by his stature.

Attributes

Among the outstanding attributes Straughan found in Catlyn was his insistence on going down to the level of the children to hear their concerns, and the fact that he knew every one of them by name.

He said he also taught him how to leave the balls outside of the off-stump or face the dilemma of being caught in the slips.

The BAPPS president pledged to have Catlyn's name written in the history of the association for his contribution to the profession.

In response Catlyn thanked everyone for their tributes and encouraged the students to continue to work hard.

He told all within earshot that his modus operandi revolved around transformation and gave examples on how he was able to transform Bay Primary, where he met Brandford, the current principal, Bayley's and BAPPS.

Though he is enjoying his retirement, Catlyn admitted that he missed speaking with the children in the corridors and that they had motivated him.