From the In-Goal

The Acquisition of Quinta Jones

admin Oct 24, 2024

In 1949, the Board made the momentous decision to purchase the beautiful property known as “Quinta Jones,” which consists of a large mansion also located on Av. Los Castaños, near the main entrance of the Valparaíso Sporting Club. The estate, surrounded by spacious gardens and open spaces, was intended to eventually house the School building, with the main structure reserved for the Boarding Department.

As previously mentioned, the realisation of this comprehensive plan remained unattainable due to prohibitive costs, making it a “counsel of perfection.” Quinta Jones was officially taken over in January 1950.

Boarding students had to march every morning from Quinta Jones to the School, located on Los Castaños, about three blocks away. In the afternoon, the same routine was repeated. Mr. William Pérez, the Housemaster, was responsible for overseeing the students during this daily journey.

Quinta Jones eventually became home to the Headmaster’s residence, the Boarding School, and Kindergarten, along with First and Second Prep classes. From Third Prep to 6° Humanidades (IV Medio), classes remained at the Los Castaños location.

Seeking Our History

admin Aug 9, 2024

Seeking our History will be a section aimed at presenting the community with its past, by recounting the different locations that The Mackay School has had during its 167 years of operation.

The “Old” School

It all started by closely examining the photo that most of us have seen of the “Artisan School.”

A one-story house with non-traditional architecture for 19th century Valparaíso.

This photo has a caption that says “THE NEW SCHOOL” and this was the trigger because from the previous phrase derives the question: what is the Old School?

This turned into document research and field visits, with the aim of corroborating what is indicated in the accounts of a magazine called “An Outline of its History” as well as some documents from the Anglican Church.

In this sense, it was determined that it was in the “Protestant Oratory” where the “Artisan School” began its activities, with four students. This was located on Santa Victorina Street in Cerro Alegre, now known as Lautaro Rosas Street No. 330, 25 meters from Miramar Street.

The cornerstone that allowed the discovery of the “Old School” was the visit to the “garages” mentioned in the documents.

These facilities remain with all their original structure except for the roof. At that time, this construction corresponded to the stables (Horses and mules were the means of transportation used at that time).

Felipe Figueroa & Charlie Borrowman

Main Idea of a Prefect

admin Jul 15, 2024

From the in – goal cómo metáfora deportiva, abordará en sus sucesivas publicaciones, aquel vértigo para alcanzar las metas que nos proponemos. En este sentido, será un ejercicio de revisión del  presente y el pasado del colegio de manera intergeneracional. Aquí Charlie y Felipe nos dirigimos hacia ustedes:

In July 5th Ten students from IV medio were selected as new prefects. Charlie Borrowman recap information from our school’s history to present how the charge of prefect should be developed.

“With hand and heart we make our part”, and it isn’t easy. To achieve our goals we have to first eliminate the word “problem” by the word “challenge”.

We have to face several challenges in life and the way we face them, is the result of our efforts in this long match that I was able to win. That is why I’m watching you from the in goal, ready to support you in the difficult yet beautiful task as prefects.

Be righteous, fair and disciplined. Be an example of pride when wearing your uniform and demand the same from the students you lead. Your school demands it and deserves it. It has served the community for more than 160 years, earning the respect of all of us.

Keep your standard high!

Carlos Borrowman