JIS: Jamaica’s National Standards Curriculum (NSC) is rooted in the local context and is designed to meet the needs of the Jamaican learner. It allows for the interrogation of national requirements and international expectations and places them in local settings. More importantly, the curriculum focuses on developing the child intellectually, aesthetically, physically, and emotionally.

 

With this model, learners are placed at the heart of the curriculum, and it encourages independent thinking and pulls on interest and talent. The various disciplines, science, technology, engineering arts, and mathematics (STEAM), are interconnected and relevant to real-life situations. More importantly, the curriculum provides a clear and relevant pathway for learning and is flexible in responding to the developmental needs of each child.

 

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MoEYI), on February 26, 2019, replaced the Grade Six Assessment Test (GSAT) with the introduction of the Primary Exit Primary Exit Profile (PEP). It provides a profile of student’s strengths and weaknesses and their readiness for Grade 7. It assesses students’ knowledge, in addition to placing increased emphasis on assessing contemporary skills including critical thinking and communication. In a quest to sensitise the public, the MoEYI coordinated a series of sensitisation sessions of the NSC and its attendant assessment, the PEP. Stakeholders were engaged through various workshops, PEP camps, dissemination of materials, radio and television interviews, among other things.

 

On February 26, March 26-27 and April 16-17, 2019, students in the island’s public and private institutions sat for the first time the Ability Test, Performance Task, and the Curriculum-Based Test. More than 40,000 students were accommodated in 1,104 centres islandwide, under the supervision of a trained cadre of invigilators.

 

PEP STIMULATION CENTRES

Notwithstanding the work of the ministry and dissenting voices on its various approaches, school leaders have played their role in ensuring the full implementation of the National Standards Curriculum. Mark Jackson, principal of Ascot Primary in Portmore, St Catherine, has articulated that leadership matters and has brought into focus the behaviour and priorities of effective principals in ensuring that students, parents, and teachers speak with one voice as we are prepared and developed in this new approach.

 

An effective principal understands that while improving test scores is important the quality of instruction is equally important, for improving student achievement. Jackson indicated that there has to be a strong nexus between curriculum and assessment. His statement accords with Stiggins 1994; Valencia, 1990; and Wiggins, 1989, whose research indicate that authentic assessment is aligned with the curriculum. It assesses what we teach and what we value. As a principal, he ensures that assessment is integrated into daily instruction and classroom activities.

 

In fully embracing the NSC, Jackson has moved to making the alignment of instruction and assessment a culture of the teaching and learning environment of his school. In order to build on this culture, he has conceptualised the implementation of stimulation centres for the NSC and the PEP. These centres display how assessment involves real learning and exploration. Each centre is given a title (PEP-on’, ‘PEPfinity’,’ Hot-PEPpers’, ‘PEPperiffic’, and ‘PEPperville) to excite the imagination, develop creativity, and encourage curiosity in the children. Each centre is designed to reflect a real-world setting such as the beach, the park, rafting, treasure hunt and a play station. The centres are geared at stimulating students’ interest in academics. Fostering based on the material provided; and promote information, communication and technology. They also ensure the application of the 4Cs (communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity).

 

The centres form part of the learning environment that supports the learning activities appropriate to achieve the desired learning outcomes in the National Standards Curriculum.

 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The National College for Educational Leadership (NCEL) has been integral in enabling Jackson to implement the stimulation centres across the grade levels. Having attended a recent training offered by the College and accessing the module on Effective Classroom Observation, he has sought to implement his action plan to put greater focus on instructional leadership. Jackson said, “The stimulation centers are but one of the strategies aligned to the Effective Classroom Observation Module that I have indicated in my action plan required by the NCEL. I must laud the college as it has allowed me to stretch my intellect in broadening the scope of this initiative.”

 

Jackson added that the students are able to go into the corners at leisure to access materials and work collaboratively in resolving real-life issues. He further stated that it has been serving its purpose and the teachers are pleased. He emphasised that exposure to the training and the attendant post-training requirements allow each principal to develop a workable action plan aimed at developing strategies within their schools to raise student performance. Jackson has seen incremental growth in his teachers and the enthusiasm and interest of the students where the NSC and PEP are concerned. As a leader, he desires to continue his growth and to learn as much as he can so that he can be even more credible for his students, teachers, parents, and the school community. He stated that “knowledge is infinite and change is inevitable. As an educator, you must stay current. NCEL raises your abstraction level. It stretches you to build your teachers and for them to become better.”

 

Jackson is happy that he has gained new skills and insights to make the NSC and PEP his everyday language in the school environment.

 

 Information provided by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information.

 

 

 

JIS: The Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP) III is providing $9 million to support youth engagement activities this summer.

 

The CSJP III is financing the operation of six summer camps and summer employment for more 800 youth from communities in which CSJP III is currently based.

 

Speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ on Friday, July 12, CSJP III Communications/Social Marketing Specialist, Patrice Tomlinson-Nephew, said the organisation is committed to supporting activities that benefit youth.

 

“Studies have shown that youth are the main perpetrators and victims of violence, and it is because of that we have gone straight to the target to make that difference in their lives. We support these activities with these kinds of curricula, because we are heavily focused on crime prevention, and once youth absorb what is shared at these camps, we believe there is a lower propensity for these youngsters to get involved in violent behaviour,” she argued.

 

Mrs Tomlinson-Nephew said 90 per cent of the camps, which will be held in July and August, are done in collaboration with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

 

“These camps are coordinated by the JCF through the Community Safety and Security Branch (CSSB). The different police divisions have their unique ways of engaging these youngsters throughout the summer, and through their targeted approach they have identified a cohort of youngsters, and we are providing the financial support,” she said.

 

The summer camps target children between the ages of six and 17 and they are engaged in a variety of activities focusing on the development of social skills, art, music, sports and technology.

 

According to Mrs Tomlinson-Nephew, the camps are aligned with the mandate of the Ministry of National Security.

 

“This lines up well with the Ministry of National Security’s crime-prevention measures in which they have heightened the use of music, sports and technology from a policy perspective, so these camps work well within the Ministry’s direction at this time,” she said.

 

The summer camps are coordinated by St. Andrew Central Division Sports Club, Kingston Western Division, St. Andrew South Division, Kingston South CSSB, St. James Division, Kingston Eastern Division and the Office of the Children’s Advocate.

 

CAPTION: Communications/Social Marketing Specialist, Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP) III, Patrice Tomlinson-Nephew, addresses JIS Think Tank on Friday, July 12.

 

JIS: Ninety aspiring principals have been equipped with the skills and competencies to prepare them to assume leadership roles at the nation’s public schools.

 

These individuals, who were trained under the National College for Educational Leadership’s (NCEL) Aspiring Principals Programme, were presented with certificates, during a graduation exercise on Tuesday (July 9), at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge, University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus.

 

They are the fifth cohort to benefit from the 10-month training programme offered through UWI, equipping them with the Professional Qualification for Principalship (PQP).

 

Covered under the training are five critical areas of effective leadership for school success – transformational leadership, instructional leadership, organisational leadership, community leadership, and sustained school interventions.

 

Minister with responsibility for Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Karl Samuda, who brought greetings, congratulated the graduates on achieving another milestone in their professional development and encouraged them to seek the assistance of the Ministry in executing their duties.

 

“If the facilities that you have at the school do not lend themselves to the growth and development of the whole child, then what I am expecting and pleading with you to do is to sound the alarm bell. Don’t take on the task of correcting difficulties that you are ill-equipped to correct because you need resources,” he said.

 

Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr. Grace McLean, in a message read by Chief Technical Director in the Ministry, Barbara Allen, noted that the NCEL, through the training programme, is preparing educators to lead transformational change in institutions.

 

“We are mindful that we have a common goal of working towards the improvement of our schools. We want to applaud the team of NCEL for the work that they have been doing.

 

“The team continues to provide training and professional development programmes for leaders across the education sector, with a view of building on existing competences and keeping educational leaders abreast of current good practices and trends,” Dr. McLean said in her message.

 

She noted that an important aspect of transformational leadership is building a positive relationship with students.

 

“We cannot be excellent leaders if we do not work well with our students. We must listen and show that we care, so that students will be encouraged to excel,” she said.

 

“Transformational leadership must be the catalyst that encourages all stakeholders to give of their time and other contributions to improving the learning outcomes of our children,” she added.

 

In her remarks, Director of Programmes, NCEL, Dr. Cheryl McLaughlin, said the training seeks to provide highly trained, effective school leaders to ensure the best educational outcomes for students.

 

“In order for there to be a steady stream of highly qualified school principals, the national college, through the APP, has created a robust principal pipeline, which ensures the continuous availability of principal aspirants, who are able to fill these positions nationwide,” she noted.

 

Established in 2011, the programme seeks to adequately prepare individuals for the task of the principalship prior to their being in the post. The objective is to ensure that they have the competencies needed to operate effectively in an increasingly demanding environment.

 

The NCEL provides continuous professional development for leaders across the education sector with a view to building on existing competencies and keeping them abreast of current practices and trends.

 

CAPTION: Chief Education Officer, Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Winnie Berry (right) presents participant of the Aspiring Principals Programme (APP), Fitzroy Abbott with a certificate at the programme’s presentation ceremony on Tuesday (July 9) at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge, University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus. Ninety participants from the fifth cohort graduated from the programme this year. The APP programme is hosted by the National College for Educational Leadership (NCEL).

JIS: President of the National Parent-Teacher Association (NPAJ), Dr. Lennon Richards, is calling on parents to enforce the dress code that schools have established for students.

 

Delivering the keynote address at the St. Catherine-based Kitson Town Primary School’s annual school-leaving exercise on July 2, at the Kitson Town Baptist Church, he also cautioned against skin bleaching, emphasising its attendant health and identity issues.

 

“Parents, it is very important that your children are well-attired,” he told the gathering, adding that once the manner of dress is known to the school community, the children should not be allowed to leave home wearing clothes that are not acceptable to the institutions.

 

He called on fathers to stay close to the schools their children attend, and for all parents to do regular checks of their children’s school books, and to be “very mindful of the friends that your children keep”.

 

Dr. Richards, who gave personal awards of $10,000 each to the Top Female and Male Students of the Year, Nicollette Spencer and Chesnut Coombs, said the school-leavers must become “champions among their peers”.

 

Meanwhile, Chairman of the school Board, Reverend Norva Rodney, told the gathering that the school is on a “trajectory, and progress is being made”.

 

The Chairman said once communities in the area “show a positive appreciation for what is being done at the school, the institution will deliver”.

 

For her part, Acting Principal of the school, Janice Yates, said there is much to be celebrated, as despite the “newness” with the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations, students have been placed in schools of their choice.

 

“We are confident that our children will succeed, wherever they go. Students, remember your responsibility and to push towards excellence. Go forward with the discipline that we have sought to instil in you,” she urged.

 

CAPTION: President of the National Parent-Teacher Association (NPAJ), Dr. Lennon Richards (right), speaks with Top Female and Male Students of the Year, at the Kitson Town Primary School in St. Catherine, Nicollette Spencer and Chesnut Coombs, at the institution’s annual school-leaving exercise, held on July 2 at the Kitson Town Baptist Church. Also pictured (from left) are Chairman of the school Board, Reverend Norva Rodney; Parents – Nicola Spencer, James Spencer, Garfield Coombs and Avril Owens, and the school’s acting Principal, Janice Yates.

JIS: Wife of the Governor-General, Her Excellency, the Most Hon. Lady Allen, is encouraging young people to think big and set their goals high.

 

“You have to find what you love and do it. You also have to be committed. Anything you want to do in life, any boundaries you want to remove, you have to show commitment and never let any negative thought tell you ‘can’t’, because you can,” she said.

 

“Never limit yourself. Be outstanding at what you do and do it to the best of your ability. This will serve you well in your academic, professional and personal life,” she added.

 

Lady Allen was delivering the keynote address at the 2019 graduation exercise of the Shortwood Practising Infant, Primary and Junior High School, held on Tuesday (July 2) at the institution’s grounds on Shortwood Road, St. Andrew.

 

She congratulated the 126 graduates on the milestone achievement and urged them to continue to strive for excellence despite any obstacles they may encounter.

 

“In the next 10 to 15 years, you will be the young entrepreneurs, creative thinkers and nation-builders. There is nothing stopping you from becoming the person you want to be,” she said.

 

Lady Allen encouraged the youngsters, as they enter a new phase of life, to make the most of the opportunities presented and to hold on to the values of integrity, hard work and discipline instilled in them by their families and teachers.

 

“As you enter high school and the teenage years, you will encounter new challenges and new mountains… . You have two powerful tools – your mind and your power of choice. How you handle these and the choices you make during this coming period will determine the course of your lives. The journey will not be easy, but persevere. You are the next generation that will move this country forward,” Lady Allen said.

 

The ceremony included a presentation of special awards of cash prizes, plaques and trophies to students and members of staff for outstanding achievement and contribution to the academic and social activities of the school.

 

CAPTION: Wife of the Governor-General, Her Excellency, the Most Hon. Lady Allen (left) receives a plaque from graduate of the Shortwood Practising Infant, Primary and Junior High School, Donique Wesley, after delivering the keynote address at the institution’s 2019 graduation exercise on Tuesday (July 2).

 

JIS: Wife of the Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Juliet Holness, is urging young people to use their time wisely, while striving for academic and personal excellence in all pursuits.

 

Addressing a graduation ceremony at the Donald Quarrie High school in Kingston, on June 30, Mrs. Holness told the graduates that time waits on no one, and urged them to make the best of the various opportunities that will come their way.

 

“The sky is the limit. One of you can be the next Prime Minister, Head of the army or the police force, the next home-grown talent, like Chronixx; the Chief Justice, Bank of Jamaica Governor, or the next Usain Bolt,” Mrs. Holness said, reminding them that they will be the leaders of the future.

 

“As we plan for tomorrow, but with no promise for tomorrow, we should use our time wisely and we should take our responsibility with God seriously,” she added.

 

Mrs. Holness, who is also Member of Parliament for East Rural St. Andrew, told the graduates that they should make their parents proud. “It is about time we set the pace in our subject areas, and be the leaders in the discipline across life that we wish to become,” she said.

 

Mrs. Holness encouraged the females to remain focused and not be distracted or sidetracked.

 

“It is about time we as ladies take control of our situations. You as young ladies should take a stand and let your boyfriends know that you are prepared to wait until the time is right… for pregnancy,” she told the young female graduates.

 

Mrs. Holness also urged the young men to assist in reversing the growing trend where girls are taking over institutions of higher learning.

 

She said that at universities and colleges across the island, the enrolment reported is four times the amount of females to males, adding that at the University of the West Indies the enrolment is actually seven females to one male.

 

“Young men, we still want men to assume their roles as leaders of the family and of the communities, get in shape from now; it is about time,” she said.

 

Mrs. Holness provided a cash award of $50,000 each to students Tashay Roberts and Tevin Royes, who copped the Top Girl and Top Boy awards, respectively.

 

During the ceremony, a moment of silence was observed for the two students who passed during the academic year.

 

The 2019 graduating class consisted of 63 students.

 

CAPTION: Wife of the Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Juliet Holness (centre), shares a moment with students at the Donald Quarrie High School, Tevin Royes (left) and Tashay Roberts, who copped the Top Boy and Top Girl awards, respectively, during the school’s graduation ceremony, held at the institution’s premises in East Rural St. Andrew, on June 30.

JIS: Lower sixth-form student of the Guy’s Hill High School in St. Catherine, Legecia Angus, is the National Child Month Committee (NCMC) top Academic Achievement Award recipient for 2019. Miss Angus was recognised on Friday, June 28 at an awards ceremony held at the Alhambra Inn in Kingston.

 

She was chosen from a group of 18 students representing non-traditional high schools across the island.

 

To qualify for the Academic Achievement Award, students must attend a non-traditional high school, attain five or more subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Cerificate (CSEC) level and overcome great odds to achieve those outstanding results. They should also be involved in community service, in keeping with the spirit of volunteerism.

 

Miss Angus has been on the school’s Honour Roll since grade seven; served as Senior Prefect and is now the Head Girl.

 

At the pinnacle of her high-school life, she gained nine subjects with seven distinctions and two credits in the CSEC Examinations in 2018. Accepting the award, Miss Angus encouraged the other recipients not to think about where they are now and never to let their circumstances define them, emphasising that they should be defined by the steps that they take and what they do to achieve something even greater. She attributed her success to her determination and commitment to triumph over adversities.

 

Meanwhile, the first recipient of the inaugural Academic Achievement Award in 2014, Jaffet McDonald, who is presently a fourth-year medical student at the University of the West Indies (UWI), and is also a past student of Guy’s Hill, implored the recipients to unmask and unleash their greatness.

 

He encouraged them not to let situations in their lives haunt or stop them from starting again and again if necessary. “Be passionate about your pursuits and use your indomitable spirit to fuel your success,” he said.

 

Other recipients of the sixth NCMC Academic Achievement Awards included: Anthony Cato, Kemps Hill High and Jessica Henry, Denbigh High, in Clarendon; Natalie Cole, Vauxhall High, Kingston; Aaliyah Gordon, May Day High and Kasheem Wiseman, Cross Keys High, in Manchester; Jason Brown, Salvation Army School for the Blind and the Visually Impaired and Tianna Campbell, Mona High School, in Kingston. Also receiving awards were Shellion Brown, Tacious Golding High, in St. Catherine; Damain Rose, Black River High and Jenelle Linton, Newell High, in St. Elizabeth; Code Clarke, Anchovy High, St. James; Tashema Reddie, Bimmervale High, St. Mary; Samoya Jones, Buff Bay High, Portland; Kevoy Williams, Troy High and Sue-Amar Reid, Muschette High, in Trelawny; and Shavae Brooks, Grange Hill High and Joseph McLeod, Petersfield High, in Westmoreland.

 

CAPTION: Patron of the National Child Month Committee (NCMC), Hon. Douglas Orane (right), speaks with Legecia Angus, top recipient of the NCMC’s Academic Achievement Award 2019. Occasion was the awards ceremony, held on Friday, June 28 at the Alhambra Inn, in Kingston.

JIS: Nineteen year old Manchester student, Setrice Patricia Clarke, who established a Foundation to assist youngsters’ high school placement examination preparations, is among 12 residents of the county of Middlesex receiving the 2019 Governor-General’s Achievement Award.

 

She is one of two citizens of Manchester who have been recognized, the other being Dr. Grace Kelly.

 

Ms. Clarke and her co-recipients were presented with their awards by Governor-General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, during a ceremony at the Wembley Centre of Excellence in Hayes, Clarendon, on June 27.

 

The event was held under the theme – ‘Engaging, Empowering and Inspiring Jamaicans’.

 

Through her Foundation, Ms. Clarke, who received the award in 18 to 24 age category, has been able to assist youngsters from her Sabbath School and community to prepare, initially for the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) and subsequently the Primary Exit Profile (PEP), through Easter and Christmas camps.

 

Ms. Clarke, the Office of the Children’s Registry central Jamaica representative who lost her father seven years ago, initiated the Foundation with the help close associates while enrolled in sixth form at high school.

 

Among those benefiting is her brother, who successfully sat his exams and is now in high school.

 

Ms. Clarke, who is preparing to embark on tertiary studies, told JIS News that “once I am in university, the work of the Foundation will continue with the other members who are in it”.

 

The other awardees are: Dennis McKenzie, Sejae Burey and Dr. Maurice Smith J.P. from St. Ann; Christiana Plummer, Jamar Wright and Dr. Everton Thomas – St. Catherine; Christiana Blake, Roxanne Brown, and Rev. Ann-Marie Richards – Clarendon; and Ivy Veronica Gordon – St. Mary.

 

The awards were made in three age categories – 18 to 24 for academic excellence and volunteerism; 25 to 35 – academic and professional excellence, and volunteerism; and 35 and over, for achievements attained under challenging circumstances, and significant contributions to society.

 

The Governor-General, in congratulating the awardees, said he was inspired by the stories of the honourees’, “who have engaged, empowered and inspired themselves and other individuals”.

 

“They have made a difference and left lasting footprints of good works behind them,” he added.

 

CAPTION ONE: Governor General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (left), converses with newly appointed Custos Rotulorum of Manchester, Hon. Garfield Green, during the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards ceremony for the county of Middlesex, at the Wembley Centre of Excellence in Clarendon on June 27.

 

CAPTION TWO: The Excellencies, the Governor-General, the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (centre, seated), and Lady Allen (third right), with Custodes Rotulorum of parishes in the county of Middlesex, and the region’s recipients of the 2019 Governor-General’s Achievement Awards. Seated (from left) are the Custodes of: St. Catherine, Hon. Rev. Jeffrey McKenzie; Manchester -Hon. Garfield Green; Clarendon – Hon. William Shagoury, St Ann – Hon. Norma Walters; and St. Mary – Hon. Maxine Marsh. The awards were presented during a ceremony at the Wembley Centre of Excellence in Clarendon on June 27.

JIS: A special education unit has been established at Chetolah Park Primary School in Hannah Town, to cater to the needs of primary-age children attending that and other institutions in western Kingston who have learning and other developmental challenges.

 

The centre, which has been named the Chetolah Mel Nathan Special Education Unit, consequent on a merger initiated with the neighbouring Mel Nathan Preparatory School, results from a Ministry of Education, Youth and Information study revealing the need for such a facility in the region.

 

Its establishment was spearheaded by the Ministry, in partnership with the Digicel Foundation, which refurbished and outfitted the unit at a cost of over $13 million.

 

Key among its features are four refurbished classrooms and bathrooms; an assessment room; an access ramp for youngsters in wheelchairs; multimedia projectors; mimio tools, which transform whiteboards into interactive smartboards; books; furniture; and storage facilities.

 

The centre was formally opened on Friday (June 28) by State Minister, Hon. Alando Terrelonge; and Foundation Chair, Jean Lowrie-Chin.

 

Mr. Terrelonge said the facility’s establishment is timely, in light of the myriad symptoms characterising the profile of children with special needs.

 

These, he noted, include cognitive developmental weaknesses; physical and psychological challenges; terminal illness; and food allergies, all of which “do require special attention”.

 

The State Minister, in acknowledging the frustration that many parents and families experience consequent on these traits, urged them to be patient with and to encourage the youngsters, as “they have a right to be here”.

 

A special education unit has been established at Chetolah Park Primary School in Hannah Town, to cater to the needs of primary-age children attending that and other institutions in western Kingston who have learning and other developmental challenges.

 

The centre, which has been named the Chetolah Mel Nathan Special Education Unit, consequent on a merger initiated with the neighbouring Mel Nathan Preparatory School, results from a Ministry of Education, Youth and Information study revealing the need for such a facility in the region.

 

Its establishment was spearheaded by the Ministry, in partnership with the Digicel Foundation, which refurbished and outfitted the unit at a cost of over $13 million.

 

Key among its features are four refurbished classrooms and bathrooms; an assessment room; an access ramp for youngsters in wheelchairs; multimedia projectors; mimio tools, which transform whiteboards into interactive smartboards; books; furniture; and storage facilities.

 

The centre was formally opened on Friday (June 28) by State Minister, Hon. Alando Terrelonge; and Foundation Chair, Jean Lowrie-Chin.

 

Mr. Terrelonge said the facility’s establishment is timely, in light of the myriad symptoms characterising the profile of children with special needs.

 

These, he noted, include cognitive developmental weaknesses; physical and psychological challenges; terminal illness; and food allergies, all of which “do require special attention”.

 

The State Minister, in acknowledging the frustration that many parents and families experience consequent on these traits, urged them to be patient with and to encourage the youngsters, as “they have a right to be here”.

 

 CAPTION: Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Alando Terrelonge (left), and Digicel Foundation Chair, Jean Lowie-Chin (second left), view a commemorative plaque unveiled during Friday’s (June 28) official opening of the Chetolah Mel Nathan Special Education Unit in Kingston. The facility is situated on the compound of Chetolah Park Primary School in Hannah Town. Others sharing the occasion are the Ministry’s Region One Education Services Director, Dr. Kasan Troupe (third left); Acting Principal of Chetolah Park Primary, Mervis Blackwood (third right); former Principal, Robert Smith (second right); and students of the school.