Seamless Start to 2023/24 Academic Year in Trelawny

Educational institutions in Trelawny recorded a seamless start to the 2023/24 academic year on Monday (September 4), setting the stage for a period filled with learning, achievement, and success.

The atmosphere at several schools visited by JIS News was charged with excitement, as administrators and students eagerly embraced the new year.

Principal at William Knibb Memorial High School in Martha Brae, Linvern Wright, said the institution kicked off the new year with a carefully phased approach to ensure a smooth resumption of classes.

“We have grades nine and eight coming [in on Monday] and we’ll have from grades 10 to sixth form on Tuesday. Grade seven have come for their orientation. So it [was] orientation and distribution of books to students [on Monday]. But our phasing in is strategic. So, we’re doing it like that,” he said.

Mr. Wright noted that this cautious approach is aimed at identifying and addressing any issues that may arise during the initial days of reopening.

The Principal added that each day will conclude with a meeting to assess the progress and make necessary adjustments.

“Our expectation for the week is that it will be smooth because of the phasing in, and at the end of each day we will have a meeting to just look at how we fared for the end of the day. Many things that are supposed to be in place, like timetables, are in place, and so we’re comfortable,” Mr. Wright said.

Grade-11 student at the school, Jada-Kaye Lindsey, told JIS News that despite being nervous, she is enthusiastic about the new school year.

The prefect’s positive outlook extends to her fellow students as well, highlighting the school’s commitment to the well-being and academic success of pupils.

“I know there might be a bit of struggle balancing the academic and extracurricular. But I believe I will be okay knowing we have good teachers and even our principal supports us. So, I am sure that we are going to do well this academic year… . I have a lot of confidence this year,” she said.

Over at Falmouth All-Age, Principal, Kirk Spencer, said the smooth transition into the new school year can be attributed to the hard work of the teachers and other staff, who diligently prepared in advance.

“All the teachers knew exactly what to do and what to expect. So, based on prior preparation, we have had absolutely no glitches, and everything has gone quite smoothly,” he said.

Mr. Spencer stated that an early orientation process ensured that parents were well-informed about the school’s expectations and students knew where to go and which classes to attend from day one.

“We have had absolutely no glitches, everything would have gone quite smoothly. Parents came in their numbers. We had our devotion this morning, and as I said, everything is moving smoothly. We would have begun everything on day one. Lunch is being prepared for all the students. PATH lunches were available from day one,” he explained.

Looking forward to the academic year, Mr. Spencer expressed high hopes and outlined exciting plans for the institution, which include a robust academic programme and vibrant extracurricular activity initiatives.

“We have a lot of good expectations. One of our plans for this calendar year is to have our students participate in more competitions outside of the school to raise the school’s profile and make parents proud of their children attending this institution,” he said.

For her part Principal at Rio Bueno Primary and Infant School, Shawnie Wilson-Cunningham, said that with the unwavering support of parents, teachers, and the Board of Governors, the institution kicked off the academic year with great enthusiasm and careful preparation.

She told JIS News that preparations started during the summer break where the school underwent a comprehensive facelift, with the entire premises being cleaned, painted, and adorned with various signs to enhance the learning environment.

“Within this summer period, we would have gone through, got the place cut clean, and everything was repainted,” Principal Cunningham explained.

She stated that the school community wanted to ensure students were greeted with an environment designed to make them feel comfortable and happy.

“All our students came back; they’re comfortable, they’re happy, and we created that kind of environment for them. So, it was smooth sailing for us. The parents came out and supported us,” Mrs. Wilson-Cunningham states.

Grade-six student, Nieheim Henlon, expressed sheer delight as he stepped on to the school grounds to begin his grade-six journey.

“It feels wonderful to be back. I am happy that I have the same teacher [from grade five] because she is a very wonderful teacher and I was so glad to see my friends [again],” Nieheim expressed.

The student intends to work diligently as he strives to excel in his Primary Exit Programme (PEP) examinations

“I plan to not idle but focus on my work. Yes, there will be a little playing, but I will focus mostly on my work,” he said.