Half-Way Tree Primary Gets Equipped Playground

The more than 1,000 students at the Half-Way Tree Primary School in St. Andrew now have a fully equipped playground where they can engage in fun and exciting play while developing their physical and mental health.

The equipping of the facility was undertaken by the Kiwanis Club of Trafalgar.

The Club is spending $10 million from its Park Project Grant, funded by the Kiwanis Division 23 East, to build and upgrade playgrounds at primary and early-childhood schools across the Corporate Area.

Lieutenant Governor of the Kiwanis Division 23 East, Stephan Rampair, told JIS News that “the aim is to promote wellness in children. We want to upgrade facilities where we can that will allow children to play more and explore more”.

Faculty Advisor at the school, Sherilyn Clifford, told JIS News that the playground, which includes a swing, climbing bars and a seesaw, will be a source of fun and enjoyment, particularly for the younger students.

“We know that the children are going to enjoy it, and I can only imagine how they will be excited. This is the first playground that they have had, and it is a feeling of joy. Play is important; it is at the centre of the early-childhood curriculum, and children need to build their social skills,” the teacher said.

Principal of the institution, Carol O’Connor Clarke, said that the playground will “enhance our students’ development, especially the little ones, and for the bigger ones it works to instil disciple. Thanks to the donors for bringing joy to our school. Students can enjoy themselves when it is the right time, and it is a very big gift for our 100th year celebration”.

Established in 1924, the Half-Way Tree Primary School is one of Kingston’s most prominent educational institutions for primary-level students.

The school is dedicated to producing well-rounded pupils who not only excel in the academics but in sports, arts and culture.