Major Upgrading at Edith Dalton James High

Major renovations at Edith Dalton James High School in Western St. Andrew, over the last seven years, enabled the administration to replace the double shift system for students, with an extended day format, at the start of the 2014/15 academic year, on September 1.

The  $40 million upgrading, which dates back to 2007, include development of an office complex; a conference centre; multipurpose building; several classroom blocks; and renovation of the auditorium.

The most recent included five additional classrooms and a library resource centre, built at a cost of over $6 million.

Construction of the classrooms was spearheaded the Ministry of Education’s National Education Trust (NET) between February and September this year, and has increased the complement to over 30.

Work on the library resource centre was initiated by the school’s administration, and completed over a six-week period, spanning September and October.

In addition, the school received four hundred desks and chairs courtesy of philanthropic organization, Food for the Poor.

The library resource centre and newest classrooms were formally opened by Education Minister, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, during a dedication ceremony at the school’s Duhaney Park campus, on October 30.

Delivering the keynote address, Rev. Thwaites commended the Board and Management “on the successful implementation of this expansion project.”

The Minister described the school’s administration as “pathfinders” in its decision to abolish the shift system. “We hope that during 2015, we will be able to remove between 20 and 30 schools from the shift system,” he added.

“I pay tribute to you…for being exemplary in using resources to the very best advantage for your students. This is an example for all of those who have stewardship of public or, indeed, private resources (to follow),” Rev. Thwaites said.

In his remarks, Principal, Mr. Ray Howell, thanked all the stakeholders contributing to the school’s development.

“A rounded education can best be secured in an environment conducive to learning. Conscious of this, we at Edith Dalton James High School, constantly strive to provide such an environment. This drive propelled us to move towards the abolition of the shift system (and replacing it with) a more student-friendly arrangement, with the extended day concept. Now, students can benefit from more teaching-learning contact time, which has been increased by approximately 30 per cent,” Mr. Howell stated.

Other speakers included: Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) President, Doran Dixon; Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) President, Franklyn Gray; and Kenyama Brown, who represented Western St. Andrew Member of Parliament, Hon. Anthony Hylton.