Trudy Simpson, Staff Reporter
Members of the St. Andrew High School Drummers entertain the audience at the press launch of the school's 80th anniversary
celebrations held yesterday at the Terra Nova Hotel, St. Andrew. - CARLINGTON WILMOT/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
IN THE wake of increasing incidents of violence affecting schools, Education Minister Maxine Henry-Wilson yesterday urged administrators to take a strong stand against violence.
Speaking at the launch of activities to mark the 80th anniversary of her alma mater, St. Andrew High School for Girls, Mrs. Henry-Wilson said schools should continue to help students to make great achievements, especially in a world where young people are exposed to so many conflicting and sometimes negative views.
MANY CHALLENGES TO OVERCOME
Making reference to recent reports from the National Task Force on Education, the minister said that there are many challenges to overcome in the education sector, including a failure by the system to equip some learners with the "requisite skills and competencies," and the burgeoning problem of violence in schools.
"... Perhaps even worse is the comment (from the task force) on the range of violent and antisocial behaviour that is now a part of the school environment and ... which
stifles students' potential to learn. Schools like St. Andrew High must confront these challenges and stand firm and tall ... Some things must simply not be acceptable," said the Education Minister.
During the function, held at the Terra Nova Hotel on Waterloo Road, the St. Andrew High School outlined year-long plans to mark its 80th anniversary, being celebrated under the theme, 'Abundantly Blessed - The Legacy Continues.'
Sonia Hayden, chair of the fund-raising committee, told The Gleaner that the school is hoping to raise $100 million in the next five years to fund modernisation
projects at the school.
80th anniversary activities
80th anniversary service on the school grounds on September 21, 2005
Annual awards ceremony, November 24, 2005
A carol service sponsored by the Old Girls Association (past students) on December 7
A PTA walkathon on March 18, 2006
A school's open day, March 31, 2006
Fund-raising activities such as a wine and cheese party (March 29) and 80th anniversary banquet (April 1)
An education conference to be held
at the Knutsford Court Hotel on June 2, 2006 under the theme, 'Education
for Abundant Life: Challenges in a
Globalised World.'
