Dear Editor,
There is a tendency in the Jamaican society for us to "look down" and discriminate against some of our schools due mainly to geographical location and the perception that some schools are inherently better than others.
This perception is flawed and the top female student of the 2013 Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) has proved this. Latanya Clayton from St Jude's Primary School, located in the inner-city community of Waltham Park Gardens, Kingston 11, is this year's top female GSAT performer in the entire island from any school type. Latanya received an average of 99.6 per cent, after scoring 99 per cent in mathematics, 100 in science, 99 in social studies, 100 in language arts and 12/12 in communication task. Fifty years ago a vision led by Reverend Father Charles J Eberle resulted in the birth of St Jude's Primary School, located at 1 Norwich Avenue, Kingston 11. Since then St Jude's Primary has become a shining example of excellence, as well as a much sought after educational institution serving the needs of children in the Waltham Park area and neighbouring communities.
As a proud past student of St Jude's Primary, I wish to highlight what is indeed a very joyous moment in the history of this great institution.
St Jude's Primary has weathered many challenges and now stands proudly as an oasis providing quality education to children of the community. Despite a decrease in the school population over the years, St Jude's Primary has continued to be a blessing to all those who have attended this noble institution, and this year the school celebrates its golden anniversary.
Since its inception the school has not only distinguished itself in the academics resulting in above average scores in all national exams, namely, the Grade Four Literacy (GFLT) as well as the National Numeracy Test. But the school also continues to do exceptionally well in various extra-curricular activities, including its participation in the annual Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) competition.
The St Jude's Primary dance troupe has won numerous medals and is widely respected in the field of dramatic arts. In recent times, St Jude's students have branched out in new fields of endeavour, such as the game of chess where they have won individual as well as group medals.
I was honoured to have been at the Liturgy of Thanksgiving Service for the 50th anniversary of St Jude's Primary, held on Sunday, April 21, 2013, at the St Jude's Catholic Church. Among the specially invited guests were Minister of Education Ronald Thwaites and President of the Jamaica Teachers Association Clayton Hall.
We must pay tribute to all the stakeholders who over the years have helped to make our school what it is today. Since its inception in April of 1963 the school has benefited greatly from strong and effective leadership from the various individuals who have served as principals. We pause to say thanks to you all! Additionally, St Jude's has had dedicated teachers who have worked tirelessly and passionately with the students.
Let us not be ungrateful. Instead, let us give all the support we can to our school in this its 50th year. There are past students of this institution excelling in various fields of endeavour and I call upon all past students to remember and give back in any way they possibly can to the school which has been the foundation of their success. Let us as past students redouble our efforts in ensuring that a past students' association is formed no later than this year. Indeed, it would be a most fitting gesture on our part to show our commitment in assisting our alma mater in this Golden Anniversary of St Jude's Primary, our beloved school. Continue striving for excellence St Jude's, may you have more top achievers.
Wayne Campbell
waykam@yahoo.com
Celebrating 50 years at St Jude's Primary
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There is a tendency in the Jamaican society for us to "look down" and discriminate against some of our schools due mainly to geographical location and the perception that some schools are inherently better than others.
This perception is flawed and the top female student of the 2013 Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) has proved this. Latanya Clayton from St Jude's Primary School, located in the inner-city community of Waltham Park Gardens, Kingston 11, is this year's top female GSAT performer in the entire island from any school type. Latanya received an average of 99.6 per cent, after scoring 99 per cent in mathematics, 100 in science, 99 in social studies, 100 in language arts and 12/12 in communication task. Fifty years ago a vision led by Reverend Father Charles J Eberle resulted in the birth of St Jude's Primary School, located at 1 Norwich Avenue, Kingston 11. Since then St Jude's Primary has become a shining example of excellence, as well as a much sought after educational institution serving the needs of children in the Waltham Park area and neighbouring communities.
As a proud past student of St Jude's Primary, I wish to highlight what is indeed a very joyous moment in the history of this great institution.
St Jude's Primary has weathered many challenges and now stands proudly as an oasis providing quality education to children of the community. Despite a decrease in the school population over the years, St Jude's Primary has continued to be a blessing to all those who have attended this noble institution, and this year the school celebrates its golden anniversary.
Since its inception the school has not only distinguished itself in the academics resulting in above average scores in all national exams, namely, the Grade Four Literacy (GFLT) as well as the National Numeracy Test. But the school also continues to do exceptionally well in various extra-curricular activities, including its participation in the annual Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) competition.
The St Jude's Primary dance troupe has won numerous medals and is widely respected in the field of dramatic arts. In recent times, St Jude's students have branched out in new fields of endeavour, such as the game of chess where they have won individual as well as group medals.
I was honoured to have been at the Liturgy of Thanksgiving Service for the 50th anniversary of St Jude's Primary, held on Sunday, April 21, 2013, at the St Jude's Catholic Church. Among the specially invited guests were Minister of Education Ronald Thwaites and President of the Jamaica Teachers Association Clayton Hall.
We must pay tribute to all the stakeholders who over the years have helped to make our school what it is today. Since its inception in April of 1963 the school has benefited greatly from strong and effective leadership from the various individuals who have served as principals. We pause to say thanks to you all! Additionally, St Jude's has had dedicated teachers who have worked tirelessly and passionately with the students.
Let us not be ungrateful. Instead, let us give all the support we can to our school in this its 50th year. There are past students of this institution excelling in various fields of endeavour and I call upon all past students to remember and give back in any way they possibly can to the school which has been the foundation of their success. Let us as past students redouble our efforts in ensuring that a past students' association is formed no later than this year. Indeed, it would be a most fitting gesture on our part to show our commitment in assisting our alma mater in this Golden Anniversary of St Jude's Primary, our beloved school. Continue striving for excellence St Jude's, may you have more top achievers.
Wayne Campbell
waykam@yahoo.com
Celebrating 50 years at St Jude's Primary
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