Some positives for New Central High

Dear Editor,

I note with interest the article titled, `Central High School not being downgraded or phased out -St Mary’s High to go’ (SN January 12). On the Central (or New Central High) side that has some positives; in the next instance, while the St Mary’s picture is a work in progress and is not as clear and acceptable as it should be, it is, also, somewhat at odds with the above caption.

First, I focus on the pluses. It is encouraging to read that the students in Form 5, who are preparing for the CSEC challenge will do so under the tutelage and conditions to which they are accustomed, and which makes for solid sense. By conditions I rely on the official from the Ministry of Education representing that “the only separation within the school are the Grade 11 students.” I think that is a wise step, since the children from St Mary’s are pursuing studies in a stream that is outside of the CSEC standards. It could be mixing aviation fuel with diesel.

Second, I am heartened to learn that the government did offer some options. Regional Education Office, Ms. Marcia Paddy-Andrews, noted that multiple areas were identified for relocation of the school, but the parents did not agree to any of the spaces suggested. I regret that the parents decided upon that course of action. It had something to do with being “out of the catchment area.” At the risk of being in error, I am going blindly into this one by interpreting “catchment area” to mean within the old Georgetown boundaries. It is unfortunate that multiple choices were offered and matters still ended up in the place that it did, which none find satisfactory. Sometimes hard choices and harder sacrifices have to be made by responsible adults for the long-term welfare of the younger ones. As a quick, but pointed, aside, I assert that not all of us can reside in gated communities or find everyday parking right in front of our destinations; many times, we have to creep before we can walk. The optimal comes