Penwood High welcomes newly furbished ICT centre
THE STUDENTS of Penwood High School are now boasting the acquisition of a newly constructed state-of-the-art information and communication technology centre. The school held its official opening ceremony of the centre in the auditorium under the theme ‘Creating Vision, Enacting Change, Moving Forward,’ on Friday, October 4.
“Alumni, students, and parents, welcome to the official opening of our new computer lab. Students, a great deal of effort and care has been put into the design and construction of your new computer lab. Penwood has endeavored to use only the latest and most advanced equipment and materials; no corners have been cut!” stated Board Chairman Gregory Pullen.
“The floor tiles are porcelain, which is much more expensive than the customary ceramic, but they are expected to outlast your five-year term and then those terms of your many successors. The lighting is LED, the air conditioners are inverter, the ceiling tiles are acoustic, the computers and the Internet switching networks are modern and fast. The Internet is delivered by high-speed, state-of-the-art fibre-optic cables; the audiovisual system is supported by 65 inches of smart television,” he said.
The chairman further noted that the students previously had access to computers but will now benefit from 40 more Internet-equipped computers, as well as Wi-Fi for approved devices which will legitimately aid in the furtherance of their education.
Representative of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Ricardo Kennedy, commended the school. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step, and at Penwood High School, you have made giant steps towards growth and nation-building.”
THE JOURNEY
Principal Donna McLaren gave ‘The Journey of PHS,’ which was essentially a reflection of the school’s history, its achievements in sports and education, and
its multiple name change before finally transitioning into Penwood High School.
“As the present captain for this ship it is my vision for Penwood High to be the premier high school, offering a comprehensive education utilising the best practices in international secondary education. We will continue to play our part as we advance the welfare of the whole human race,” she said.
Specially invited guest, keynote speaker, and Member of Parliament for the Kingston and St Andrew Division, Prime Minister Andrew Holness, highly praised the educators and administrative staff for their efforts in maintaining discipline, in light of previous issues surrounding attendance and performance.
“I can tell when I enter
[a] school, when a school is improving; when its management and leadership are working it is palpable, just by entering the institution,” the PM said.
“We have had some very difficult times at this school and I can tell you, because I’ve been here with you for a very long time, and I have been witness to some of the challenges that you face. So you must understand how proud I feel when I see the school now starting on the upward trajectory,” he added.
The prime minister stated that based on the CSEC results, the measures implemented for reinforcing discipline and academic performance by the school’s administration is bearing fruit. He also thanked the Overseas Examination Council for the provision of the school’s computer lab, stating that it will aid not just in computer and technology literacy, but also in exams that will be sat online.
“As we progress and the IT becomes robust in this area, many of our exams will be sat online, and so schools having these labs will be at an advantage, because they will be able to participate in those exams which are conducted online,” he concluded. The lab was officially launched with the cutting of a ribbon by the prime minister.
Located at 8 Rhoden Crescent, Kingston, in the Olympic Gardens community, Penwood High is a coeducational high school serving over 800 students from adjoining communities. The school not only offers academic programmes, but seeks to ensure the holistic development of its students. Subject offerings include English language, mathematics, natural and social sciences and the business subjects.