Manchester’s Belair High now a public school
THE BELAIR High School, which was built and established by bauxite company Alumina Partners of Jamaica to provide an Americanbased programme for children of expatriate employees, was officially opened as a public institution on Wednesday.
The decision came at a time when several private institutions have been forced to close their doors because of economic challenges. The move has also eased the burden of space with the addition of classrooms and the renovation of other facilities, amounting to $40 million.
With Belair being the first school to receive such a benefit from the National Education Trust, Director Kathy Francis-McClure said 33 other schools will be expanded to accommodate a larger number of students.
CHANGES ADVANTAGEOUS
Manchester Central Member of Parliament Peter Bunting, in his address, said there are several advantages to having transitions and expansions in the school system.
“We have tremendous infrastructure here already, and it would make much sense for us to work with the school board and have Belair opened to the public … . It makes sense, too, because having a new school, no matter how well- intentioned, staffed and led, takes some time to develop a brand and a reputation. Here, we are able to short-circuit that as you (Belair) have built an excellent brand over decades,” Bunting said.
He alluded to phenomenal transformations made by schools such as Campion College, and noted that he expects Belair to have the same success.
We have tremendous infrastructure here already, and it would make much sense for us to work with the school board and have Belair opened to the public … .
Education Minister Ronald Thwaites commended the school for its excellent performance both academically and otherwise, and for affording numerous students the opportunity to get a good education. He, however, charged the school, along with others, to do better in math and offered help from the ministry.
“There is no shame in realising your deficiency and asking for help … . We ask, too, that you implement strategies for the students who pass through the doors to not only do well academically, but to have character.”
Making a biblical reference, Thwaites asked that more Nehemiahs and less Sanballats be present in the education system.