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Nestled in the heart of
a city plagued by crime and serious moral issues, the Willowdene
Group of Schools has been making strides in growth and development,
academia and as a medium of social change in Spanish Town.
During the weekend of
July 7 and 8, 2007 the school hosted a historic graduation exercise
with 68 students graduating, 32 from The Prep School and 36 from The
High School Division. This reflects the significant population
growth the school has seen over the last three years. The number of
students on enrollment has increased from approximately 350 in 2004,
to over 700 presently.
Mr. Basil Tabannor, Principal of the Willowdene Group of Schools,
said the school’s growth is as a result of team effort and the fact
that they are focused on their mission as an institution of the
church.
During his presentation at the graduation exercise, he stated,
“There is an atmosphere of worship which makes the difference. We
are not grappling with fear and doubt and although we experienced
difficulties, God kept us.”
According to Pastor
Everett Brown, President of CJC and chairman of the school, the
growth and development of the school will continue. He asserts that
“We are committed to being the best and not second best…we will
continue our support of the program so that our children can find a
right place in the society.”
Pastor Dudley Mullings, Education Director of CJC also gave the
school his commendations. He said, “If our children are to be
cemented on a solid spiritual ground, the Willowdene Group of
Schools must be our option regardless of the challenges we are
facing. Remember with Christ in the vessel we can smile at any
storm.”
Infrastructural Development
During the past school year, there has been significant development
in terms of infrastructure with the opening of the Early Childhood
Division. This new facility includes two new classrooms, a lunch
room, tuck shop, canteen and a 100sqft play area. Currently, there
are 83 children on roll and five teachers.
Structural development is scheduled to continue at the school during
the summer break. The Early Childhood Division will be further
expanded with two additional classrooms. The present auditorium will
also be remodeled to a state-of-the art structure that will serve as
a multi-purpose facility.
High Government Ratings
The school was assessed earlier this year by the Ministry of
Education and the assessors conferred that they were pleased with
what was seen.
“They said that the school is on the right path and they were
pleased with the level of professionalism, commitment and mission.
They also said that the school was well managed and there was clear
evidence of synergy among the staff,” the principal informed Central
Focus.
Academic Success
This level of commitment is evident in the performance of the
students academically. At the CXC level, 26 students were selected
for entry last year and 25 were successful. Of this sum, four
received 10 subjects and five received at least 6 subjects.
This year, the GSAT results were also impressive and a number of
students were placed in traditional high schools such as Campion,
Immaculate, Merl Grove, St. Georges College, St. Jago and St.
Catherine High.
Huge Success in Various Competitions
In the area of social and curricula activities, a number of students
from all divisions participated in various festivals and
competitions and have done the school proud. Recently a group
participated in the JPSco’s Science Competiton and their project was
a research on the leaves of the lignum vitae tree as a means of
controlling insects. This project was selected for display at the
National Exhibition.
At the J.C.D.C Festival, the school walked away with 11 medals (2
golds, 7 silvers and 2 bronze) for their choir and ensemble pieces.
At the Culinary Arts Festival the school was awarded gold, 3 silvers
and 2 bronze medals, and at the Spanish Festival the school captured
a gold and silver award.
According to Mrs. Miller, one of the social coordinators at the
school, the festival competition provided the opportunity for the
students to realize that there is more to school life than just
academics.
“We wanted to expose them to the different sides of school as well
as to make people aware of the wealth of talent this school
possesses,” she told Central Focus.
The students also participated in the National Junior School Quiz
earlier this year and advanced to the third round. This means that
they will be automatically selected for the new season beginning
this September.
Equal Share of Challenges
Amidst the success the school is experiencing, there is an equal
share of challenges. According to the principal, one of the greatest
challenges is support from the local churches.
“If we had the support of all the churches we would be better able
to defeat the enemy and adequately prepare the students for the
society,” Mr. Tabanor said. “The school has undergone much criticism
but while this is welcomed, this should be done without implicating
the school.”
He added that the church could get on board by increasing its
financial contribution. “If each member gives $10 every week this
would amass enough funds to place us in the position where we can
compete with the fees offered by government schools, and match that
of traditional schools,” he said.
He also pointed out that the population of the school has increased
dramatically due to the current demand for a school environment
which embraces the morals and values of the society consistently.
This is reasonable grounds for the church to make meaningful
investment in the product offered at the institution.
The Willowdene Group of Schools will remain an institution of choice
because it is grounded on sound spiritual and moral principles. If
the school should achieve its objectives however, it will need the
corporate effort of all concerned according to the Parent Teachers
Association president, Mrs. Sheren Thorpe.
“All participants need to lift the standards of the school and work
assiduously. We need a culture of pride in every person in order for
the school to reach its full potential,” she said.
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