ST. CATHERINE, Jamaica — The Central Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists has announced the appointment of Mrs Jasmine Lawrence-Brown as the new Principal of the Willowdene Group of Schools, marking a new chapter in the leadership of the institution.

 

The announcement was made by Pastor Nevail Barrett, President of the Central Jamaica Conference and Chairman of the School Board, during a Professional Development Seminar held on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the O. B. McKenzie Auditorium. The seminar brought together staff from the Willowdene Group of Schools and Campbell’s Castle, along with members of the Central Jamaica Conference team.

 

During his chairman’s remarks, Pastor Barrett challenged the institutions to remain “Christ-Centered, Spirit-Led and Mission-Focused” as they continue the work of Seventh-day Adventist Christian education. He also expressed appreciation to the outgoing principal for his leadership and service before introducing the new school administrators.

 

 

“We express our sincere appreciation to Mr Peter Williams for his unwavering leadership and dedicated service to the Willowdene Group of Schools. His contribution has helped to shape this institution and the lives of generations of students,” said Barrett.

 

As he welcomed Mrs Jasmine Lawrence-Brown as Principal and Mrs Venetia Thompson As Interim Vice Principal, he charged them to build on this strong foundation while leading Willowdene forward as a Christ-centred, Spirit-led and mission-focused institution.

 

More Than 30 Years in Education

 

Mrs Lawrence-Brown brings more than 30 years of experience in education, with a professional background spanning teaching, guidance and counselling, student development, school administration and educational leadership.

 

Her association with Willowdene began in 2007, when she joined the institution as a Guidance Counsellor and Educator. In 2019, she was appointed Vice Principal, serving in that capacity until her recent elevation to Principal. Throughout her tenure, she has provided strategic, academic and operational leadership while supporting Willowdene's commitment to quality Seventh-day Adventist education.

 

As Vice Principal, Mrs Lawrence-Brown played an active role in institutional planning, curriculum alignment, staff development, student support, behaviour management and school improvement. Her contribution has also included leading professional development seminars and leadership meetings, mentoring students and collaborating with parents, educators, church leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen the school community.

 

Prior to joining Willowdene, she served at Wolmer’s Trust High School for Girls from 1995 to 2007 as a Guidance Counsellor and Educator. She began her professional career at Oracabessa Secondary School in 1994, combining classroom instruction with guidance and student support.

 

Mrs Lawrence-Brown holds a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Northern Caribbean University, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology from The University of the West Indies, and a Diploma in Teacher Education, Guidance and Counselling from The Mico Teachers’ College.

 

Her commitment to Christian education extends beyond the classroom. She has served the Seventh-day Adventist Church in several leadership capacities, including Education Department Leader and Assistant Leader, Family Life Leader, Adventist Youth Leader and Couples’ Club President. She has also been involved in community and professional organisations, including the Education Foundation for Children’s Care, the Jamaica Association of Guidance Counsellors in Education and the Jamaica Red Cross.

 

Mrs Lawrence-Brown becomes the 15th Principal of the Willowdene Group of Schools. Her appointment represents a continuation of nearly two decades of service to the institution, where she has developed extensive experience in its academic, administrative and student-development programmes.

 

Thompson Appointed Interim Vice Principal

 

Following Mrs Lawrence-Brown’s appointment as Principal, the position of Vice Principal became vacant. Mrs Venetia Thompson has since been appointed Vice Principal, joining Mrs Lawrence-Brown in providing leadership to the institution as it begins this new chapter.

The seminar was also attended by Pastor Stephen Drummond, Education Director of the Jamaica Union Conference (JAMU), who delivered the devotional charge.

Drawing lessons from the life and leadership of Moses, Pastor Drummond encouraged educators to trust the process and the hand of God in the direction of their lives. He emphasised that Moses, though placed in a position of leadership and influence, experienced true success when he fully surrendered to the call of God.

 

 

“We must learn to trust the process and the hand of God in the direction of our lives. Moses was placed in a position of leadership and influence, but his true success came when he fully surrendered to the call of God. As Christian educators, our effectiveness likewise depends on our willingness to surrender to God and allow Him to lead.” said Drummond.

The programme also reinforced the institution's emphasis on strengthening its workforce and mission. Presentations addressed employee motivation, faith in teaching and service, and the use of performance management to enhance teacher development and team performance.

 

Celebrating 39 Years of Service

 

The leadership transition also provided an opportunity for the Central Jamaica Conference and the Willowdene Group of Schools to celebrate the contribution of Mr Peter Williams, who has retired after an outstanding 39 years of service to the institution.

In a fitting conclusion to the day's programme, Mr. Williams offered his final words of encouragement and empowerment to staff as they prepared to enter the 2026/2027 academic year and a new chapter in the life of the institution.

His nearly four decades of dedicated service have contributed significantly to the growth and development of the Willowdene Group of Schools.

 

 

The Central Jamaica Conference, Education Department, school community, students, parents and alumni express sincere appreciation to Mr Williams for his commitment to Christian education and his longstanding contribution to Willowdene.

 

The Willowdene Group of Schools enters the 2026/2027 academic year building on a strong foundation while remaining committed to developing students through quality, Christ-Centred Seventh-day Adventist education.