School with a difference!

Monday, February 13, 2012

Dear Editor,

Gideon Educational Centre, an Early Childhood and Primary School in Kildare, Buff Bay, has embarked on a hype, value-based school infusion programme called "Transforming Our School Culture: For a Better Me, A Better You, A Better We!" At first appearance the school looks like a normal basic and primary/preparatory school, except just a little more colourful.

But at 8:30 am, 12 noon and 2:30 pm, the majestically divine sounds of Jamaica's National Anthem ring out and suddenly, students and educators everywhere - in class, in the driveway, kitchen, and office - immediately come to attention. Look closer and you see seven year olds in Miss Bradshaw's G1 and even four-year-old children in Miss Grey's K2 respectfully mouthing the prayerful words, "Eternal Father bless... Jamaica Land We Love".

Right after the anthem, they all say in a "call response" style:

"We are child advocates...!" "We are environmental stewards...!" "We are excellent...!"

Between each statement they sing a reinforcing song, I Am a Promise, which validates their child advocates call; Heal the World reinforces their environmental stewardship, and It's a New Beginning underlines their commitment to excellence.

Right after, the National Core Value for that month is declared. For example, "The National Core Value, our school and my personal value this month is Respect and Reverence for Life!" "We embrace and express Respect at Gideon," and "I Respect You," as they hug one another. Jah Cure's powerful reggae song, Respect, then rings out to dancing and singing, respectfully of course!

The short but impactful time ends with everyone reciting a well known maxim or current popular value-based statement related to the National Core Value. For example, "I will respect the opinions of others, even if I disagree with them."

Primary head teacher, Mrs Michelle Desgoutte, will tell you that after the 8:30 am transformational session, students go to their classrooms where the maxim is the first order of discussion, comprehension, writing and application. First, there is the reading together, then writing it in their books, defining key words, discussing the deeper meaning of the maxim and then making application to real life situations.

This daily approach is enhanced by special "daily emphases". Monday is Love Day, Tuesday is Leadership and Social Skills Day, Wednesday is Media Day, Thursday is Jamaica Day, and Friday is English and Reading Day.

This school of about 215 learners and educators also celebrate special environmental themes monthly. They take one class trip per month to celebrate the environmental theme and have one All School Environmental Celebration per term. Early Childhood head teacher, Mrs Nadia Carby, says, "You have to experience this Transformation Infusion to believe it, and the impact on the students is simply unbelievable."

Michael Aiken

mandrewa@aol.com

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School with a difference!