TEACHERS at schools across the Corporate Area say they were encouraged by the level of support from parents for yesterday's celebration of Jamaica Day.

According to the teachers, the participation of the parents was a clear sign that more Jamaicans were embracing the concept..

"We [teachers] are pleased with what we have seen in terms of the turnout of students," said Sharon Reid, principal of St Andrew High School for girls.

Reid said the interest of students towards the cultural celebrations was also overwhelming.

"This is the first year we have had such a wide-scale celebration and this is part of our efforts to strengthen national pride," said Reid.

Teachers at Sts Peter and Paul Preparatory shared similar sentiments.

"As teachers, we are all encouraged by what we saw and it is a clear indication that the concept of Jamaica Day is being embraced by more Jamaicans," said Coretta Brown Johnson, psychologist at the Liguanea-based institution.

At Norman Gardens Primary and Junior High, principal Norman Pratt urged similar support for other activities at the school.

One parent at the school, who identified her self as Cynthia, said she was pleased with the level of participation by the students.

"I really like what I saw. It goes to show that the interest of the parents is growing towards cultural activities at the school."

Hundreds of schools across the island observed Jamaica Day yesterday, under the theme 'Celebrating Jamaica: Goals for Gold'. Yesterday marked the 10th anniversary of celebrations designed to help students better understand Jamaica's culture and history, as well as bolster national pride.