TEACHERS and students at Our Lady of the Angels Preparatory School (OLAPS) in St Andrew are heaping praise on parents and corporate Jamaica for their recent efforts to renovate and equip the school’s computer lab.

The centre was officially reopened on Monday during a ceremony held on the grounds of the Molynes Road-based institution.

Teachers said their dream for a well-equipped lab was realised when the National Commecial Bank Foundation, J Wray & Nephew, and MC Systems came to the school’s aid. All this through the effort of members of the institution’s hard-working Home and School Association (HSA). Triphina’s Pharmacy also donated to the cause.

The repainted lab is now outfitted with 20 desktop computers, all sitting on spanking new tables.

“Through their efforts, the centre was renovated and several computers were installed,” said Diane Taylor, the school’s guidance counsellor.

Tamara Crooks, president of OLAPS HSA, told the Jamaica Observer that the modern computer lab lends new dynamics to learning at the Catholic school.

“The modernised lab creates the opportunity for new approaches to teaching, new material and greater independent learning by students,” she added, much to the appreciation of excited students who said they were eager to use the new lab.

“We are more than happy that the lab is now renovated,” said Jaden Howell, head boy at the school.

“Before the lab was renovated, students had to take turns using the few computers that were at the centre. Now, thanks to companies like National Commercial Bank Foundation, J Wray and Nephew and MC Systems, we can use more computers in comfort,” said Howell.

Janelle Williams, head girl, was equally happy.

“With all the computers now in place and the lab fully operational, I look forward to having computer classes and learning new and exciting things,” said Williams.

— Kimmo Matthews