A new classroom block, valued at $26.6 million, was officially opened at St Andrew Preparatory School on November 4.

The building comprises two classrooms, a media room, and a resource room.

Expressing her gratitude, Principal Janet Walsh Davis said that while the building was constructed in just 11 weeks, the project took years of planning.

“I thank my predecessor, Mrs Carlene Fraser, for starting this process because I did not start the process, I ended it. She started the process but she had roadblocks. But I decided I was not going to be thwarted, no matter what roadblocks came,” Walsh Davis said.

The 86-year-old school, owned by the United Church and the Methodist Church, was attended by late Prime Minister Michael Manley.

St Andrew Prep Alumni President Stefan Wright said that the organisation was grateful that it was able to contribute to the initiative.

“St Andrew Preparatory is the place that taught us how to read and write, but not only that, it taught us Christian principles of kindness, morals and caring for each other, the very characteristics that define our individual personalities and make us who we are today,” he said. “We also learnt responsibility and charity, self-control, humility and attributes that make you a good, wholesome character.”

According to Wright, the need for expansion resulted from the school’s excellent academic performance.

Wright, while applauding the past students who had contributed to the construction of the classroom block, urged those who have not yet contributed to give generously.

– Racquel Porter