SPRING GARDENS, Montego Bay – HOW the school will position itself within the context of issues such as artificial intelligence (AI) and a need to expand its campus are among the areas of focus for new principal of Fairfield International Academy (FIA), Abby Majendie.

The experienced educator officially took the helm of the private school at the beginning of July.

“It can be one of, if not the best school in Jamaica,” she said when quizzed about her plans for the five-year-old private institution which continues to grow rapidly.

“What I find exciting is that with a school that’s relatively new, you can be nimble and responsive to the environment and the current circumstances,” Majendie explained.

FIA caters to students from pre-kindergarten all the way up to high school.

Majendie is keen on ensuring that they are all provided with the skills needed for whatever they intend to do after they graduate.

“What will be the key focus is always ensuring that the level of education prepares students to achieve what they would like to achieve when they leave high school. Whether that’s university or going to a school of art, school of design, going into the workforce — whatever it is that they would like to do when they leave — they feel prepared. So, that is my goal with the educational programme,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

She intends to build on the solid foundation that FIA already has. She succeeds Mark Jacobson who demitted office at the end of the last school term.

“The strengths are the quality of the faculty and staff and the ability to respond to what is happening globally now. With the advent of artificial intelligence, with the challenges we face as a society, it’s how do we create a school that is relevant and prepares students for a future in this context — that’s what I find exciting,” she divulged.

Majendie is looking forward to working on enhancing the curriculum and providing professional development opportunities for teachers.

With a wealth of experience both locally and overseas she knows the value of continued growth. She has taught at or headed various educational institutions in locations including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican Republic, Saudi Arabia, and Canada.

She is eager to use her skills to make FIA even better.

“I love the mission, vision, and promise of Fairfield International Academy, and I have been in support of an international school in Montego Bay since I was at the [American] International School of Kingston,” Majendie said.

“For 25 years I’ve wanted to see an international school there and I think demand has just grown and grown for it. I’m so grateful to be a part of this team and this vision, and to make it a reality and build it to its potential,” she added.

FIA had approached her for the job before but she was unavailable to take the role full-time so she worked with the school as a consultant. When the offer came again, when she was available, she accepted.

“I am so inspired by the individuals who founded the school and their commitment to the school and to the community of Montego Bay. These are people who want to build this community and really contribute to the educational landscape in the country,” she said of her reasons for taking up the role.

Expansion has been on the cards ever since the school was established in 2018, and Majendie said that will be a part of her focus as well.

“Another part of my leadership is working with the school to build a new campus,” she divulged.

FIA is now located in the upscale Spring Gardens community on the outskirts of Montego Bay, but the plan has always been for it to be relocated to a permanent campus on 14 acres of land in Fairfield. It is a private, independent, co-ed international school serving ages four to 18.