TUCKED away in the hills of Above Rocks, St Mary’s Primary School has quietly shaped generations of children for nearly two centuries.

At 183 years old, it is one of Jamaica’s oldest learning institutions, an unassuming but deeply-rooted part of the nation’s educational heritage.

On Teachers’ Day 2025 that legacy was honoured in a special way as NCB Constant Spring Financial Centre, supported by NCB Foundation, carried out a renovation of the staff room at the institution.

The once sparse room was transformed into a warm and inviting space, outfitted with new furniture and appliances. Now, the teachers have a space to re-centre and recharge while serving their students.

“This staff room has been long overdue,”said Dr Georgette Constable, principal of St Mary’s Primary.

“For years, our teachers have given tirelessly, showing up early, staying late, and doing the work with love, even when conditions were far from ideal. But the truth is, we need spaces like this that give us a chance to breathe, to gather our thoughts, and to simply feel supported.

“This gift, coming on Teachers’ Day, was powerful in its timing and in its message. It reminded us that our well-being matters too. We are deeply grateful to NCB Foundation and the team from the NCB Constant Spring Financial Centre for seeing the need and responding with such heart,” said Constable.

In the meantime, head of the NCB Constant Spring Financial Centre Maxine McKenzie said when her team first visited the St Mary’s Primary they saw, “the heart of the school, but also the need”.

According to McKenzie, “We wanted to do something that felt personal and lasting. Teachers give so much of themselves every day, and this was our way of saying, we see you, you matter.”

The initiative was part of the NCB Foundation’s broader commitment to supporting education, particularly in under-resourced communities.

“In my 37 years at St Mary’s, I’ve seen many changes, but this gesture will stay with me for a long time,” shared Jacquelin Brown-Hope, class teacher for Grade 4 and vice-principal of the school.

“Walking into the staff room and seeing the care that went into every detail was incredibly moving. On Teachers’ Day especially, it made me feel honoured and appreciated in a way I’ll never forget,” added Brown-Hope.

NCB Foundation has already indicated that the renovation of the staff room marks the first phase of ongoing improvements planned for the staff lounge.

In the coming months, additional improvements including more storage solutions and décor will be added to further elevate the space and ensure it continues to serve as a source of comfort and pride for the staff at St Mary’s Primary.