DARLISTON, Westmoreland — Nestled in the heart of Darliston, St John’s Infant School has stood as a beacon of excellence in early childhood education since its construction in 1913.

Founded by the St John’s Anglican Church through the visionary leadership of English clergyman Reverend W A Robinson, the school was established to meet the educational needs of children ages four to six years old in the community.

Now, 112 years later, Principal Karena Malcolm-Fullwood said St John’s Infant is “the school of choice” in Darliston, with its growing reputation and a waiting list for enrolment to match.

Malcolm-Fullwood hopes that funding will soon be secured to expand the school and thereby accommodate more young learners, reducing the need to turn away eager students due to space limitations.

“Being here is a joy to me because I could make changes and the school is where I would love it to be, but we have a challenge,” Malcolm-Fullwood told the Jamaica Observer.

“We have the land space for it,” she added. “I would love for us to get three brand new classrooms to house the children.”

Originally built as a single structure housing two classrooms, the school saw its first major expansion in May 2015 with the construction of a building for a library, funded by the European Union’s Sugar Transformation Unit. Today the school operates four classes, through the use of partitioned classrooms, and supports its students with seven water closets and one urinal.

Since her appointment as principal, Malcolm-Fullwood has been unwavering in her commitment to elevating the school’s standards. Her leadership has brought about significant improvements, including the replacement of the roof of the original building; tiling of the bathrooms and principal’s office; establishing clubs such as the Performing Arts Club and 4-H Club; constructing a retaining wall, thanks to a donation from a past student; and increasing the number of water tanks, funded by parents and past students.

A strong bond with parents has proven to be one of the school’s greatest assets. Families are actively involved in the life of the school, particularly with the 4-H Club, and in maintaining the physical environment. The school even boasts a vegetable garden in which pak choi, cabbage, sweet pepper, corn, okra, and cucumber are grown to help supply the school’s kitchen and minimise the cost of meals. Approximately half of the students are beneficiaries of the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH).

“Oftentimes, we as parents are put under so much pressure in choosing a pre-school that can be a great way to give your child that strong foundation for learning and social development but let me tell you something: I was under no pressure when I chose St John’s Infant because I just love their holistic approach,” parent Kerry Ann Coleman, who was at the school recently for Pajama Day activities, told the Observer.

“They focus not only on the academic achievement but they address all aspects of the child’s development in the learning that extends beyond the classroom. I recall since I have been here, going on several field trips with my daughter. I even recall her being involved in the performing arts group, dancing and doing all sorts of activities — even the Little Mini Miss St John’s. I have to big up St John’s,” Coleman said. “They are doing a good job in ensuring that our children are developed in all aspects.”

A recent highlight was Teachers’ Day, when parents took on teaching duties while the staff enjoyed a well-deserved treat courtesy of Sandals Resorts. Malcolm-Fullwood also prepared breakfast for her teachers while the parents sponsored lunch.

According to the principal, the school’s success is all due to her dedicated team.

“It’s not just about getting 100 per cent [in the 12 standards in keeping with the Early Childhood Commission’s requirements], it’s about maintaining it,” Malcolm-Fullwood told the Observer. “This is a great, great achievement for us here. We worked tirelessly to pull this off.”

Consistently demonstrating excellence in literacy, numeracy, and overall child development, St John’s Infant School enforces a strict “knife and fork” lunch policy to instil good table manners in the children, and the campus is kept impressively clean.

Affectionately dubbed St John’s School University by Malcolm-Fullwood, the institution is the pilot school in Region Four for the Busy Bee programme of the Scout Association of Jamaica.

Throughout the year students also engage in a variety of enriching, school-wide events, including Sports Day, Parents Day, Children’s Day, Jamaica Day, Culture Day, Character Day, and educational school trips.

Sandals Foundation also hosts a Christmas treat for the students each year, and graduation is celebrated with a special dinner. This year the graduation dinner, which is usually held at the school, will be held at Belvedere Events Place in Chester Castle, Hanover.

To ensure a smooth transition for new students the institution offers a summer school programme designed to ease children into the environment, minimising first-day anxiety in September.

“We are here to stay for another 100 years!” declared Malcolm-Fullwood.

Principal of St John’s Infant School Karena Malcolm-Fullwood points to the school’s water tanks and an electric water pump. The parent-teacher association funded the building of concrete platforms to house them. 

Tameka Ferguson (left) of Infant 3 shows off her knife and fork skills.

The youngest of the lot at St John’s Infant School, Infant 1, pose with teacher Edonney Chambers (left) and caregiver Charmaine McLeod.

Parent Kerry Ann Coleman poses for a photo with Khaleesi Johnson on Pajama Day 2025, which was held on May 30. Parents also participated in the day’s activities.