Westwood High School is known for producing talented, well-educated and poised young ladies. The institution, which has been in existence for more than a century, can credit much of this to its vibrant culture and traditions.

Observer Online spoke to a number of the Stewart Town, Trelawny-based school’s alumni to find out some of the things that every Westwood girl would know.

1. Jippi Jappa hat and wearing all white
Westwood High is one of the few schools in Jamaica where students wear hats as part of their uniform. The tradition, which has its roots in English school customs, has been passed down and retained by the institution over the years. The Jippi Jappa hat, also known as a Panama hat, is worn by the young ladies along with their uniforms. Students are not permitted to wear the hat past the principal’s building.
Students are also expected to have a set of white clothing outside of their regular uniform. This is worn on occasions when they are not required to be in uniform, except on Friday evenings and Saturdays.

2. The Jacaranda tree
The Jacaranda tree was one of the familiar landmarks on the Westwood campus and a popular meeting spot for students during break time. The ladies gathered beneath the tree to catch up with friends, relax and enjoy each other’s company. With its vibrant purple blooms and towering structure, the tree provided both a scenic and comfortable setting. Unfortunately, the tree has been cut down, but it remains a memorable part of the Westwood experience.

3. Observing silence
Silence is a familiar part of life at Westwood. Students are expected to observe silence during prep or study time, meal times and intervals. For many old girls, learning when to talk and when to remain quiet was simply part of the discipline and routine of school life.

4. Sarcasm and lapsing
Westwood ladies are known for their quick wit and, according to old girls, their ability to dish out a healthy dose of sarcasm. They also participate in what is known as “lapsing”. This is when a word is mispronounced and other students repeat the word or phrase, often drawing attention to the mistake. For Westwood girls, it is all part of the banter and camaraderie that develop among students.

5. Knife and fork
Table manners are a big part of the meal-time experience at Westwood. Students are expected to eat their meals using a knife and fork and to follow proper dining etiquette. This includes knowing how to conduct themselves at the table and, in some cases, asking permission before doing things such as chewing bones at the table. For many students, these lessons extended beyond the dining hall and became part of the poise and etiquette associated with being a Westwood girl.

6. Day girls and boarders
Westwood is one of the few schools in Jamaica that offers a boarding option for students. Those who live on the school compound are referred to as boarders, while students who travel to school are called ‘day girls’.

7. Walking to church
Boarders are expected to walk to church on Sundays. The girls are divided based on denomination and walk together to their respective churches. For many boarders, the walk to church is a familiar part of the Westwood boarding experience.

8. Out-of-bounds areas
The ladies of Westwood know that there are certain areas of the school that they are not allowed to enter. These include the teachers’ steps and staff rooms. Students are expected to know and respect these boundaries, with venturing into out-of-bounds areas likely to result in disciplinary action.

9. Students not allowed in stores without parental supervision
If a young lady wanted to enter a store while wearing her uniform, she had to be accompanied by a parent. If she entered a store without a parent and misbehaved, any report made to the school could result in her being reprimanded when she returned. The rule meant that students were expected to remember that their behaviour while wearing the Westwood uniform reflected on the school.

10. Silence as punishment
Silence was also used as a form of punishment at Westwood. Students who misbehave could be required to observe silence. The punishment was intended to give students time to settle down, reflect on their behaviour and regain their composure.

– Carlysia Ramdeen