President of the Science Club at Obistan Kinder and Preparatory School, Kyle Thompson, checks out some organisms. - photos by Ian Allen/Staff Photographer Obistan Kinder-Preparatory School is an example of an institution providing education while passing on strong values. The school was established in 1971 by the Church of the Open Bible on Washington Boulevard, which was under the leadership of the late Rev. Frank Summers. The school is an extension of the church's total ministry to the Pembroke Hall community. The church plays a huge role in moulding the young minds that attend the institution.
"You know we are going to be focusing on the spiritual," says principal Carmen Hart. The school's motto is: 'Training Tomorrow's Leaders Today'. To fulfil this mandate, the school adopts what it calls the triangle; goals to make the students "physically fit, mentally aware and spiritually alive." The mental deals with everything they teach and the physical with the school offering all the various extracurricular activities they can provide.
The various clubs and societies (for example, Cub Scouts, Brownies and Science Club) meet on Thursday afternoons. Every child must participate in at least one club. On the spiritual side, they speak with the students pertaining to religious principles. Every morning they have devotion and it involves taking the children to the church two days per week.
Respect for God
Head girl and head boy of Obistan Kinder-Preparatory, Rochelle Lee and Akeem Parchment.
"We take them to general assembly at the church on a Tuesday and on a Friday. It's a place where they learn respect for God; to show respect for the church, to show respect for God," she explained.
The school is a member of the Jamaica Independent Schools Association, so teachers follow the same curriculum as their counterparts in preparatory and primary schools. As a kinder and prep, they accept children between the age of three and 12.
High academic standards are encouraged and facilitated by giving the students exposure in competitions, such as The Gleaner's Children's Own Spelling Bee and the KFC Quiz. Mrs. Hart feels this will help the students in future.
"It's a plus for them. I used to be involved so I know what it did for me. It will drive them to go on and do better work."
This is Mrs. Hart's second stint as principal, having served originally from 1988 to 1993. She started her current tenure in 2005. As a member of the church, she understands what is expected of the institution both academically and otherwise. But added to her love for education, it's a job she does readily.
"Working here is like my mission field. I love children. Education is key so you try and get them to understand that and then you work along with them. It's just a joy to see the success," she says.
"Can't find no money oh," sing members of the performing arts group.
Open Bible Convention March 14
The 58th annual convention of the Open Bible Standard Churches of Jamaica starts next Wednesday, March 14, at its national complex in Twichenham Park, St. Catherine.
Members of the public are invited to the services which begin nightly at 7:00. On Thursday, March 15, there will be an ordination service at 10:30 a.m. and on Saturday, March 17, activities will begin at 9 a.m.
The final service, under the theme, 'Returning to our Spiritual Heritage', will be held at the National Arena in Kingston on Sunday, March 18, starting at 10:30 a.m.
Speakers at the convention include the Rev. Dr. Alston Henry, general superintendent of the Open Bible Standard Churches of Jamaica; Bishop Dr. Delford Davis, founder/ overseer and senior pastor of the Power of Faith Ministries in Portmore, St. Catherine; and Rev. Dr. Arthur Dunk, former general superintendent of the Open Bible Standard Churches of Jamaica.
