ABERDEEN, St Elizabeth:

Principal takes hands-on approach to educating Aberdeen's youth

MILBERT MILLER, principal of Aberdeen Primary and Junior High School in St Elizabeth, has said his school is ready to play a greater role in nation building.

Miller, who was addressing parents recently at the institution, also told them of improved changes coming at the school, noting that his mantra is 'Education mi sey'.

He told parents that, if any student was absent from school for two or more days, he along with the guidance counsellor will be visiting homes and, if necessary, he would carry the police to find them.

"If you have students absent from reading tests all the time, and special intervention programmes to improve performance, how are we going to help them?"

Miller said students are guaranteed breakfast and lunch. "We are coming to get all our students in school. We want to educate them. The best gift you can give to your child is a good education," said Miller.

The principal, who is also an information technology teacher, said computer studies will be introduced at all grades this school year.

Meanwhile, president of the newly organised past students' association, Anthony Foster, welcomed the principal's plans to transform the school.

"Our association, which was formed over the summer holidays, will work closely with the principal to build the school and, by extension, the wider community," said Foster.

Fund-raising strategies

The association is currently developing strategies to raise funds to help build the school.

"The association's values should include a deep involvement in the community, giving students and past students alike a place to channel positive actions, which in turn will not only benefit the school itself, but also our nation.

"We are also in the process of setting up various committees such as special events, scholarship, finance and special needs, environment and safety; mentorship and community awareness. For these, we hope to get on board the churches, police, businesses, along with the community," he explained.

The association is seeking to bring on board all its past students in order to better help the cause.

For more information please visit: www.facebook.com/aberdeenpsa or email: aberdeenpsa@gmail.com.