St. Jude's Primary School: A Beacon of Hope at 55 Years
“Excellence is an art won
by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or
excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what
we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”- Aristotle
St. Jude’s Primary School is located at 1 Norwich Avenue in Kingston. The school has been likened to a gemstone despite its geographical locale. It is rather fitting that we associate the precious stone emerald with the school’s 55th anniversary. This noble institution is rather precious and holds great memories for the many students who have been fortunate to have walked its prolific grounds. Like most schools St. Jude’s Primary School has weathered many storms, yet the institution has remained committed to providing quality education to the nation’s children at the primary level. On Sunday, April 22, 2018, this illustrious institution, now a school of choice through its academic excellence in all national examinations, as well as through students’ involvement in extracurricular activities commemorated its 55th anniversary at the St. Jude’s Catholic Church. The Mass of Thanksgiving was conducted by Father Richard Award. It was a delight to have been a part of this momentous occasion. The church was packed to capacity as both past and present students filled the church’s pews, along with parents, teachers both past and present, well-wishers and members of the school board.
Early History
St. Jude’s Primary School was founded by Father Richard Eberle on April 22, 1963. The vision then was to facilitate more students in the community to be exposed to an educational institution which was closer to home. It is important to note that prior to the establishment of St. Jude’s Primary children from the Waltham Gardens community used to attend the St. Anne’s Primary School. St. Jude’s Primary School began as an extension of St. Anne’s Primary. The school’s existence is due largely in part to the generous donor Marie Isaacs who donated the property to Father Eberle. The Roman Catholic owned school currently has 1,059 students on roll and 32 teachers supported by 2 guidance counsellors, a vice principal and principal. Like all Roman Catholic schools St. Jude’s Primary is known for producing well adjusted and disciplined students. The school takes it religious responsibility very seriously, this is evident in the Catholic School’s Ministry which is held every Wednesday at the church, additionally students in the upper school attend Mass once per term. The institution has produced many outstanding students who are to be found in many disciplines, such as in the fields of education, security, business, media, law and theology, as well as in the areas of Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics (STEM).
Achievements
St. Jude’s Primary is a school of excellence and should boast of their achievements. The top female student in the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) in 2013 was Latonya Clayton. The school’s first Marcus Garvey scholarship winner Mr. Nicardo Neil graduated in 1999. In 2017 the institution once again walked away with the Marcus Garvey Scholarship in the person of Nickolei Campbell. In 2016, the school placed third in the Junior Schools’ Challenge Quiz. St. Jude’s Primary is among a special group in that the school boasts an A class Marching Band which gives their support to all activities of the school. The school of choice has won numerous medals and trophies in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) competitions and this undoubtedly speaks to the holistic education provided at the school. This noble institution is known for their involvement in Scouts and Brownies. In fact, both uniformed groups are a force to be reckoned with as they have won awards within the district, as well as island wide. St. Jude’s Primary has also done well in chess as well as the annual Insports Primary School Championships.
Beacon of Hope
As we continue to give thanks in this our 55th year for the blessing that this great institution has been in our lives, we pause to salute the hard work, dedication, unwavering service of the teachers and administrators throughout the years. St. Jude’s like the emerald is synonymous with quality and class. Let us use this anniversary year as a catalyst to urge all past students to offer their time and resources to their alma mater. St. Jude’s Primary has achieved much, however, the journey is not yet finished. As we set our sights on our Diamond 60th anniversary in five years time, let us redouble our efforts and join hands and hearts to move St. Jude’s Primary School to the next level. May St. Jude’s Primary continue to be that beacon of hope for all who enters through its gates. In the words of Oprah Winfrey, education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom.
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo
St. Jude’s Primary School is located at 1 Norwich Avenue in Kingston. The school has been likened to a gemstone despite its geographical locale. It is rather fitting that we associate the precious stone emerald with the school’s 55th anniversary. This noble institution is rather precious and holds great memories for the many students who have been fortunate to have walked its prolific grounds. Like most schools St. Jude’s Primary School has weathered many storms, yet the institution has remained committed to providing quality education to the nation’s children at the primary level. On Sunday, April 22, 2018, this illustrious institution, now a school of choice through its academic excellence in all national examinations, as well as through students’ involvement in extracurricular activities commemorated its 55th anniversary at the St. Jude’s Catholic Church. The Mass of Thanksgiving was conducted by Father Richard Award. It was a delight to have been a part of this momentous occasion. The church was packed to capacity as both past and present students filled the church’s pews, along with parents, teachers both past and present, well-wishers and members of the school board.
Early History
St. Jude’s Primary School was founded by Father Richard Eberle on April 22, 1963. The vision then was to facilitate more students in the community to be exposed to an educational institution which was closer to home. It is important to note that prior to the establishment of St. Jude’s Primary children from the Waltham Gardens community used to attend the St. Anne’s Primary School. St. Jude’s Primary School began as an extension of St. Anne’s Primary. The school’s existence is due largely in part to the generous donor Marie Isaacs who donated the property to Father Eberle. The Roman Catholic owned school currently has 1,059 students on roll and 32 teachers supported by 2 guidance counsellors, a vice principal and principal. Like all Roman Catholic schools St. Jude’s Primary is known for producing well adjusted and disciplined students. The school takes it religious responsibility very seriously, this is evident in the Catholic School’s Ministry which is held every Wednesday at the church, additionally students in the upper school attend Mass once per term. The institution has produced many outstanding students who are to be found in many disciplines, such as in the fields of education, security, business, media, law and theology, as well as in the areas of Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics (STEM).
Achievements
St. Jude’s Primary is a school of excellence and should boast of their achievements. The top female student in the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) in 2013 was Latonya Clayton. The school’s first Marcus Garvey scholarship winner Mr. Nicardo Neil graduated in 1999. In 2017 the institution once again walked away with the Marcus Garvey Scholarship in the person of Nickolei Campbell. In 2016, the school placed third in the Junior Schools’ Challenge Quiz. St. Jude’s Primary is among a special group in that the school boasts an A class Marching Band which gives their support to all activities of the school. The school of choice has won numerous medals and trophies in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) competitions and this undoubtedly speaks to the holistic education provided at the school. This noble institution is known for their involvement in Scouts and Brownies. In fact, both uniformed groups are a force to be reckoned with as they have won awards within the district, as well as island wide. St. Jude’s Primary has also done well in chess as well as the annual Insports Primary School Championships.
Beacon of Hope
As we continue to give thanks in this our 55th year for the blessing that this great institution has been in our lives, we pause to salute the hard work, dedication, unwavering service of the teachers and administrators throughout the years. St. Jude’s like the emerald is synonymous with quality and class. Let us use this anniversary year as a catalyst to urge all past students to offer their time and resources to their alma mater. St. Jude’s Primary has achieved much, however, the journey is not yet finished. As we set our sights on our Diamond 60th anniversary in five years time, let us redouble our efforts and join hands and hearts to move St. Jude’s Primary School to the next level. May St. Jude’s Primary continue to be that beacon of hope for all who enters through its gates. In the words of Oprah Winfrey, education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom.
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo
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