Newly installed Principal of Herbert Morrison Technical High School, Dr. Lavern Stewart, is prioritising improvements in technical education, academic performance and infrastructure as she seeks to further develop the institution and build on its legacy of excellence.
Dr Stewart, a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) practitioner, said she intends to build on the institution’s longstanding reputation while positioning it to compete among the leading technical high schools in the Caribbean.
“For me, I’m very passionate about TVET, and I will ensure that TVET education is carried to another level here at Herbert Morrison,” she said in a recent interview with JIS News.
She said the school will be introducing robotics and examine other technical areas that can prepare students for opportunities locally and internationally.
Dr. Stewart said this will include looking at emerging trends and the skills being demanded by the labour market, while maintaining the school’s focus on technical education.
“We want to train tradesmen who can take up opportunities not just in Jamaica but right across the Caribbean and the world,” she said.
Alongside the expansion of its technical offerings, the school is also prioritising Mathematics, following an improvement in its pass rate of over 80 per cent.
Dr Stewart said a school-wide Mathematics intervention programme will be implemented this academic year, with the institution aiming for a 100 per cent pass rate.
The principal’s plans come as the school continues to address the effects of Hurricane Melissa.
She said that books, shelves and ICT equipment, including smartboards and smart televisions, were among the resources that were damaged.
Restoring and equipping damaged rooms are, therefore, among the school’s priorities, along with getting its canteen fully operational.
She reported a positive start to the new academic year on Monday (September 7), with most students in attendance.
Dr. Stewart said only a small number of students had not yet been accounted for, with guidance counsellors and grade coordinators contacting their families to determine the reasons for their absence.
Meanwhile, the institution is marking its 50th anniversary this year, with celebrations scheduled to include a formal launch and a series of activities involving students and past students.
Dr. Stewart is appealing to former students to participate in the anniversary and contribute to the institution in whatever way they can.
The school will officially launch its 50th anniversary celebrations this Sunday (September 13), followed by a week of activities, including the return of past students to the school and an in-school concert.
