Shelly-Ann Thompson and Nadisha Hunt, Gleaner Writers

Michael Blair, principal of Bermaddy Primary School, in Treadways, St Catherine.

Despite the lack of interest that some parents show, there are still some schools that enjoy the benefits of vibrant and successful parent-teachers' associations (PTAs).

The Bermaddy Primary School, located in Treadways, St Catherine, about seven miles north of Linstead and the St. Ann-based, Brown's Town Primary School, on the northern side of the island, are prime examples.

The PTA at Brown's Town Primary School adopted a student more than three years ago. It operates a breakfast programme that feeds some 250 pupils weekly with a hot meal. In addition, the PTA assists with the general maintenance of the school, providing proper sanitary conveniences and cleaning tools.

Regular meetings

Verona Stanley, president of the school's PTA, is candid in outlining the association's achievements at the school, the population of which, stands at 1,429 pupils.

"The communication between parents, teachers, school and home is very good," Stanley said.

Brown's Primary School's PTA began more than 30 years ago. Approximately 350 parents of the more than 1,000 registered students attend the meetings held every three months. The meetings were usually conducted monthly, but "we never see anything much coming out at the monthly meetings, so we decided one every term," Stanley said.

There is also a fathers' PTA meeting. The fathers' meeting, a yearly event at the school, attracts up to 90 of fathers.

In addition to the general meetings, once per term, a grade meeting is also convened. This meeting is considered a study circle seminar where the educational aspect of each grade is discussed. There are also periodical parenting workshops.

"The PTA at Brown's Primary is very active," said Stanley. "It's a vibrant set of parents, the participation is very good."

At this PTA, parents are asked to role play. That is, parents put themselves in the situation of a child or teacher and what they would do in that particular situation.

Stanley has been president of the association for 13 years although her last daughter left the institution 12 years ago. Stanley is also chairman of the region's National Parent Teachers' Association of Jamaica in that part of the country.

The president said the achievements and successes of the PTA are primarily due to the commitment of the parents. In March, the parents of the association were awarded with a certificate at a special ceremony.

She said without the parents hot meals such as callaloo and saltfish, baked beans and franks, scrambled or fried eggs, tin mackerel or corned beef and cabbage could not be prepared to feed some 50 children daily.

Funding essential

With all this achievement, funding is an essential component. The voluntary organisation is substantially financially funded by the parish's business community. The cautionary fees paid for each student also goes into the PTA bank account.

"Every money collected, even that which is collected for breakfast from those who can pay, is turned over into our programmes," she said.

Funding also covers the auxiliary fees and school supplies for the adopted nine-year-old boy. He was adopted by the association when it noticed that he was often absent from school.

All that is asked of the boy's parent is for the parent to attend the PTA meetings.

"We are so proud of him, he gets no less than 90 per cent on his tests," Stanley said.

Despite the success of Brown's Town Primary PTA, the body is seeking to attract more parents to the movement. She said many parents do not attend meetings because they are 'just lazy.'

At the Bermaddy Primary School, a group of 45 to 50 interested parents, make their presence felt in the area of school development.

Some of the achievements include the painting of the school, the donation of a photocopier and the refurbishing of the school's tuck shop. They have also embarked on building a netball and volleyball court.

Principal, Michael Blair, has given the PTA high marks for its role in uplifting the school.

Created level of comfort

"The PTA is heavily involved in the day-to-day activities of the school, along with improving the aesthetic appeal which is very beneficial to the school community at large," says Blair. "These tasks are to the children's advantage because they create a level of comfort for them and it also helps them to gain needed knowledge which raises their sense of achievements."