Viviene Stewart
What a shock that The Priory High School, founded by Henry Fowler in a 1944 Trust, is closing July 4.
I'd heard fine things about principal Viviene Stewart and so much about the prestigious school that as I stepped into the building for the first time I was stunned to see a board nailed between two concrete steps and paint peeling off the ceiling.
Stewart was described as a disciplinarian, so I feared a grim greeting.
On the contrary, within five minutes of our interview, her enthusiasm for teaching and good-natured dedication to Jamaica had me wishing I'd been one of her students!
Clearly she wasn't the reason the high school was closing.
A Priory trustee had earlier briefed me that in the '70s not only did the middle-class diminish, but Fowler ceased being headmaster in 1973 when he became a consultant to the Ministry of Education, from which he was eventually seconded to UNESCO in Paris, France. Hillell School opened, competing for the same economic group. By the '90s, some Priory trustees were gone and the private school was beset by financial problems.
In 1997 Henry Fowler decided that a high school was more expensive to run than a junior school, the high school portion of Priory should become a Government-aided institution run by the Ministry of Education.
Setting up
Elaine Foster Allen, an education officer in the ministry, acted as principal, setting up the public institution with Viviene Stewart as vice-principal. In 1998, Foster Allen returned to the ministry and is now principal of Shortwood Teachers' College and Stewart applied to become principal at Priory.
Her mother, Evadne Campbell Stewart from Maryland, Hanover, strongly influenced her career choice.
"She was a victim, who really didn't have opportunities," Stewart remembers. "A bright girl with limited life chances, she had that drive to advance her six daughters and one son, that burning desire that her children would reach where she did not get the opportunity to go. She was so proud, having daughters who were teachers.
"My elder sister was a teacher by the time I graduated from St Jago High School. In 1977, I went to the University of the West Indies, pursuing a course in social sciences, languages and literature." Influenced by the movement for free education and a spirit of service, to uplift and mould lives, she says: "Along with my mother's motivation and the motivation of UWI, I bought into it and I have no regrets at all.
"I realised the pay would not be on par with the private sector but the sense of satisfaction that I get, I don't think I can put a value to that!"
These values came also from Stanley Stewart, born in Old Braeton, St Catherine. She describes her father as: "A hard worker, just a decent hard labourer. But they had dreams for their children. They didn't have much, but honesty, integrity and, in fear of the Lord, they grew us and school was the all-essential aspect.
"My first teaching position on graduating UWI in 1980, was at St Jago High School, my alma mater. Although Spanish Town seems to terrify many of us now, I could never be terrified of Spanish Town. I was in Spanish Town until, nine at nights, and had no fear. It is a wonderful place. Seven years of my life, then I went back for 17 years, teaching English language and literature. I developed there and became a CXC examiner from 1984 until present."
Inspiration
She is proud to have obtained both her Diploma in Education and a Masters in Educational Administration from UWI, crediting David Williams, who inspired her by the manner in which he planned and delivered courses, always gracious and humble, allowing students to approach him. Stewart notes: "Some may say I should have gone overseas, but I feel well-enriched that a Caribbean institution has nurtured me thus far."
She has had so many students of whom she is proud that singling out any is difficult, though she remembers Winston Peart, a talk show host in South Florida, who insisted she be on his programme. Hear her: "Honestly, I wonder why my students do that because I was always a stickler that they do their work, do it well, do it on time. With privilege comes responsibility!"
When I mention her reputation for discipline, she responds: "I am a feather and steel, trying to balance it. Over the years, students have come to understand that it's that deep desire to ensure that, above all things, they stand on their own when they leave the four walls of the classroom."
Relatively peaceful
Laura Tanna
As for violence in schools, she answers: "We have maintained a relatively peaceful and violence-free environment. It's a smaller school population, never more than 400. We're able to arrest situations. We have students from a cross-section of communities but children feel free to approach members of staff. Teachers take time to listen to them and watch over them, by talking through, caring, counselling, instructing and guiding.
"Home impact is really important. My parents were so gracious in giving and helping. There are parents who are like that, but many have missed the mark. In terms of violence, home training can enhance a culture of peace and understanding. I help students adhere to rules and regulations, respect teachers, adults and their parents. I think of the example of my parents, not having surplus but my parents would share, reach to others, take from us and give to others. Maybe we have that sort of drive, to forget personal surpluses but you do it to save a life! And the country."
No mechanism
Unfortunately, in 1997 Fowler and the Trust never worked out a mechanism for Government to maintain the physical plant.
The ministry ran the high school, but, according to the Trustee, the Trust was still responsible for maintenance of the physical grounds of the school, without any rental income.
Though Government made a subvention to help, even insurance couldn't be paid, as the Ministry of Education didn't have sufficient budget. In 2001/2 the Junior School's financial difficulties led to it being leased to Liberty Academy at the Priory, a private Christian Evangelical establishment. When the American International School expressed interest, the Trustees in 2005 decided to find an educational establishment that could maintain the high school and physical site.
The Ministry of Education did not submit a proposal. Although the American International School of Kingston did submit one, Liberty Academy offered the best terms to secure the property for education, the original terms of the trust. Gradually, their junior students will move into Liberty Academy High School at the Priory.
Disengagement
Principal Stewart explained: "Since we heard about the disengagement, the population has been duly reduced. Currently, we have 145 students in grade nine and grade eleven. Last year's grade nine students have already been transferred to other schools.
I must commend the ministry for making it less painful. Parents didn't have to go searching for schools for the children.
The ministry has placed or will be placing staff in schools. But, you know, one had dreams. There was a school development plan for another four years, plans for the curriculum.
"I am saddened by the closure. It's a kind of dream deferred. But I am not bitter because it's a turning world and we have grown.
"I made a resolve that even if I'm getting a better offer elsewhere, I must see the students through. And we have done that."
John Searchwell (left), president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association congratulates Paul Minott, skipper of Priory School football team, as he presents the 1972 Raymond Alberga Cup to the winning school in the inter-prep school football competition. At centre is Neil Simpson, joint captain of the team. - contributed photos
Cheryl Goshein, the youngest pupil at the Priory School makes a presentation to Henry Fowler, retired headmaster of the school, at a function held at the school, in this 1987 school file photo. The occasion was the function held to bid farewell to Fowler and his wife
