Students playing chess at the school's 159th anniversary celebration open day at the school's auditorium yesterday. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

AFTER 159 years of existence, St George's College in Kingston continues to perform well in most areas, according to Margaret Campbell, principal of the school.

"There was a slump but we have recovered. The grades have improved and the discipline has improved," she said.

Campbell was speaking with The Gleaner yesterday, following the school's Feast Day event.

The principal said that the school had also done well in sports, having won Manning Cup, the Olivier Shield and being named the most improved school in this year's Boys and Girls' Championships.

Campbell attributed the transformation to strong leadership and a vision of excellence.

"Our boys are potential leaders and if you communicate that all the time to the staff and students, a change can come," said Campbell.

The principal said very few students used to turn out to Feast Day, as they saw it as an opportunity to stay away from school.

However, the attendance, she said, has improved dramatically as students now feel that they belong.

The students put away their uniforms yesterday and were dressed in T-shirt and jeans.