Barracks Road Primary School

THE GLEANER, THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | D3 BARRACKS ROAD PRIMARY 150TH FEATURE B ARRACKS ROAD Primary School, popularly known as ‘Girls’ School’, was started by the Methodist Church in 1871 with five girls in attendance on Union Street in Montego Bay. The school was named Union Street School of St James. It was later relocated to 19 Barracks Road, where the students were housed in an old soldiers’ barracks. The institution has gone through a number of name changes. In 1914, the name was changed to Montego Bay Girls’ School, and again changed in 1970 to Montego Bay Primary Barracks Road School, and later to Barracks Road Primary School. The original building that housed the school on Barracks Road was home to soldiers, hence the name Barracks Road Primary. The 200-year-old soldiers’ barracks were destroyed by the 1957 earthquake. In 1958, a two-storey structure was built to replace the destroyed building, having 16 classrooms, four students’ bathrooms, canteen area, along with principal and clerical offices and bathroom. This modern structure was able to accommodate approximately 800 students. This major infrastructural investment resulted in this long- standing girls’ school, which enjoyed 90 years of female dominance, becoming a coeducational institution on January 15, 1962. The school now has 33 classrooms with another four currently under construction, which are being sponsored by the Doctor’s Cave Foundation and friends of the institution. Themission of Barracks RoadPrimary School is to expose students to social, cultural and academic activities that will enhance their development and help to attain a satisfactory level of numeracy, literacy and technical competence to function at the secondary level. While the vision is to instil in students positive values and attitudes that will assist them in becoming worthwhile citizens. Our motto states, ‘Only the Best is Good Enough’’, and our mantra declares, ‘We are Destined for Greatness’. History of Barracks Road Primary School O NE HUNDRED and fifty years is a special anniversary and a significant milestone in the life of Barracks Road Primary School. It is with pride, joy and satisfaction that the St John’s Methodist Church congratulates you on your 150th anniversary. Over the years, the school has forged an impressive track record, attaining widespread recognition all over Jamaica, especially in the western region. The school, which was started by the Methodist Church, has been a stalwart institution for educating disciplined and well-rounded students. These students have excelled locally and internationally. The 150th anniversary is a time for ‘Celebrating your Achievements and Building on the Foundation of Excellence’. We are confident that with the strong leadership and devoted staff, the school will achieve new heights in all spheres in the years to come. God bless you all. DR PIERRE St John’s Methodist Church MESSAGE ... ‘Impressive track record and widespread recognition’ PAST PRINCIPALS Mrs Findlayson, past principal. Mrs McKessy, past principal. Mrs Crichton, past principal. Mrs Heaven, past principal. Mrs Iris Virgo, past principal. Mr Alanzo Jones, past principal. Tyrecia Lattibeaudiere (left) of Barracks Road Primary shares a photo moment with other awardees of Lasco Curves Award 2019. 15th Caribbean Cuboree, held in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, July 30-5 August 5, 2019. Seen here are Cubs and leaders alongside Governor General Sir Patrick Allen. 150 years of exemplary service in the field of education embodying their motto “Only the best is good enough” Hilton’s Pharmacy 27 St James Street, Montego Bay, St James. 876-952-2455 Cell: 876-830-7592 “For the best in Healthcare Past Student and Exemplary Board Chairman Metty Scarlett Jones enthusiastically participated in the programmes and activities of the school and fostering synergy among staff members, students and stake holders. She served as Board Chairman from 2003-2012. Mrs Janet Madden Chairman extraordinaire, who served the institution well from 2012-2018. She was instrumental in two of our major building projects which added eight classrooms, bathroom facilities and a library space to the institution.