In view of the fact that at Summit IV – Atlanta 2005, the location and date for Summit V were not discussed, KCOBA (Toronto) offered to host the event. This offer was accepted by the other Chapters and the planning started immediately. A sub-committee charged with organizing the event was established consisting of the President, Lance Seymour, Vice President, Dr. Cedric Lazarus and member, Alex “Franno” Francis.
The idea of a summit of KCOBA Chapters and other stakeholders was enthusiastically supported by KCOBA (Toronto) since the inception. Hosting the 2006 event tangibly demonstrates our continued support and belief that this forum affords the opportunity for the KCOBA fraternity to work with all the other stakeholders for the betterment of Kingston College and the students. To be fair, the event is not without detractors. Some do question the value of these meetings and suggest that grandiose pronouncements are made at these forums that never materialize. Our view is that it is more productive for the dissenters to be engaged in the Summit were their concerns can be addressed and their ideas explored to the benefit of the school and the wider KC family.
As hosts, KCOBA (Toronto) decided that the presence of the Principal was mandatory for the event to be successful. The other criterion for success was to clearly establish a desired outcome to be achieved at the conclusion of the event. Summit V 2006 will focus on the Strategic Plan that was developed for the school, with a view to establishing an action plan clearly identifying specific activities to be performed by KCOBA to assist the school to achieve the targets outlined in the plan. Fortunately, both criteria have been achieved and the expectation is that 2006 will see the conclusion of another successful Summit of KCOBA. Following is a brief status report:
Confirmation of Participants
Mr. Keith Bryan, Acting Principal, has confirmed that he will be in attendance and is fully supportive of the event.
Everton Barrett, President, KCOBA (Atlanta) has expressed full support and confirmed significant representation by his organization, as he is committed to a minimum of 4 delegates representing his chapter.
Oscar Derby, President, KCOBA Jamaica has expressed full support for the event and confirms that his organization will be represented. KCOBA Jamaica will be represented by Oscar who was recently elected to the new Board of Directors of the incorporated entity.
Ivor Nugent and Audley Hewitt, KCOBA (South Florida) have expressed full support for the event. Florida will be represented by Audley
New York will be represented by the new President, Robert Kelly subsequent to the recent local Annual General Meeting.
KC PTA will not be represented and will submit a report to be tabled by KCOBA (Jamaica) on their behalf.
KCDTF.will not be represented and will submit a report to be tabled by KCOBA (Jamaica) on their behalf.
Mr. Phillip Hamilton, Director of Anglican Schools, Diocese of Jamaica will not be able to attend. Mr. Bryan will follow up with Mr. Hamilton to request a submission in lieu of attendance.
A number of old boys from overseas plan to attend in individual capacities.
Approach
An independent facilitator will moderate the group and breakout sessions. Group discussions and Q & A sessions will be open to the general audience. The breakout sessions will consists of groups of randomly selected participants including the delegates and the general audience. The goal is to conclude with an agreed action plan to achieve a set of priority objectives as determined by the representatives of the School. A draft copy of this Strategic Plan setting out the goals and objectives up to the year 2010 is available and will be distributed to all Chapters in advance of the event pending permission from the Chairman of the Board. Mr. Bryan will follow up with this request.
Theme
The proposed theme is "Realizing the Vision - An action plan".
