Kingston College’s New Principal, Mr. Rupert Hemmings, is the ideal representation of change for this legendary institution. I am assuming he will be Principal for quite some time--at least four (4) years--and I am the first head boy who will work with him under his present regime.
I personally had my doubts that Mr. Hemmings could have effected the changes he has accomplished at the school until the first two months of the school year. Mr. Hemmings envisions KC as a disciplined and academic school within five years. I am hoping his vision will be a reality. He has already made it known that his focus is on attaining discipline among students and enhanced academic performance, in a meeting with all the students of upper sixth. He also asserted that “he wanted respect to be placed back into the white shirt.” The majority of students thought that with the present status of Kingston College, discipline was improbable and was unlikely to ever return. But, having the determined personality, Mr. Hemmings appointed two Discipline and Appraisal Coordinators (equivalent to that of a Dean of Discipline) on each campus. These persons are to coordinate the detention system and keep records of student discipline. To my surprise, the detention system is running in fine style.
For the first time in 10 years, there was a memo highlighting the chosen head boy, his two deputies and the two senior prefects. The teachers were surprised and found this shocking, many saying “all my life at KC, never have I seen memos being issued around.” To all the readers, Mr. Hemmings regime may be unusual, but it works. Little by little the tables have started to turn; teachers are more aware of the seriousness of their jobs as they too are being monitored and students themselves are also more aware as, never before, that there are serious consequences for every action they make. This is not exaggeration, when one comes to think of it, the last greatly remembered head boy was Andre Miller, and his job was made easier because even 11th grade students actually listened. In my year, sixth formers didn’t have the decency to conduct devotion with their 11th grade form classes, because they were fearful of these boys who sometimes were older and stronger than they were. Students back then could disrespect sixth formers and carry on as they liked, but now there are proper guidelines and procedures controlling the behaviours of these students and the consequences for violations are more likely to be imposed than ever before.
I say, let us give our new principal the support, his ideologies are in deep thoughts and will be beneficial in the end. Many may have doubts now, but Mr. Hemmings is not a Vice Principal anymore, he is the Principal of Kingston College, an institution we all love and cherish especially its tradition; therefore he calls the shots. He has made some very upright decisions and I am in support of such attempts. Despite his almost non-advisory stance at times, Mr. Hemmings represents change and reform.
BE YE READY FOR THE NEW KINGSTON COLLEGE ERA!!!!
My account of Mr. Hemmings is not bias, but rather realistic. As Principal, he will lead this school to greater heights. Let us leave criticism behind and give him the benefit of the doubt and see if indeed this “world class Kingston College” he envisions will be realized.
