During the recently concluded Summit of KCOBA chapters, Audley Hewitt of the Florida chapter lamented the fact that KC was losing the creative edge it once had.
KC was the first school in Jamaica to introduce scientific training methods in track & field, for example. KC used to lead the way and other schools would follow or benefit from the school’s leadership. KC was the training ground for many teachers who went on to become principals at other high schools across the island.
A look around the school today reveals how much has changed since some of the “old” Old Boys attended. The government provides almost no money for the maintenance of the school other than paying teacher’s salaries. So the Infrastructure is crumbling. Hardie House lies in ruins and years of having no principal and no one responsible for the physical plant have also taken their toll.
Today over 1800 students converge on the campus each school day and 100 teachers struggle in less than desirable conditions to impart some knowledge. The students of today often have parents who cannot help them. And they struggle against a society that at times seems to be decaying before our eyes.
Yet all is not lost. Despite the difficult conditions, principal Hemmings reports that KC is the top performing boy’s school in science. A miracle if you happen to visit the broken down science labs. Imagine the possibilities.
The school has put out a five year strategic plan. Its successful implementation will depend on all stakeholders working together for the good of the school.
We can’t wait. We want the school to be in the lead again. As Audey Hewitt pointed out: “Jamaica land we love; but KC we love more.”
