Hatfield Primary and Junior High hosts Careers Day
Published:Saturday | April 27, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer
HATFIELD, Manchester:
HATFIELD PRIMARY and Junior High School in Manchester last week staged its inaugural Careers Day, a move by the school to guide students to their respective career paths.
The children were sharply dressed, in accordance with their career choices, which added much splendour to the event.
Personnel from the various professions, who were on hand to share with the kids, included representatives from tertiary institutions, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and the Jamaica Defence Force. The day's activities culminated with a very entertaining concert.
One of the students who stood out was Saskyah Campbell of grade three, who dressed and acted the part of a judge. Explaining why she wanted to be a judge, with a serious look on her face, she said: "Judges help to give people justice, so I would like to be able to do that in the future."
Grade-five student Crystal Campbell, who hails from Greenvale, very much looked the part dressed as a policewoman, with handcuffs. "I want to be a police to serve and protect the community," Campbell said.
The principal of the institution is Joan McFarlane, who has been at the school for over 23 years. She first worked as a classroom teacher, later as a vice-principal and was subsequently promoted to principal of the school.
PLEASED
McFarlane said she was pleased with how things fared, especially in its first staging.
"Along with the guidance counsellors, we have observed the children and we really wanted them to have some sort of set career goals," McFarlane explained. "So we decided to launch this Careers Day to have them take part in it. Also to have persons coming from different occupations and have them set up their booths to give students some sort of idea as to what is expected for each career."
The principal added: "It's to help them make their decisions in what they want to be, as no matter how young they are, they can start from now to make their career choice and work towards it."
The principal said that the parents played a major part in the event. "I am really pleased to see how the parents have worked with us to make the children ready."
The school has a rich history having been established from 1891. "The school is 122 years old. We will be planning a big 125 anniversary celebration when it comes. So we are looking ahead to that," McFarlane said.
Hatfield Primary and Junior High operates under a shift system with 866 students enrolled and 46 teachers. The students are from in and around the Hatfield area, including the communities of Greenvale, Spur Tree and Lincoln, and the town of Mandeville.