LETTER OF THE DAY - Message to GSAT-concerned parents

The Editor, Sir:

This letter is to parents whose children have not been placed in their school of choice or a traditional high school.

The point has now been reached where it is not possible to place all children who have done reasonably well in the GSAT in their school of choice or a traditional high school. Parents, understandably, feel let down bearing in mind the many hours spent with their children, not to mention the thousands of dollars for special extra classes.

It is important to note that some of these better quality traditional high schools were mediocre in their formative years. Most notable of these is Campion College where transforming programmes that punctuated the pedagogical retooling of academic staff were implemented. The input of parents was critical to the success of the transformation programmes led by former principal Radley Reid. Without going into too much detail, the alliance between parents and school resulted in Campion College going from a mediocre high school to arguably the best performing high school, academically, in Jamaica today.

There are many high schools that are in the same category as the Campion College of the past, and need a transformed academic staff working along with committed parents who want the best for their children. From my own experience it is clear that many parents believe that their child attending a traditional high school is the solution to their problems, socially and financially. Children entering high school are at the beginning of adolescence (the most turbulent period of their emotional and physical development) and need the support and guidance of all caregivers especially their parents. With the foregoing, what is my advice to concerned parents?

1. Accept the school where your child is placed.

2. Join the parent-teacher association, making sure it is relevant and active.

3. Ensure your child does his/her homework consistently.

4. Communicate regularly with the teachers of your child.

5. Show love always to your child, making him/her your friend.

6. Send your child to Sunday school and/or church.

7. Support all efforts to improve the physical and psychosocial environment of the school.

8. Participate in school functions and fund raisers.

All my children have attended, or are attending a traditional high school and have done well. I have often argued, however, that if they had gone to a non-traditional high school they would still do well because, as a parent, I would guarantee it. I say to all concerned parents, involvement in your child's school life and school is far more critical than the school your child is assigned to. Go in and make a difference.

If all concerned parents took this approach right now, then in about five years we would have far less talk about traditional high schools. Highly improbable though it may be, what would happen if all GSAT students got 90 per cent average or more?

I am, etc.,

OPTIMISTIC EDUCATOR

Kingston