Tracey Facey
Over its 44-year-history, Chalky hill Basic School has undergone many changes in location and leadership but today is still strong, proud of its graduates and thankful for the support it receives from the community and dedicated staff.
Forty four years ago the late Claribel Ellis of Chalky Hill, St Ann started a basic school on her verandah on September 6, 1971 with 27 students.
The community is the home town of former West Indian cricketer Franklyn Rose. In 1977, the school was closed for a short while, after the death of Miss Ellis. The residents approached the Chalky Hill Berean Church of God to house the students. This arrangement lasted for only two years. Residents were determined to find a permanent home for it.
Over the years, the school was housed at the Chalky Hill Church of God and the community centre for eight years but in 1988 Hurricane Gilbert destroyed the building. They then went to the teachers’ cottage of the primary school for eight years. They applied to the JSIF and on February 25, 2004, they were granted a permanent building below the primary school.
The school today has thirty two students on roll. They come from Chalky Hill and adjoining communities of Davis Town and Hermitage.
Principal Hyacinth Robertson with 32 years of expertise has described her years as leaving her with “a great sense of achievement.” She feels very proud to see products of the institution making a positive impact in society. She made reference to the following past students: Keisha Murphy-Tingle, literacy specialist at the Ministry of Education; Kimberly Du-Jae, pharmacist; Nadine Nembhard, inflight instructor with the US Airways and Joshua Daye, medical student at the University of the West Indies.
Students of the institution are guided by the Early Childhood Commission curriculum where they are introduced to social graces, numeracy and literacy activities among others.
The School is served by two permanent teachers Ann-marie Waugh class two and Hyacinth Robertson, both of whom are certified by the NVQJ, and a temporary college trained teacher Simone Scott. Also part of the team is a cook, Nicole Watson.
Mrs Robertson gave high praises to Racquel Grant president of the Parent Teachers Association and expressed gratitude to the management committee members Cynthia and Charles Woolery, returning residents who volunteered their services to the institution, overseeing its operation and helping to secure teaching material and gifts at Christmas and graduation. Mrs Robertson is appealing to parents to play a more active and supportive role in the development of their children’s lives.
