Salmon Basic School located in Exchange, St Ann opened its doors to the community of Exchange and environs in 1967 on the verandah of the founder, the late Florence Salmon. Its population grew and the school was later relocated to the grounds of the Church of God of Jamaica, Bonham Spring. This was only temporary. In 1973, Mrs Salmon’s husband sought the assistance of the then Councillor, the late Wenford “Bull” Gentles to construct a permanent structure on the church compound. This was a blessing to the residents and parents in 1976 when the school officially opened with a new building which is the present location.
After the retirement of the late Mrs. Salmon, her daughter Stacey Salmon succeeded as principal. After Miss Salmon’s tenure, Jacqueline Walters became the principal. In 1999 Mrs. Walters went on retirement and the post was filled by Juliette Palmer –Pyne, the present principal, whose qualifications will be enhanced when she receives her degree in November.
The school has seventy-eight students on roll; two trained teachers, Lorna Hardware and Jacqueline Scott- McNair; a cook Michelle Swaby and security personnel Nathalee Seymour, to ensure the safety of the children.
The school is financed by its fee and receives assistance from the Kiwanis Club of Ocho Rios. It also hosts fundraising events in order to get additional funding.
Mrs Pyne told The Times that her institution is special because of the level of professionalism and teaching that they offer to the students. The students are guided by the Early Childhood Commission curriculum which includes social graces, mathematics, phonics, reading, field trips among others.
Mrs Pyne further explained that the curriculum is an integration of science, mathematics and English. She said lesson plans have to be prepared for all students to improve their ability to excel.
“Moving from seventeen students to seventy eight means that something great is being done at Salmon Basic School. We have a lot of repeat parents and parents make a lot of recommendations which is a great accomplishment for the image of the school,” she stated.
She appealed to parents and guardians to play a more active role in the lives of their children by providing them with love and the books which are very essential for their development.
Mrs Pyne expressed gratitude to her staff and the supportive parents throughout the years and to the church. The church provides a chaplain that meets with them monthly to have devotions.
