Principal's Reports
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HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#00FF00 HEIGHT= 145 WIDTH="332"><div> <B>YEAR</B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#FF00FF" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0066" FACE="Arial" ><B>2000 REPORT</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" ><B> IN AUDIO--- </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><IMG SRC="17a181a0.gif" border=0 width="24" height="26" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></FONT></div> <div> <B>Click </B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0066" FACE="Arial" ><B>Play</B></FONT><B> to listen</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF00FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>...........</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>(please be patient, it may take </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>approx. 30 seconds</B></FONT><B> depending on the speed of your computer)</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="1f4406d0.gif" border=0 width="64" height="109" ALT="Bitmap Image" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:clarkedennis@hotmail.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:clarkedennis@hotmail.com"><U><IMG SRC="1868a1b0.gif" border=0 width="138" height="27" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <B>DINTHILL TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL </B></div> <div> <B>2000 VALEDICTORY AND PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY (July 6, 2000) </B></div> <div> <B>PRINCIPAL'S REPORT</B></div> <bR> <div> Mr. Chairman allow me in my few preliminary remarks to speak on a few issues that I think are of significance to the future growth of our school and by extension our island country Jamaica.</div> <bR> <div> Sir, I have watched our country slipped into deeper moral and ethical decay to the extent that our economic base is dying because of unfair games and violence. These things, Sir, in one way or another are as result of the kind of leadership that our nation is receiving. Many of us as head of institutions and corporations are too afraid or too timid to be honest, to be frank and truthful in dispensing the business of this country.</div> <bR> <div> At Dinthill, it is our intention to go beyond the ordinary and remove mediocrity and to offer an education that take our students beyond mere literacy but to make them students for life. In that context, Mr. Chairman, things cannot remain static at Dinthill. We must evolve in the year 2000 and beyond to be a school creating its own demand and contributing positively to local and national demand. We therefore have to recognize that in order to do this there must be change; there must be significant change from the way we are used to manage the resources in this school. There must be change in the way we allocate and utilize resources in this school. We must be prepared to recognize that the manager who is able to say yes must also be able to take the responsibility to say no in guaranteeing the continued growth and prosperity of the school. For too long the resources of this school have been taken for granted and somebody has to emerge to halt (in Jamaican paradigm, to haul an' pull up) the disgraceful decline that has taken place over time. My job for the next year will be to continue to put back into Dinthill those attributes for which it was well known during the periods of the early 70's to early 80's.</div> <bR> <div> Mr. Chairman, I am not afraid to be unpopular for taking decisions that are going to guarantee that Dinthill Technical High School remain one of the outstanding institutions providing education for the young people of this nation and to guarantee that it is accorded its rightful place in the town of Linstead.</div> <bR> <div> Sir I am very cognisant that the Principal alone cannot hope to achieve this goal on his own and, Sir, this is where a quality Board of Managers will be necessary, a quality teaching staff will be necessary, a quality Parent Body will be necessary, a quality work force will be necessary, and a quality student population will be deemed more necessary. As stake holders I will make one simple plea that we all join hands together in bringing back Dinthill Technical High School to the fame and fortunes for which it was known during the era of Mr. Enos Barrett.</div> <bR> <div> Mr. Chairman, at Dinthill we remain committed to the challenges as we retool our education to meet the challenges of the millennium and recognizing the important role that globalization and technological advancement has put us in, in terms of the complex social economic environment in which we must educate our children. We must recognize that each year with the increased population and the dwindling job market we must become more creative and to recognize the paradigms upon which education must now be unfolded. We must recognize that education can no longer mean reading and writing but it must also mean that the challenges of self employment and independence must now become an integral part of the educational programmes that are imparted on a daily basis. The education must even now become more culturally sound as we strive to maintain our nation while at the same time recognize that the global market place is on our door step. We must educate our children to recognize that in order for us as a nation to strive beyond economic degradation then we must become guardians of the means of production ensuring that succeeding generations will find us faithful.</div> <bR> <div> We recognize, Mr. Chairman, that the ills of poverty and violence have in one way or another affected our advancement as a civil modern society. </div> <bR> <div> We would hope, Mr. Chairman, that the education we offer at Dinthill and that the effort of those of us who demand that our operations and our day to day interactions must be guided by morally sound practices that are grounded in the Christian faith. At Dinthill we have resolved therefore to break down the walls of violence that threaten to break down and hinder us from going forward.</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="overview"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>OVERVIEW</B></div> <bR> <div> The school population has seen marginal increase in enrollment with a end of April <B>enrollment of 1219</B> students on the day school and 467 on the evening school. Of the 1219 on the day school there are<B> 645 girls </B>and <B>574 boys</B> with an <B>average daily attendance of 995</B>. Mr. Chairman, our evening programme has seen remarked increase in enrollment, which went up 3 times the enrollment of last year. This is partly due to the reorganizing of the programmes and the reintroduction of programmes in the Technical areas and the addition of Information Technology.</div> <bR> <div> For the year in review, the drop out rate remains appreciably low and for the entire year the drop-out rate is far less that 1%. Two students were excluded from enjoying the privileges of the school due to issues related to the use of dangerous weapons. There were nine cases of pregnancies and there were a few cases of students who had dropped out. Due to intervention of vigilant students and teachers most have returned to school since April. The issue of Financial support continue to affect the daily attendance of students. More parents are finding it more difficult to continue to support the educational pursuit of their children due to issues related to unemployment. Unfortunately Mr. Chairman, I am unable to report on the details of issues relating to drop-out due to the absence of a report from the Guidance and Counselling desk.</div> <bR> <div> Turning to the issue of this batch of graduating students, like their predecessors, the 1999 graduating batch, they have been privileged to be served by three Principals, two of whom went on retirement during the course of the last school year and I have been privileged to serve them for almost two years. They truly can be regarded as the pioneers of the new breed of graduates who will form the vanguard of the remodelled graduates who can truly say that they were prepared to meet the challenges of the new millennium. Sir they were privileged to be the first batch of senior students to be decorated as gentlemen and ladies and were easily recognized boasting their Dinthill tie, white shirts and blouses and with heads held high.</div> <bR> <div> <A NAME="our_staff_population_continue_to_remain"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Our <B>staff population continue to remain 75 active members</B>, with 8 presently on study leave. They are ably complimented by 5 part-timer in the areas of Music, Dance, Sports, English Language, two Vice Principals, 2 Guidance Counsellors, and 1 Work Experience Officer. The Academic staff is ably supported by 13 administrative workers led by <B>Mrs. Dawn Gyles, Bursar</B>, 3 HEART Trainees and some <B>36 Ancillary Workers</B>. </div> <bR> <div> During the course of the year a number of trainees assisted us. They came from G.C. Foster College, Moneague Teachers and Community College and two volunteers from the Canadian Jamaican Youth Exchange Programme. The following teachers joined the Staff in September: Miss Andrea Bruff, Miss, Shirla-Ann Davis, Miss Michelle Henry, Miss Tanisha Blackwood, Miss Roxann Findlay, Mr. Duen Daley, Mr. Desmond Campbell, Mr. Winston McNish and Mr. Michael Bryan.</div> <bR> <div> <B>The following teachers returned from study leave and resumed duties: </B></div> <div> Miss Karlene Rodriques, Miss Beverly Armstrong, Mrs. Monica White,</div> <div> Mrs. Annet Johnson, Mrs. Yvonne McDowell and Mrs. Leonie Henry (former telephone operator) returned with a diploma in Teacher Education specializing in Business.</div> <bR> <div> Teachers presently on study leave are Mr. Daniel Sterling, Mr. Lennox Morris-Whitehead, Mr. Dale O'Meally, Mr. Doel Bailey, Mr. Gary Lee, </div> <div> Mrs. Maureen Flemming-Spence Miss Karen Collins and Miss Dawn Wilson</div> <bR> <div> During the course of this year, Mr. Everton Samuda, Head of the Mathematics Department, resumed duties after 8 months of vacation leave.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Teachers who will not be returning in September are Miss Michelle Henry and </div> <div> Miss Karen Irving.</div> <bR> <div> Person retiring is Reverend Doctor Renaldo Braham, Guidance Counsellor and School's Chaplain after giving 21 years of sterling service and contribution to this institution.</div> <bR> <div> Allow me, Sir, to thank all those persons who have served this school. On behalf of the Board of Governors and the entire Dinthill Family I wish to thank you for the years you have served this school and hope you will continue to serve in a able way.</div> <bR> <div> As we strive to make Dinthill a more deserving place for students, no efforts will be spared in attracting teachers and workers who are of the highest calibre in experience and qualification. Of interest Mr. Chairman, at the time of writing this report we have already received in excess of 100 applications for 6 vacancies which were advertised in the Sunday and Wednesday publication of the Daily Gleaner.</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="school_board"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>SCHOOL BOARD</B></div> <bR> <div> With effect 31 May 2000 the school was privileged to be awarded a company of men and women who have committed and pledged themselves to serve as Board of Governors for the next four years to be headed by Dr. John Cooke, Executive Officer, Petroleum Coporation of Jamaica. Corporative members of the Board will include Mr. Lascelles Dixon, Dr. K. Excell, Mr. Glendon Johnson (Alcan, Ewarton). This Board will be ably served by Mesdames Dawn Gyles and Daisy Wilson-Kelly and Miss Andrene Campbell who will provide Administrative services as Recording Secretary.</div> <bR> <div> Mr. Chairman, at this Graduation Ceremony, this Principal would like to recognise the service and commitment of Mr. Peter McConnell who has served the school for over six (6) years as Vice Chairman. It is his wish to resign at the end of this school year. </div> <div> Let me say that there is no other person in the entire Linstead that has shown so much interest in the growth and well-being of the Dinthill Technical High School than this young gentleman . I would like to recognize him for his contribution in providing continuous guidance, advice and comfort since my sojourn to this institution. Sir, I would wish that this honourable Board would reserve a date and function in honouring the worth and contribution of this good gentleman.</div> <bR> <div> Mr. Chairman during my report last year, I lamented the fact that there was a high level of indiscipline in our school. This year I am proud to report that the community has spoken, the press has spoken, neighbouring school communities have spoken fellow students have spoken that the Dinthill Technical High School students are among the most disciplined in the area. Congratulations to the parents who have assisted with this transition.</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="admission"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>ADMISSION</B></div> <bR> <div> Whereas in the past the school relied on the Special Entry 5% test to bring in additional students into the system, we will not be able to do that this year because of the high demand for the 180 available spaces in the First Form and the 90 available in the Second Form. Sir, this is because people have now recognized that the Dinthill is now among the best schools in the parish and parents are eagerly trying to have their children transferred to or enrolled in our school. It is worthy to note that to this date there has been numerous request for transfer from neighbouring schools into our system. For this we wish to recognize the efforts of every teacher who through their efforts have raised the level of discipline in our school, the quality of instruction and the high level of professionalism displayed. In this regard Mr Chairman I wish to congratulate the outstanding teachers for this year: Mrs. Doris Carty for being the most outstanding Grade Coordinator, Mr. Dave Julius for the most outstanding Form Teacher, and Mr. Hewitt Taylor for being the teacher of the year, a very enviable award to be achieved in the year 2000.</div> <bR> <div> I wish also to laud the efforts of Mr. Michael Sherwood, Mr. Junior Martin, </div> <div> Mrs. Joyce Tennant Stewart, Mr. Gosford Gordon, and Mr. Livingston Lewin for their hard work in assisting this administration in maintaining the high level of discipline on the campus. High praise must also be given to Mrs. Elaine Gayle Edwards and her team for the work they have done in grooming the Prefect Body this year.</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="examination"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>EXAMINATION</B></div> <bR> <div> This school will continue to offer external examinations that will help with the right of passage for our students into the world of work and on to tertiary institutions. By doing so we offer the C.X.C. Examinations at the General Proficiency level. G.C.E. O'Level City and Guilds and the NCTVET Examinations, and for our Second and Third Year students we continue to offer the JSC Examinations.</div> <bR> <div> Passes in the Technical Vocational areas continue to be in the high 80's and 90's percentage. There are still areas of weakness in the core subjects and for this year, Sir, I expect that there be significant improvement in the passes for Mathematics. </div> <bR> <div> Mr. Chairman we have put in place a number of programmes to help motivate and encourage our students to achieve success in all subject areas. To this end we have introduced the summer enrichment programme in the areas of Mathematics, English Language and Information Technology. It is the hope that our brightest students be given the opportunity to get extra coaching toward examination readiness and greater understanding of the basic concept of the subjects.</div> <bR> <div> Sir, at the last Graduation, we promised that we would try to raise the level of passes in Mathematics from the 14% which was presently obtained to a higher 41%; by so doing sir, we would be able to measure the effects of the Summer Camp.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="programmes"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>PROGRAMMES</B></div> <bR> <div> Mr. Chairman, there was much excitement and interest demonstrated in the Summer Work Experience Programme of 1999 where some 70 student benefited. This year the programme will be expanded and we are setting a target where we are ensuring at least 100 students benefit and in so doing give them a chance to benefit more from classes. I wish to laud the efforts of Mrs. Joyce Tennant Stewart for rallying behind this programme and contributing to the nations children in the very able way that she is doing.</div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="computerinformation__technology"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I><I>COMPUTER/INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMME</I></div> <bR> <div> Mr. Chairman, I am proud to announce at this Graduation that for year 1999/2000 the Dinthill Technical High School recruited one of the best Information Technology Teachers to be found on this island and we welcome Mr. Desmond Campbell to the Department. Since his sojourn, Mr. Chairman, he has made us proud by upgrading the two computer labs to a tune of some $700 000.00. Where as in the past we would have spent thousands of dollars for printing, since he has been here, he has taken on all printing , even the programmes, the certificates, the invitations and the awards for this function were done by him resulting in the saving of many thousands of dollars. But, sir, the most exciting news is the establishment of the internet programme in the school where every teacher was mandated to establish a mailbox and to interface daily using the internet facility. Of national interest is that the Dinthill Technical High School is the top school as it relates to the establishment of a web site as the school is probably the only school with an active web site. To prove that sir, kindly log on to <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://dinthilltech.webprovider.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://dinthilltech.webprovider.com"><U><U>http://dinthilltech.webprovider.com</U></U></A></FONT>. I am proud to report, Mr. Chairman, that more than 70% of our students are computer literate and more than 90% of our teaching staff is internet literate and the entire Administrative Department is totally computerized with our school being 1 of 5 school with a functioning MIS system.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="welfare_programme"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I><I>WELFARE PROGRAMME</I></div> <bR> <div> Mr. Chairman, in this school we have to move beyond the narrow meaning of welfare to mean bus fare and lunch money. Welfare must be found to mean the extend to which we educate our children, the extent to which we educate our parents to provide for their children, the extent to which we educate our parents to be self -reliant and independent, the extent which we educate our children and parents to be disciplined and resourceful. If our country is to go forward we must move past this philosophy of dependency and patron type thinking from the minds of our people and this Principal will do everything in his power to ensure that for the future that welfare at Dinthill Technical High school will never again mean what we can dole out for lunch money and bus fare. Sir, we invite novel suggestion by which we can make our parents and students more independent. </div> <bR> <div> Mr. Chairman I am not embarrassed to report to this forum that I am unable to report positively on the Guidance and Counseling Programme. I hope that in the future I will be able to do my job without any kind of malaise by other members of staff. The writing in the Daily Gleaner dated Friday, June 23, 2000, the letter of the day written by Mr. Vernon Willie speaks volumes of the level of nepotism and callousness by which our people intend to breed this nation.</div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="agriculture"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I><I>AGRICULTURE</I></div> <bR> <div> For those of us who know the 61 year history of the Dinthill Technical High School which started out as a Practical Training Centre for Agriculture, we will appreciate why it is important for the Agricultural Programme of the school to remain pivotal to all other studies. We must therefore ensure that no energy is spared to make the Agricultural Programme at Dinthill one of the best on this island. With this in mind, sir, we have undertaken the task of bringing back Dinthill to the glory of the pre -70's. We are presently on the final phase of upgrading all farm buildings having completed the renovation and allocation of land for specific agricultural purposes as in pastures, orchards and crops where tutorial and economic agriculture can thrive side by side and our children can be taught to apply Agriculture to our nation's economy. </div> <bR> <div> It is not by chance therefore, Mr. Chairman that we should have such a wide array of programmes in our Animal Husbandry programme. How could we, Mr. Chairman, have been able since April of this year to be producing an average of 5 gallons of milk from our dairy herd daily? How, Mr. Chairman, could our piggery be able to grow from 17 in 1999 to over 100 animals in June while slaughtering an average of 2 animals of an average of 160 pounds per week. It is not by chance that every teacher of Agriculture must become a trained vetenary assistant, it is not by chance that every teacher of Agriculture must be a certified butcher, it is not by chance that every teacher of Agriculture must be an Agronomist, it is not by chance that every teacher of Agriculture must be a Farm Mechanics Engineer. Mr. Chairman, it is not by chance that we intend to make the four mentioned areas to become the main thrust of the revived Agricultural programme of Dinthill Technical High School.</div> <bR> <div> To date, through the H.E.A.R.T/NTA Technical High School Development Programme we have spent in excess of $1.3 million in upgrading the facilities of the piggery and the milking parlour, the poultry units and the purchase of livestock species to enrich the tutorial programme. Later on, Mr. Chairman, I would like for you to give the proof of the pudding when you indulge in our ripe fruits provided for you from the farm. Prior to my coming here, sir, where shrubbery and ruinate flourished can be seen healthy fruit trees or cash crops and it is our intention to make this even bigger and better. Thanks for the support given to us by: Mr. Egbert DaCosta (United Estates), Mr. Robert Henry (Head of Department) and all the teachers, Mr. Dave Julius, Mr. Winston McNish, Miss Charmaine Wright and the three able Farm Hands Mark Ellis, Renford Richards and Calvin Ross.</div> <bR> <div> We continue to generate income through the rearing of broiler birds for Caribbean Broilers Jamaica Company and on an eight-week cycle we continue to grow an average of 10,000 birds. In recent times we have realized enough profit to ensure the continued renovation of the Gilbert-ravaged farm back to the era of the 1960's. In terms of the Agricultural programme, I wish to recognize the work and effort of Mr. Enos Barrett as an icon for good management of the Technical High School Programme.</div> <bR> <div> In the area of Horticulture, during the early part of the school year we invested in excess of $45 000.00 procuring seedlings of ornamental and flowering plants. Great pride was taken in planting and establishing these plants. To date, Mr. Chairman, we have watched them dwindled as they disappear on a weekly basis from the front of our school; gone by the efforts of praedial larceny and people who wish to see the school go nowhere. We continue to struggle to beautify the lush environs of this school as we strive to make this campus a Mecca of the environment where botanical species of many variety may strive.</div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="sports_and_games"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I><I>SPORTS AND GAMES</I></div> <bR> <div> Mr. Chairman, one of my mandates to Dinthill Technical High School was to change ineffective and inefficient practices. It was therefore not strange that the Management of Sports and Games has been changed since the school year and all activities are organized by a twenty man strong Sports Committee, wrestling the reign of power from a one person who previously advised the Principal on issues. Mr. Chairman, the Dinthill Bowl without any contradiction is one of the most picturesque places of Sporting facility on this part of the island. It was recently upgraded in order to facilitate a 400m olympic-size track and to facilitate 4 multi-purpose hardcourts to include Netball, Volleyball, Lawn Tennis, and Basketball. Plans are advanced to erect seating and in the first phase we are hoping to provide seating for 1500 spectators. Construction is to be funded by an annual bequeath of $70 000 from the Dinthill Trust Fund and $100 000 from school fees. It is our hope that the income generated from this facility will be able to fund all the programmes in the Sports Department.</div> <bR> <div> <B>DaCosta Cup:</B> Our school emerged zone winners but failed to go beyond the second round, thanks to the efforts of Mr. Alopel Dixon and his team.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Headley Cup:</B> Our school also emerged zone winners but was unable to progress to the second round because a student transferred from another school was inadvertently registered and played in a number of matches, causing us to be disqualified from the competition. We are indeed privileged however to be able to engage the services of </div> <div> Mr. Renford Pinnock as the coach for our Cricket Team and in recent time to be more than fortunate to attract Mr. Frank Brown former national representative who once led this school to a DaCosta Cup final, has returned and is presently coaching the team for the 2000 competition.</div> <bR> <div> During the year, Mr. Chairman, our National Track and Field Representative, </div> <div> Elva Goulbourne entered two-year college programme in the United States of America and she is doing very well academically. Also, Mr. Doel Baily former coach of Track and Field along with Elva received scholarships from the Alcan Bauxite Company through the efforts of Mr. Glendon Johnson.</div> <bR> <div> This year we were unable to go to the Penn Relays due to an injury that was sustained by a member of the 4x400m team during the Boys/Girls Championship. Presently Marvin Essor is recovering very well after many trips to the doctor and Physiotherapist. We are indebted to his mother, who has been more than generous to the sports programme.</div> <bR> <div> All the Sports Teams did not meet the level of success we had hoped for but we recognize that we must go back to the nursery stage and start the development of a real Sports Programme. However we must commend the efforts of the Past Students Association especially the New York Chapter for their gifts of boots and other items that they generously donated to the Sports Department. I must use this media to appeal to the parents to make their contribution to the Sports Programme as we are restricted by Government to make expenditure towards the development of team sports.</div> <bR> <div> During the course of the next school year, we are hoping to upgrade the cricket field by laying a new pitch with soil taken from the McCooks Pen Area. Allow me, Mr. Chairman, the opportunity to inform this honourable gathering of the efforts of the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica to assist our school as our sponsor through the adopt-a-school programme. Last school year, they graciously paved our staff parking lot and they have presently signed a contract with KAR Engineering to pave 2 hardcouts to be used for Lawn Tennis and Netball. We want to use this medium to express our grateful thanks and hope that we will have a long and lasting relationship.</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="breakfast_program"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>BREAKFAST PROGRAM</B></div> <bR> <div> Our breakfast programme continues to be very vibrant and useful. We recognize that more children leave home on a daily basis without a substantial meal. We have therefore put in place the facility where each child can arrive at scchool and go to the cafeteria to have a breakfast of their choice for a subsidized price of $50. There is also a soup programme where a child, during the course of the day, with the consent of a teacher, can access a cup of soup also at a subsidized price of $20. For many students, this cup of soup will be their only meal for the day.</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="heartnta_t_h_s_d_p_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>HEART/NTA T.H.S.D.P.</B></div> <bR> <div> This school, like the 13 other Technical High Schools, continues to be supported by the efforts of the Technical High School Development Programme through the effort of the Ministry of Education and H.E.A.R.T. to upgrade our system. To this end, we have received funding over the past 3 years for the re-establishment of our Science facilities, our Agriculture Programme, our Home Economics and Industrial Arts Programmes and the recently established M.I.S system where all administrative functions of Accounting, Record Keeping and Student Records are becoming computerized; where information may be accessed from the Principal's Office, the Staffroom, the Bursar's Office and the Vice Principal's Office linked to a main computer server on the upper floor of the Administrative Block. For the ensuing school year $1 million has been ear-marked for the development of the facility in the Home Economics Department and for the upgrading of the equipment and tools in the Auto Mechanic Shop . Worthy of mention that is we received a final payment for the school year of $800 000 which is presently being spent on the final phase of the upgrading of the poultry unit and the Physics Lab.</div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="building"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I><I>BUILDING</I></div> <bR> <div> No effort is being spared to improve the physical facilities of this school. To this end, much expenditure have been made in upgrading the electrical and plumbing in this school, most of which is outdated and for the next school year it is the intention of this Administration to undertake the replacement of the outdated asbestos roofing which presently covers the Staffroom, one computer lab and the cosmetology area. The use of asbestos in roofing material is outlawed by International Health Standards and every effort must be made to replace these. Efforts will be made to ensure the repair and replacement of roofs in the Bookroom, the Vice Principals' Offices and at the teachers' flats.</div> <bR> <div> The Pavilion is slated for some attention as it has seen many years of battering and in keeping with the new-look Dinthill Bowl, attention will have to be given to the bathrooms and changing facilities. Much progress has been made in terms of repairs and our budget has facilitated putting on a fresh coat of paint to most buildings.</div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="budget"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I><I>BUDGET</I></div> <bR> <div> The school presently survives on an operating budget of over $61 million to take care of personnel emoluments to include salaries and allowances, $8 million to take care instruction and maintenance, and $2 million for capital and ancillary expenses.</div> <bR> <div> To date we spend an average of $165 000.00 per month for utility to include electricity, telephone and water. Therefore the utility budget for the year is averaging $1.98 million It would be necessary for this year that all stake-holders especially our parents to pay school fees in order for us to stay out of the red. For this year, our budget stands in arrears by some $980 000.00 with only $7.4 million being collected through the Cost Sharing Programme. Last year the individual contribution by each parent, called school fee, was $6400.00. For this year, even though utility bills have been on the increase, there will only be a marginal increase just to offset the increase in the light, telephone and water bills. Therefore the school fee for the school year 2000/2001 will be $7,000.00.</div> <bR> <div> Mr. Chairman, we are not expecting that the same level of support through our Subvention Budget will be maintained by our Government as there has been cut in many Departments of Government Agencies, and for the approved estimate for this year 2000/2001 our Subvention Budget has been cut by $6 million under the pretext that we have been overstaffed. God help us through the ensuing year.</div> <bR> <div> Our operating budget will have to be beefed up by the profits to be made from the Tuckshop programme and sale of other goods, also the Government is insisting that schools become more self-reliant. We therefore ask, beg, appeal to every parent to ensure that the school fees are paid this year.</div> <bR> <div> Implicit in the cuts in our budget is the fact that there will be no money to be put into Capital Development. In this context, the school will continue to rely on the generosity of the major stake holders - the Parent Teachers Association, the Past Student Association, the Board of Trustees and the willingness and the creativity of the Board of Management.</div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="security"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I><I>SECURITY</I></div> <bR> <div> I am not afraid to enforce any regulations that is going to preserve and maintain the dignity of Dinthill and to those persons who are afraid to observe those regulations set out to maintain and preserve this system it would be better off if they should go because it is one sure thing that this Principal will not be giving up his job, and I intend to see to it</div> <div> that Dinthill is preserved for all times. Persons who insist to breach security regulations must stop.</div> <div> <I>CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU</I></div> <bR> <div> The Board of Governors and staff express congratulations to:</div> <bR> <div> Mr. and Mrs. Robert Henry on the birth of their son.</div> <div> Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Brown on the birth of their son.</div> <div> Mrs. Melloney Holland and her husband on the birth of their son.</div> <div> Mrs. Tanya Bloomfield and her husband on the birth of her son.</div> <div> Miss Andrea Bruff on the birth of her daughter.</div> <bR> <div> Congratualtions is also expressed to Miss Regina Montague, Mrs Janeen McNish and Mrs. Carol Russell on achieving academic status of the Batchelors Degree, </div> <div> Mrs. Audry Sinclair who successfully completed the Certificate course in School Administration. We wish also to congratulate those persons who were accepted to pursue higher Degrees and those who will going off to do their first Degree. In this regard we hope the following persons will be granted study leave: Mrs. Ericka Burke, </div> <div> Mr. Kevin Beale, Mrs. Nesline Robinson, Miss Suzette Wallace and Mr. Noel Smith.</div> <bR> <div> Returning from successful studies are: Mr. Lennox Morris-Whitehead, </div> <div> Mrs. Dawn Wilson.</div> <bR> <div> The Board of Governors and staff also wish to express our grateful thanks to:</div> <bR> <div> The Parent Teachers Association for their contribution towards the acquisition of our school bus which, Mr. Chairman, is presently in full operation.</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="the_past_students_association__the_new"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id31.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Alumni"><U><B>The Past Students Association</B></U></A>- The New York Chapter , for their donation of books to boost the Ron Wint Collection on Information Technology.</div> <bR> <div> Dr. Homer Thomas for his contribution of one 85 tractor to the Agricultural Programme.</div> <bR> <div> The staff of the Linstead Health Centre, the Linstead Hospital, Dr. Franklin James and Dr. Karl Exell for providing medical care to the Dinthill Community.</div> <bR> <div> The Linstead Constabulary for their support in many areas throughout the school year.</div> <bR> <div> <I>REGRETS</I></div> <div> During the year, condolence was expressed to Mrs. Elaine Gayle-Edwards on the passing of her father.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> In closing, Mr. Chairman, allow me the opportunity to express my true and honest feelings about the Dinthill after serving it for 16 months. Sir, I still believe that Dinthill Technical High School has the finest physical endowment as a Technical High School in this country. I firmly believe that the work done since March 1999 in restoring and maintaining this school is tremendous. I am grateful to all those persons who have contributed in one way or another positively but there are others who have a misguided notion of what school should be, may I remind them that the sooner they join the forces of good to make Dinthill Technical High School the school it ought to be, the better it will be for the school and for Jamaica land we love.</div> <bR> <div> I closed with this quote from the bible Lamentation 3:25 - 27 "The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for man to bear the yoke while he is young".</div> <bR> <div> <B>DINTHILL TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL </B></div> <div> <B>1999 VALEDICTORY AND PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY (1999 report)</B></div> <div> <B>SALUTATION </B></div> <div> </div> <div> <B>Mr. Chairman, Mr. J. Paul Thomas</B>,<B> Reverend Doctor Renaldo Braham</B> - our school Chaplain, <B>Mr. Arlie Dyer</B>, Assistant Chief Education Officer, <B>Doctor Clinton Hutton</B> – Lecturer in the Department of Government, other distinguished members of the platform party, Principals of neighbouring schools, specially invited guests, members of the Parent Teachers Association, Members of Staff, friends of the school, our guests of honour - the 1999 graduating class, on behalf of the Dinthill school family I wish to express my share of welcome and to congratulate the parents and graduates on the achievement of their completion of four (4) years of successful technical high school education. </div> <div> </div> <div> I wish to laud the parents for the effort and care given to the youngsters while they struggle to raise their feet to the first rung of the ladder to self – actualization. Let me at the outset thank the Board of Governors, Pastor and members of the Bread of Life Ministries for affording us this rare privilege in hosting our school leaving exercise into this hallowed house of worship. Lest my memory fails me let me also thank all other persons who have in one way or another contributed to the planning and execution of the events leading up to and the hosting of this function. </div> <div> </div> <div> Mr. Chairman, I would like to dedicate this honourable function to the founders and those persons who have served this valued institution prior to joining this staff and to commit myself publicly to this honourable gathering by avowing myself to your motto: <B>”Facta Non Verba” </B>– and in the true Jamaican fashion say <B>“Less talk, more work”</B>, as the struggle continues to re-establish and maintain standards set by eras of the Philips and Barrett. </div> <div> </div> <div> Mr. Chairman, let me also commit myself to service to this institution and pledge my commitment to orderliness, to discipline, fair play, trustworthiness and decency. These words of good forbearance, Sir, will remain the guiding principles upon which the efforts of the Dinthill in educating students for the next millenium will be established. </div> <div> </div> <div> Mr. Chairman, I wish to remind this honourable assembly that for us at the Dinthill Technical High School, education will mean much more than reading and writing and must also extend the bounds to heighten our awareness to issues that are moral, matters that are decent and things that are sound and bounded into a rich Christian heritage. </div> <div> </div> <div> The education must serve to heighten the social consciousness and must serve as a forum to which our habits and attitudes are formed. Our education must prepare our young people to strive for excellence and independence and lessen the burden of dependency on foreign institutions and government by becoming more self-reliant and buoyant. Finally, education must serve as a vehicle to rekindle those rich traditions set by our founders and must help to keep us faithful to the rich traditions of those who have gone before us. </div> <bR> <div> As we join in celebrating this rite of passage for the graduating class of 1999, let us congratulate them, for defying economic and social deprivation and have arrived here today robed in their maroon and gold – an indication of their willingness to take on the future and the message that they have triumphed. Let me also remind them that a successful man is not one that gloats on today’s achievement but one who is willing to take on new challenges and to learn more. </div> <div> </div> <div> <B>OVERVIEW </B></div> <div> The school boasts <B>a student population on enrollment of 1209</B> in the day school <B> with 637 representing girls and 572 representing boys </B>and with an <B>average daily attendance of 950</B>. Our evening school though not as bouyant as it used to be still boasts a population of . The dropout rate of students for the year under review remains appreciatively very low. Up to the time of writing the report less than 1% was attributed to dropout. A number of bad boys sought self - exclusion as a means of evading the changes which took place on the <B>1st of March</B>. The Guidance Counsellors’ report indicates that only six (6) girls have been reported to have dropped out of school due to pregnancy. Three (3) boys dropped out due to the withdrawal of financial assistance and family support. Also, one parent withdrew his son after he threatened to shoot the Principal and the matter was reported to the Board. </div> <div> </div> <div> Mr. Chairman the present batch of graduating class of students is privileged to have been served by three (3) Principals, two (2) of whom went on retirement during the course of this school year. We continue to boast <B>a staff population of 75 </B>members of staff, <B>71 representing full-time teachers and 4 representing part-time teachers, including two (2) Vice Principals and two (2) Guidance Counsellors and a Work Experience Officer. </B> The staff is ably supported by <B>ten (10) Administration Workers led by Mrs. Dawn Gyles, Bursar and some 36 Ancillary Workers.</B> Also during the course of the year, we have been fortunate to have been served by five (5) H.E.A.R.T. trainees and we will also not fail to mention the services given by intern students from G. C. Foster and Moneague Community Colleges who have served for short periods of time. Mr. Hugh Blackwood also joined staff on April 1 of this year. </div> <div> </div> <div> The following teachers will return from study leave: <B>Annet Johnson </B>– Diploma in Science Education, <B>Karlene Rodriques</B>- Diploma in Education, <B>Monica White</B>- U.W.I, <B>Yvonne McDowell</B>- Diploma in Education, <B>Jacqueline Drummond</B> – Diploma in Education, <B>Beverly Armstrong</B> – B.A in English Language Education, U.W.I. We must also congratulate <B>Mrs. Leonie Henry</B>, former telephone operator to this school, on the completion of a Diploma Programme in Technical Education pursued at the University of Technology. </div> <div> </div> <div> Going on well - deserved study leave are Messrs. <B>Daniel Sterling, Lennox Morris Whitehead, Dale O’Meally, Doel Baily and Mr. Everton Samuda for vacation leave.</B> Teachers who resigned during the course of the year are Miss Sandra Fisher, Lavina Smallwood, Rose Mae Hudson, Mrs. Nadeen Barnett, Messrs. Patrick Morgan, Michael Cohen and Cleveland Facey. Other teachers who will not be returning in September are Messrs. Wayne Sutherland, Clive Nesbeth, Marlon Shand, Mrs. Vinette Martin –Josephs, Miss Sonia Bennett, Kerry Ann Sinclair and Natalie Hinds. </div> <div> </div> <div> Persons retiring are Mrs. Cynthia Lewis and Mrs. Joyce McKenzie. </div> <div> </div> <div> Sir, we reserve to withold the tributes and accolades at a place and time to be announced in the near future. We wish these ladies well as they journey to find new horizons. We wish to thank you for your services rendered during the combined effort of some seventy years in education. We wish you well. </div> <div> </div> <div> It is our hope to recruit high caliber staff to replace those going. Already we have successfully recruited and gained the service of teachers of Computer Studies, Industrial Technology and English Language. </div> <div> </div> <div> <B>SCHOOL BOARD</B> </div> <div> The school is privileged to be served by a group of men and women who serve on the Board of Governors to include Messrs. J. Paul Thomas – Chairman, Peter McConnell – Vice Chairman, Barrington Amos, Wes Sybblis, Sherwin Brown, Lascelle Dixon, Dr. K. Exell, Junior Martin – Academic Staff Representative, Kathy Harrison – Administrative Staff Representative. The board also is privileged to be served by Mesdames Dawn Gyles and Daisy Wilson-Kelly and Miss Andrene Campbell providing Administrative and Secretarial services. </div> <div> </div> <div> I would specially like to recognise the worth and guidance of Mr. Peter McConnell for his very helpful advice during my early days here. “Sir, let me thank you for the very pragmatic, thought provoking, concise and decisive advice and instruction that you have provided.” </div> <div> </div> <div> Mr. Chairman among the most severe problems facing the student population of this school is the issues of unpunctuality and the varying degrees of indiscipline expressed in: lack of respect for authority and also the lack of recognition for the worth and contribution of their teachers and the deep rooted disregard for their uniform. </div> <bR> <div> High on the agenda of the issues to be addressed in the year 1999/2000 will be: </div> <div> (a) The issue of student deportment. </div> <div> (b) Student mannerism, attitude and general poor behavior. </div> <div> </div> <div> Expressed in this is the fact that much effort will be expected of senior members of staff and Guidance and Counselling personnel. Other issue of student concern is that of financial support. It is worthy of mention that for the school year under review 536 students sought and received assistance under the Government Cost Sharing Programme. It is hoped that this figure will not be surpassed in the next school year. </div> <div> </div> <div> <B>ADMISSION </B></div> <div> </div> <div> For the next school year, it is hoped that some 250 students will be admitted through the Technical Entrance and the Junior High School Examinations. We wish to recognise the efforts of those teachers who assisted with the control and disciplining of students during the latter part of this school year. Special mention must be made of Michael Sherwood, Mrs. Joyce Stewart, Gosford Gordon, Mr. Robert Henry and Mr. Walter Blair – grounds staff supervisor. We also wish to recognize the work and effort Mrs. Elaine Gayle-Edwards and her team has given to the Prefect Body during the school year. </div> <div> </div> <div> <B>EXAMINATION </B></div> <div> </div> <div> Mr. Chairman, due to the change in format of the graduation exercise, it will not be necessary for me to report on examination performance for the past year as these were tabled in November at the 1998 graduation exercise and representing the efforts and results of the C.X.C, G.C.E. and City and Guilds examinations. However, Sir, much is expected of the Dinthill in improving its passes both in Mathematics and English Languages as we strive to surpass the national averages for both subjects. We have set a target for Mathematics of a 41 percentage pass by the year 2003 over the 14% pass reflected in the 1998 examinations results. Our effort in this endeavour, Mr. Chairman, is reflected in the Summer Math Camp which will offer an enrichment programme in Mathematics for high achievers in Grades 8, 9 and 10. </div> <div> </div> <div> Mr. Chairman it is also our hope over the next three (3) years to include English Language and the Sciences of Physics and Chemistry during the summer for those students who are high performers in these subjects. The aim, Sir, is to improve our overall percentage pass in these subjects. </div> <div> </div> <div> <B>PROGRAMMES</B> </div> <div> Mr. Chairman, undoubtedly, the most exciting programme for 1998/99 is the Summer Work Experience Programme to be started at the school. The aim, Sir, is to give our students an opportunity to access an additional three (3) weeks of classroom work that would normally be spent otherwise, thus allowing them to use this time to complete their C.X.C. S.B.A. components. </div> <div> </div> <div> Sir, you might well imagine there has been a number of changes at the Dinthill. We are hoping for the new year to include Geography as a complementary subject for students pursuing Agricultural option and to offer more opportunity by expanding the programme involving animal husbandry in Agriculture. Also, Sir, it is our aim to offer the curricular programme on a blocked time-table basis thereby giving greater autonomy to the Heads of Departments and allowing the Vice Principals and Senior Administrators to be more integrally involved in instructional supervision. This will also allow us to ensure that all students entering school in September to access at least two sessions of computer studies. Also, Sir, it is our intention to give greater opportunity to those students who wish to pursue more subjects thus enabling them to qualify for scholarship where a pass in a minimum of seven (7) subjects will be necessary. </div> <div> </div> <div> Mr. Chairman, I am sure you will be happy to know that it is a requirement for all Grade Nine (9) students to sit the J.S.C. examinations. The aim is to give them first hand experience in writing external examinations and for them to have a feel of the examination centre. Also to be able to have some minimum qualification. </div> <div> </div> <div> <B>WELFARE ASSISTANCE </B></div> <div> </div> <div> The issue of welfare and assistance continues to be of concern as it is affecting a number of students from accessing the education. However, we continue to be grateful to those persons/organizations who through their generosity and kindness have provided assistance to some of our needy students. Mention must be made of the<A HREF="id31.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Alumni"><U> </U></A><A HREF="id31.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Alumni"><U><B><U>New York Chapter of the Alumni Association</U></B></U></A> who have graciously consented to offer a scholarship of Canadian $1000.00 for three (3) years to a deserving graduate of the 1999 graduating class who has been accepted to a tertiary institution. </div> <div> </div> <div> <B>AGRICULTURE</B> </div> <div> </div> <div> This school is pleased to report that it is the intention of this Administration to make Agriculture the main thrust of this institution and in most effort we are pulling out all the stops to re-establish a viable Agricultural Programme. In this endeavour much effort has been put in in revitalizing: </div> <div> a. Citrus orchards in three (3) main plots and </div> <div> b. All pre-Gilbert buildings and to revitalize other fruit orchards including mangoes </div> <div> c. The dairy project and to triple our efforts in animal husbandry. </div> <div> </div> <div> I am also happy to report, Mr. Chairman, that for the first time in effort of rearing broilers, for the May/June crop we were able to have a conversion rate of 1.52, beating all previously set records. Also, Mr. Chairman, we have been successful in establishing a hectare (2 acres) of pumpkin and hectare (2 acres) of corn while propagating star grass to re-establish the cattle grazing project on the Tropicana Plot, thus reclaiming the land previously captured by Operation Pride. </div> <div> </div> <div> The piggery programme remains very viable. At present there are 14 sows and 2 boars and about 50 young pigs. We continue to struggle with our beef cattle project numbering some 24 heads of cattle. Our biggest headache to date is marketing the animals. Mr. Chairman, permit me to use this media to advertise for sale of the 24 heads of cattle to the highest bidder. No reasonable offer will be turned down. </div> <div> </div> <div> New projects in animal husbandry for the school year include the establishment of a goat project to include a pair of registered Boer Goats at a market value of $120,000.00 and a pair of Nubian valued at some $60,000.00. Domesticated birds to include Chinese geese, Peking ducks, European geese, khaki ducks, quails and pheasants and the rearing of turkey to grace the Thanksgiving table and an additional 120 heads of birds to boost the layer project. We continue to raise broiler birds in batches of 10,000 and are experiencing a welcome measure of success. </div> <div> </div> <div> Mr. Chairman, to date we have made effort of re-establishing all pasture land by erecting barbed wire fencing and undertaking an extensive bushing project including the removal of overgrown shrubs and trees. </div> <div> </div> <div> <B>SPORTS</B> </div> <div> </div> <div> In sports we were fortunate to have reached the second round in the Headley Cup Cricket Competition and were unfortunate to have only reached the semi-final round in the DaCosta Cup Football Competition. Our girls did fairly well in Netball. Through the efforts of the <A HREF="id31.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Alumni"><U><B><U>Past Students Association</U></B></U></A><A HREF="id31.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Alumni"><U>,</U></A> under the leadership of Mrs. Faith Simms and the New York Chapter we were first able to: </div> <bR> <div> (a) Clear debt of $105,000.00 overdue on sports gears and </div> <div> (b) Field a team of four (4) athletes and two (2) chaperones to the Penn Relays Carnival. </div> <div> </div> <div> We were privileged to have had <A HREF="id30.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sports"><U><B><U>Elva Goulbourne</U></B></U></A> erasing an 18 year-old record set by former Olympian Carol Lewis in the school girl long jump. </div> <div> </div> <div> To Elva Goulbourne, outstanding athlete, extra- ordinaire, we wish to thank you for putting our name on the international plateau and for allowing the Jamaican people for the first time in the 105-year history of the Penn Relays for our flag to be flown highest in the Franklyn Field Stadium. We wish that life will serve you well and your legs to surpass other enviable goals set before you. </div> <bR> <div> We were also able to secure a scholarship for Miss Goulbourne to pursue a course in Business Admintration at Central Arizona State University. This scholarship to be taken up in September. </div> <div> </div> <div> It is also worthy of mention, Mr. Chairman, that under a new sports committee, sports at Dinthill will be revitalized to include basketball, lawn tennis and hockey and there is even this concept of the pavilion to seat 1500 spectators. These realities we will live to see within the next five (5) years. </div> <div> </div> <div> This honourable gathering will be happy to hear that we have made steps to secure a bus for the next school year and by the first week in October a brand <A HREF="id32.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Whats new recent"><U><B><U>new Toyota Coaster</U></B></U></A><A HREF="id32.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Whats new recent"><U> </U></A>painted in maroon and gold and boasting the school’s logo on both sides will roll out of the parking lot at Uni-Motors bound for Dinthill Technical High School. </div> <div> </div> <div> <B>FENCING </B></div> <div> The school will continue to double its effort in fencing and beautification and we will start by putting up a chain link fencing at the front of the school. It is our intention to recover some additional land previously taken by Operation Pride to put into orchard and cattle. </div> <div> </div> <div> <B>BUDGET</B> </div> <div> We were audited by the Internal Auditors of the Ministry of Education during the period February 1st – 9th. Based on the exit audit interview, there were few areas of queries including the dead horse of the missing computers. </div> <div> </div> <div> The school would need to realise some $8.4 million to finance the maintenance and programme side of the budget through the efforts of Cost Sharing. To this end, school fee will remain at a moderate $6,400.00, some $500.00 less than the previous year as no money will be collected for capital development or computer programme and all students who had paid for computer during this school year will be entitled to all the rites and privileges without having to pay any additional cost. </div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>SCHOOL BOARD AND STAFF</B> </div> <div> </div> <div> <B>REGRETS</B> </div> <div> The school Board and staff expressed condolences to: </div> <div> Mrs. Audry Sinclair on the passing of her husband, </div> <div> Mr. Hugh Blackwood on the passing of his father, </div> <div> Mr. Carlyle Thompson who lost his grandmother. </div> <div> Miss Karen Collins who lost her grandmother </div> <div> Miss Charmaine Wright who lost her grandmother. </div> <div> Mr. Wayne Sutherland who lost his brother under tragic circumstances. </div> <div> Mrs Ina Gordon-Byfield who lost her mother-in-law. </div> <div> Mrs. Carol Russell who lost her grandfather. </div> <div> </div> <div> We also thank Mrs. Lewis for her 22 years of service to Dinthill in her capacity as Work Experience Officer. We value you service and will miss you and hope you enjoy retirement. </div> <div> </div> <div> <B>THANK YOU </B></div> <div> To the honourable members of the 1972 graduating class for the paint job on the fourth year block. </div> <div> </div> <div> To Mr. Peter McConnell for his many gifts of plants and use of equipment. </div> <div> </div> <div> Before closing, Mr. Chairman, I wish to on behalf of the school community acknowledge the kind gifts and efforts of the following persons and organizations: </div> <bR> <div> a. Lascelle Dixon and Associates </div> <div> b. Dr. K. Exell </div> <div> c. Dr. F. James </div> <div> d. Linstead Health Centre </div> <div> e. Linstead Hopital </div> <div> f. Linstead Constabulary </div> <div> g. Members of the Board </div> <div> h. Petroleum Corporation </div> <div> i. Mrs. Ivy Hinn </div> <div> j. Food for the Poor </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Mr. Dennis M. Clarke </div> <div> Principal since March 1999 </div> <div> © 1999 </div> <div> </div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>