BSS under new Management

The students, teachers and parents of the Barrouallie Secondary School (BSS) said goodbye to Principal Glasley Lewis on Monday. Lewis, who served as Principal since September of 1999, has been transferred to the Thomas Saunders Secondary School (TSSS). He has been replaced by Dora James, the former Deputy Principal of the Petit Bordel Secondary School (PBSS).{{more}}

In reacting to the move, Lewis said that he would have preferred not to leave the BSS at this time since there are some projects that he would have liked to see completed at the institution he has served for the past seven years. However, the veteran educator welcomes the opportunities and challenges offered with his new assignment at Thomas Saunders’, an institution that is less than two years old.

An educator with nearly forty years experience, Lewis leaves the BSS after chalking up some impressive achievements at that school. During his tenure, the institution’s performance in academics has shown remarkable progress for a hitherto under-performing rural secondary school. Results in the Caribbean Examination Council Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CXC-CSEC) exams have consistently improved over the past six years.

At the most recent Scholastic Awards convened by the Ministry of Education, the BSS copped the award for the School with Best Results after Remediation. This is an inaugural award given to schools whose students perform well at CSEC after entering secondary school as so-called failures at the Common Entrance Examination. In a previous award ceremony, the BSS also received awards for the Most Improved School and for the Best Performance in the Technical-Vocational Subjects.

Apart from the academics, Lewis could also be credited with the overall improvement in the culture and ethos at the BSS. He has also ensured that the school’s rich tradition in sports and culture was maintained. Under his watch, the BSS has been transformed from what many had perceived to be a difficult environment to one characterized by fun, discipline and achievement.

According Deputy Chief Education Officer Luis Deshong, Lewis has successfully solidified the foundation laid by previous principals. He also noted that the BSS has made “a quantum leap” under his stewardship. Lewis hopes to take this formula for success as he is entrusted with the management of another fledgling institution, the Thomas Saunders Secondary School.

Staff, parents and students have expressed sadness to see Lewis leave the BSS. At the same time, however, they have all welcomed and embraced the new Principal, Dora James. In addressing the staff and student body James, another outstanding educator, has pledged to continue with the fine traditions of success and achievement for which the BSS has become renowned. She also plans to introduce a few innovative initiatives of her own, all in an effort to ensure that the BSS continues along the lines of the school’s motto: “Striving Ever Higher”. As one principal leaves and another takes the reins, the students, staff and parents of the Barrouallie Secondary School enthusiastically look forward to the years ahead.