Spring Village Methodist Pre-school celebrates 10th anniversary

The Spring Village Methodist Pre-school is this week celebrating its 10th anniversary.{{more}}

The school opened its doors on September 6th, 1999, with approximately 13 children in attendance. The project was the brainchild of the then Superintendent Minister Rev. Cuthbert Edwards in the Kingstown Chateaubelair Circuit. Rev. Dillon Burgin, who was on break from Theological school in Jamaica, was given the responsibility of setting up the school. This was accomplished with the help and oversight of Judith Hull-Ballah, one of the Education Officers for Early Childhood Education in the Ministry of Education.

Five years earlier Rev. Burgin was instrumental in reviving the Spring Village Methodist Church. Claris Richards was a consultant on this venture and Joycelyn Joseph was picked to be the teacher in charge. Another early participant in the project was Iinka Hackshaw, who served as the Assistant Teacher. She went on to become a Registered Nurse. Fannel Bowens who replaced her currently serves as Assistant Teacher.

At present, the school is being managed by a board of seven members and supported by the Parent Teacher Association. Apart from the normal educational activity, the students have benefited from field trips to various institutions and other places of interest. The influence of the Preschool is felt in the community.

The school participated in the cleaning of the Cumberland beach. It also distributed books and pencils to the Spring Primary School, as well as food packages to the elderly. One of the ways the pre-school shows concern for the development of the community is by facilitating regular parenting sessions for parents and guardians in the community.

The staff as well as the Parent Teacher Association express sincere thanks and appreciation to the many people and organizations who have helped to keep the doors of the school open and to give the children of the Spring Methodist Pre-school the kind of valuable learning experiences they may not otherwise have access to.

The pre-school thanks the many persons and organizations which have contributed to its success over the years.