Security needs a priority at St Michael primary school

Following six break-ins at the Bay Primary School over the past year, the principal is calling on past students and businesses to donate security cameras to the institution.

Principal Heather Parris is also sending out an appeal for donations to carry out much-needed renovation works on the physical plant.

During a presentation of five dispenser machines and hand sanitizer from Rentokil Limited today, Parris said prior to COVID-19, the institution’s management started painting the exterior of the plant but had to stop before it was completed because the money ran out.

“We also need to start working on our infants’ block. I believe staff and students would be more productive in pleasant surroundings and I am sure all of you here agree with me. We have had a series of break-ins, six in the last year and we would gladly welcome security cameras.

“We also need a new school sign and those are just some of the things that we want to prioritize. So not only do we want to target the business sector, but other old scholars, parents of our students and friends of this institution who have excelled in many areas. There are so many talented persons who I have been hearing came out of Bay Primary School and I think it is time to give back,” Parris said.

Rentokil Limited has donated five automatic and manual dispenser machines and hand sanitizer to assist the institution with maintaining a COVID-19 free environment.

Parris thanked Rentokil for the donation and explained to those gathered that it came to fruition through the outstanding efforts of past students who were the graduating class of 1971.

In fact, Parris said for the past three years, past students have presented a shield of excellence in honour of former principal Grantley Osbourne, in addition to a monetary donation to the most outstanding student in the graduating class.

“A couple of weeks ago, these gentlemen reached out to the school and they informed me that they had raised some funds through donations from old scholars and they wanted to know how best they could use these funds.

“In consultation with the management team of the school, we decided that we were going to ask for some hand sanitizer dispensers, as we all here can attest to the importance of these during this very crucial COVID-19 environment and especially to a school such as Bay Primary with over 3000 students and a staff of over 30. So we know that this is something that was a priority for us,” Parris said.

Meanwhile, Hygiene Sales Consultant at Rentokil, Selena Pitcher, said the company sought to promote and support any organisation that aspired to make good handwashing practice a part of its culture. She encouraged the students to always engage in practicing good hygiene.

“We are very pleased to partner with the school to donate the hand sanitizer units to you and we will continue to make sure that you are in good standing,” Pitcher said. (AH)