ROSA presented its 5-year plan for Rusea’s High School in 2007. Designed by ROSA President, Lloyd Tomlinson, the finalized plan was reproduced in detail in the ROSA Magazine marking the 230th Anniversary of the school. It targeted three areas which quite obviously needed upgrading. Structures were required (including housing for the teachers) or were in need of rehabilitation, the campus grounds needed to be enhanced, and not least of all, the grades of the students needed improvement.
At 30 months into the schedule, the efforts and investments made by ROSA have shown positive results, in that a building has been constructed, rehabilitation work has been done and the general look of the school environment has been improved. Also there has been definite improvement in the passing grades of the students. This level of progress is the result of a collaborative effort of ROSA, the School Board, PTA and the Teachers.
We are now looking toward further strides in the second half of the schedule.
2020 CHALLENGE
Beyond the targets which we set for 2007-2012, other shortcomings need to be addressed. In the following documents, ROSA UWI/UTECH President, Andrew King, has presented his views on the current needs of Rusea’s and issued a challenge to all of us to work toward this new set of targets for the year 2020.
The details include (a) what the school needs to do to achieve the required standard in the educational community by 2020 and (b) what infrastructure changes are required at Rusea’s. The funding calls for total ROSA membership involvement in the work.
----------------------------------------------
:Rusea’s 2020
Theme; DISCOVER DREAM DESIGN
Rusea’s 2020 speaks to a myriad of creative elements that should be explored and refined to devise a solid programme geared to stimulate growth in all sectors of the institution.
Developing & Leveraging the Rusea’s Brand
One important area in which this reputation of success can be maintained and heralded is through the development of the ‘Rusea’s brand’, a signature element about the school that makes it stand out from other educational institutions.
For example, the internationally revered HarvardBusinessSchool was established in 1908 to provide leadership for American businesses and from this institution, graduates have emerged to become leaders several of America’s most successful organisations.
On Harvard’s website you will find the phrase: “We educate leaders who make a difference in the world.” Rusea’s Administration should spend more time helping students to embrace their motto.
Many of the people who graduate from Harvard are persons whose names we readily recognise as being leaders in their respective field:
 President-elect, Barack Obama is one such graduate  George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States  Susan Decker, President of Yahoo  Stanley Marcus, former Chairman and CEO of Neiman Marcus  James E. Burke, former CEO of Johnson & Johnson  And, our former Prime Minister, the Hon. Edward Seaga, is a graduate of that University
In a similar way, the administrators and educators need to decide where Ruseans will be positioned in about 20 to 30 years from now. In order to do so, there is need to look beyond now and see the education of the students at Rusea’s as a “ministry” and teachers as “ministers” who have been given the responsibility of moulding the young charges in their care.
The definition of a “minister” means one who is an agent of change who influences others, one who attends to the needs of others.
Teachers are agents who ‘minister’ through education to effect change in the lives of those they encounter. This is an important plank in the formula for the development and future success of the institution.
“I challenge the Board, Administration, P.T.A and ROSA to leverage Rusea’s success into the Rusea’s brand of excellence which persons can come to recognize as an almost guaranteed outcome of being associated with the school. This brand should define our school as the place of first choice or reference for excellent education of young Ladies and Gentlemen.”
Other institutions have accomplished this. Harvard and Yale graduates are known internationally for their business acumen. Here in Jamaica, we have schools, such as CampionCollege, Immaculate, KingstonCollege, and Calabar High among other educational institutions, that are known for excelling in various areas – whether it is sports, academics or the arts.
Rusea’s has to establish its own image which will be the single most prominent output one can expect from every student who pass through these doors.We need to move beyond football.
What can we do to help create this Rusea’s brand?
First, we must identify areas of common interest and importance of our institution. For instance, Rusea’s could be the host of an annual most anticipated and publicized debate about important issues affecting the school and community such as: The Impact on Community and National Growth, Hanover Primary, Preparatory and High School’s Quiz Competition, Hanover Inter School’s Festival Competition (Dance Drama and Song).
There are also issues relating to energy … given our close proximity to several projects in the use of alternate sources of energy, such as wind, and solar. The important thing is to do a signature event each year to establish Rusea’s as an educational presence to be reckoned with in this parish, Jamaica and the region.
Another aspect of developing the Rusea’s brand is through the use of technology ... and an up-to-date, informative and interactive website is one key to achieving this objective.
A website is an excellent tool that can promote the Rusea’s Brand, given the scope and global reach of the Internet. Modern technologies, such as Web 2.0 technology, Face book and Twitter can be used to galvanise the energies of the alumnus from around the world together for a common purpose. As such, the school needs to have an engaging and dynamic website, which can be positioned to link present and past students, and connect the institution with Jamaicans. Model the school’s website off the RosaWebsite.
Another aspect of development is through the use of science. Partner with the Noel HolmesHospital and other stake holders in acquiring e.g. Internal and External Organs such as the Heart, Lungs, Eyes, Teeth Tongue, and Bones etc in order to enhance the Biology Department.
Partner with Jamaica Broilers and the Ministry of Agriculture in starting a Chickens and Fish Farm in an effort to enhance our Agriculture Science Department.
Positioning Rusea’s in the Community
As an institution that was born out of concern for the social advancement of residents in the community, it is important that every effort be made to ensure that these strong linkages are maintained. In this regard, the task rests with both residents and members of the school community. It is the responsibility of the community to take ownership of the institution.
In this way, members of the community should fully commit themselves to supporting the education of present and future generations. This would be translated into ensuring that our children are nurtured and loved … protected at all times; school properties are not vandalized; … and teachers are given the highest levels of respect….and salaries.
At Rusea’s, we should have a system in which there is the capacity to become the pivot of the community…in Lucea and even wider afield, of Hanover. We have the capability to create a similar “township concept” (sense of belonging) around Rusea’s and to influence issues that impact on the lives of people in these communities … such as security and economic challenges, which incidentally, also affect the school.
The school, is a major feeding institution for Western and Eastern UWI UTECH ... so it is possible to use these tertiary institutions as models … we have similar characteristics … we exist in a similar kind of environment … and so our experiences could be building blocks to influence the creation of the development plan.
As we plan ahead for the school’s future, we should develop a mechanism to anchor the school in the heart of the community … supplies for the school are provided by the surrounding communities … given the children have an opportunity to become a part of the school population.
For example, it may be possible to offer one scholarship each year to a student from a different primary/prep school in the neighbouring community to demonstrate that the school is there to assist them, and they, in turn, are supported by the school.
Linking Rusea’s with Jamaicans in the Diaspora.
There is also a need to position the school in the Jamaican Diaspora in order to attract financial support from past students, associates.
It is also conceivable that closer linkages with the Jamaican Diaspora can be nurtured by sponsoring scholarships to 2nd and 3rd generation Jamaican children overseas to give them an opportunity to attend school here in Jamaica … and to benefit from the rich educational experience. Such a connection with Jamaicans overseas can prove to be invaluable and drive financial and other support.
Education
Developing the Rusea’s brand and leveraging it for best effect … positioning the school as an institution of importance and assistance within the community; … and linking the school with Jamaicans in the Diaspora cannot help but impact on the quality output of the school.
The domino effect would ripple down to the level of support that could be garnered for the institution … beyond just financial contributions, to attract additional high quality staff to the Rusea’s brand and the centre of excellence.
In this vein I encourage the leaders to ensure that the development plan includes building on the institutional capacity and academic qualification of staff members.
Help to create a sense of purpose in each member of the team – from the cleaner to the Principal, and no doubt this will be great encouragement that being a part of the Rusea’s team is a rewarding experience. However, there must be commitment and accountability on the part of teachers to take responsibility for the performance of their students.
Teachers must ensure that all rules are enforced e.g. Rule # 6 Return from Absence “……must present written explanation…” Rule # 24 School Representatives “… behaviour pattern is contrary to the Rules cannot represent the school…”
They must also ensure that Standard English is spoken at all times( of course exceptions will arise), our Ladies and Gentlemen sit, stand, speak and behave like true Ruseans. This can only be achieved if teachers are monitored by the Administration, Heads of Departments and Grade Supervisors
Educators must make a personal investment in their schools. This must be made clear at the interview and when entering into a contract. Ensure that they are bonded by their commitments.
This is the kind of approach that needs to be adopted by the leaders and administrators…in respect of the revitalisation of our education sector, today.
While we acknowledge the role of government in the education process … I believe we need to get back to basics … to the foundation on which our education sector was built – a personal sense of achievement at the accomplishment of students and feeling of loss when others don’t do as well.
Predetermine with your community and stakeholders the agreed basis on which the performance of the school administration will be evaluated … whether yearly or bi-annually for a far more acceptable outcome. Endowment
While this is a difficult time to discuss funding and looking at what will be achieved, our development goals cannot be accomplished without financial resources. The school needs to set objectives to raise an agreed sum of money to help accomplish the goal ... and this sum I believe should be sufficiently large to be meaningful but also achievable.
This can be achieved without forcing companies to provide large donations; and you can begin right there in Lucea by inviting the community to be a part of the school’s development goals, and then extend the invitation to the rest of the parish and Jamaicans in the Diaspora.
Continue to partner with Rosa’s International Reunions.
However we need to start pleading for donations, and not necessarily monetary, e.g. write the Sport Development Foundation/ a Hotel Resort for a Tennis court. Implore Fiesta to help in the building of dormitories or have bi-lateral talks and implore them to adopt the school. Engage them…share the development plan with them (General Manager). Invite members of the Fiesta Administration (and not only Fiesta) to Special Board Meetings or Planning Sessions or ROSA Meetings.
In closing I challenge the Board, Administration, P.T.A and ROSA to see the future of Rusea’s, not in relation to those who are here now, but in terms of those yet to come. Do not look to the next five years but look at the legacy of Rusea’s for the next 233 years.
I propose a Development Meeting be held with the School’s Board, Administration, P.T.A and Rusea’s Old Students’ Association (representatives from all Chapters) to discuss the “Way Forward for Rusea’s 2020.”
And then a Development Conference with more detailed invitees such the Media, Education Minister, Opposition Leader, Teachers, Parents, Students and members of the community where the plans will the presented in a more vivid way!
In order for these goals to be fully accomplished, we must begin to make internal and external changes within our current structure. We must begin by:
«Reducing of Student population significantly
«Change the format of streaming presuming that we get better quality students… 7R 7U 7S 7E 7A 7S2
«Implement a 5 year Painting Policy- where every five years monies will be collected from students (for at least 3days) for the repainting of all classrooms. Set colour/s must be agreed upon for all classes as uniformity will be important in moving ahead.
«Implement Strict Anti Graffiti Policy governed by Rule # 13, where Form Teachers, and Students Councillors should immediately report any form of Graffiti found inside their homeroom to the Grade Supervisor/s.
«Replace all black boards with White ones and implement strict policies…e.g. any student/s that has damaged the board in any shape or form has to compensate the school in cash or with a new board, student/s will not be admitted to school until compensation has taken place. In the case where the individual/s are not caught but the culprit’s class is known, the class bears the burden of compensating the school. Therefore students must protect the properties in their homeroom. Such policy must be implemented cross the board.
«Immediately appoint a committee consisting of the Students’ Council President, Head Boy/ Girl and their deputies, Deans of Discipline and One Grade Head from each grade to revise the rule book and submit recommendations to the school board for its deliberation.
«Implement a Speakers Programme - each month an outstanding Rusean will be invited to participate in the Speakers Programme by sharing their personal experiences with Student Leaders, Scholars, 6th formers, 5th formers, 7th Graders and the General Population.
«Rusea’s Annual Carol Service- other schools from Hanover should be invited to participate. Parents. Members of the community and business executives should be invited to the event. Sponsors should be explored for such an event. Rusea’s must display its Band, Choir, Recorder Group, Pianist, Soloist entwined with the Christmas spirit.
«Principal’s Conference- Principals of schools across Hanover should be invited to participate in talks. E.g. How to make Hanoverian students more productive academically and how to put a stop to the brain drain. This event should be sponsored by the Member of Parliament and the Parish Council.
«Pictorial of Headmaster/ mistress, deputies, Head Boy/ Girl, deputies Students’ Council President, Prefect Body, Teaching Staff, Rosa Presidents and Executives and the School Board. The photos must be prominently displayed in the soon to be built Conference Room.
The Way Forward Vision 2020
Campus Two
1.Construct a two storey block between the Heritage Centre and the Industrial Technique Laboratory. The top floor must house Campus Two’s school library; named after a distinguished past student.
2.Replace the current board structure beside the “Yankee Stadium” with a two storey block.
Construct a two story block where the “Yankee Stadium” is presently located.
Join both blocks with each other. (In other words construct the two story block in such a way that it is able to house a Computer Laboratory, Music Room and three classrooms.)
3. Erect a two story block beside the Science Laboratory/ ArtRoom. This block must extend and join with the newly built “Yankee Block.” This block must house a Language Laboratory, Faculty Room for Departments to meet and additional classrooms.
4.An all purpose court should be constructed on the football field. This court must be designed to allow netball, basketball, lawn tennis and hockey.
5.The open space which will be left between the “old girls dorm” and the newly erected block should be transformed into a Montego BayCommunity College like auditorium.
6.Beautification project at the front of the Rusea’s Great Wall. General infrastructural and security improvements.
7.Expansion of current canteen. Proper architectural work is needed.
8.Rename the Heritage Centre in honor of former Headmaster Eric Frater and Mrs. Frater “ The FraterMuseum “
Campus One
1.Demolish the tuck shop in front of the Cosmotology Laboratory.
Construct a model of the Grade 9 block in front of the Cosmo Lab.
The block must join with the “Empowerment Room.”
This block must house a Staff Room with lounge and bathrooms, the rest of the block should house our 6th formers. Once this building has been erected the Administration should begin to expand our 6th form programme. We should begin to offer CAPE Information Technology, Physics, Environmental Science and Law.
Increase the number of 6th form in take to at least 3 classes (meaning we will have 3 lower 6 housing at least 35 students each and as they move up 3 upper 6...
2.Convert the current staff room into a state of the art Administrative/ Information Centre. The area must have photographs of the Principal, Board Members and ROSA Executive; it must also display trophies and Rusea’s related production to keep our visitors entertained.
3.Convert the classroom beside the Student Services Department into a Faculty/ Conference Room to be used by the different Departments and Student Leaders.
4.Add a top floor to the Library with special emphasis on accommodating 6th formers.
5.Replace the trailer beside the library with a two storey building to house a Multipurpose Room and a 6th and 5th form Language Laboratory.
6.The school should use its source and persuasion to purchase or have the land at the front and back of the school handed over to them. The land at the back should be properly landscaped and used to build state of the art dorm room for our 6th formers. (Let us construct these dorms; that will later lead to potential building when the school is ready to expand boarding to all students.)
The land at the front should be landscaped to house a hockey and lawn tennis court.
7.The shrubs behind “Chalky Hill” should be bulldozed; area marl and lay top soil. The area should be transformed into an Agricultural plot.
8.The shrubs behind the music/ art room should be bulldozed. A two storey block should be constructed to house the art room, art gallery room, 6th form lecture theaters, 6th form Information Technology Laboratory.
9. Replace the two trailers and chalky hill with a two storey block connecting to the block with the art room. The new block should have 4 classrooms, and a 6th form Biology and Chemistry Laboratory.
10.The Collin Miller Sports Complex should be completely transformed.
The existing building on the field should be renovated in a changing room for students.
The field should be properly fenced.
Mini Stands should be erected on both sides of the football field.
Long Jump pits should be properly constructed at the back of the field.
The current netball court should be renovated and facilities expanded. Sports programme must include a basketball, and badminton court.
Seating should also be erected around the courts.
Clubs and Societies should be charged to create mini parks on open space on the field.
11.The lawn in front of the staff room should be transformed into a Montego BayCommunity College like auditorium. It is able to house students from both Campuses.
12.General Beautification of the school needs to be done. Details will be later provided.
I know in this economic climate my proposals seem impossible. Most if not all are long term (remember Rome wasn’t built in one day) but with proper planning, marketing and sound financial hunting over a period we will accomplish these targets.
Rusea’s School needs to establish a development fund where at least $500 is collected from each student every year. These funds will go a far way in helping ROSA.
Let us try to target: The Sports Development Foundation, The Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports, the Ministry of Housing, British High Commission, the Spanish, French, Chinese, Indian. US, Canadian Embassies.
Andrew King
President of Rusea’s Old Students’ Association Uwi/ Utech
The 2007 Way Forward plan to “Make Rusea’s Great Again” set specific targets to be achieved in the short, medium and long term. Items are at different stages of implementation and the work is continuing. The School Improvement Programmme is near the end of the first phase. Science Block was completed Although it was not in the Way Forward plan the mentorship building was seen as a priority. The building is a collaborative effort with ROSA New York and ROSA Canada. It is near to completion which is scheduled to be in time for the September term.
Way Forward: “Make Rusea’s Great Again”
Background
Rusea’s High School, now in its 230th year, is the largest high school in western Jamaica. Its (2) campuses cater to 2,600 students: 1800 at Watson Taylor and 800 at Long Barracks. Our school has an enviable record of academic and sporting achievements and has produced many prominent leaders. However, despite the efforts of its Board and its Administration, the physical infrastructure has deteriorated and academic performance has fallen. A main reason advanced for the unsatisfactory situation is inadequacy of resources. ROSA, the alumni association of the school, has adopted a proactive role to the provision of solutions for the challenges. It has spearheaded development of a “Make Rusea’s Great Again” plan.
Overall Objectives
The “Make Rusea’s Great Again” plan is a programme of action for the next (5) years. It includes objectives to:
- Build a sound reputation for academic and sporting excellence so that we can:
Attract the best students to the school.
Gain high levels of scholarship and admittance to tertiary institutions around.
Provide strong support for the weakest students.
- Develop a cadre of well trained, well paid and motivated teachers who will create a productive school environment of:
Strong discipline
Adherence to school rules.
- Strong visionary leadership and proactive management:
To execute the plan effectively.
To build partnerships to attract funding. This is especially important since it is unlikely that, with high demands on limited resources, the Ministry of Education can fund the plan in its entirety. ROSA has therefore been seeking partners. It is in dialogue with the: Fiesta Hotel Group, Digicel Foundation, NCB Foundation, JNBS Foundation, German Embassy and French Embassy.
Strategic Initiatives
· Watson Taylor Campus
Immediate: To improve facilities for staff comfort
Short term: To extend and improve overall infrastructure to enhance capacity and layout.
Longer term: To construct staff housing to accommodate 40 teachers. Work has already started. The fence has been painted and landscaping has commenced.
· Long Barracks Campus
Immediate. To improve safety and aesthetics.
Short Term: To restore entire school - including creation of boarding facilities for 6TH Form students; reviving Language Laboratory - with emphasis on English and Spanish training; setting up of Hotel Training facility to offer tertiary level course in Hospitality Management. Work has started. The Fiesta Group has refurbished the old science block and will be approached to do the cafeteria. The Ministry of Housing has given $4M to refurbish the main building. The NWA is to fix the road in front of the school and the walkways in the school yard.
School Management Programme
Analysis of our performance (using 2006 CSEC Result) shows that we are lagging behind other schools in the Western Region. A management programme has been designed to “Make Rusea’s Great Again”. Its main objective is to fashion “a modern, aesthetically adequate educational institution with well developed and managed education programs to achieve excellent education outcomes and promote the graduation of outstanding well rounded students”.
Reversing this is a key component to “Make Rusea’s Great Again”. Over a (3) year period, we propose to implement a school improvement model aimed at improving students’ academic output. Work started with an agreement for Year 1.
Table 1: Elements of School Improvement Programme Schools CSEC Passes (%) Math English Chemistry Rusea’s 34 57 67 Mannings High 45 74 76 Mt. Alvernia 67 92 95 Montego Bay High 88 90 95 Cornwall College 43 68 56
Implementation of the Way Forward Plan
It is proposed to execute the plan through a Trust Fund – either by adopting the existing School Trust Fund or establishing a new ROSA Trust Fund. In either case, rustees will be of high reputation. Management of the Trust would be of high standard and disbursements would have to follow guidelines set out in the Trust documents.
Indicative Costs of Plan (J$ Millions) Immediate · Both Campuses 7.050 · Year 1 School improvement program 3.225 Subtotal 10.275 Short Term – Both Campuses 50.000 Long Term15.000 School Improvement Prog. (Years 2 & 3) 6.900 Total Funds Required 82.175 Sources of Funding · Partnership with Private Groups/Foundation 90% · ROSA fundraising activities 10% Main Cost Items of Plan (J$ Millions) Watson Taylor Campus. Immediate I. Repaint premises 2.000 II. Landscape premises 0.250 III. Relocate sick-bay to cadet/art room 0.500 IV. Use present sick bay as Lounge 0.550 (Cut door from present staff room). V. Relocate art room office to back 0.200 (using dry wall) of the art room open area. VI. Build (2) bathroom cubicles for new sick bay 0.150 Total 3.650 Short Term 20.000 I. Build 10 Class Rooms (In 3 blocks NW of Block C) to replace Trailers. II. Build 100’ x 40’ (33 m x 14 m??) Staff Room (with Lounge) – adjoining present bathroom III. Build Bathrooms for Students (4 Cubicles with 4 Face Basins - female) and (2 Cubicles with Urinals and Face Basins - male). IV. Convert existing Quadrangle to Auditorium (Cover with metal/plastic, Place rails around the 4 corners, Install Gates and Pave Lawn Area). V. Convert existing Auditorium to Cafeteria) VI. Build Tuck Shop to NW of existing Quadrangle between Blocks C and D. Longer Term 15.000 Construct staff (40 teachers) housing on 15 acres of land at NW of Campus Long Barracks Campus Immediate I. Repaint premises (including fence) 1.500 II. Landscape entire grounds 0.150 III. Install aluminum fire escape (all windows) 0.250 IV. General repairs (roof, building, drains etc) 1.500 Total 3.400 Short Term 30.000 Restore campus to former (historic) state (Costing subject to preparation of drawings & BQs) School Improvement Programme Immediate 3.225 Short Term 6.900 Total 10.125 Total Projected Costs 82.175
