Norman Allen - Elgin Taylor

If procreation ensures the continuation of the human species, then the survival of organisations like the teaching profession is dependent on the leader being an agent of change.

Norman Allen, recently installed principal at Bois Content Primary School in St. Catherine, is one such leader who has been demonstrating his ability to effect change to his organisation.

Since taking up the mantle of principal in September 2007, Allen has brought about a number of changes to his institution.

"We have put in place some changes in the area of the school environment to make it more conducive to learning. We have repainted the school and, not only that, but we have done murals which reflect the school's curriculum. for example, the eye, ear and letters of the alphabet," he told The Star.

He also mentioned a cultural dimension to the murals, depicting the National Heroes and other national symbols. The planting of flowering plants also forms part of the school's ambience.

technology in institutions

The Jamaica College past student has placed much emphasis on the use of technology in the institution.

"We have transformed a space into a resource centre, thanks to the CHASE Fund which has made available to us grants totalling eight hundred and seventy thousand dollars ($870,000.00). And, thanks to Cable & Wireless (LIME), we have moved from three to eighteen computers. This facility is not just for our students, but other students in the community as well," he noted.

The Mico University and University of the West Indies graduate (he holds a teacher's diploma and a bachelor's degree from these institutions), pointed out that in order to lessen or even eliminate noise disturbance from neighbouring classes, he has replaced the chalkboard partitions with sliding board partitions. He said the end result is that, academically, the students have been performing creditably, especially at the GSAT level.

The principal, whose only prior teaching engagement was at Waterford High School (1993-2007), spoke highly of his successor, his staff and community. He noted that the community relies much on farming and with this in mind, he has set about building on the work of the previous principal by extending the farm and adding goat-rearing to the agenda. He said students are integrally involved in the process. He beamed with pride in relating that the watchmen provide security for the animals and crops outside of their working hours.

The Westmoreland-born educator has always thought of becoming a teacher, being the child of parents who eventually became principals themselves.

He hopes to continue with this dynamism, guided by the philosophy that "No child should be left behind, as the one you left behind might have made the greatest impact on the development of our country."