‘This job is not about my accomplishments!’ – Ms Sandy M. Harrigan-Underhill
“But rather it’s about the service that I am charged with providing to the students, staff and the wider community. It is a service that must have at its very core, at its foundation one single ingredient, one necessary resource, a resource that doesn’t cost a dime but is invaluable and that ingredient is love,” she further added.
Ms. Harrigan-Underhill made it clear that it is important that educators love the profession, the school, the students entrusted in their care and the wider community. “And in addition to love we must believe that all children, no matter their colour, their class their disposition or learning abilities, they deserve an equal opportunity to education,” she said.
It was the first time the students, teachers and some parents were hearing from Ms Harrigan-Underhill in her new position as the head of the school. She was at the time addressing the first assembly of the school which was held in the Multi Purpose Sports Complex on September 10, 2014.
She said that she will be very focused on ensuring that the public image of the school is changed to one that is more service oriented.
The Elmore Stoutt High School has been under the microscopic eyes of the public for the past few years as the evidence of degradation was very clear. Teachers had their spirit broken as they complained bitterly of alleged micro-management at the highest level by the Ministry of Education.
They were often said to have been put in a position of silence as they felt they were not allowed a voice, and the student population was also quickly evolving into being violent against teachers, administrators and fellow peers.
Ms Harrigan-Underhill in her speech alluded to the lost values which were set when the school was first established by the late Hamilton Lavity Stoutt. “This administration joins you as we pledge ourselves to give of our very best in serving you and re-establishing those values that were once our code and creed that is of pride and excellence,” she said.
She challenged that they remember Hamilton Lavity Stoutt who has a legacy of excellent leadership. “Mr Stoutt was a man of great insight….he was graceful in all he did and most importantly he was a proud captain and he loved all his passengers…”
She noted that in the process of moving forward there are many challenges to be embraced among which is the additional school year.
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People need to stop speaking negative words towards other people remember what goes around comes around and there is someone doing the same thing speaking negatively towards you REMEMBER if you are a positive person negative powerful words won't hurt you because words have power both good and bad. HEAR ME NOW