In the heart of Blue Hills, Providenciales, the Oseta Jolly Primary School stands as a beacon of education, marking its 50th anniversary with pride and joy.
As the institution prepares for a grand celebration in June, it reflects on a half-century of nurturing young minds and shaping futures.
Principal Rachel Handfield, who has dedicated 28 years (2024) to leading the school, reminisces on the institution's journey through triumphs and challenges.
"This celebration is historic and special," she remarks, emphasizing the significance of reaching such a milestone.
“The celebration is something that we may only most likely see once in our lifetime. Right now, the activities that we are holding is in celebration of the 50th academic year, because the calendar 50th year was 2023, but of course, the academic year is 2024,” Handfield explained.
She said the festivities began earlier this with a Thanksgiving ceremony, honoring the school's legacy and inviting esteemed guests, including Mrs. Thelma Lightbourne, a stalwart of education with over four decades of service at Oseta Jolly.
“I particularly want to mention Mrs. Thelma Lightbourne, who has served in education and at this particular school for over 40 years. I'm not sure if she's here for 40 years, but I know that most of our tenure in education was at Osita Jolly Primary School,” Handfield said.
She said Lightbourne, along with past students returned to share their stories, underscoring the school's enduring impact across generations.
“So, we had her come in along with other past students who shared their story. And of course, it was a learning experience for everybody,” she highlighted.
Principal Handfield has extended an open invitation to all former students and teachers, urging them to join in the celebration and contribute to its success.
“We want to go down into memory lane and kind of relive the good parts that you want to relive. We want all of the past students, past teachers to be involved, everybody. We want to stress every past student, if you hear about this, please get on board, get to the school, numbers are on the flyers. And that's why we're doing this promotion right here to get the word out,” Handfield continued.
She pointed out that the Oseta Jolly Primary School dates to the 1940s, with what she described as a very small building right on Blue Hills Road.
However, she said the relocation of the school in 1973 to its present location marked a pivotal moment, catalyzing its growth and expansion. From humble beginnings in the 1940s to a modern campus accommodating over 500 students, the school has evolved in both size and stature.
Principal Handfield attributes this progress to the visionaries and founders whose commitment laid the foundation for excellence. She said academic achievements have been a hallmark of Oseta Jolly, with notable successes in arts, sports, and competitions.
“I can recall consecutive championships for the National Spelling Bee (competition), consecutive winning championships for the Inter Primary Sports and Nationals, Math competitions in recent times, even Provo Water Company Portrait Competitions, Drug (Awareness) Portrait Competitions…in everything we enter we brought light,” she said.
Despite facing challenges, such as the displacement caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the school emerged resilient, bolstered by overwhelming community support.
“Because of the size of the school population, there wasn't any one building that can house the entire school. So, we had to basically split up in two groups. One group was at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex. The other half of the students - Infant 1 to Grade 2 -was housed at the Edward Garland Youth Center,” she explained.
She said while the Edward Gartland Youth Centre is equipped with individual classrooms, the Gustarvus Lightboure complex was not.
“We know that wasn't the perfect setting because you're looking at an open plan area with just dividers. And so, we had to adjust and consider how will we affect change, how will we bring about the results that we need as we teach our students? How will we bring about learning when everybody's teaching at the same time? Everybody's talking at the same time. And the students are excited. Some of them wanted to take advantage of the opportunity.
“The point of the matter is it was a challenge. It was difficult, but we made the best out of it,” Handfield pointed out.
Handfield pointed out that the transition to online learning amid global upheavals showcased the school's adaptability and determination to excel. Embracing technology, she said Oseta Jolly integrated automation into teaching, learning, and assessment processes, ensuring continuity amidst adversity.
Looking ahead, Principal Handfield emphasizes the importance of community involvement in sustaining the school's legacy, noting that a strong partnership between residents, businesses, and educators fosters a positive school culture and ensures a safe learning environment for all.
She said as Oseta Jolly Primary School embarks on its next chapter, it remains committed to its core values of respect, cleanliness, and excellence. She noted that by instilling these values in students, the school continues to shape responsible citizens and future leaders.
The 50th anniversary celebration is not just a commemoration of the past but a testament to the enduring spirit of Oseta Jolly Primary School—a spirit that propels it forward with pride and purpose.