An integrated education and wellness initiative is now underway at Five Islands Primary School and Greenbay Primary School, aimed at improving student performance while addressing the broader needs that affect learning and development.
The initiative recognizes that academic achievement and student wellness are closely connected.
By strengthening both instructional support and health outcomes, the programme seeks to create a more supportive environment in which students can perform at their best.
The initiative is being supported by Senator Michael Joseph, ABLP Caretaker for St. John’s Rural West, the Junior Minister in the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs.
Strengthening Academic Support:
As part of the initiative, Grade Six students at both schools are receiving structured after school instruction in Mathematics and English Language.
Two dedicated teachers, one specializing in Mathematics and the other in English, are providing focused academic support four days per week.
Students are organized into rotating groups to ensure consistent contact time in both subject areas.
The additional instructional hours are designed to reinforce classroom learning, recover time lost due to interruptions during the school day, and better prepare students for national assessments.
While the schools are responsible for the academic framework, the programme is augmented with financial assistance, vitamins and other resources thru the senator to ensure its successful implementation.
Prioritizing Student Wellness:
A key component of the initiative is its focus on student health and nutrition. All participating students are receiving daily nutritional supplements to support immune function, brain development, and overall well-being.
The supplementation includes multivitamins, DHA, vitamin C, and elderberry, complementing existing school meal programmes. This approach is intended to reduce absenteeism related to illness and support sustained engagement in learning.
Each participating student will receive a three month supply of supplements to be administered under parental supervision, with continued support assessed based on observed outcomes.
Community and School Engagement:
School administrators have welcomed the initiative as a timely intervention.
Principal Alden James of Five Islands Primary School noted that the extended learning hours provide a structured and supervised environment during the after school period.
Acting Principal Cleopatra Henry of Greenbay Primary School highlighted the importance of addressing both academic gaps and nutritional challenges faced by many students.
More than 95 Grade Six students across both schools are currently participating in the initiative.
Monitoring and Future Expansion:
The programme will be monitored throughout the academic year, with student performance data used to evaluate its effectiveness.
Based on results, consideration will be given to expanding the approach for more expanded results in the upcoming school academic years.
This initiative reflects a broader commitment to youth development in St. John’s Rural West.
By aligning education support with wellness interventions, the programme aims not only to improve examination outcomes, but to strengthen long term student success and resilience.
