Church Teachers’ College celebrates 60 years of excellence

Church Teachers’ College Mandeville, hosted a celebration on October 6, marking the commencement of its 60th anniversary festivities alongside the matriculation of its newest cohort of students. The occasion provided an opportunity for reflecting on six decades of educational excellence, while honouring its visionaries, the Rt. Revd. Benjamin Vaughn, Suffragan Bishop of Mandeville, and Sir Francis Kerr-Jarrett, former custos of St James, who transformed their dream of a distinguished institution into reality. It was their dedication that paved the way for the first 75 students who began their academic journeys at the then Mandeville Teachers’ College in September 1965.

In welcoming the guests – staff, alumni and students and Lt. Col. Garfield Green, custos rotulorum for the Manchester, principal, Dr. Garth Anderson said, “Today, their legacy endures as we welcome 201 new students into the Church Teachers’ College family. This 60th cohort exemplifies the enduring spirit of our institution, where tradition harmoniously blends with innovation to foster academic excellence, character, leadership, and integrity.”

Dr. Anderson reminded the new students that, “today marks the beginning of an exciting journey in both academic and personal growth”, and that they “have chosen the noble path of becoming educators, pivotal to our nation’s development”. He encouraged them to immerse themselves fully into the plethora of opportunities available “engage passionately in academic endeavours and vibrantly in co-curricular activities”.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENTS

According to Anderson, “infrastructure developments, like new campus buildings, upgraded sports facilities, and the upcoming introduction of robotics, demonstrate a dedication to providing a modern and supportive environment that enhances both the academic and extracurricular experiences of students”. He also cited a 56-year-old promise by the government recorded in the Synod Journal of the Anglican Church in 1968 during the visit of the minister of education, Edwin Allen, to erect new buildings, saying “would it not be a great gesture, if, during our 60th anniversary celebrations, this promise may be realised?”

The homily was given by college president Dr Howard Gregory, Diocesan and Archbishop of the West Indies. Greetings were convey by Lt. Col. Green, on behalf of Sir Patrick Allen, governor general, and Lady Allen. Other speakers included Rev. Franklyn Jackson, chairman of the board of management; Dr. Mark Smith, president, Jamaica Teachers’ Association; Howard Isaacs, deputy dean, Teachers’ Colleges of Jamaica; Juley Wynter-Robertson, president of Church Teachers’ College Alumni Association and Alphansus Davis, chair, 60th anniversary committee.

RICH HISTORY

The 60th anniversary celebrations is a reflection of a rich history of academic excellence and continuous growth in educational offerings. This milestone is not just a celebration of past achievements, but also a showcase of the innovation and expansion that positions the institution as a leader in the education sector.

The college operates an Early Childhood Demonstration School and Educational Assessment and Intervention Centre (EAIC) embodying a proactive approach to special education and early childhood development. These facilities underscore a forward-thinking attitude towards inclusive and holistic education practices.

The colleges’ 60th anniversary theme, ‘Celebrating a Legacy of Excellence: Boldly Meeting the Demands of the 21st Century and Beyond’, embodied the institution’s steadfast dedication to the values that have sustained it throughout the years, embracing the evolving challenges and opportunities of the modern world.