Started in 1870 as a small Methodist institution, the Grateful Hill Primary and Infant School in rural St Catherine continues to be an educational force in the community of Glengoffe.
During a recent visit by The Gleaner, there was an air of pride and joy for the growth of the institution, which has, over the years, produced nation-builders such as former Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington.
Fast-forward to 2025 and, with an enrolment of more than 300 students, the growth speaks volumes.
Principal George Moodie said a dedicated staff, coupled with an effective school board and a holistic appreciation of the community, adds to the progress at the institution.
“When I started here in 2013, there was an enrolment of 85 students. It has since grown to 318. This reflects progress. It happens [as a result of] a dedicated cadre of educators and continued support,” Moodie said.
The principal said the school prides itself on complementing its subvention with self-sustenance, utilising its production of crops.
“The ground is blessed with fruit trees and our chef, Tania Williams, ensures that the children benefit from a balanced meal. We incorporate in the plants on compound in our daily menu for the students. We have pineapple, guava, banana, apple and a host of other fruits which help form the various dishes,” Moodie said.
The Gleaner was informed that the school’s poultry programme saw more than 200 chickens being raised for use by the school’s canteen.
“We find that, whenever the students can have a tasty variety in their meals, it encourage learning and overall participation. We are blessed with a trained chef to deal with the food preparation,” Moodie said.
The school has grown in its success, evolved from only being able to post its students at neighbouring institutions to now having its students placed at traditional high schools outside of the parish.
“The teachers are doing us proud, as we are getting passes to prominent high schools. It feels good to see positive growth. From all indications, we (Grateful Hill Primary) will continue to be a beacon of change here,” the veteran educator said.
