A "laserlike" focus on student achievement is what newly appointed Commissioner of Education Wendy McDonell promised she will make her priority.

Mrs. McDonell took over the role July 1 but was officially named the new Commissioner yesterday.

She was named acting commissioner when Dr. Henry Johnson left the Island in March.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Mrs. McDonnell said: "Today I stand before you honoured and humbled by this appointment.

"This work is about putting children first and ensuring that our future citizens have opportunities and choices to participate in the 21st century.

"I look forward to working with our students, educators, parents, unions, board members and our community and business partners. It is critical to build strong relationships with these entities in order to improve student outcomes."

The educator will be responsible for managing the whole public school system including 35 preschools, primary, middle and senior schools. She will report directly to the permanent secretary for education, Kevin Monkman.

Mrs. McDonell spoke about her plans for the Ministry of Education. "It is time for a culture of achievement in which teachers have high expectations for students.

"Our students need to engage in the teaching learning process and be motivated to do their best.

"We invite our parents to work with our schools to ensure that our children succeed. Teachers and principals will welcome the community into our schools to support the work of educating our children.

"We, the educators and public in Bermuda owe it to our children to give them a first rate education.

"As stated by at the beginning of this press conference education is the cornerstone of a society. We will succeed with your support."

Minister of Education El James said: "Public education is one of the cornerstones of any society, and it must produce students who are ready for the world of work or for further education.

"Much has been written about the reform of our system that is currently underway, and it will be Mrs. McDonell's job to ensure that the reforms are put in place, they are successful, and that our public schools produce graduates of whom we can be proud.

"And we couldn't have asked for a better commissioner than Mrs. McDonell."

According to Mr. James, Mrs. McDonell has been an educator for more than 30 years and taught at primary, middle and secondary levels.

She was a principal for ten years and turned a large, failing school in Toronto into a school of excellence.

She has also taught at both York University and University of Toronto focusing on teaching and learning, first and second language acquisition, educational equity and principal leadership.

Since returning to Bermuda, she has been staff development officer, literacy strategy manager and senior officer for primary schools and most recently director of educational standards and accountability for the Department of Education.