A school that will help students to develop emotionally, socially, academically, and "most important of all'' spiritually, is the vision principal Charlotte Ming has for her school.

Formerly St. George's Secondary, Clearwater Middle School is scheduled to open on Monday with new students, new programmes and -- if Mrs. Ming has her way -- a "new commitment to excellence''.

The school's new creed, which every student will have to memorise, sums this up.

"This middle school is a place where learning is sacred,'' it reads.

"Everyone is to be loved and respected. Everyone can learn from each other.

We are responsible for each person as sisters and brothers. Just as an eagle soars to the sky, we too will strive and set our goals high. Go eagles, go!'' Founded 42 years ago with Senate President Albert Jackson as its first principal and 91 students, Mrs. Ming said: "It was the only school of its kind because it was housed in three military barracks at the Old Military Road in St. George's.'' While she has only headed the school for the past three years, Mrs. Ming's ties with the school are much older.

Her mother, Gladys Furbert, used to work in the school's tuckshop. Her brother, former Chief Education Officer Dean Furbert, was a science teacher there, and her brother Francis Furbert attended the school.

"The school was one of outstanding success at the time,'' Mrs. Ming noted, giving credit to one of the founders, Alma (Champ) Hunt, and Sen. Jackson who delivered the address at the high school's last Founders' Day ceremony and prizegiving earlier this year.

The school has also managed to keep veteran staff such as Mathematics teacher Cynthia Lottimore who has been there for more than 30 years and deputy principal Derek Tully who started at the school 27 years ago as a business and maths teacher.

"In those days we had a hotel technology school attached to the school,'' Mr.

Tully recalled. "Kids would opt for careers in hotel technology. And business people would visit for lunch and be served by students who acted as everything from waiters to chefs.'' The students, through such a programme, landed jobs during the weekends and holidays in hotels throughout the Island.

Mr. Tully also recalled the business and mathematics courses were expanded with computer programming in the 1970s.

"That began to explode in the 1980s,'' he said. "And we were able to teach kids accounting programmes.'' St. George's Secondary also had a very active day-release programme, he noted.

"We all wanted the same thing for the students,'' he added. "We wanted them to feel pride in their schools and be able to contribute to Bermuda society.'' And Clearwater Middle School staff plan to regain such pride.

Mrs. Janice Trott -- who began at the school as a remedial reading specialist almost ten years ago -- said: "St. George's has a lot of tradition. And because of this every year we have a Founders' Day.

"I love dealing with the 11 to 14 age group,'' Mr. Tully said. "I'm looking forward to the team approach of teaching.'' English and history teacher Shawnette Somner echoed similar sentiments.

An advocate of cooperative learning (or the group activity among students), Mrs. Somner said such a concept not only helps students to take greater pride in their work, but also to develop social skills.

Students were also allowed to evaluate each others work.

"I like it better that way. Because sometimes children learn better from each other. It also helps them to be responsible.

"(In group activity) they realise that their input determines their group grade.'' And Mrs. Ming, who has been preparing for middle schools for the past ten years, agreed.

She said the middle school programme will allow teachers and students to be more creative.

And noting the school's mission statement will be student-centred, she said: "With staff committed to excellence, students will be motivated in a safe, happy and nurturing environment.'' Unlike before when many students came to school without breakfast and/or lunch and therefore were lethargic, Mrs. Ming said Clearwater will take care of the physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of the students.

"Some of these children deserve a medal just for getting to school because some of the situations they come out of is incredible,'' she said in an interview earlier this summer. "Often this is a haven for these children.'' But that was expected to change under the new school system, Mrs. Ming pointed out.

Not only will the school use its cafeteria on a daily basis, it will also serve nutritious meals.

"I'm just excited about this middle school,'' Mrs. Ming said. "It's going to be a wonderful time in the life of the students. It's a good thing. It is well founded and the children will benefit.

"I foresee less behavioural problems because students will have team leaders.'' "The founders, I think, would be happy to see what I'm doing because my philosophy is the same as they had back then,'' said Mrs. Ming. "I want what's best for the child.

"I know what to share with my middle school students so that they keep on the right track, even when they go on to senior secondary school.

"I have a vested interest in Bermuda's children. I'm in many cases a mother to my students.'' To some it symbolises the end of an era for schools rich in tradition. To others it means the beginning of a public school system which is truly equal in opportunity for every student.

But whatever the viewpoint about Government's education restructuring plans, it is clear that the state of Bermuda's future depends on its success.

The Royal Gazette , in the last in its series om middle school principals, profiles Clearwater Middle School and its principal, Charlotte Ming.

FACT FILE Clearwater Middle School Number of students: 224 Number of staff: 25 School uniform: summer -- blue A-line skirts or culottes for girls and khaki pants for boys. Both will wear white polo shirts or regular white school shirts with ties. The winter uniform will consist of blue skirts or long pants for girls and blue long pants for boys with navy blue blazers and sweaters.

School motto: Carpe Diem -- Seize the Day.