The departing principal of CedarBridge Academy yesterday warned that there are social problems among students at the school that need to be addressed.

Speaking to members of the Hamilton Lions Club about his two years at the school, Mr. Payette mentioned that there was difficulty in "merging students from diverse backgrounds who came from all parts of the Island''.

"The challenge to cause students from other schools to respect each other was and continues to be a significant concern,'' Mr. Payette said.

"The social issues associated with breaking down some of the barriers that currently exist should not be under-estimated.'' Holding that the entire responsibility for rectifying the problem does not lie with CedarBridge, Mr. Payette pointed out that the entire community should address the problem.

"These are not issues strictly within the domain of the school itself or within the education system,'' he said. "These are significant social issues that affect all within this community.

"Full understanding of the causes of these problems must be determined. They are not simple problems. The process and procedures that need to be developed and implemented to address such complicated issues will take time, energy, and resources.'' Pleased that the original negative attitudes toward the school were now gone, Mr. Payette touched on what needs to happen in the future.

"The school environment has stabilised, additional support programmes have been put in place to meet specific student needs, extra curricular programmes are expanding, and students are beginning to take ownership and pride in their new school,'' he pointed out.

Expansion of the curriculum to meet some of the social and personal needs of students has begun to take place, he added.

"Next year we will be providing programmes in such areas as peer tutoring, peer mentoring, leadership training, behaviour management, parenting, enhanced computer and technical programmes and communications,'' he said.

The communications courses will result in radio and television broadcasts, a school newspaper and the school yearbook.

Mr. Payette noted that the introduction of these courses, while not emphasising academic skills, will stress "the importance of work ethic and work habits''.

"Students are learning that when you do any job, do it well,'' he said.

"Settle for nothing less than the best you can produce because when you place that product in front of others you are showcasing yourself.'' The need for teachers to be upgraded in their qualifications and general teaching techniques was also mentioned by Mr. Payette.

"The training of staff and enhanced teacher performance is a must if we wish to improve the quality and level of educational services provided,'' he said.

"The provision of ongoing staff development and leadership training will be crucial to future success.''.

EDUCATION ED