through the use of a new reporting system.

The change has been so marked that the Ministry of Education is planning to use its attendance recording system throughout public schools.

After speaking with the Ministry's truancy officer Leonard (Shinah) Simons this week, The Royal Gazette contacted CedarBridge's deputy head, Freddie Evans, to talk about the system.

"For the first term this year, our attendance figures were at 92 percent compared to 80 percent last year,'' Mr. Evans said last night. "Our goal is 98 percent or better.'' Mr. Evans attributed the change to new principal Kalmar Richards' get-tough policy with lateness and absenteeism.

"Mrs. Richards has articulated the anticipation, to all students, that CedarBridge Academy is a school of excellence,'' he said. "The rule here is that one is here to learn and learning can only take place when one is in class and prepared.'' Mr. Evans added that each teacher must complete an attendance form within the first five minutes of the beginning of the class.

That form is completed by computer and registered with an attendance officer instantaneously.

"That's so we know who is in class and we know who is late,'' Mr. Evans said.

Students who are late are required to report to the attendance officer and are then required to complete a disciplinary assignment.

Failure to do that means a detention. Suspension is the ultimate punishment.

"Mrs. Richards has reinforced the fact that we are not here to play,'' Mr.

Evans said. "On the whole students appreciate it. Under Kalmar Richards, our hallways are clear, our classes are full, and we welcome visitors to see this.

Dynamic things are happening here. We are producing people that Bermuda can be proud of.''