From left to right: Students of the Frederick Smith Secondary School – Shania Foster, Menakshi Persaud, Timothy Worrell and Dashayara Husbands – wishing retired Principal, Mr. Jefferson Phillips (second from right), farewell during his retirement function at the school on Tuesday.
Jefferson Phillips retires after 38 years in education
FOR 38 years, this former educator did it his way.
On Tuesday, in the Keith Griffith Auditorium, the retired and former Principal Jefferson Phillips, who sat in front of the dedicated staff and students of the Frederick Smith Secondary (FSS) School, was moved to tears as he saw the heartfelt tributes paid to him in music, song and poetry.
Remembered as an avid cricket fan, Phillips, who previously taught at the then Garrison Secondary School for two years, joined the faculty of St. James Secondary School in 1979. Current Principal of the school, Major Michael Boyce, highlighted the various posts and departments Phillips worked over the 36-year period.
The Principal explained he moved through the classroom, library, I.T. room, Deputy Principal’s office and finally Principal’s office. He added that the educator was very supportive of staff and he always encouraged others to improve their practice.
A similar sentiment was shared by Librarian, Margaret Best, who worked with Phillips from inception. Being a part of the first members of staff at St. James Secondary School, Best said there were only 18 teachers at the time. She noted that everyone knew everybody and became somewhat of a small family.
The FSS staff member credited Phillips for personally developing the Foreign Language Department. In addition to his role in Foreign Languages, he was involved in the EduTech 2000 programme and acted as I.T. co-ordinator for a term. Also, he is a trained Microsoft technician.
After being Head of the Spanish Department for a number of years, Best said he applied and took up the position of Deputy Principal in 2008 and Principal in 2011. She noted that he became the fifth principal of the school and he stayed in this position until he demitted office to retire from education in 2017.
During his remarks, the former educator, who is known to have penned the school’s pledge, emphasised that throughout his career, he did his best.
“I am happy not only because I have retired. But I am happy because when I look at my 36 years at this school, I look back with a sense of satisfaction, contentment and knowing I have gave my all,” said Phillips.
In his speech, Phillips said he felt at peace and he reminded the audience that what is important is not how long you have served, but how you have served.