A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
"Beautiful Noise Pollution"
 They
say that the brain remembers smells longest of all sensory stimuli. I'm
not sure I agree. I think certain sounds are remembered just as long,
if not longer. And, the thing I'll never forget about JA is the sound of reggae
pumping from enormous speakers out in front of the bars in and around
Mandeville and Kingston, especially.
The fact that the volume was turned up so high that it grossly distorted
the musical composition, blending it into one, long, powerful, undulating
chord, made the listening experience all the more memorable. The loud,
piercing crackles of a dull needle scraping ruddy vinyl further contributed
to the unique ambiance of these moments.
This was my introduction to reggae and I took to it like an infant on
the breast. This is the way to enjoy the music of Jamaica for I believe
the artists crafted reggae to be heard at excessive volume over the airwaves
and on the crude sound systems of the streets. It isn't just the music
itself that makes reggae so addictive; it also has a lot to do with the
"vibrations" produced from the preferred style of broadcasting
the music from the towering outdoor speakers. One could not help but move
to the sound, which reached not only into the ears but the bones. Kind
of like getting a deep tissue massage.
Hail to Desnoes & Geddes, hail to the woofer and to the reggae giants.
Let the positive vibrations play.
Tom Grasse
Class of 1977
READERS RESPOND
Recollections
of the Odeon Theater
I was a student (not much of one) 68-69 at Belair, Tom Grasse's recollection of the Odeon brought back some really great memories, one
of the most vivid is sitting with a bunch of friends and listening and
participating in the near riot every time something cool or violent happened on screen, also,
at the beginning of the movie, when the commercials for products were
on, one in particular always caused a happy uproar. It may have been Listerine
mouthwash or Dentine Gum, some breath related thing but the actor would say
something to an actress and all of a sudden she would say "dragon
breath" (I think there was a cartoon dragon with flames) and make
a face and the Odeon would go nuts. Thanks for the memories.
Brian Mack
Class of "69
WHAT'S NEW
Andrew "Casper' Mitchell '79 agrees to chair Reunion 2003 Team
Casper Mitchell '79 has agreed to chair reunion 2003. Casper, a member
of the 1998 team was instrumental in the success of Reunion 1998. Reunion
2003 slated for July 2nd thru 5th 2002 will be held in Jamaica. Visit the
website for more details. Belair Alumni Officers donate
Ja $70,500 to Belair School
Belair Alumni Officers Donate US$1,500.00 to Belair School
The officers of the Belair Alumni Association recently donated US $1,500 for
the purchase of a new school sign. Alumni President, Stanley Johnson stated
that he was proud to make such a contribution to the school. This, he stated
was the first of many contribution the alumni association hopes to make
the school. New Director, Trevor Brown, thanked the alumni association for
its generous contribution.
Belair to Build Aquatic Center
Belair plans to open an aquatic center by the fall of 2002. In a letter
to the alumni association, Director, Trevor Brown stated that the project
is expected to cost about Ja$4 million ( US$85,000). A fund raising drive
is already underway in which the PTA, the students and the faculty are
involved.
Belair to Build Early Childhood Center
Trevor Brown has announced that Belair will build an early Childhood Center.
Brown stated" "We are presently using the old Principal’s
residence, which houses 50 2 ½ year olds. We have an extensive
waiting list. Our intention is to build a state of the art system in the
building towards the front playing field, which in the past was the dormitory.
The alumni association has promised to help to raise funds for this project.
MORE ON MRS. SHIELD'S RETIREMENT
As many of you already know, Mrs. Shields retired in June of 2001. Since
then many of you have been asking about her. Well, Mrs. Shields is doing
quite well and enjoying retirement. When we last heard from her, she was
visiting her daughters in Canada. She sent us this wonderfully written
letter, which we now share with you:
The Executive Members
Belair Alumni Assoc.
28 White Plains
New York 10603
USA
Greetings! You will notice I am sending you this communication from Toronto.
I have been spending a few months with my daughters Kathryn & Jennifer
since September 5, 2001.
I was really touched with the thought of your dedicating your first Newsletter
to me. I have been reading the reflections of some of the past students.
I am happy that I have touched in a positive way the lives of so many
persons. This is perhaps the best reward any educator/teacher can desire.
Thank you all for keeping the Association alive. Belair can only be better
off for your effort. I look forward to the 2003 reunion.
I am enclosing the following:-
· Copy of Citation presented at my retirement function.
· Some photographs.
· Copy of tribute by Jacky Cummings - Gordon - Martin on behalf
of the Alumni Assoc.
· Article published in the Mandeville Weekly.
It may be possible to share these with others who could not be present
at the functions.
I hope that God will keep you and your families safe in these troubled
times. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
May God continue to bless you all.
Love & best wishes,
Sylvan I. Shields
sylvanshields@sympatico.ca
TRIBUTE TO MRS. SYLVAN SHIELDS
Prepared by: Jacqueline Gordon-Martin
(Attended Belair Prep School from 1971 - 1977)
It was in 1968
That she cane through our gate
And entered our young lives
We took to her like bees in a hive
She came to educate
Not manipulate or frustrate
In 1971
She became number 1
(In Prep School Principality)
With determination to rule a nation
She led us through education
Discipline was the rule
Defy her not in school
Or pretend to be a loser
You would feel her wooden ruler
In the desk drawer it was kept
Enough to make us fret
To spank us if we breached
A command that she preached
Her patience we tried
Her temper we blew
But we all loved her
If only she knew
We listened and we yearned
Every word every direction
It was quite easy to learn
Our brains on its reception
The Assembly every Monday
Became a ritual for our grounding
(Singing our one song)
That morning has broken
Blacks birds have spoken
We all left to wonder
And often to ponder
As week in week out
We sung and did not pout
Gave praise with the same tune
As she didn't know any new
From Festival to Spelling Bee
Science, Debating to Common Entrance
She encouraged and sent us to see
And do our best and make our families proud
That our achievements will stand out in a crowd
Sports was to be played
In the field not in our classrooms
As often she prayed
Our habits will not decay
Through good times and in bad
We saw her inspect
Regroup and move from Prep
Principal to direct
As in 1997
She was no more elementary
As bigger things took charge
She was now the commentary
Yet brief it may have been
She then led us all
From that time to the present
And kept us from the fall
Retiring that she may
And leave us to rest
We wish her no dismay
But all the very best
We thank her just the same
With her we hold no shame
For putting us through the test
To ensure the Belair was better than the Rest!
Mrs. Shields, - An Inspiration To Many
The 1989 Year Book dedicated to her outstanding services to Belair, describes
her as "a woman full of life and who enjoys sharing this joy with
others especially children."
Co-worker - sees her as "warm, patient, tolerant and approachable,
willing to assume responsibility and make decisions; a dignified and excellent
leader."
Past Headmaster - refers to her as "professional, dedicated, loyal
and of high character. She has earned the respect of her parents, teachers
and students. "Credit must be given to her for developing Belair
into one of the best on the island."
Past Board Chairman -"loving, warm and responsible person, one who
makes decisions even in difficult situations. Sound judgment and imagination
earned her success in the management of the school. An excellent organizer
- one who enjoys high rating with fellow administrator and the Board."
Co-ordinator Western Carolina Jamaica Programme - praised her for "her
outstanding job in co-ordinating the western Carolina Programme for Central
Jamaica."
Education officer - Ministry of Education - "She has the Knack of
making her lessons convincing. Her gentle persuasive manner and her friendly
yet firm attitude have never failed to bring out the test in others."
Special attributes - her Christian commitment, her ability to work with
people, her patience and understanding of differences in individuals and
most important her ability to get a balance between being an excellent
educator and a good mother.
Mrs. Shields is quick to point out the importance of the role of parents
in the life of the child especially in today's society with double standards.
She shares her success with her very supportive staff at Belair - the
teachers, the parents, the students, her secretary, the administrative
staff and the Board of Governors.
Her Philosophy - Know what you want in life and work for towards getting
it. If you want it badly enough work hard enough - nothing can prevent
you from reaching your goal.
Her advice to students - Getting a good education is one of the most valuable
assets in life.
To Parents - Be there for your children they need your love and support.
In expressing appreciation for her services one of her students in the
words of : Karen Raven - "You have given me a beautiful example of
how full and rich life can be. I hope you know how grateful I am and I
will always give you love."
Mrs. Shields has given 40 years of service to the teaching profession.
Teaching is much more than a job - each day brings new hopes, new challenges
and new visions.
Citation
Presented to
Mrs. Sylvan Ionie Shields
July 26, 2001
In recognition of 33 years of outstanding and devoted service to Belair
School (1968-2001)
A vibrant, vivacious daughter of Trelawny, you were born in the picturesque
village of Sawyers. The fifth of six children for Ernest and Mary Johnson.
You received your early education at the Sawyers Primary and Secondary
Schools. You hold a Bachelor of Arts from the University of the West Indies
and a Master of Arts in Education from Western Carolina University. You
arrived in Mandeville in 1968, with the light of determination in your
eyes and your family in two to join the staff of Manchester Preparatory
School, later renamed Belair Preparatory. The parish of Manchester was
to become your home and Belair School your professional arena for the
next thirty-three years.
Your confidence, teaching skill and commitment to duty soon caught the
eyes of the administrators and heralded your meteoric rise in the institution.
1968 - 1969 Class Teacher
1969 - 1970 Reading Teacher
1971 - 1997 Assistant Headmistress, Principal
1997 - 1998 Acting Director - Belair Schools
1998 - 2001 Director - Belair Schools.
Tonight the Board of Governors, Staff, Students and Parents all join in
saluting your stellar achievements as an educator par-excellence.
The words AI am strong, I am invincible, I am Woman@, might have been
penned for you, Mrs. Sylvan Ionie Shields, for indeed you are a woman
of indomitable spirit, of impeccable character and unwavering integrity.
You are strikingly independent, aggressively curious, and eloquent speaker
and a good listener. You epitomize the combination of gracious charm,
strength of purpose and quiet dignity and you are a consummate professional.
You are a provocative thinker, who delights in finding creative solutions
to daunting problems. You have used these qualities as the catalysts for
your sterling achievements.
Belair preparatory School, which you directed for 27 years, stands as
a monument to your outstanding leadership. Your caring concern and love
for children fostered a learning environment where every child was nurtured
to achieve his/her maximum potential, develop a positive self-image and
to be a confident, articulate student.
Excellence has been your watchword. You understand that teaching is >show
business= and so you modeled the qualities you wished your students to
emulate; self respect, respect for others, neatness, gentleness, perseverance,
tolerance, humility and kindness.
Today past students of Belair excel in scholarships, business
and professions all over the world. Those whose lives you have touched
bless you tonight for the love with which you nurtured their formative
years.
Members of staff past and present admire you for:
· Your dedication to duty
· Your skill as an organizer
· Your meticulous attention to detail
· Your modesty
· Your gentle strength
· Your ability to collaborate on issues
· Your tenacity and
· Your ability to be persuasive
Your appointment as Director of Belair Schools was the culmination of
a distinguished career. The challenges of this post were many, but you
stuck to the task when you were hardest hit - and YOU DID IT! Today the
entire school has been refurbished to internationally accepted standards.
You leave an immaculate environment, which will enhance both teaching
and learning. You have blazed a trail, which will be difficult to follow.
Many will emulate you; few will surpass your achievements.
You have served Belair with distinction, yet, you did not neglect your
commitment to family. Proverbs 31:10 asks "Who can find a virtuous
woman? For her price is far above rubies." Ralph Shields found such
a woman and the union was blessed with three beautiful daughters. All
three received University Education and now practice their professions
abroad. Your Christian commitment has been the guiding principle of your
life and at your church, Wesley Methodist; you serve as assistant church
leader and member of the Education committee. You have also served as
President of the Balvernie Citizens Association and as President of The
Soroptimist International - Mandeville Chapter. Mrs. Sylvan Ionie Shields,
you have lived a full life.
As you bring the curtain down on your illustrious career, know that when
the history of Belair is written, the name Sylvan Ionie Shields will be
emblazoned in golden letters, which will never be erased.
Hail Brave hears! Mission accomplished! Job well done!
"Think of the future as a wonderful door
Opening into a promising new land.
There is a wonderful life waiting to be lived - Celebrate it.
Let life challenge and encourage you,
Let it stimulate and arouse you,
Let it help you wonder and laugh and love.
Enjoy you life"
Collin McCarty
We pray that God will grant you his grace to enjoy your
retirement, which you so richly deserve.
Editor's note: For more on Mrs. Shields' retirement, visit the Belair
website, http://www.belairschool.org
I'LL SEE YOU THERE
Jamaican and Caribbean culture is thriving abroad. If there is a place
or event in your area, including happenings in JA, tell us. Our e-mail
address is info@belairschool.org
Bob Marley Festival Tour
There's at least one Belair alumni who'd like
you to come to Birmingham for the 2002 "Rastaman Vibration"
Festival Tour which visits twenty other cities throughout the United States.
(Birmingham is home to Belair alumni, Tom Grasse - class of "77.)
Birmingham will host the 2002 Festival on Saturday and Sunday, June 8-9.
Tickets for the Annual Bob Marley Festival Tour are available
online at www.ticketmaster.com
Class of 1972 30th Year Reunion
The class of 1972 is planning a 30th year reunion in Las Vegas, NV
in 2002. The class of held a 30th year reunion in Las Vegas, Nevada from
May 2nd thru 5th 2002. Tom Gordon ’74 who was in 7th grade at Belair
on opening day in 1968 had this to say about the reunion in Las Vegas:
“I'm not sure the exact number but I think it was a little over 30
participants, with 27 alumni and a few spouses met in Las Vegas. The event
was organized by the class of '72 but the class of '74 topped the list
with 8 alumni. We started arriving on Thursday May 2nd and most everyone
left on Sunday May 5th.
Many of us had not seen each other since the 70's, and
in some ways it was as if time had stood still…well except for a few gray hairs, wrinkles
and paunches here and there. What do you expect? It has been thirty year!
One thing that had not changed was our ability to have a good time. A
few of us even stayed up all night Sat and took a cab straight to the
airport on Sun AM. Who says we're getting old! Everyone had a blast!
The scheduled events included a cocktail gathering on
Friday, golf on Saturday, and a group buffet dinner on Saturday night. Time sure flies
when you are having fun!
Many friendships were rekindled, and there has been much
communication since the reunion. We can’t wait to see everyone in Jamaica next year.
Tom Gordon ‘74
MYSTERY
PICTURE-GUESS WHERE
 E-mail
us your answer along with your name, the dates you attended and/or graduated
from Belair and your contact information including preferred e-mail address.
(Email: info@belairschool.org)
MYSTERY
PICTURE-GUESS WHO
 |
 |
| Person #1 |
Person #2 |
E-mail us your answer along with your name, the dates you
attended and/or graduated from Belair and your contact information including
preferred e-mail address. (Email: info@belairschool.org)
POP "PATOIS" QUIZ
Last month's patois quiz asked you the meaning of "CUT
YAI."
Fredrick Thompson guessed "To cut here" or "To
Look Here"
Fredrick, you're right on both definitions! To cut your
eye ("cut yai")
at somebody is a very common means of expressing scorn or contempt.
With this issue we'll be testing your Patois once again.
If you attended Belair, this should be noooooo problem, mon.
The Patois term this time is…"Braata"
Send your answer to info@belairschool.org.
If you know the answer you'll be praised in the next issue of the newsletter.
NAME THE NEWSLETTER
Jm A. Lumley writes…"I have a name for the newsletter. "The
Belair Traveler". Since usually , but not always, everyone leaves
Belair to go on to bigger and better things. We can come back thru the
newsletter and talk to old friends. "
jiml@tisd.net
Opal Buchanan-Newton writes…"How about "TUKSHOPTIME"...That's
the time we used to really congregate and chat!"
opalnewton@aol.com
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Let fellow alumni know where you live, what you do, about
your family…Submit pictures if you desire. E-mail
us now and remember to tell us your name, maiden name and the year you graduated.
DESPERATELY
SEEKING
If you have lost track of a classmate, E-mail
us their name. Our newsletter will post a "Desperately Seeking…."
section in each edition.
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Newsletter
Readers Respond
What's New
Mrs. Shields
I'll See You There
Mystery Picture-Guess Where
Mystery Picture-Guess Who
Pop Patois Quiz
Name
the Newsletter
Where are They Now
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