Photo by S Cooke

St Aidan's Primary School

History

This school was named after the St. Aidan’s Church.  St. Aidan was the name of a great Anglican Missionary.

The school was started in 1913 in a small building, which served the dual purpose of church and school.

With the discovery of bauxite in McKenzie, the population grew rapidly.  Subsequently, there was a need for a larger school.  St. Aidan’s has a history of self-help.  This was a building with only a top flat.  In 1941 the bottom was enclosed by self-help to accommodate more children.

The Preparatory School presently situated at the back of the main building, which was once the Home Economics Department was also constructed by self-help.

After accommodating teachers and pupils for 86 years, the building was considered unsafe.  A new building was constructed on Blue Berry Hill and on the 4th October 1999, teachers and pupils made their way to this brand new St. Aidan’s Primary School.

Photo by S Cooke
The New St. Aidan’s School building has twenty-six classrooms, one Science Lab, one library, two offices and two auditoriums.  Teachers and pupils alike are quite comfortable and satisfied with this new situation.

Staff

This school has a staff of forty-two teachers.

Listed below are the names of former head teachers:

  1. Mr. Newton Profitt
  2. Mr. J. H. Kilkenny
  3. Mr. R. Glenn
  4. Mr. Winston Noble
  5. Mr. Leslie James
  6. Mr. W. Telford
  7. Mr. C Elias
  8. Mr. A. Gibson
  9. Miss G. Layne
  10. Mrs. I. Stoll
  11. Mrs. A. Roberts
  12. Mrs. B. Stull.
Mrs. Brenda Sam is the present head teacher of St. Aidan’s School.

Philosophy

We believe that each child has a right to the best education, and that education should be child centered; that our school is effective in realizing the full potential of the teacher as well as the learner, in an atmosphere of mutual love and respect.

Mission Statement

To ensure that each individual has access to educational, cultural and sporting experiences which cater for total development, and equip each one with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to make a meaningful contribution to national development

Motto

Nothing But The Best Is Good Enough.
Photo by S Cooke

Text and Design by Mona Campbell. Photography by Steve Cooke.