The Scientific Research Council hosts Schools Science & Technology Societies (SSTS) Launch

On Tuesday, November 29, 2005, ten (10) schools were launched as part of the Schools Science & Technology Societies (SSTS) in Kingston. The schools that were launched were Sts. Peter & Paul Prep, Allman Town Primary, Clan Carthy Primary, Half Way Tree Primary, Zenith Preparatory & Learning Centre, St. Theresa Prep, Hope Valley Experimental, Port Antonio High, Meadowbrook High and Edith Dalton James High.

At the official ceremony, which was held at the Scientific Research Council, the schools were furnished with SSTS charters, badges as well as SSTS handbooks, which are intended to help set the stage for the development of the clubs.

A teacher from Clan Carthy Primary School (left) receiving her SSTS Charter from Mrs. Andrea Heavens (centre), Team Leader, Popularization of Science & Technology. Mrs. Doreen  Dietrich in background, looks on.

Members who attended the launching ceremony included Dr. Audia Barnett, Executive Director of the Scientific Research Council, Mr. Hawthorne Watson, Manager - Information Division, Scientific Research Council, Mr. Paul Bender, President, Association of Science Teachers of Jamaica (ASTJ) Eastern Chapter and Mrs. Gillian Young-Smith, Process Development Officer at The Scientific Research Council, who delivered a stimulating and powerful main address. Mrs. Young-Smith urged the students and teachers to always keep an inquisitive and explorative mind as Science involves always asking questions and the need to explore and analyze things.

Seated from left: Mr. Paul Bender, Dr. Audia Barnett, Mrs. Gillian Young-Smith. Standing: Mrs. Doreen Dietrich delivering greetings form the Education Unit.

A beautiful song was performed by students of the Sts. Peter & Paul Preparatory school.

The Scientific Research Council is currently conducting an islandwide survey of the SSTS clubs and will see the launching of other societies as they celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Science & Technology Education Unit in 2006.