The Jost Van Dyke Primary School began the 2015-2016 academic school year with significant changes to the students uniform.

Principal of Jost Van Dyke School, Ms. Lavern Blyden said that in 2002, the uniform was changed from the identical pink and maroon uniform as that worn by Althea Scatliffe Primary School, to a white shirt with an embroidered patch and a plaid blue skirt for girls and blue pants for boys. She said that was the school’s uniform for the past thirteen years, but that has changed for the new school year. Students will now be fashioned in a red polo shirt with the school’s new logo embroidered accompanied with the same plaid blue skirt. The short pants for kindergarten and grade one boys have also been changed.

Principal Blyden said, “In my interim as principal for the 2014-2015 school year, the parents started addressing the issue of changing the white shirt. Their concern was that their children, especially the little ones, were too untidy at the end of the day. Hence, they asked for a change. Another concern voiced was with regards to their self-esteem and pride.”

Ms. Blyden added that the students played an integral role in the decision of the uniform change. She said that a few students modeled various color shirts during the 2014-2015 school year and classmates provide feedback on the new uniform.  For several weeks, the models wore a gold uniform top, similar to the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, and ultimately a red shirt, which seemed to boost their self-esteem.

Parents, teachers, and students were all involved in coming to a consensus on the red colored uniform top.

Ms. Blyden stated that the democratic move was a part of the school’s effort to build a positive school culture and that many students shared that they were happy to be included in the discussion and selection of the new uniform colors. 

Ms. Blyden added, “Students on Jost Van Dyke were happy to share their opinions and happy to see some actions come out of their views.  A happy student tends to be a good student, and that definitely benefits our school. The school and students will also have their own identity; raise self-esteem and pride, as we strive to be a cutting edge school in the Virgin Islands.”

The Ministry of Education and Culture continues to support the Jost Van Dyke School and its students in all aspects. 

For more information about the Jost Van Dyke Primary School’s new uniform, persons should contact the Ministry of Education and Culture at 468-2151 or Ms. Lavern Blyden at 495-9238 or 468-9461.