WELCOME TO ECUMENICAL AN INSTITUTION THAT EMBODIES EXCELLENCE
When Stann Creek Ecumenical High School, as it was then called, first opened its doors in September, 1974, an era of denominational separation in secondary education had come to an end, for Stann Creek Ecumenical High School (Ecumenical) was the product of the amalgamation of the former Stann Creek High School (Anglican) and Austin High School (Catholic). An Ecumenical Commission, consisting of the heads of three major religious denominations - Catholic, Anglican, and Methodist - oversaw the early growth of the institution into a regional center of learning, serving the entire Stann Creek District and beyond.
By 1983 the Ecumenical Commission requested the Ministry of Education to assume responsibility for the institution. In response to this request a new Board of Governors was appointed, the composition of which underscored its community college character. Recent modifications in the Board's composition, such as the addition of representatives from the Town Council, business/professional community, Alumni Association, and the Ministry of Education, should further enhance the community college character while still preserving the spirit of ecumenism which first stimulated the opening of Ecumenical's doors.
In 1986 a Sixth Form Division was established at the request of the Ministry of Education. This Division's first emphasis was on Business Studies, but gradual expansion added Arts, Science, General Studies and Art/Science programs to the curriculum. At the same time, the Sixth Form was renamed "Junior College" to facilitate the transfer of credits to United States colleges, and an Evening Division has been added to meet increasing demands for tertiary-level education.
Further, in response to the community's need for secondary level extension services, Evening Sessions of the Secondary School Division commenced in September, 2001. Two years later, the needs and growth of the Secondary and Tertiary divisions warranted their separation into autonomous entities still under the direction of the Board of Governors. Consequently, in September 2003, the Junior College, headed by a Dean, was officially separated from the High School, headed by a principal.
Finally, in June 2008, the Junior College was given its own Board of Governors, thereby completing the process of separating the High School from the Junior College. Nevertheless, the High School remains the most significant feeder institution for the Junior College.
Thus, consolidation and growth since 1974 exceed the original concepts and objectives that brought Ecumenical College into existence. With the High School once again an entirely independent entity, the scope for further expansion to meet the challenges of secondary education in the Stann Creek District and beyond is virtually limitless. A short list of those challenges must include:
- Maintaining and enhancing student discipline as a key to achieving academic excellence;
- Timely infrastructural upgrades;
- Crafting a robust, realistic curriculum responsive to students' needs and interests;
- Maximizing the efficiency, skill and dedication of all human resources deployed to achieve the Mission and objectives of this institution.
Stann Creek Ecumenical High School will meet these challenges while continuing to pursue the overall excellence that has become its permanent hallmark and legacy.
