Student Handbook

HMTHS TABLE OF CONTENTS

General Information ............................................................................................................ 1

School Administration .................................................................................................... 1
History of the School ...................................................................................................... 2
Demographics ..................................................................................................................... 3
Mission Statement ........................................................................................................... 3
Vision Statement ............................................................................................................. 3
Aims ................................................................................................................................ 3
Motto ............................................................................................................................... 3
Grade 7 to 9 Uniform Front and Back ................................................................................ 4
Grade 10 to 11 Uniform Front and Back ............................................................................ 4
Sixth Form Uniform Front and Back .................................................................................. 5
Sixth Form Uniform Front and Back .................................................................................. 5
Student Pledge .................................................................................................................... 6
School Curriculum .............................................................................................................. 6
Curriculum Schedule .......................................................................................................... 8
Grades 7-9 ....................................................................................................................... 8
Grades 10 - 11 ................................................................................................................. 9
Grades 12 & 13 ............................................................................................................. 10
Examining Boards............................................................................................................. 10
Co- Curricular Activities................................................................................................... 10
Academic Departments ..................................................................................................... 11
Exit Credentials................................................................................................................. 12
Criteria for Graduation ...................................................................................................... 12
Policies and Procedures .................................................................................................... 13
Internal Assessment ...................................................................................................... 13
External Assessment ..................................................................................................... 17
School Rules ................................................................................................................. 19
Appendices........................................................................................................................ 23
Annual Activities .......................................................................................................... 23
Every student must know: ............................................................................................. 24
Common Songs and Pledges......................................................................................... 25
Notes ..................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
 Student Handbook

General Information

School Administration

Mr. Paul Adams

Principal
2003 – Present

Miss Tammi-Terrelle Smith Mrs. Althea Hopwood-Watson

Vice Principal Vice Principal
Lower School Upper School

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 Student Handbook

History of the School

Herbert Morrison Technical High School was opened on the 13 th

of September 1976 as a secondary institution. There was a
certain amount of vacillation concerning its name, which
eventually was Catherine Hall Secondary School.
The name was later changed to Herbert Morrison
Comprehensive High School, being named in honour of Dr.
Herbert Morrison, a philanthropist.

The school started with 240 Grade 7 students sent through the
Ministry of Education Common Entrance Examination (CEE): 120 Grade 8 and 120 Grade 9
students who were selected through tests and interviews. The school was staffed by the first
Principal, Mr. J. Lloyd Whinstanley, Vice Principal, Miss Yola Burgess and sixteen (16) teachers.
The school began with twelve classrooms, very basic science equipment, a limited number of
tools and hardly any other facilities.

For the succeeding years, the number of CEE students sent fluctuated and the school had to be
setting tests at that level to select students. This pattern eventually stopped and the full intake of
240 grade 7 students from CEE became the norm.

The curriculum at that time was quite general but an effort was made to ensure that each student
on graduating was exposed to a practical subject. Only twelve (12) classrooms were provided in
1976, and from 1977 the school embarked on its own building programme to accommodate a
growing population and avoid adopting the shift system.

The school was changed to a Technical High School in 1988. Additional workshops and facilities
were provided by the Government of Jamaica and the USAID. The curriculum was substantially
modernized and all students, upon completing grade 9, were placed in specific courses.
HEART/NTA made a significant contribution in this effort.

The school continues to improve its curriculum and support programmes and in 2004 introduced
Grades 12 and 13 (6th Form) to prepare students for matriculation to universities, colleges and the
job market

The school has made advancements in its academic and support programmes. It now boasts a
rich heritage in music and performing arts, athletics, netball, basketball and football. It is rated the
top Technical High School in Jamaica and rivals the prominent traditional high schools with
quality student output.
.

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 Student Handbook

Demographics

Herbert Morrison Technical High School

Address: Alice Eldemire

Drive
P.O, Box 526
Montego Bay #2
St. James.

Telephone #s: (876) 952-5388, (876) 952-4985, (876) 979-9088

Fax: (876) 940-0428 E-Mail: [email protected]

Mission Statement
The mission of this school is to provide each student with hands-on experience in at least one
Technical/Vocational area to enable him/her to cope with technological changes and to educate
and train for effective production in the modern world.

Vision Statement
To make Herbert Morrison Technical High School the best in the Caribbean delivering Technical
Education.

Aims
1. To provide each student with hands-on experience in at least one Technical/Vocational area,
to enable him/her to cope with technological changes.
2. To provide the opportunity for all students to experience a broad and balanced education.
3. To enable each student to realize his/her potential in all areas of the educational experience.
4. To prepare students to appreciate the value of cooperative living.
5. To assist students with the transition into further studies and the job market.
6. To equip students with sound values and attitudes; which will assist them in developing a
healthy respect for themselves and other persons.
7. To ensure that each student achieves the highest standard possible.

Motto
PRAESTARE ET PERSISTERE - “Strength and Perseverance”

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 Student Handbook

Grades 7 to 9 Uniform Front and Back

Grades 10 to 11 Uniform Front and Back

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 Student Handbook

Sixth Form Uniform Front and Back

Sixth Form Uniform Front and Back

N.B All boys khaki pants across the seam at the foot should be no less than 7 inches.

The seam at the ankles of all boys khaki pants should be no less than 7 (seven) inches.

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 Student Handbook

Student Pledge

Student Pledge
I pledge to uphold the values and traditions of Herbert

Morrison Technical High School with pride. I will treat

others with honour and respect. I will always work hard,

act fairly and do my best in every endeavour. I will grow

in strength and perseverance, increase in confidence,

and use my acquired skills and talents to enhance

myself, my school and my nation.

School Curriculum

Grades7- 9 General Education: 3 Years

Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Spanish, Biology,

Chemistry, Physics, Social Studies, Geography, History, Visual Arts,
Information Technology, Music, Industrial Arts, Home Economics,
Physical Education and Sports, Library Skills and Guidance and
Counselling.

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 Student Handbook

Grades 10 – 11 Specialized Education and Training: 2 Years

Science and Technology, Consumer Science and Technology,

Mechanical Engineering Technology, Building Technology, Economics,
General and Technical Studies, Business Education and Visual and
Performing Arts.

Grades 12 – 13 Pre- College/University Education and Advanced Training: 2 Years

Arts/Humanities , Business, Industrial Technology, General Studies and

Natural Science.

Displaying students’ work

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 Student Handbook

Curriculum Schedule

Grades 7-9

Grades/ # of Sessions
Subjects Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9

English (Lang. and Lit.) 9 8 6

Mathematics 8 8 6
Information Technology 2 2 2
Social Studies 3 3 2
History 2
Geography 1 1 3
Biology 3 3 2
Physics 2 2 3
Chemistry 2 2 3
Visual Arts 2 2 2
Music 2 2 2
Guidance 1 1
Spanish 3 3 2
Physical Education 3 3 2

1
Form Time 1 1
W/Guidance
Industrial Arts - Home economics 3
Woods/Tech. Drawing - Foods 2
Building Technology – Home. Ec.
2
management

Metal Work –Clothing and Textiles 2 2

Technical Drawing – Food and Nutrition 3

Total 45 45 45

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 Student Handbook

Grades 10 - 11
Classes → MECH. BUILD.
SC&T GTS VPA BUS CS&T ECON
Subjects  TECH TECH
Language 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
Mathematics 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
Info. Tech. 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
Literature 5
Spanish
Visual Arts 6
Physical Education 5 5
Physics 6 4 5
Chemistry 6
Biology 6 5
Integrated Science 5
History 5
Geography 4 5
Social Studies 5
P.O.B 4 5 5
P.O.A. 4 6 5
EDPM 4
Call Centre 3 2
Office Admin. 4
Economics 5
Building Tech. 6
Building Drawing. 6
Eng. Drawing 5
Mech. Tech/Weld. 8
EDPM/Foods
Elec. Tech. 5 5
Chemistry/Auto 5
Food and Nutrition 6
Cloth. and Textiles 6
H.Ec. Management 5
Geo/Spanish 5 5
Theartre Arts/Music 6
Spanish/Soc. Studs. 5
Tech. Drawing
T.D./ Foods 5 5
Guid/ Form Time 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

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 Student Handbook

Grades 12 & 13

Grade 12 & 13 Curriculum Distribution

14
12
10
8
Number of
Periods 6
4
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Subjects

Examining Boards

The school is an examination centre for the following examining bodies:

Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), National Council on Technical Vocational Education and
Training (NCTVET), Career Advancement Programme (CAP), City and Guilds, Associate Board
of the Royal School of Music and Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ).

Co- Curricular Activities

The school engages in a wide variety of co- curricular programmes. Some are outlined below:

Sports:
Football, Cricket, Volleyball, Track and Field, Basketball, Netball.

Clubs and Societies

Key Club, Business Club, ISCF, Dance and Drama Club, 4H Club, Science Club, Bible Quiz Club,
Technology Club, Art & Craft Club , Environmental Watch Club, Quiz Club, Tourism Action Club,
Spanish Club, Social Graces Club, Interact Club, Red Cross Society, Cadet Unit, School Band,
School Choir, Peer Counsellors, Photography Club.

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 Student Handbook

Houses
Isaacs (Blue & Cream) Mr. J. Lloyd
Whinstanley

Miller (Red & Cream)

Peterkin (Gold & Burgundy)
Whinstanley (Green & Cream) Be proud of your school
2 time winners of the Dacosta Cup Football
Student Government Competition
Student Council Track and Field: Western Boys Champs 2007, 6th
Prefect Body Place: ISSA Boys Champs – 2006 & 7
Basketball: Western Zone basketball champion 2007
- 8 and 2014-2019, All Island Champions 2018.
Netball: Feared in Netball Island-wide, Rural U15
Champions 2008 - 2009; Revered in Music – Multiple
Festival Winners
The #1 Technical High School in Jamaica

Academic Departments

The school’s academic programmes are managed by various departments. An outline of the
departments and the respective subjects is presented below:

Language Arts
− English Language Home Economics
− English Literature − Home Economics
− Theatre Arts − Home Economics Management
− Spanish − Food, Nutrition and Health
− Library Skills − Commercial Food Preparation
− Communication Studies − Clothing, Textile and Fashion
− Literatures in English − Advanced Foods
− Performing Arts − Family Resource Management

Science
− Chemistry Information Technology/ Business
− Physics Studies
− Biology − Information Technology
− Integrated Science − Principles of Accounts
− Environmental Science − Principles of Business
− Office Administration
General Studies − Electronic Document Preparation and
− Sociology Management
− Social Studies − Economics
− Caribbean Studies − Management of Business
− Geography − Accounting
− History − Tourism
− Entrepreneurship

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 Student Handbook

− Computer Science − Welding

− Call Centre − Technical Drawing
− Logistics and Supply Chain − Engineering Drawing
Operations − Building and Mechanical Engineering
Drawing
− Electrical and Electronics Technology
Industrial Arts
− Industrial Arts Visual Arts and Art and Design
− Automotive Technology Mathematics
− Metal Work Physical Education and Sports
− Wood Work Guidance and Counselling
− Building Technology Music

Exit Credentials

Upon successful completion of programmes of study, students will be expected to exit the
institution with the following:

− School Transcript
− External examination Certificate(s)
− NCTVET Certificate(s)
− Community Service/ Work Experience Certification
− Recommendation
− Caribbean Vocational Qualification Certificate (s) (CVQ)
− School Leaving Diploma

Criteria for Graduation

To be eligible to graduate, students MUST fulfill the following requirements. He or she must have:
1. Displayed satisfactory conduct throughout the year.
2. Appeared appropriately attired for school at all times.
3. Returned all rented books in an acceptable condition.
4. Written all mock examinations in programme of study and attained at least five (5) passes.
5. Achieved satisfactory academic performance.
6. Attended school regularly - at least ninety percent (90%) attendance.
7. Attended Classes regularly - at least ninety percent (90%) attendance.
8. Attended rehearsals for graduation; absence will only be permitted for writing examinations or
for school representation.
9. Paid all fees
10. Completed Work-Study Programme satisfactorily (grade 13)

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 Student Handbook

Graduating Class

Policies and Procedures

Internal Assessment

Internal Assessment
Policy Document

The following is an outline of the policies to govern the structure, implementation, and
management of internal assessment. The policy changes took effect in the Academic Year 2005
– 2006.
(Section 1 has been omitted, as it relates to teachers.)
2. Monthly Grades
a. Monthly grades will be derived from ongoing assessment of different types i.e.
homework, group work, class test, portfolios, profiles, projects.

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 Student Handbook

3. Course Grades
a. At the end of each academic year the monthly grades recorded from September to May
will be averaged to derive the course grade for each subject.
b. The course grade will be calculated at 40% of the final marks for each subject. The
remaining 60% will be calculated from the end of year exam.

4. Exam Grades
a. End of year exams will be scheduled for every subject and will be administered in the
following periods:
i. June – July for grades 7 – 10
ii. March – April for grade 11 – 13 (Mock Exam)
b. The exam will be weighted at 60% of the final marks for each subject.
c. Exam grades will be recorded in Teachers’ mark books and School Management System
(SMS). This will be inserted on the End of Year Report which will comprise of course
work and final exam marks for each subject.
(Section 5 has been omitted, as it relates to teachers.)

6. End of Term Reports

a. The End of Term Report will be completed at the end of the Christmas Term in
December.
b. The end of term report will contain the grades for September to December in each
subject area.
c. The End of term reports will be signed by the Class Supervisor and one of the following:
i. Grade Coordinator
ii. Vice Principal
iii. Principal
d. The end of term report will be given to students on the last school day of the term.

7. End of Year Report

a. The end of year report will be completed following the end of year examinations (for
grades 7 to 10) in June – July.
b. The end of year report will contain the following:
i. Course grade (40% weighting of monthly grades).
ii. Exam grade (60% weighting of exam score).
iii. Final Grade.
iv. Grade Point Average (GPA).
v. Student Average.
vi. Class Average.
vii. Student Position.

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 Student Handbook

viii. Letter Grade per subject.

ix. All other necessary information.
c. The end of year report will be signed by the Class Supervisor, Grade Coordinator and
Vice Principals or Principal.
d. The end of year report should be distributed before or within the 3 rd week of July.

(Sub-sections e. and f. have been omitted as they relate to teachers.)

8. Student Responsibilities
a. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all assignments and course work meet
the following criteria:
i. All assignments must be of the best quality.
ii. Assignments must be handed to the teacher on the date and time
specified by the teacher.
b. Monthly tests are mandatory for each class unless otherwise indicated by the teacher.
Each student must prepare to sit a test each month for each subject (i.e. Sept. – May).
c. Students must write legibly and in a systematic manner on examinations, tests, reports
and all other forms of graded work.
d. Students must arrive on time for examinations – late arrivals will be dealt with according
to the provisions of policy number 10 sub-section d.
e. Students must be prepared for examinations; No student will be allowed to
i. Borrow items from other candidates.
ii. Enter bags or purses during examinations.
iii. Engage in any form of communication with other candidates during
examinations.
Failure to comply will be interpreted as cheating.

9. Plagiarism and Cheating

a. Plagiarism is a serious offense – Students are expected to answer questions and prepare
projects/reports using in their own words.
i. Students may not present photocopied text as assignments unless
directed by a teacher.
ii. Pictures and graphics may be copied directly to assignments; however
credit must be given to the source.
iii. Students may not copy any student’s work or past assignment and
present same as their own work.
iv. Each assignment, report or written project must include a bibliography to
give credit to sources of information.

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 Student Handbook

b. Cheating in examinations, tests or any form of assignment is a serious offense. Students

caught cheating will be immediately expelled from examinations. Students guilty of
cheating will be given a zero score for the examination, test or any graded assignment.

10. (the phrase “Preparation and…” have been omitted) Administration of Examinations
(Sections a- c has been omitted as they address preparation of scripts and relate to
teachers only.)
d. Late Arrival for examinations will be treated in the following manner:
i. After fifteen minutes – Student must present a valid reason to the
invigilator for admission to sit examination. Extra time will not be awarded.
ii. After thirty minutes – Student will be prohibited from sitting examination
due to lateness.
e. Absence for an examination is absolute. Students will not be allowed to sit the
examination after the date has passed EXCEPT.
iii. Where the student is absent due to illness – a medical report must be presented
before consideration is given.
iv. Where the student was absent due to school representation.
f. Students must be given the benefit of the doubt with regards to errors on examination
scripts or misinformation.
g. The school reserves the right to bar any student from sitting examinations for any reason
presented by the principal or his nominee.
h. No student should have any bag, book or any other instrument not approved by the
examination committee at their desk during the examination. A section of the room
should be prepared to store these items during the examination. Failure to comply will
be regarded as cheating and will be treated as such.
i. No student will be allowed to sit any examination without a school Identification card. If
the student has misplaced the card he/she should:
a. Make arrangements with the General Office to have the I.D. card replaced
b. Obtain a temporary pass at the Internal Examinations Office if the I.D. card is
not replaced before exams begin.

The Principal’s List

The Principal’s list of outstanding performers will be derived from the End of Year Report. The list
will comprise two groups:
v. Honour Roll
vi. Credit

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 Student Handbook

Minimum Requirements
To make the Principal’s List a student will attain a passing grade in every subject; having an
average of at least 75% with the exception of only one subject with at least a 60% pass.
The student must not carry any detentions or suspensions and his/her attendance must be
regular; at an average of at least 85% of the school year.

Academic Qualifications

Honour Roll Credit

1. Pass All subjects a. Pass all Subjects
2. Maintain at least 85% average b. Maintain at least 75% average
3. One pass of at least 70% will be c. One pass of at least 60% will be
allowed allowed
4. No detentions or suspensions d. No detention or suspension
5. At least 85% attendance
e. At least 85% attendance
6. Punctual at least 90 %
7. To be actively involved in One club
or society

Certificate Recipients.
Gold - Grades (7-9) 85% and over in seven to eight subjects.
Grade (10) 81% and over in five subjects.
Silver - Grades (7-9) 70%-84% in five to six subjects.
Grade (10) 60%-80% in four to five subjects.

External Assessment
External Assessment
Policy Document

The following is an outline of the policies to govern the structure and management of external
assessment.
1. Initial Preparation
a. At the end of grade 9, students will be selected for a two year programme of
study based on the following:
i. Student’s Choice
ii. Student’s academic performance to suit the particular programme.
b. Parents will be informed of the specific programme the students will be enrolled
in and the specific course designated for the programme.
c. Grade Coordinators and Guidance Counsellors will design and manage
programmes to guide students in the necessary preparatory measures to be
taken in order to achieve success in grades 10 – 13. The following points should
be considered:
i. Career Guidance
ii. Study Tips or Guidelines
iii. Research and Document Preparation

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 Student Handbook

(Section 2 has been omitted as it relates to teachers.)

3. Grade 10 – 13
a. Students must adhere to SBA/ IA deadlines that are specific to each
subject/practical area.
b. The SBA components of external exams must be completed in the time
communicated by the school administration.
c. Students must sit all subjects outlined in the programme of study in the school’s
Mock Examinations.
d. Teachers will use Mock Examination results to guide students against predicted
errors in external examinations.
NB. Labs done in the sciences constitute the SBAs for the respective subjects. Students will be
ungraded for labs not completed.

4. External Examinations
a. The school is currently an examination centre for the following examining bodies:
i. City and Guilds iv. NCTVET
ii. CXC
iii. CAP
b. Students will be enrolled for external examinations and all particulars ascertained
(and corrected where necessary) before the end of the first term of the academic
year.

The following points must be noted by all relevant personnel:

1. All students in grades 11 – 13 are expected to sit all subjects in their respective programmes
at the external level.
2. All students in grades 11 – 13 will be assessed in the relevant technical areas for NCTVET
certification.
3. The Heads of Departments and Subject Teachers must keep records of all student entries for
external examinations respective to their portfolio.

The Internal Examinations and Document Centre

Services Offered at
the Doc. Centre

• Printing
• Photocopying
• Laminating
• Binding
• Posters, brochures,
Booklets, Business
cards, labels
• Internet services
• Formatting word
and publisher
documents

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 Student Handbook

School Rules
Herbert Morrison Technical High School
School Rules

The following rules outline the expected standard of behaviour of all students and sets out
possible consequences for breaches of the proper code of conduct. The rules apply to all
registered students of the school, whether on campus or not and whether or not the student is in
uniform.
1. Attendance
a. All students must attend school and classes regularly and punctually.
Students who are absent for a day or more should take an excuse, written and
signed by a parent or guardian to the class supervisor, in a sealed envelope.
b. Parents need to inform the school of long absences before the student returns. If
no information is received after four (4) weeks, the child automatically loses
his/her place in the school. If absence is due to illness, a medical certificate is
needed.
c. Failure to attend classes while at school could lead to suspension and eventually
expulsion.
d. Students will remain on the compound during school hours and will leave only
with the permission of The Principal or his/her nominee. Letters requesting
permission for students to leave the compound during school hours must be sent
by parents or guardians (such permission will be granted at the discretion of The
Principal or his/her nominee).

Order mark and detention will be given to students who are late for class.

2. Uniform
a. Students will attend school in prescribed uniform only. No head gear is allowed to
or from school unless special permission is given by The Principal or his
nominee. All students should wear dark –brown shoes and dark-brown socks.
Students should wear the correct shade uniform (khaki, tunics and skirts and
blouses).T-Shirts worn under khaki shirts must not be visible.
b. Students (in their dress and person) should be neat, i.e. shirts and blouses
tucked in pants or skirts; pants or skirts at the waist, laces tied; etc. Close fitting
pants or skirts will not be allowed Students’ shoes must always be clean and hair
well groomed.
c. No student should wear jewellery (except a wrist watch) while in uniform.
Earrings are strictly prohibited while in uniform. No beads in girl’s hair.
d. Students are not allowed to have tattoos displayed on any part of their person
while in uniform.

3. Visitors to students
a. Visitors will not be allowed to go directly to classrooms or on the corridors to see
students during school hours. All enquiries must be directed to the school office.
The student will be sent for or paged.
b. Visiting parents/guardians must be good role models and examples. They should
be attired as responsible adults. Men should wear shirts in trousers. Women
should not wear tight fitting pants, mini skirts or revealing blouses.

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 Student Handbook

4. School Grounds/Property
a. Students should not deface school property. If this is done students will be
severely punished.
b. Littering of the school compound or any room is strictly prohibited. Failure to
comply will result in detention in which the offender will have to clean an entire
area.

General
5. Knives, other implements with sharp points and cutting edges and any form of explosive
device must not be taken to school. Students will not use weapons (of any kind), stones or
sticks to injure other students, teachers or any member of the school community.
a. Mere possession of a knife, explosive device or any type of weapon will lead to
expulsion.
b. Threatening another student will lead to suspension.
c. Threatening a teacher or any member of staff will lead to suspension and
possibly expulsion.
d. Inflicting a wound with any form of weapon or any instrument used as a weapon
will lead to expulsion.
e. Students must not leave the compound to bring friends or relatives to attack
(verbally or physically) or injure any student or member of the school community.
This will lead to suspension and possibly expulsion.
f. Students who fight will be suspended and possibly expelled.

6. Students are not allowed to have in their possession, use, sell or purchase any form of drugs
on the compound, or to indoctrinate any one in their use. Smoking is not allowed. Students
found using or selling hard drugs (e.g. Ganja, Cocaine, Crack, Ecstasy, etc.) will be expelled.

7. Students on prescribed medication must report such cases and obtain clearance from the
school nurse to use them at school. No student is to give another student any form of
medication.

8. Gambling is not allowed. Students must not play cards, draughts, dominoes or money
football on the compound. The penalty for such is suspension. Card, domino and educational
games may be allowed only in a controlled setting under the supervision of a teacher.

9. Radios, CD players, video recording and playback devices, ear/headphones, DVD players
and all other electronic devices not being used for lessons by a teacher should not be taken
to school. If caught in breach, these items will be confiscated and a fine determined by the
school will be imposed. The item will be kept at the main office and a receipt will be issued on
payment of the fine.

10. Students are not permitted to take cellular phones or any electronic communications device
to school. If done, these items will be confiscated and parents will have to collect them after
paying a fine.

11. Students will walk in single file on the corridors. There should be no running or playing on the
corridors or in the classrooms. Shouting and other acts of vulgarity are punishable. An order
mark and detention will be given. There should be no loitering on the corridors. Students
who fail to show a permission slip will be given an order mark and detention for first
offence. For second offence, student will be suspended.

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 Student Handbook

12. All students should take part in games unless excused (in writing) by a doctor or the school
nurse. Order mark and detention will be given for failure to comply. Parents should inform
the school officially, if their child is ill and cannot participate in games.

13. Students should stay away from bars, clubs, gaming lounges and video arcades.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited and will lead to suspension/ expulsion.

14. Students should not steal.

a. No student should hold up or rob any student or member of the school
community.
b. No student should steal any item from the bags, pockets or desk of any member
of the school community.
c. No student should extort money from, or blackmail any other student or any
member of the school community.
Acts of simple larceny will result in suspension. For extortion, blackmail, etc., the
offender will be suspended and possibly expelled.

15. Students must not harass or discriminate against any member of the school community on
the basis of race, religion, socio-economic status, political influence, sexual orientation or any
other circumstance. Failure to comply will result in suspension or expulsion.

16. Pornographic material must not be taken to school. Suspension will be given for
infringement and the student will be referred for counselling.

17. For sexual harassment/molestation, students will be suspended/ expelled.

18. There should be no ‘throwing of partner’ or saving schemes among students. Students
involved will be punished.

19. Students must not use indecent language or utter profanity. Behaviour mark and detention
will be given.

20. Students should not be insolent to teachers or any member of staff. Failure to comply will
result in suspension.

21. Students must do homework and submit all assignments on time. First and second offence –
Restriction. Third offence – order mark and detention will be given. Parents will be called
in.

22. Cheating in tests and examinations is strictly prohibited. Offenders will have papers
confiscated; a zero score will be given, followed by a detention.
a. No student should copy the work of any other student and submit it as his/her
own. Failure to comply will result in a zero score and a detention.
b. Teachers have the right to reject any work (submitted by students) found to be
plagiarized.

23. Students should not leave the compound during school hours without a written permission
signed by the principal or his/her nominee. Leaving the compound without permission will
result in three days suspension.

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 Student Handbook

a. Students are not allowed to purchase items at nearby shopping areas, nor over
the school gate, fence or wall during class and lunch time.
b. Lunch should not be brought to any student from outside during school hours.
Students may take lunch, refreshments and water with them from home.
For accepting lunch from outside, over the gate, fence or wall, the student will be given a
detention and possible suspension.

24. Books rented must be cared for by the student and returned according to the instructions
given. Lost or damaged books will have to be replaced by the student before receiving
another issue or before being cleared for graduation.

25. Students should not engage in the following activities while on the school compound or while
in uniform.

a. Throwing water bombs e. Gang activities, fights,

b. “Flouring” any member of mobbing.
the school community. f. Writing on or autographing
c. Lighting fire crackers or fire uniforms.
rockets.
d. Starting fires or any act of
arson.
Failure to comply will result in expulsion.

26. No student should be part of, or initiate any gang or any organized group not recognized as a
legitimate co-curricular or educational activity. Failure to comply will result in expulsion.

27. Students must not harbour or entertain anyone from outside the school community who does
not have proper visitors’ clearance from the security officers and general office. Failure to
comply will result in suspension and possible expulsion.

28. Students should not walk more than two abreast on the sidewalks and on the streets (i.e. if
space allows). Students must walk on the right side of the street (where possible) facing
oncoming traffic.

29. Students should not be allowed out on the street after 6:00 p.m. between Sunday and
Thursday. Parents should see to this, since there is always homework to be done, and the
later the child stays out, the less work will be done. No student should be on the street in
uniform after 6:00 p.m. on a school day.

30. If a student finds an item which has been lost, the item must be taken to the General Office or
to the Class Supervisor. The student will be given a merit for honesty and good citizenship.
Students who are found with items declared as lost will be punished in like manner as
stealing.

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 Student Handbook

Appendices

Annual Activities

September : Past Student Activities

October : Heritage Programme, CXC Registration, Annual Awards Ceremony
November : Grade Parent Conferences, Career
Activities, NCTVET Registration
December : Eisteddfod (Inter House Cultural Competition),
End of Term Report
January : Report Day, Parent Consultation Day
February : SBA Submission (most subjects), Inter-
House Sports, Black History Programmes,
Jamaica Day
March – April : Mock Examinations (Grades 11 – 13)
April : School Barbeque
April – June : External Examinations
June : Internal Examinations, Valedictory Service
July : Book Rental Return (7-9), Orientation, End of Year Report
August : Registration for next school year

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 Student Handbook

Every student must know:

1. The School Motto, Pledge and Cheer.

2. Staff rooms are out of bounds to all students.
3. Loitering, running or playing on corridors or in hallways is a serious and punishable offense.
4. Students should walk on the right of corridors and stairs. Running and shouting on the
corridors is prohibited.
5. The canteen and tuck shop is out of bounds to all students during class time.
6. No student should leave the school premises without written permission.
7. A student can be expelled from school for:
a. Defacing school property.
b. Writing on walls.
c. Public disturbances and/or misbehavior (even outside of school compound).
d. Fighting.
e. Sexual activity, molestation and similar acts of misconduct.
f. Threatening teachers or other members of the school community.
g. Stealing, extortion, gang involvement or other similar offences.
8. Every student must participate in at least one (1) extra-curricular activity.
9. Students must wear I.D. badges on their uniforms (with picture and information showing) at
all times.

SCHOOL CHEER
Give a shout, Give a cheer
For the Herbi school so dear
Herbert Morrison we are cheering for you.
Football, math, language, band
We’re the best school in the land
Herbert Morrison we’re cheering for you.
We are brave and bold,
and the story has been told,
shout out the letters with a jive H.M.,
for wherever you go
You will always know,
Herbert Morrison we are cheering for you
Herbert Morrison we are cheering for you
HMTHS, HMTHS, HMTHS
Herbert Morrison yeah!!!

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 Student Handbook

Common Songs and Pledges

JAMAICA LAND OF BEAUTY NATIONAL ANTHEM

Jamaica land of beauty, We promise faithfully Eternal Father bless our land,
To serve thee with our talents and bring our gifts to Guard us with Thy Mighty Hand,
thee
Keep us free from evil powers,
Jamaica we will always in honour of thy name
Be our light through countless hours.
Work steadfastly and wisely and never bring thee
shame To our Leaders, Great Defender,
From riverside to mountain from cane-field to the Grant true wisdom from above.
sea Justice, Truth be ours forever,
Our hearts salute Jamaica Triumphant, proud and Jamaica, Land we love.
free, Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.
Together in our country, In love and brotherhood
We’ll work and play in freedom, as all god’s Teach us true respect for all,
children should Stir response to duty’s call, strengthen us the
With hearts and hands united, In thanks for weak to cherish,
everything Give us vision lest we perish.
That God has giv’n unto us, together let us sing
Knowledge send us Heavenly Father,
From riverside to mountain from cane-field to the
Grant true wisdom from above.
sea
Our hearts salute Jamaica, Triumphant, proud and Justice, Truth be ours forever,
free. Jamaica, land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.

NATIONAL SONG NATIONAL PLEDGE

I PLEDGE MY HEART Before God and all mankind,

I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart,
I pledge my heart forever the wisdom and courage of my mind,
To serve with humble pride the strength and vigour of my body in the
This shining homeland, ever service of my fellow citizens;
So long as earth abide. I promise to stand up for Justice, Brotherhood
and Peace,
I pledge my heart, this island to work diligently and creatively,
As God and faith shall live to think generously and honestly,
My work, my strength, my love and so that Jamaica may, under God,
My loyalty to give. increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity,
and play her part in advancing the welfare of
O green isle of the Indies, the whole human race.
Jamaica, strong and free,
Our vows and loyal promises
O heartland, ‘tis to Thee.

© Herbert Morrison Technical High School 25

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