Lyceum Preschool Returns To Renovated Campus
The Ministry of Education announced Lyceum Preschool’s return to its original school site on Monday, April 22, 2024, following an extensive renovation and refurbishment period. For the past eight months, Lyceum had been temporarily housed at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo, in preparation for the transformation of Francis Patton Primary into one of Bermuda’s first Parish Primary Schools.
Diallo Rabain, Minister of Education, stated, “These renovations mark a pivotal shift towards embracing 21st-century teaching methodologies, ensuring that our learning environments align with modern educational practices. Lyceum Preschool eagerly anticipates resuming operations in a space that embodies our dedication to providing Bermuda’s youngest learners with a cutting-edge education.”
Lisa DeSilva, Education Reform Lead and Head of the Education Reform Unit, states: “This collaborative effort between the Department of Education, Public Works and the Ministry of Education marks a significant stride in our ongoing education reform journey. I look forward to seeing its continued positive impact on our students’ learning and development.”
A Government spokesperson said, “Lyceum’s renovation is part of an extensive plan for the Early Years Center pod at the Francis Patton Parish School. The space will accommodate two classes of preschoolers, Year 1, and Year 2 students, totaling approximately 85 young learners. Sarah Brown, Administrator of Lyceum Preschool, expressed her excitement, stating, “In September, we anticipate a grand opening as Year 1 and Year 2 students join us!”
“Collaborating closely with the Francis Patton School Transformation Team and Education Reform Unit co-leads, Lyceum Preschool embarked on a collective effort to design learning environments tailored specifically for early childhood education. Recognizing the necessity for significant changes to the physical infrastructure, the team embarked on a comprehensive renovation journey. This included the installation of new floors, furniture, outdoor seating, planters and various other enhancements still to come.
Curtiss Smith states; “As the ERU’s lead for Learning Environments, with responsibility over the physical transformation of school sites, I was very pleased to see all of the smiling and happy faces of the Lyceum preschoolers on the morning that they arrived at the school for the first time during its reopening. These Phase 1 upgrades have been catered to Lyceum’s unique needs.”
Reflecting on their time at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo and the transition back to the Lyceum campus, Sarah Brown shares, “The students have had an incredible eight months attending school at the BZS. Relocating back into a traditional school setting provides our students with a wonderful opportunity to experience a different educational environment.”
A spokesperson added, “With the majority of Lyceum Preschoolers set to attend Francis Patton Parish School Year 1 in the same building, this transition period serves as a valuable opportunity for students to acclimate to their new learning environment.
“Lyceum Preschool’s newly renovated outdoor spaces and classrooms feature ten benches with umbrellas, planter boxes, and STEM centers for interactive learning. Inside, fresh coats of paint, brand new flooring, lighting, and furniture create a modern and vibrant environment, optimizing the learning experience for students.”
The Commissioner of Education, Mrs. Kalmar Richards extended heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in making this transition a success, saying, “We at the Department are especially proud of the role played by our Facilities Manager, Mr. Dwayne Caisey who coordinated the work and supervised the hired workforce. We are especially grateful to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo for welcoming our preschoolers into a temporary home.”
A spokesperson added, “Special thanks to Dr. Ian Walker and Kaiya Richards from the BZS, The Francis Patton Primary School Transformation Team, Mr. Bray Saltus, The Stores/delivery Team, Public Works, Mr. Cannonier of Labor Ready, and the hired workforce supervised by Mr. Dwayne Caisey for their invaluable contributions to the successful completion of the Lyceum project. We also recognize Mr. Sheridan Ming and Dalton Burgess for their efforts in coordinating the various entities to ensure that the preschool was ready for the return of students.
“The Education Reform Unit [ERU], operating through The Ministry of Education, oversees a multifaceted approach to education reform comprising of 17 distinct workstreams. These workstreams, inclusive of curriculum development, teaching and learning methodologies, assessment frameworks, collaborative learning partnerships, and the creation of conducive learning environments, collectively drive forward Bermuda’s educational transformation. By addressing these components, the ERU aims to cultivate a holistic educational ecosystem that nurtures the diverse needs of Bermuda’s learners, fosters innovation in pedagogy, promotes cultural responsiveness in education and prepares students for success in an ever-evolving global landscape.”
So who was the actual construction company and the project manager?