Primary school deputy to takeover at Lighthouse
Elroy Bryan, Principal Lighthouse School
(CNS): A local primary school deputy head will be taking over at the Lighthouse School in September when the new school year starts, ministry officials said Monday. Elroy Bryan, a Caymanian who is currently the deputy principal at Savannah Primary School (SPS), will take over from Carla MacVicar, who officially retired last September but stayed on the job until the role was filled. Bryan was previously a senior teacher, head of the physical education department and the unofficial IT expert at Lighthouse for 14 years before going to SPS in 2013.
Looking forward to returning to the Lighthouse School, Bryan said working at Cayman’s second largest primary school over the last three years had enhanced his leadership skills greatly and increased his confidence in his own ability. He has worked closely with the principal to strategically develop and successfully monitor improvement of teaching and learning standards, and officials said he had become proficient in the use of ICT, helping him improve several systems within the school.
“During my 14-year tenure at the Lighthouse School, the students transformed my life and taught me the importance of practicing the motto ‘yes we can’ to achieve our true potential,” he said. “It was at LHS that I first experienced the joy of watching students reach milestones that they never thought were possible. I am extremely excited about returning to the school in the capacity of principal where I can continue to lift up this school as the beacon of hope that it has been for so many children and adults alike.”
Bryan was described by the ministry as one of the driving forces in the use of restorative practices to support students. This is based on the theory that students are happier, more productive and more likely to make positive changes when those in authority do things with them, rather than to them or for them. As part of the leadership team, he also analyses assessment data, reviews staff performance and provides support and guidance for staff to improve standards of achievement.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to lead one of the greatest schools in the world,” Bryan said. “I have a strong desire to see our students excel in life and I am willing to make the necessary sacrifices to ensure that they succeed, as I always strive to go the extra mile to perform my duties with the utmost professionalism,” he added as he pointed to a desire to improve the education standards in Cayman.
“We are so pleased that Mr Bryan has decided to take the position of principal at the Lighthouse School,” said Christen Suckoo, Chief Officer in the Ministry of Education. “He is bringing invaluable experience to the post, much of which he actually gained on the job at LHS.”
Suckoo said Bryan was “no stranger” to management, staff and parents at the school. “I am sure he will enjoy a warm welcome back ‘home’, and we anticipate that the transition period will be an easy one for everyone involved,” he added.
Bryan is the 2009 Young Caymanian Leadership Award (YCLA) recipient and the 2008 winner of the Golden Apple award for excellence in teaching. He has accompanied the Special Olympics Cayman Islands team to the Games on several occasions as the head coach for soccer and track and field, and is currently a part of the selection committee for the YCLA. He has a degree in physical education, business and health from Lambuth University in Jackson, Tennessee.
Category: Education, Local News
I first met him just before or about the time of going off to college and from then and to present he has been a consistent and absolute gentleman with uncommon humility and a good role model. At a time when some of our young people give us cause for concern it is good to see the many standout young men and women. Best of luck!
I got to know Elroy about 7 years ago… he is an outstanding gentleman… wonderful manners, a great father, and a gentle, caring human being. They made a great choice!
Congratulations to another fine Caymanian young man taking up a leadership role! May our young men and boys view Mr Bryan as a positive role model as a successful young man of these islands. Great to hear positives like this in the news! May God bless Mr Elroy Bryan and his family as he takes up this role. I believe he is perfect for the job! Congrats to those hiring such a fine person!
Congrats to Elroy on this promotion. He is an absolute gentleman and one of the most selfless and humble individuals I have ever come across. He is such a role model to young people. The students and their parents will be truly blessed to have him.
Proud of you Elroy!
First congrats, however one small correction. Savannah is not the second biggest primary school. West Bay is the biggest then Prospect Primary. It is important to get your information correct especially when you are a Principal.
Sorry to disappoint you but Savannah is in fact the second largest primary school. Savannah is a 3 stream school from Reception to Year 6, whereas Prospect is a 2 stream school (3 classes in each year group— in case you are wondering). Please get your facts straight before you comment.
Congrats Elroy you should have been the Principal for Savannah School you are doing a phenomial job there. I know the Lighthouse staff/students cannot wait to see you back even yourself cannot wait to see them. Thank God you are a Caymanian. Keep up the good work and congrats again.
Value judgments! You should congratulate the man for being a potentially good principal not for being Caymanian. That said I wish Elroy well.
My Daughter goes to Savannah and Mr Bryan is the biggest asset to that school. So happy for him and the light house school will be getting a wonderful principal but he will be dearly missed at Savannah!
Congrats to you Elroy you should have had this position along time ago, Your heart is with those kids. well done
I have to say I have never seen so many bright and qualified Caymanians being promoted or appointed in the civil service. So much has changed for the better.
Congrats Elroy. I know you will make us proud.