'Funeral school' no more..... New Tarrant High uniforms brighten faces, community

 BY KIMMO MATTHEWS Observer staff reporter matthewsk@jamaicaobserver.com  Thursday, September 11, 2014  

 A shift from the dull black-and-white uniform at Tarrant High to a more vibrant combination of royal blue, yellow and white has lifted the spirits of the students at the St Andrew institution.

"I am really happy that the school made the decision to change the uniform," said 15-year-old Malika Collins. "It really makes me feel better."

A new Tarrant High School look

Students, especially girls, complained that in the past they were subjected to teasing by their peers from other schools because of the colour of their uniform — long, black pleated skirt, black belt, white blouse and a black tie for girls in the upper school; and black, pleated bottom tunic and white blouse for the juniors. The boys wore black trousers, white shirt and black tie.

"Many times they would call us the funeral school because of the uniform. Now all of that has changed," another student told the Jamaica Observer.

Now the black skirt and tunic have been replaced by royal blue with bright yellow belts in the case of the girls; the boys in the lower school wear full khaki uniforms and those in the upper school, khaki pants and white shirts. A bright, blue-and-yellow striped tie is now worn by senior students.

"Since the change in uniform people look at us differently. Students are equally excited and I am confident that it will bring about positive results at the school," said another student, Marvin Campbell.

Residents who live in the vicinity of the school also welcomed the change.

"Mi really proud to see the changes, the place start look like a school now," said Hazel Turner, noting that she disliked the old uniform. more