Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer

Julie and Mark Jones ... hosted the reception for new families.

About two decades ago, a group from the United States embassy in Kingston took the first steps to establish a school that would cater to the educational needs of the children who accompanied their parents on diplomatic postings here.

While this might seem unusual, for those who serve internationally their children's education was of utmost importance.

The school's charter was that of maintaining an international curriculum that would facilitate a standard learning environment, that would be maintained elsewhere when the time came for families to move on.

And so it was that, in identifying this need, the American International School of Kingston (AISK) was born.

success spreads

At the outset, the school catered primarily and almost exclusively to the diplomatic community. But, as word of its success began to spread, the school population grew to include children of other expats, living and working here, from the public and private sectors, as well as multinational and international agencies.

Later, Jamaican families, whose children would be pursuing studies in the US and other foreign institutions, saw the school as the perfect introductory gateway for their children, and availed themselves of the facility.

From humble beginnings in 1994, with 20 students in a house made available by the US embassy, the school now boasts a student population of just under 300.

Today, the school has added to the allure of Jamaica as a choice destination for diplomats and officials of multinational organisations. When it comes to considering an overseas appointment, the AISK makes Jamaica a more attractive post.

Well, with each posting lasting an average of three years, bonds and bridges of friendships are at the very core of the school, and particularly more so now, as the school is set to relocate from its current location on Olivier Road in St Andrew to Old Hope Road, on grounds adjoining Jamaica College.

Fabulous do

With this being the beginning of the new school year, and a number of new families arriving, American international financial consultant and venture capitalist Mark Jones, and his wife, renowned architect Julie Jones, both resident in Jamaica (their son Hugh a student of the AISK), threw open the fortified doors to their simply marvellously appointed home in Stony Hill, and hosted what proved a charming and oh so intimate reception last Tuesday.

My dears, it was quite a rather relaxed outing as new families and their older counterparts mingled with members of the faculty, exchanging pleasantries and titbits over cocktails. In the background they were being entertained by new talent, Tafane and Friends.

Good food, music

Premium vino flowed from the wine bar manned by wine dealer to the fab, Paul Hanworth, ably assisted by Nicholas Benjamin, a sommelier in the making. There were an additional two open bars, so y'all know we are talking at ease here and nothing but.

And with some divine finger-food from caterer Chez Max being served up by a bevy of smartly attired ladies who were definitely pleasant of personality, it all made for a charmer!

There was a brief interlude to allow the chairman of the school board, the distinguished Peter Melhado, to welcome new families to the AISK family. They were also welcomed by the school's patron, US Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson, as well as an introduction of members of the parent-teacher association and faculty.

But, it being a fabulous evening and the city of Kingston shimmering away in the distance, it all made for a perfect do, in terms of content and ambience, and faultlessly so, with both Mark and Julie Jones being faultless hosts.

Among the notables were: Spanish Ambassador Jésus Silva; US embassy official Eric Flohr and his charming wife Amy; Sean Goudie; Michele English; the tres elegant Sally Levy; Brooke Callendar; Shakira Cassidy; Matthew Gaetano and Julie Hoffman; Abby Wynter, and several others.

Jésus Silva

Sally Levy

Rickert Allen, senior general manager in the group human resources division of the National Commercial Bank (NCB), and Jacqueline Coke-Lloyd, former CEO of the Jamaica Employers' Federation, cheerfully greet each other at the recent opening of the NCB Early Childhood Learning Centre on Worthington Terrace in New Kingston.- Contributed

Amy Flohr

Brooke Callendar