When Bermuda's first senior secondary school opened in September, 1997, none of the buildings were finished -- and some only had their steel frames finished.

And that was the least of the obstacles principal Ernest Payette faced in what he calls the greatest challenge of his career.

The veteran Canadian educator, who will leave CedarBridge Academy next month after three years on the job, said he has mixed emotions about his departure.

Assuming the principalship in August, 1996 of the Island's first "mega-school'' -- as it was often called before it was named, Mr. Payette readily admitted was "the most difficult challenge I have ever faced in my academic career''.

"I say that because it demanded that I pull out energy from deep within me,'' he said, "and having placed that level of commitment into the job, I have a vested interest in seeing it succeed.

"Part of me wants to stay on to see more progress,'' he admitted, "but we have made significant gains since I first arrived.'' Maintaining CedarBridge is still not through its first phase in terms of development, Mr. Payette expressed some further regret that he will not be remaining with the school a bit longer.

He will be succeeded by former deputy principal Kalmar Richards, a Bermudian.

Asked if he was satisfied with his accomplishments at the school, Mr. Payette gave a clear affirmative "yes'' before recalling the difficult "set of circumstances'' which existed when he assumed the helm.

Explaining that lack of time was a major problem, Mr. Payette said: "The school was simply not ready, not only in terms of the physical plant but also in terms of the staffing, students and parents.'' "Those first four months were really very hard,'' he admitted.

Having to assume more roles than he had envisioned or anticipated, Mr. Payette explained that the workload "just did not fit the time frame in which I was given to do it''.

"When I first began I was so engaged with the physical plant, I was more of a plant manager than a principal,'' he said. "I became adept at reading blueprints and understanding construction terminology I had never come across before.'' When CedarBridge opened in September, 1996, none of the buildings were completely finished.

"Some only had the steel beams up,'' he said.

Pointing out that he also found himself carrying out the role of a human resources manager, Mr. Payette explained that it was his responsibility to get and form contracts for non-academic staff.

"I myself had to address even their union concerns,'' he said.

There were major hurdles too with the public perception of CedarBridge Academy.

"I was overwhelmed with the negativism from the public, students, parents and a significant percentage of the community,'' Mr. Payette recalled. "I did not understand or comprehend why the public were so maligned against the wonderful purpose built facility that was being erected.'' Clearly pleased with the change of view the public holds of CedarBridge today, Mr. Payette pointed out that it did take hard work.

Outlining his achievements he noted that efforts to improve classroom instruction are bearing positive results. Teachers now have to explain to students at the start of each course what the objectives of the lesson are.

"This makes a huge difference as students know then how to focus,'' Mr.

Payette said.

According to Mr. Payette, teachers are now also able to draw from a wide range of techniques in delivering the course material to the students.

"The change in students' attitudes to come to CedarBridge is not only rewarding, but encouraging,'' he said. "Students' attitudes have changed from 1996 when they were resentful and angry to come here, to today, where we are the first choice for most students.'' Busying himself with these unexpected challenges, Mr. Payette admitted that his initial goals for the school still have not been realised.

"When I first arrived I was focused on advancing and changing the curriculum and increasing the number and variety of programmes,'' he said.

"That was overly ambitious on my part, but we are increasing the number and variety of courses, just not to the extent I had envisioned.'' Citing unexpected setbacks in attitude, instruction, and literacy, Mr. Payette further explained why his initial plans were "ambitious''.

While noting his challenges, Mr. Payette was also quick to point out all the people and groups that supported him and helped bring about the change in attitude toward CedarBridge.

He praised more than 100 volunteers who he said took back to the Bermuda community "an extremely positive image and view'' of the school.

He also credited the Ministry of Education and, in particular, Permanent Secretary Marion Robinson who "made sure we had the resources, both financial and personnel wise''.

But most lauded in Mr. Payette's comments was chairman of CedarBridge's Board of Governors Garry Madeiros.

"Garry was a Godsend,'' he said. "I don't think anyone appreciates the time and interest he devoted to the school and the intensity with which he did it.

"He was a volunteer and deserves some very special recognition for what he has done to ensure the opening of the school and he did not stop after the doors opened.'' Happy to have deputy principal Mrs. Richards as his successor, Mr. Payette noted that she will still have some developmental work to do, such as ironing out arrangements with non-academic staff and information technology requirements.

"But she is certainly fully capable of doing that,'' he quickly added. "In fact I feel some relief in going, knowing that she will be in charge. Mrs.

Richards is certainly an excellent educator and I know I am leaving the school in extremely capable hands.

"Kalmar shares my vision of building for the future.'' Planning on returning to Bermuda when the first graduates of the fully restructured school system emerge, Mr. Payette said he will keep close ties with the Island where he and his wife have made many lasting friendships.

Mr. Payette, who boasted that he has never backed away from anything in his life, will face new challenges as he returns on July 18 to Belleville, Canada where he will introduce the International Baccalaureate programme at Moira Secondary School.

However, he admitted: "I have missed my family, my brothers and sisters, since we've been here. We are a very closely knit family as my parents died when we were very young. So it will be good to be back in Canada and my board want me back.'' Challenge: Ernest Payette Graphic file name: PAYETTE