restructuring system -- the opening of middle schools, CedarBridge and the closing of special schools.

And principals and teachers have been challenged, not only with keeping their heads above water in the face of change but also in dealing with the escalating violence in schools throughout the Island.

But with the coming of the New Year, principals of the "new schools'' are still optimistic, are encouraging more parental involvement and seeking a greater commitment from students.

While everyone else has made their New Year's resolution to lose weight, stay healthy, etc. principals want successful students and a collective educational system.

Whitney Middle School principal Gail Graham said her resolution was not a New Year's one but the same commitment she made going into this academic year which was to see the middle schools succeed.

"There is a considerable difference between junior high schools and middle schools and I want to be sure that we keep the proper middle school focus and not be watered-down high schools,'' Mrs. Graham said.

She added: "I would like to continue to support my staff and see my kids be happy and successful -- that is what I am about.'' Principal Patricia Holder of the Spice Valley Middle School said her New Year's resolution for school would be to get parents even more involved in the life of the school supporting students and "continue to strive to make us an outstanding middle school.'' Berkeley Institute principal Michelle Gabisi said in 1998 she would "love to see all the resources that we have been asking for provided -- physical and human resources.

"I'd like to see significant progress with regard to plans for the new school plant, I'd like to see a greater commitment from all students towards furthering their educational goals, and I'd like to see all those involved in education in Bermuda working together to achieve our common goal for the educational system.'' Principal Melvin Bassett of the Middle School in Sandys said his New Year's resolution is to attempt to ensure that all the students leaving Sandys are literate.

"And if I achieve that goal I have it made. Our main focus is the area of literacy. This topic has been in the media more recently and it impresses upon us that we need to focus on that goal this year.'' Deputy principal of CedarBridge Academy John Walsh said he would like to see things settle down and let everybody make the most of what they've been given in order to be successful.

"Students need to use the things they've been given like natural talents, abilities and all the teachers and facilities they have at their disposal.

"Those young people have it there and now it is up to them to make the most of it. My resolution is to see that they do that,'' Mr. Walsh said.

Principal Carol Bassett of Dellwood Middle School said she hoped 1998 brought with it students who organise for success in order to improve their social and academic skills.

"And I would like to see greater partnerships between school personnel and parents in order to build more literate learning environments for our young people.'' Clearwater Middle School principal Charlotte Ming said her biggest hope for the New Year was to see an increase in reading scores.

"I am hoping for a successful year, (and) that each child will reach his or her full potential,'' Mrs. Ming added.

She also said: "What we are doing this year is focusing on reading and my biggest hope is to see an increase in reading scores. But I just want to turn out a well rounded student both physically, academically, socially and emotionally.

"A total child is important to me and the child should be the centre of everything we do. That is my goal. I want to see a big improvement.'' SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS -- Whitney Institute principal Gail Graham said one of her New Year's resolutions is to have happy and successful students.

COMING TOGETHER -- In 1998, principal of Berkeley Institute Michelle Gabisi hopes to see everyone in the education system "working together to achieve their goals''.