and Ministry officials got up to on a team building workshop.

While school children were busy studying for exams this week, their principals were juggling balls, holding ropes and standing blindfolded in circles.

But mere playground games these were not.

Instead, the outcome could mark the beginning of a renewed relationship between principals and the Education's policy makers.

"In light of the restructuring of the secondary school system, we wanted to let principals know they were valued,'' said Education Permanent Secretary Mrs. Marion Robinson. "We wanted to let them know we value their support and participation over the next couple of years.'' Before last week, principals said there existed a perceived image of "the ivory towers versus school corridors'' -- and an "us and them'' conflict between schools and Education officials.

Now, thanks to the workshop this has been replaced by "complete trust''.

"We are now fully prepared to move on with the process of educating our children to the fullest,'' said Heron Bay School principal and Association of Principals chairman Mr. Alan Leigh. "We now have faith in our team working together.'' Southampton Glebe Primary principal Mrs. Esme Williams claimed she had been changed by the experience.

"We are not the same people,'' she said.

Described as a "team building workshop for principals and ministry staff'', its aim is to break down barriers and build trust.

Consultant Mr. Steve Dunn of Intermountain Consulting Services -- a US company that ranks businesses, hotels and schools among its clients, said the concept of team work -- now widespread in the workplace, is applied to schools.

"Eventually the classroom itself becomes a team,'' he said.

Company president Dr. Ted Coleman praised Bermudian educators for their loyalty and caring.

But he said it was important to imbue them with a sense of appreciation and self-conviction which in turn would be communicated back to students.

He added their concerns about the proposed restructuring of the school system stemmed not from a lack of confidence, but from the perceived enormity of the task.

"They were starting to feel frustrated,'' he said.

Over the four-day period, 29 principals and eight senior management officers from the Education Ministry were introduced to ideas designed to enhance their social and professional skills.

Games aimed at improving communication and activities to demonstrate new concepts were all part of the intensive course.

"It allowed us to make connections with our principals,'' said Senior Education Officer of Schools, Mrs. Donna Daniels.

Now it is hoped the new feeling of "oneness'' will trickle down to staff and students.

Eventually schools may also be invited to participate in similar schemes, Dr.

Robinson said.

TEAMWORK -- School principals and senior officials at the Education Department ironed out their differences at a four-day team building workshop this week.

From left: Gilbert Institute principal Mrs. Carol Figueiredo, Intermountain Consulting Services president Dr. Ted Coleman, Senior Education Officer of Schools Mrs. Donna Daniels, Heron Bay School principal Mr. Alan Leigh, consultant Mr. Steve Dunn, Education Permanent Secretary Mrs. Marion Robinson, Southampton Glebe Primary principal Mrs. Esme Williams and Chief Education Officer Mr. Dean Furbert.

Dr. Ted Coleman