GRATEFUL smiles and shouts of joy and excitement were seen and heard at eight primary schools across the island as the Scotiabank Jamaica Foundation hosted back-to-school treats for 1,000 grade six students to help them get ready for the upcoming Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations.

Twinning the gift of school supplies with a fun-packed day of activities, the foundation also hosted mini fun days for the students of St Aloysius Primary, Mandeville Primary and Corinaldi Primary in celebration of Scotiabank’s 133 years of service. Other schools receiving donations included Flanker Primary in Montego Bay, St Ann’s Bay Primary School, Time and Patience Primary School in Linstead, McAuley Primary School in Spanish Town, and Port Maria Primary School in St Mary.

More than $8.5 million was provided by the bank to help replenish the students’ supply of backpacks, notebooks, and other stationery. Meanwhile, each student also received a book voucher valued at $5,000 towards the purchase of textbooks and other supplies at Sangster’s Book Store.

Ultimately, the initiative has lessened the financial burden many parents face with preparing for the new academic year.

Here are some highlights from the schools visited: