NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (AUGUST 28, 2013) – Principal Education Officer (PEO) in the Ministry of Education Mrs. Lornette Queeley-Connor urged the island’s teachers to commit towards the creation of a brighter future through quality education for the benefit of their students.
The PEO was at the time delivering remarks at the Department of Education’s annual Back to School ceremony held at the Nevis Performing Arts Centre (NEPAC) on August 26, 2013, under the theme “Advancing Education by Fostering a Culture of Collaboration”. Mrs. Queeley-Connor also called on the teachers to welcome the new school year and commit to the task of educating the young minds of the community to ensure a prosperous Nevis for years to come.
“As we usher in the new school year, let us resolve to commit ourselves to the task ahead of us, constructing a future which we ourselves will be more than delighted to inhabit, a future which will be left as a great legacy for our children, and our children’s children” she said.
During her remarks, Mrs. Connor explained that the Department’s commitment towards improving the education system through the implementation of various policies was an effort to ensure quality education and to create a bond with the teachers, parents and the community.
“This year we are fully committed to update, clarify, coordinate and consolidate various policies with the aim of maintaining high standards, improving student learning and forging even closer bonds with our parents and the community at large”
The PEO also encouraged the teachers to see this noble profession of teaching not only as a means for financial gain but to view it as a contribution to the Nevisian community and to the world.
“It is so important to see ourselves not as some who are driven by financial gain but as others who sail on the mantra of country first, for the good of all mankind,” she stated.
Meantime, Mrs. Queeley-Connor used the opportunity to commend and acknowledge the students who wrote the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) examinations, Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) this year.
“While I make honorary mention of these few top students in each institution, we must be mindful that every student who was successful at gaining even one CXC pass must be commended. We wish all these young people the best in their future endeavours,” she said.
In conclusion, Mrs. Connor reminded the teachers that although they were required to educate the students, it would be a collaborative effort of teachers, parents and the community that would allow the students to maximize the education process.
“Good results need strong cooperation between home, and schools, and within the whole society. A culture which values education, reading and learnedness does not leave literacy to the teachers alone we all must do our part,” she said.