The Principal of the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School, Mrs Ingrid Lake, has stressed that the vast majority of students there are pleasant, positive and well-balanced individuals.
She was at the time delivering the Principal’s Speech Night Report on Thursday, December 12. She complained that too much emphasis was being placed by the public on the behaviour of a minority of students. She pointed out that,in fact, less than three percent of the student body engaged in illegal and unacceptable practices, incriminating themselves and tarnishing the image of the school.
“Many within this group, faced with a variety of challenges at home, have committed offences out of school; lack focus and self-esteem, and areyet to understand the importance of formal education,” she stated.
Mrs Lake continued: “Incidents of physical and verbal conflicts continue to decline, however, counselling, parental conferences and referrals were still the primary modes of intervention used to assist with the positive transformation of behaviour and improvement in attitudes. Disappointingly, I must note that the DARE programme, as well as other activities to counter the use and sale of illegal substances, have had little or no impact. This is clearly evidenced by the increase in the number ofstudents who have gravitated to these practices.”
Mrs Lake said the school was pleased to continue its practice of recognising and celebrating the successes of a number of students using the Honour Roll system, Celebration Cocktail, Speech Night and acknowledgement at assembles. She was particularly pleased that this year the school hosted its First Annual Athletes Appreciation Evening – an opportunity to honour students who are actively involved in various Inter-House sporting activities. The Principal added that the school was concerned over the small percentage of students who made the Honour Roll list, but hoped to see some improvement.
This year 171 students were listed for outstanding performance; 20 for outstanding athletic performance; and 39 for music awards. Others were awarded for participating in the Leeward Islands Debating Competition, and their involvement in the school’s Environmental Club.
The Comprehensive School will now join the primary schools for the Christmas vacation. The reopening date is January 6, 2014.
