Tuesday, February 27th, marked what will from now on become known as “Red Dragons Unite Day” at the Morris Vanterpool Primary School in East End. This being the first day of its kind, it was designated as a day to specially recognize the mission, vision and rules of the school, and to keep the tenets upon which the school was founded alive in the minds of the pupils.
The morning saw all students, teachers, as well as some parents, dressed in red attire standing patiently in the courtyard, attentively listening to the Principal, Mr. Michael Skellekie, as he gave an inspiring pep-talk. He then led the students in reading the school’s vision statement, the mission statement and the school-rules, from placards in his hands. The children recited the school’s motto, Never Say Fail, with pride and jubilation, and passionately sang the school song with boldness and glee. They then sang the theme jingle, Red Dragons Unite, adding essence and meaning to the impressive event.
Mr. Vanburn Brooks, a former student of the school, gave the students a dramatic motivational speech. He drew a lively analogy which illustrated the children’s educational path as a long-distance run from East End to The Valley, passing familiar landmarks along the way. Passing these landmarks would represent their passing from one grade to the next, until ultimately they would reach and pass the stop-light in The Quarter to end the run at the high school in The Valley. He advised the responsive students that during their run they may suffer some agonizing pains along the way, as well as temptations to quit running and give up on the journey. But then he constantly reminded them of their encouraging, forbidding motto: “Never Say Fail”, which they joyfully chanted.
Later in the morning, the entire school, including teachers, students, parents and other persons from the community set out on a community parade, with many of the students sporting dragon-like head gear and display posters. The Pathfinders drum-band, coordinated by Malcom Webster, provided the marching rhythm.
While speaking to The Anguillian and Kool fm which broadcasted part of the event, the Principal said: “Today is a day of unity where we come together and show love. It’s a time to get into our school values and to highlight our mission. We usually have an open day in January when we invite past principals, teachers,
and former students of the school. We also invite community members to come back and tell us what it was like in the early days of the school, seeing that Morris Vanterpool Primary School was actually born out of the old East End School. During our open day, we pay special attention in highlighting our school history. We would have four children to present portions of that history which would be aired on Radio Anguilla for a week.
“At this time, though, I want to thank our staff and our parents, as well for making this event such a success. We have a wonderful staff who works tirelessly to ensure that we bring off these events in an organized fashion. Our staff put their all into any effort that we undertake. This event was organized by our Student Entertainment Committee, headed by Teacher Hamwaite Narine, and of course all of our teachers are to be commended for their participation.”
Referring to the new buildings which the school has been utilizing since the passage of Hurricane Irma, Mr. Skellekie noted: “I want to really thank the teachers, our cleaners, and our custodian who have all worked together to transform these buildings, which were intended to be residential facilities, into an efficient school environment. I particularly want to thank the proprietor, Mr. Jim Lewis, who has worked tirelessly to accommodate us. He continues to work with us, and he does a wonderful job in attending to our needs whenever we need his services.”
The rest of “Red Dragons Unite Day” was spent over a variety of games and a well organized lunch. The children were excited to have a day without classes, and they enjoyed themselves in a most cheerful atmosphere.
