On Monday morning, Sept 2nd saw the reopening of schools across the island as teachers, parents and students expectantly faced September with the spirit of “a new beginning”.
One of the school-openings that The Anguillian had the opportunity to cover was that of the Orealia Kelly Primary School (OKPS), formerly the Stoney Ground Primary School, home of the “Pink Panthers”. Coincidentally, this is one of the schools which is currently undergoing remedial construction work after the damage caused by Hurricane Irma.
Notwithstanding, as the Principal, Ms Marcia Brooks, commented: “This phase of construction does not pose any hindrance or inconvenience to the operations of the school because the construction area has been completely cordoned off. In fact, the children were never accustomed to be playing in that area or occupying it in any way. So our children are quite safe.
“The contractor promised that the noise will be at a very low level, and will not pose any disturbance to the school. The area being worked on had been mainly used by parents as a drop-off and pick-up point, but now all parents are being advised to use a new designated area on the property for this purpose. They will be directed by the crossing guard.”
As accustomed, the school utilized the convenience of the neighbouring Church of God (Holiness) for Monday’s first assembly and briefing. General assemblies take place there every Tuesday morning when Pastor Philip Gumbs conducts prayers and motivational sessions. During Monday’s assembly, however, devotions were conducted by Teachers Carol Webster and Akilah Thompson. The resounding theme of the assembly was based on the virtue of kindness, and Teacher Carol was careful enough to encourage all students to be kind to each other and adhere to the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.
The teachers of the various classes were introduced by Deputy Principal, Ms. Avecia Webster. Some 23 teachers will be teaching at the school this year, with four of them being new members of staff. Also introduced were members of the PTA. They included: Twyla Thomas, Vice President; Sheila Hodge, Secretary; Inisha Baptiste, Treasurer; and Nakishma Hull, Public Relations Officer. The President, Keesha Carty, was excusably absent.
One exciting highlight of the school’s reopening was the presentation of 17 cooling fans for the classrooms. These were donated by The Michiney Family, a relatively new community club that hails from an area in Stoney Ground called The Michiney. Principal Brooks expressed great thanks for the much-needed fans that will serve to keep the children and teachers cool in the forbidding hot weather.
The fans were presented by Mr Joseph Carty and Ms Lynnica Richardson, but Ms
Shandette Carty, President of the club, explained: “The Michiney Family stands for family, fun and togetherness. We take the education of our youth seriously, and we carry out fundraisers to support events like this where were donate to worthy causes. We had a walkathon lately, and the proceeds from it went towards acquiring these fans for the school. We realize the weather is very hot and our school children need to learn in a cool and comfortable environment.”
Shandette is the daughter of the well-known Michiney resident, the late Stanley Carty, who, for many years, spearheaded the Moko Jumbie troupe for the “carnival season”. She said that apart from the fact that The Michiney Family is showing its benevolence, the OKPS is very dear to her heart because her children got their early education there, and now her grandchildren are currently pupils there.
