On the morning of Friday, 2nd September, the Department of Education held its annual welcome ceremony for teachers returning to the classroom for another school year. The event, under the theme “Reimagining Education in a Post-Pandemic World”, was held at the Rodney McArthur Rey Auditorium. Special recognition was given to new teachers who are entering the service at the primary and secondary levels.
The moderator of the ceremony, was Education Officer, Multi-Professional Services, Mrs. Tracelyn Hamilton. The ceremony got underway with an appreciable session of inspiring worship conducted by a melodious team led by Teacher Wenonah Lawrence, ICT Coordinator. Prayer was offered by Pastor Dwayne Adams after which the National Song was sung by all.
The Chief Education Officer (CEO), Mr. Bren Romney, delivered welcome remarks and addressed the large gathering of educators. After extending his cordial greetings to the many teachers, he said: “Allow me, on behalf of the Department of Education, to welcome all of you back to a new academic year. It is a great pleasure to also welcome those who are joining us in various administrative teaching and support positions for the first time.” He then introduced the new teachers and administrators individually.
“To all of our new teachers,” he continued, “I welcome you to the Anguilla Teaching Fraternity. I hope your time as an educator would be meaningful and rewarding. Teaching is not without its challenges, but I know of no other profession on earth that brings the kind of fulfillment and personal pride like that which a teacher gains when he or she receives the fruit of his or her labour.”
“My hope for all of you is that you give of your best to the post you occupy and the students that depend on your expertise, support and guidance,” the CEO passionately charged.
In her capacity as President of the Anguilla Teachers’ Union, Ms. Cherise Gumbs also addressed the teachers: “Being a teacher, at this time, I did not have the slightest idea of the hard work, dedication and commitment that it takes to be a great teacher. My past teachers had made this job look so easy. I am sure that the image which many of us had of this profession, initially, has changed and evolved throughout our careers.
“Certainly, none of us had ever imagined a lockdown and virtual school. But this is what we had to experience over the past two years – a world lockdown, lives being lost and a plunging economy. Our education system has been strained and our teachers and administrators remain stressed. Many of us are still dealing with some level of frustration, therefore reimagining is necessary.”
She added: “With all of the changes that have occurred over recent years, there is one thing that will remain constant, and that will mark the importance of our world as teachers. Whether we are behind the screen, or face to face, teachers will always remain the hallmark of building and maintaining a solid education system.”
Also bringing remarks was Mrs. Aliethea Richardson, President of the Early Childhood Association. She likened the journey of the next school year to a flight that would extend over a duration of nine months. “The flying conditions” she said, “would be a mixture of forecasted clear skies with intermittent cells of turbulence, and the possibility of severe weather that would call for all teachers to rely upon the expertise that they gained through their training.”
The Honourable Minister of Education, Ms Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers also spoke to the teachers. “Some of you may be excited, while others might be confused,” she observed. “Still, there are some of you who are tired, and I am sure some of you have mixed emotions. But despite your feelings, you are here demonstrating your dedication to our Anguillian students. For that, no words would ever be able to express how thankful we are to you.”
The Minister apologised for the fact that the new Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School building, in The Quarter, was not yet ready to be occupied: “We have been faced with the unfortunate reality of having to terminate one of the contracts, and to pursue further action,” she stated. “We do, however, anticipate that we would be announcing an opening date later this year.”
In addition, she noted that her ministry is looking at increasing the teachers’ salaries, the increments of which have been remaining constant over the past twelve years. “I have always said that the teaching profession should be one of the highest paid professions in our society, therefore you do have a champion in me when it comes to making advocacy on your part.”
Mr. Rafer Gordon, Senior Technical Specialist in Education of the OECS, presented the feature address. He spoke via video feed, and was introduced by Education Officer, Pre-Primary and Primary, Mrs. Susan Smith. Among the many bits of advice Mr. Gordon gave to the teachers, he encouraged them to think of teaching as a human affair. He asked: “Does reimagining education involve entirely new things? Or does it mean that we have to go back to the basics of what good teaching is?”
He emphasized: “Teachers must demonstrate the attribute of love. They must show a love for children and a love for learning. They must have a love for the community and they must be willing to set up the children they teach for a life of success.”
The Moderator, Mrs. Hamilton, interjected an overall admonition: “Today, I would like to challenge our more senior seasoned staff to mentor and support our new teachers so that at the end of the first year they would want to continue a second year, a third year and even a tenth year.”
Following Mr. Gordon’s feature address, the Educator’s Pledge was recited by all teachers, the song “I Believe” was sung by Ethan Connor, and the Vote of thanks was delivered by the Principal of the Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary School, Mrs. Electra Buddle. This was followed by the hymn “Lead Us Heavenly Father, Lead Us” after which the ceremony came to an end.
