Mrs Hazel Brooks Photo Courtesy Mr. Ivor Hodge
St Mary’s Preschool, the largest early education centre in Anguilla, will be sending ninety-four students to the Government-run Primary Schools when they reopen in September.
The students graduated from the Anglican Church Preschool on Thursday, June 26, at an attractively-decorated Rodney Mac Arthur Rey at the Auditorium.
“It is with heavy hearts that we, the teachers, say goodbye to ninety-four students and their parents,” the Principal, Mrs Hazel Brooks, said at the graduation ceremony. “The new school year started with 184 students (90 girls and 94 boys). Eighty-five new children have been registered for September 2014 at St Mary’s Preschool.”
Mrs Brooks was at the time delivering the preschool’s report for September 2013 to June 2014. “It is important to celebrate our achievements. In doing so, we are recognising that we have progressed and are moving forward towards our goals,” the Principal continued.
“Our children have developed and grown physically, mentally and spiritually. We, parents and staff, should have developed and grown too. It is incumbent on us to be steps ahead of the progress made by our children. We must seek ways to improve ourselves so that we can help and nurture them better. Teachers have participated in various seminars and workshops dealing with Child Development and Positive Behaviour Management. The Anglican Vestry has direct responsibility for the school. The vestry is therefore very supportive and committed to providing materials and furniture for classrooms and other areas.”
Mrs Brooks gave an account of the support which St Mary’s Preschool was continuing to receive from the Government of Anguilla through the Ministry and Department of Education, and various businesses and individuals in the private sector. She also spoke about other supportive efforts of individual parents, the collective roles and contributions of the members of the Parent Teachers’ Association and the involvement of teachers in several educational and social aspects of the work of the preschool.
The Principal had some special comments for the graduating students, their parents and teachers. “Congratulations to all of you, children, for doing so well in preschool,” she stated. “I believe that you can accomplish anything you choose. I can see you being exactly who and that you want to be. As you continue your journey, I encourage you to be yourself; be dedicated and determined, conquering all limitations, while achieving your goals.”
To the parents, she said in part: “In order for these children to have a successful journey, they will need your help. Please continue to support them in primary school and beyond. Spend at least fifteen minutes of quality time with them daily. Accompany them to church and church school.”
The Principal concluded the delivery of her report by offering special thanks to the teachers for their hard work and dedication. “The love you have for these children shines through in their performance,” she added. “With your continued support, we will go forward with confidence to face another year.”
