All public and private schools in Anguilla reopened this week with various welcome events as new students and, to some extent, new teachers, entered the classrooms.
The Anguillian was invited to three of the schools: the Orealia Kelly Primary School, the Adrian T. Hazell Primary School and Campus B at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School.
Early-morning rain hampered or delayed some of the activities at the schools. At the Orealia Kelly School, the Principal (Ms. Paula Etienne) and staff led the over 320 students to the auditorium and engaged them in acts of worship, story-telling, singing and a recital of virtues. Much emphasis was placed on the need and importance of enthusiasm among the student body and the usefulness of team work.
At the Adrian T. School, where the Principal is Mrs. Tracelyn Hamilton, parents and guardians provided the students with welcome back to school gifts of much appreciation to the teachers, the school and the student body. This welcome back event was sponsored by a number of parents. They included Tamara Pradel, Chrislyn Hughes, Jacqueline Jeffrey-Connor, Jenice Carty, Esme Lloyd, Andy Browne of Hitek Designs.
At Campus B, where a number of new students have been admitted from the primary schools, the speakers were the Principal of the Comprehensive School, Mrs. Joyce Webster-Stuart; the Deputy Principal of Campus B, Mrs. Melsadis Fleming, who welcomed the new students and outlined the rules of the school among other matters; and Mr. Dwayne Adams, one of the school’s teachers, who spoke on matters relating to discipline and pride among the students.
In delivering the main address, the Principal told the students in part: “My goal is to provide all of you the opportunity to experience academic, social and emotional growth. The teachers and staff here at the junior campus are committed to a common goal – to do what is best for you, our students. I am personally honoured to be the principal of the ALHCS. Do you know why? Despite the many challenges, ALHCS strives for educational excellence. You too should be thrilled to be a member of this school family and help to keep it a rich learning environment.
“I cannot overemphasise the importance of teaching and learning. It is my privilege and our challenge as teachers to strive continually to deliver quality education to all our students. Therefore, every decision that I make as principal, here at ALHCS, will always be centred on what is best for students.
“However, meeting this challenge takes a partnership between us at the school, your parents and you. Together we can make your road to success one that leads you to experience academic, social and emotional growth. Our slogan this year is: ‘ALHCS: Feel the Vibes!’ Everyone in this school will be expected to value learning. We will each be innovative, responsible, resilient and respectful at all times.”
While Campus B reopened on Monday, the forms at Campus A reopened on Tuesday and Wednesday.
