The Special Education Needs (SEN) division of the Department of Education has acquired special equipment enabling it to establish a Student Support Sensory Unit at the Valley Primary School. The facility was dedicated and opened last Friday morning, January 13th, during a blessing ceremony.
An opening prayer of invocation was offered by a loyal citizen of the community, Hulio “Ponto” Carty. The National Song was then song by the Valley Primary School’s Boys’ Choir. Moderator of the ceremony was Mrs. Tracelyn Hamilton, Education Officer, Multi-Professional Support Services. She expressed thanks to the principal donors to the facility, Ian and Liz Mossman of the US, who, in the first instance, contributed US$10,000 to the Unit.
SEN Coordinator, Mrs. Estelle Laurent-Carter, gave welcome remarks, and spoke in appreciation for the work of the Special Education Needs division and for the privilege of operating the Student Support Sensory Unit. “It is an honour to offer welcome remarks on behalf of the Multi- Professional Support Services division,” she said.
She acknowledged and welcomed Government dignitaries and, in particular, the Member of the Opposition, Mr. Cardigan Connor, who is an acquaintance of the Mossman’s Family, and was present as their representative.
Mrs. Laurent-Carter continued: “Today marks a special day for us – not just the Multi-Professional Support Services division, but the Ministry of Education as a whole. It serves as evidence of the advances that are being made to realise the vision of inclusivity for our students, where all students are provided with opportunities and space in which to thrive in their capacities.”
“While the Sensory Unit is enough cause for celebration,” she said, “the real significance of this Centre is in its benefits which extend beyond the space…I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Teacher Tracelyn Hamilton and the Special Education Needs team for their efforts and time invested in bringing this vision to life. This achievement is indeed worthy of recognition and blessing. I extend a warm welcome to all of you, at the official dedication of our new Student Support Sensory Unit, one of its kind in Anguilla.”
In making remarks, Mrs. Tracelyn Hamilton, Education Officer, Multi-Professional Support Services said: “Catering to the requirements of our students with additional needs requires flexibility and a willingness to adjust and shift. It often demands us to step away from the traditional methods of teaching and adopt ‘out of the box’ approaches to keep our students engaged and motivated.”
Mrs. Hamilton thanked her team who travelled with her to St. Maarten for a meeting with Mrs. D’Antoinette Roger-Sorton, who operates a Student Sensory Support Unit there. She thanked Mrs. Roger-Sorton for sharing her insight and making the valuable recommendations that helped to bring Anguilla’s Unit to fruition. And, of course, she also expressed hearty thanks to Ian and Liz Mossman for their invaluable gift of US$10,000 to the project.
Remarks were also given by the Honourable Minister of Education and Social Development, Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers, who also voiced appreciation to the Mossmans: “I want to start by saying thank you to the Mossman’s Family. It is one thing to say that you prioritise and that you love children, and it is another thing to put your hand in your pocket to give to those children.
“This Student Support Sensory Unit is the hallmark of reaching students where they are, being able to address their learning preferences.”
Chief Education Officer, Mr. Bren Romney, expressed words of congratulations to the SEN team and also echoed appreciation to the Mossmans for their generous contribution: “I want to express words of congratulations to the Multi-Professional Support Services division and for all of the teachers who have worked closely with Teacher Tracelyn and supported her in this project.…
“I also want to say how grateful we are to Mr. and Mrs. Mossman. It was my pleasure to have had the opportunity to write to them to express the Department’s appreciation for such a kind gesture.”
The Honorable Member of the Opposition, Mr. Cardigan Connor, then brought remarks on behalf of the Mossman’s Family: “Speaking on behalf of Ian Mossman is easy to do, because after meeting with him at the Golf Club a couple of years ago, I observed the sense of passion and commitment that he has for this island and for its people. When someone promises to do something and actually ends up doing it, then you can hold that one in high esteem.”
He then presented a Whatsapp message that he received from Mr. Mossman, which reads as follows: ‘“Hi Cardigan, Liz and I are humbled to participate with the faculty of the Valley Primary School in assisting with the new Sensory Unit for students. You are all in our thoughts, hearts and prayers. We long to return to the island to see your beautiful faces. With love, Liz and Ian.”’
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Mrs. Oeslyn Babrow, after which the gathering was invited to tour the rooms of the Sensory Unit. At that time, Pastor David Christmas pronounced a special prayer of blessing and dedication for the new, pristine facility.
