St. Thomas’ Primary bids farewell to Maynard

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – THE students and teachers of St. Thomas’ Primary School joined other well-wishers in bidding farewell to long-serving teacher and Principal Earlene Maynard with a simple ceremony at the St. Thomas Anglican Church on Friday, July 10.

The programme, chaired by Norlene Smithen, featured songs and poetry from, among others, students, teachers and members of the Parent Teachers’ Association. The tributes also included remarks by education officer Avril Elliot and renditions by the STPS steel pan orchestra.

Maynard, Principal of the school for nine years, also received a number of gifts including an all expenses paid cruise to a destination of her choice, courtesy of the PTA. 

The former Principal was moved to tears as she responded to the many tributes and had to be comforted by a friend who remained by her side throughout her speech. 

Maynard recounted how she started teaching in 1974 after her years of formal training. She recalled moving from Combermere to Charlestown Primary, as a student, and being made to feel comfortable by teacher Irma Johnson who saw her potential.

Maynard admitted it would be difficult to pass the school in the mornings knowing that she no longer worked there. While encouraging the students, teachers and parents to continue to strive for excellence, she suggested that the school’s motto be changed to “Forward ever, backward never”.