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| A section of the gathering at the 2006 Back to School exercise |
Charlestown Nevis (August 28, 2006) On the eve of a new school term, the Department of Education on Monday 28 held its annual back to school exercise, under the theme "Training to Improve Quality. Finding Solutions to Educational Challenges through Supporting Teaching Excellence" at the Nevis Cultural Centre in Charlestown.
The function saw a new government at the helm with Premier and Minister of Education, the Hon Mr. Joseph Parry delivering his maiden speech to the teaching fraternity. Teachers ranging from preschool level to tertiary level attended the session as well as new persons to the teaching arena.
Principal Education Officer, Mrs. Jennifer Hodge welcomed the gathering to the annual back to school opening ceremony and extended best wishes to all the teachers for a successive and productive school year 2006/2007.
"Every child deserves to have equal opportunities to succeed," she told the gathering that included past and present stakeholders of education. "The disruptive child, the reluctant learner, the outspoken child, make it your mission for this school year to reach every child entrusted to your care," she said.
Mrs Hodge called on the teachers as educators to find novel ways and strategies to interest and motivate the children that they educate amidst the challenges that are abound.
Delivering the keynote address, Premier Parry reflected on a number of persons who taught him and in particular, who made a difference in his life and many other lives in Nevis. He also acknowledged many teachers in the audience whom he taught during his teaching career.
"Today I stand before you as the Minister of Education for Nevis. I really do have a passion for education and have had a passion for education all these years and I've been talking to many people about what education can do for this country," said Premier Parry.
The Education Minister expressed that it was his belief that education was the singular most powerful tool that could make a difference in terms of upward mobility for the people of Nevis. "I say to you that you have the power, you have the weapon to make the change in this country and we expect you to do it," he added.
~~Adz:Right~~He noted his pleasure to be a part of the function as he greeted the gathering on behalf of the Government of Nevis, in his capacity as Minister responsible for the administration of education on the island.
"I am to congratulate you for your dedication and hard work that you have given for these many years. You have had limited resources but you are to be congratulated for the excellence standards that you have achieved," said Mr. Parry.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Elvin Bailey gave brief remarks while the function was chaired by Mrs. Palsy Wilkin, Education Officer. A question and answer segment and notices for the School Term 20006/2007 also formed part of the day's event.
