ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, September 7th, 2012 – Acting Principal of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) Mr. Wade Tobin in his first address to the ESHS student body encouraged students to work hard and set high standards for themselves.
His remarks came this morning, during their first general assembly to mark the start of the 2012 school year which was attended by the faculty and staff of the institution and included security officers, maintenance crew and custodial workers.
Principal Tobin told the students, “Whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability. Set goals for yourselves and work towards achieving them. Set high standards so that at the end of your school experience, you can look back and be happy.”
He explained to students the meaning of the schools motto as adapted from the Ministry of Education and Culture which is to “Create a Culture of Excellence.”
“We want you to be critical thinkers. We want that at the end of this experience you will move out into the community and be the next sports superstar or great entertainer.” He encouraged students to work towards the best of their ability.
Principal Tobin encouraged the young ladies to be virtuous and take pride in themselves. He told them not to sell themselves for material possessions as they are worth more than that. “Tell the young men that you are here to learn your school work. Have respect and values for yourselves. Carry yourself with pride,” he said.
In outlining his expectations for young men he encouraged them to stay away from drugs and premarital sex. He said, “You came to school to learn and do your work. Your purpose is to get an education then go out into the community and do very well. Keep your focus.”
Principal Tobin informed students that they as a family ought to exhibit affirmative family qualities which include respect, kindness and compassion. He urged students to live by the Golden Rule which is “Do unto others as you would have like done unto you” and encouraged them to follow the rules as you cannot live in a society without rules.
Other speakers at this morning’s assembly included Assistant Principal Mr. Cecil Hodge who addressed discipline, attendance and the correct wearing of the school’s uniform and Assistant Principal Mrs. Donna Clyne Thomas who spoke about assemblies, insurance, school clubs and campus life. Assistant Principal Thomas also chaired the morning’s assembly.
Students were introduced to the ESHS Cabinet, Guidance Counselors, Department heads and teachers within each subject area. Ms. Sharie DeCastro the reigning Miss British Virgin Islands and English teacher delivered a motivational piece entitled “Capture the Moment”.
The assembly began with the singing of the National Anthem which was directly followed by the singing of the Territorial Song, “Oh Beautiful Virgin Islands”.
This was in keeping with the announcement made by Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn at the Professional Development Day for educators on August 27 where he stated that the Territorial song is to be sung each morning at assemblies and in homerooms to foster Virgin Islands pride. He also announced the appointment of Mr. Wade Tobin as principal of ESHS at that event.
Mr. Tobin has spent 19 years in the public service as a teacher and has contributed to education at both the primary and secondary levels in public and private schools. He holds an Associate’s degree in Teaching from the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and has a Teachers certificate from the University of the West Indies.
He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences/Secondary Teachers Preparation and has a Master’s in Education Administration, both from the University of the Virgin Islands.
The Ministry of Education and Culture remains committed to the development of the Territory’s students as it strives to “Create a Culture of Excellence.”
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