Gingerland Primary to celebrate 30th Anniversary
By VonDez Phipps
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – IN commemoration of the significant milestone reached, the Gingerland Primary School has planned a week of activities commencing from October 5 to mark its 30 years of contribution to the advancement of education on Nevis.
The Primary School was opened on October 9, 1978 to accommodate students from the Gingerland Infant and Junior Schools. Prior to this, the Infant School was located on the grounds of the Gingerland Secondary School while the Junior School was housed at the Gingerland Methodist Church Hall.
Under the theme “Providing a sound education for the youths of this nation – past, present, future”, the week of activities is expected to attract alumni of the school along with members of the community to support the institution and celebrate with the staff and students.
The week commences with the 30th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service at the Gingerland Methodist Church at 4:00 p.m. on October 5. This is primarily to start the celebrations in a spirit of praise and worship to God for allowing the institution to reach such a milestone. The featured message will be given by past student of class ’84 Pastor Ornald D. Joseph. ~~Adz:Right~~
On October 7, all primary schools on the island will be participating in an Elocution Contest organised by the school. The event, which serves to provide an avenue for the students to enhance their expression, will focus on the poem “The Knock of Conscience” by Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs, which addresses issues affecting the nation.
October 8 is earmarked specifically for Community Service where the students will be planting shade trees and cleaning the immediate school surroundings. In an effort to show their appreciation to community builders, students will be visiting retired Principals and teachers of the school, the major feature of the Community Day.
One of the highlights of the week is a march and official renaming of the school on October 9 at 8:30 a.m. This activity provides the opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the institution and to honour one of the stalwarts thereof. The school will be renamed in honour of Joycelyn Liburd for her “yeoman service given to the school and community”.
The march will begin at the Methodist Hall, formerly Chapel School, and T-shirts will be made available.
In the evening of October 9 at 7:00, an Awards Ceremony will be held to recognise the contributions of teachers to the development of the school over its 30-year existence. The Ceremony, to be hosted by the Nevis Island Administration, will concentrate on awardees selected from five-year categories since 1978.
September 10 and 11 will see the Anniversary Fun Day and Alumni Talent Show respectively. Both events will provide an opportunity for past and present students to interact and for the general community to show its support.
Principal of the Gingerland Primary School Marion Lescott said, “The school has always produced a high quality of students and so we are expecting a very high standard throughout this our 30th Anniversary Celebration.”
