More than 50 new teachers graduate-Mature student best performer |06 May 2005

The NIE’s sixth graduation ceremony, held at the International Conference Centre, also saw another 23 veteran teachers recognised for completing part-time courses, including seven who earned a post-graduate certificate in education.

Awards for the best performing NIE students for subjects in both primary and secondary education were handed out, with mature student Sheila Agathine capturing the best performer award and the Minister's Cup.

Ms Agathine joined the NIE and the teaching ranks after previously having been employed in the telecommunications and tourism industries.

All of the graduates have taken up full-time posts at schools around the country since the start of the year.

Addressing the new teachers at the ceremony, NIE director Alex Souffe said that while a graduation was always a time for celebration, it also denotes “the acceptance of new responsibilities.”

Graduating in the year 2005, with the passing of a new Education Act and the dedication of the year to children, was both an honour and a challenge, he said.

Mr Souffe told the graduates to avoid complacency and that the NIE should be used as a resource base for all teachers, saying he expected “to see them again and often.”

Twenty of the graduates received their diplomas in primary education and 33 in secondary education. According to the NIE, the diploma brings them to a level equivalent to the first year of a bachelor’s of education degree.

Delivering his address to the graduates, Minister of Education and Youth Danny Faure called the ceremony an “exciting moment.”

But he also warned that as new teachers, the graduates had a great responsibility to do more than just educate, saying that in today’s environment many social ills can find their way into schools.

“Teachers have to be more than what yesterday’s teachers were,” he said.

The greatest challenge for the education system, Minister Faure added, was for it to become the medium through which citizens are provided with opportunities.

He pledged his ministry’s continued support to all teachers. “We believe that teachers influence eternity.”

Best persorners by subject

Primary Education – Early Childhood: Chrysta Victor

Middle-Upper Primary: Melisa Payet

Secondary Education – English: Philippa Larue

Secondary – French: Lisa Morel

Secondary – Math: Nadia Charlette

Secondary – Personal and Social Education: Marie-Jeannette Come

Secondary – Sceince: Sarah Laurence

Primary – Best Professional Practice: Sheila Agathine

Secondary – Best Professional Practice: Sarah Laurence

Outstanding Student: Sheila Agathine