English River secondary celebrates Teachers’ Day in style |03 October 2015

To mark Teacher’s Day a special ceremony was held yesterday morning at the English River secondary school.

The Minister for Education Macsuzy Mondon, the Minister for Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports Vincent Meriton and the principal secretary for social affairs Linda William-Melanie were the special guests among past students, teachers and parents.

In her welcoming remarks, the school’s head teacher Marie-Claude Morel extended their gratitude on behalf of all teachers to the Ministry of Education for upgrading the teachers’ working facilities such as classrooms, computer labs and library.

To her teachers she said: “I know that things are not so easy or as we would like it to be but don’t be discouraged, continue to work hard as it is with perseverance that we will achieve our target.”

During the ceremony two teachers were rewarded for 25 years of service for their hard work and dedication in the education ministry.
 
Art teacher Lucy Bristol and history teacher Alen Hortense were presented with their gift by Mrs Morel before they made short remarks.

Mrs Bristol said: “It wasn’t always easy but with God all is possible.”

She said she has stood for so long because of her love for the students and her job.

Mr Hortense said: “I never thought I would spend 25 years in teaching. Definitely it wasn’t always easy, but there have been some good times. I thank all my past students who have motivated and encouraged me to keep going even if now it is rather challenging compared to when I began.”

He noted that the best gift for teachers is to be appreciated while in class not only on special occasions, through respect and hard work from the students.

The vice-chairperson of the PTA Lucina Cupidon read a short message and dedicated a vote of thanks to the teachers.

To complement the efforts being made by the PTA, the school has created a new association called ‘Friends of the English River secondary school’.

Bernard Toulon, the interim chairperson of the association, gave a brief description of the objective and mandate of ‘Friends of the English River secondary school’.
 
The association currently has about 10 members and it will be officially launched early next year.

To entertain those present, a poem entitled ‘A perfect teacher’ was recited by two students, the school choirs sang a few songs and a group of students demonstrated our traditional and potpourri dance.

Minister Mondon, who is a past head teacher of English River, said she holds this school close to her heart and she urged parents to keep giving their support to the teachers.

“I am making a special appeal with you to stand by teachers and provide them the support that they need to be able to teach your children,” she said.

She also urged the children to show more appreciation for the work of our teachers.

“Show your appreciation and be respectful and polite not only in school but also in the community outside of school grounds. Become ambassadors for your school, always show and demonstrate good behaviour and behave in a proper manner so that you are loved by your teacher as well,” she added.

Performances by the students