14 LEAVE FOR HIGH SCHOOLS
PRINCIPAL CITES YEAR OF REMARKABLE SUCCESS
PORT MARIA, St Mary — July 16, 2024
Fourteen Grade 6 students graduated from Albion Mountain Primary and Infant School on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.
As part of the school leaving exercise, six children from the Infant Department were celebrated for going on to the Primary Department.
With an impending hurricane and signs of bad weather, graduates, teachers, parents, and well-wishers were not discouraged from turning out for the event.
The nervous and anxious graduands waited patiently outside the school building under the cloudy skies, for their instructions to march in, as parents fussed.
(Valedictorians Kalana Dawkins and Denique McKoy)
Acting Principal Cecilia Robinson in highlighting the school’s year in review, said the journey was a mixture of uncertainty, fiery trials, and remarkable success. “The year started with a staff complement of four teachers, a guidance counselor, a janitor, a cook, and five watchmen with 77 students enrolled. However, two of our teachers did not return. Despite this God smiled upon us and we were able to fill our teaching staff [complement] of six.”
Mrs. Robinson outlined that there was a significant reading deficit and in order to overcome this challenge each class had reading on their timetable. “We want to make sure our children are able to read and read well at the end of their school life at Albion Mountain Primary and Infant School,” she said.
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(Acting Principal Cecilia Robinson presenting her report)
Having high praise for all her teachers, she made special mention of Aziza Haase who diligently worked with the now graduating class during COVID-19 in grade four and continued her work with them in grade five. Mrs Robinson said much progress was made despite the challenges that were faced during those two years. “Our students were way behind but Ms. Haase worked with them to bring them to this level,” she said.
She also had high praise for the grade six teacher Keon Smith. She said he rigorously prepared the children for the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) to get what she said were awesome results. “Mr. Smith had extra lessons classes and for those who attended the results are shown today,” she stated.
DADS AND SONS
“We at Albion Mountain Primary are not only about books but also have our extracurricular activities,” Mrs Robinson said. She highlighted a visit to Seville Heritage Park in St Ann and she thanked the Anglican church for sponsorship towards this.
She said Career Day was different and truly enjoyed by the students as a
past student, Tarique Scott came in and taught coding.
(It was the Infants’ Day too)
During parents’ month, fathers were celebrated with “Fathers and Sons Day” where fathers came in and spent the day playing games and bonding. “For this, I don’t know who enjoyed themselves more the fathers or sons as the fathers are asking when is the next one,” the Principal told the audience with a chuckle.
Mrs Robinson charged the graduands to take with them the values that were instilled in them
“As you move into a new environment take with you self-respect, hard work, and confidence. Be leaders, not followers and you have followed our advice that you be men and women of substance.” Acting Principal Robinson said, ”Our school boasts small classes not more than 15 students per class with individual attention. No student should be without uniforms or books and we are a school that uses technology.”
GUEST SPEAKER
Guest speaker was Leroy Marshall retired educator and past principal of the Albion Mountain Primary School. He charged the graduates to make the right choices and embrace positive changes as they moved on to the next chapter of their school life.
“Where you are going it will be different from your primary school. Bigger classrooms, more subjects, new teachers and you will make new friends,” he told the 14 placed through the PEP. “This is important: choose friends who have the same goals and will not distract you.” He continues to state that they should work hard and be disciplined. “Most of you were placed at the school of your choice but never forget the principles taught at this school. Work hard strive for excellence and be disciplined to achieve your goals.”
(Top Girl Kalana Dawkins receiving her trophy from Effie Thompson)
He lauded the staff of the school for the work that has been done academically and in extracurricular activities.
Mr Marshall encouraged parents to continue to invest in their children and work alongside the teachers.
Special awards were presented to top achievers.
(Top Boy Niheem Marshall receiving his award from Grade 5 teacher Aziza Haase)
Top Girl was Kalana Dawkins and Top Boy is Niheem Marshall
The valedictory address was given by Kalana Dawkins and Denique McKoy.
(Steve Benjamin, right, receives the Principal’s Award)
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(Teacher Autherine Plunkett, 4-H coordinator thanks and congratulates Yasin Gordon for her contribution to Albion Mountain Primary’s 4-H Club)
The school’s 4-H Club placed first in this year’s Parish Achievement Day and, at the graduation exercise, businesswoman Yasin Gordon was recognized for her contribution to the club.
(Nishikohri Gray from the Infant Department s all smiles with his certificate from his teacher)
Judith Campbell was emcee and Pastor Carlton Beckford conducted the devotion.
(Head table, from left, emcee Judith Campbell, Board Chairman Pastor Carlton Beckford, Acting Principal Cecilia Campbell and guest speaker Leroy Marshall)
(VIDEOS FROM THE GRADUATION WILL BE POSTED ON THE NORTH COAST TIMES YOUTUBE CHANNEL ON WEDNESDAY)
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