It was a busy day for children, parents and teachers who participated in the opening of Steer Town Primary and Junior High “Parents Place” held on the school grounds Steer Town, St. Ann on Thursday, September 25.
The event started with a welcome to parents, students and teachers by the principal of Steer Town Primary and Junior High, Michelle White-Guy, after which a hymn was sung and prayer was said by D. Whyne. R. Barclay-Samuels then introduced chairman for the event, Vivian Howard .
A message to the audience was then given by MP Shahine Robinson who said Steer Town Primary and Junior High was a wonderful school and encouraged parents to make use of the new Parents Place. An item was then done by the school’s music group.
Sheldon Peart, Board chairman, in his greetings said “Steer Town Primary and Junior High is a breath of fresh air. It is an oasis in the desert and certainly from those perspectives, we are happy to be associated with this school”.
The school’s dance group then performed a beautiful piece, followed by a short message from the education officer, Dr. Carol Daccio.
Claudette Carter , guest speaker, mentioned that she was also a parent and apologised for the absence of Jennifer Brown, the parenting specialist who is responsible for setting up the parent places in schools across regions 2, 3 and 5.
Before the opening of the Parents’ Place, in which by Michelle White-Guy, Sheldon Peart, and Claudette Carter participated, a prayer was said by Rev. L. Wray Hamilton.
When the room to serve as Parents’ Place was opened, parents and children got an opportunity to see inside of the well-equipped facility. Vote of thanks was done by D. Miller-Hudson. This was followed by flag raising by the cadets and the event ended with the singing of the National Anthem and refreshments.
From the Principal’s Desk
OUR PARENTS ARE SUPPORTIVE
The Parents’ Place in schools project is an initiative of the Ministry of Education. The Principal and staff of the Steer Town Primary and Junior High School welcome this great idea which basically supports the parent friendly culture that exists at our school.
Our parents have been very supportive. They assist in our breakfast feeding programme supervised by the guidance counsellors. They also volunteer their services in our skills programme and in other classroom activities.
Our parent place has been equipped with a computer, internet access, a television set, a reading corner and an area where parenting information is readily accessible. It can be used for small group parenting seminars, for recreation and also as a home work centre. It is my hope that this parent place will cater to the challenges with which our parents are faced. It will cause them to become more involved in the lives of their children, thus, promoting the importance of education which will result in the success of the child.
