Education minister welcomes children back to school

The Minister was joined by Education Permanent Secretary Warren Jones and Commissioner for Teaching and Learning, Wendy McDonnell. 

Schools on this morning’s tour included Francis Patton Primary School, Lyceum Preschool, Paget Preschool, Victor Scott Primary, The Berkeley Institute, St John’s Preschool, Prospect Primary and CedarBridge Academy. 

One of the primary reasons for the visit was to support the principals, teachers and newly entering and returning students.

Minister Smith said: “Nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing our young people take such an important step in their educational journey.

“At each school I visited I saw a sense of excitement and anticipation from each of our students. And despite one negative media report, all the principals and teachers to whom we spoke had a genuinely positive and upbeat attitude, were thrilled about welcoming back students and are prepared to settle down to the business of teaching and learning in the new school term.”

Echoing the Minister’s comments regarding the positive atmosphere at the start of the new school year, was a statement made by Garita Coddington, Principal of Francis Patton Primary School.

Ms Coddington said: “On behalf of the Francis Patton team, I would like to give a big thank you to all those who were instrumental in ensuring our school was ready for today.

“It takes a team of caring individuals to make a school run smoothly. I thank you for putting in the work behind the scenes, the work that no one sees you doing, but enjoys the benefits/outcomes.

“Today is a day that makes me so proud to be an educator for our public school system. The students have enjoyed the first few hours of school and are excited about all that has been put in to make this day special for them.”

The Minister concluded: “I am certain that those sentiments are echoed across our Island’s schools.”