CHAIRMAN of Region Three Essequibo Islands/West Demerara),Julius Faerber has praised the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) of the Mc Gillvary Primary School, the Prayaag Raj Mandir, the Vishwanauth Mandir and the Baptist Church, all of No.1 Canal Polder, for their role which led to the establishment of the schools $1M improvement plan. He commended the religious organisations during his address at the schools 14th annual graduation.
Noting that government over the years has been working tirelessly to provide a more conducive environment for learning across the schools across the country, Faeber stated that the PTA and religious orgnisations partnerships were worthy of emulation.
Stating that education is a right, Faeber urged parents to assist their children at home with their home work and assignments. He said “The teacher alone cannot do it… parents have a sacred responsibility to ensure their children receive the best possible education”. He also urged parents to continue to foster good relations between the school, the PTA and the community in general.
Referring to three notable features at the ceremony, the regional chairman said that he was deeply impressed by the awards given for punctuality, the thriving coop society and the donation of a bicycle by the headmaster’s brother, to a pupil who walks from the conservancy to school everyday.
Head teacher Kushaldeo Bipat, Ms. Namattie Doodnauth, Ms. Roxanne Harmon received punctuality awards.
In his report Bipat stated that there has been a marked improvement in pupils’ performances at all levels when compared to the previous year (2009). He however, noted that there was a decline in enrollment over the last four years. He cited that in 2007 the schools population was 246, in 2008 it was 220, in 2009 it stood at 195 and in 2010 only 182 pupils were on roll.
Bipat also expressed the view that the current literacy and numeracy programme would result in further improvement of pupils.