SANDVOORT Primary School, at West Canje, secured the bragging rights in Region 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne) this year, by gaining 100 percent passes at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations.

Seven candidates took the tests and, for the first time in the history of the institution, three of them gained places at a grade ‘A’ secondary.
On Wednesday, July 3, the staff of the school honoured the successful pupils for their outstanding performances by hosting an appreciation ceremony, where gifts and certificates were presented to the Class of 2013.
Delivering an emotional speech, the Headmaster, Mr. Madoda Alfred admitted he is proud of the children’s achievement and encouraged them to remain focused and not to allow detractors to cause them to deviate from the moral values they were taught in their remote village.
“You have done well and words cannot describe how I feel. However, you must remember that your journey has now begun. You were raised here in Sandvoort Village and, for the first time, you would be venturing out of your community on a daily basis. There will be people from all walks of life that you are going to meet. Remain focused and maintain the values that you have adopted in your homes,” he advised.
Alfred also urged the parents who were present at the function, to always mind the business of their children as long as they remain in school.
“Parents, I urge you to keep minding their business. You have worked hard to instill values in them; so it is your duty to take note of them when they return home from school. Check their bags, check their pockets, ask them questions about their friends and even go into the schools and check with their teachers,” he suggested.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS
The Headmaster cautioned the students, too, about the negative effects of peer pressure and admonished them to keep away from friends that would mislead them.
“You will be entering a transitional stage in your life; you will find it a bit difficult initially but that phase will pass and you have to choose the right company. Associate yourself with those who demonstrate discipline and are eager to learn, it’s the only way you would be able to develop yourselves,” he preached.
Jon Eugene topped the Class of 2013 with 487 marks, followed by Johanna Gordon 484, Stacy Hope 472, Cindy Fraser 462, Chelsea Hinds 444, Jolani La Fleur 440 and Sherryann Benjamin with 434.
The pupils were taught by Mrs. Vanessa Cadogan, who served her final year at the school. She leaves in September to take up the headship at the Gangaram Primary School in East Canje.
Headmaster Alfred is also leaving to assume a similar post at Bohemia Primary School, Corentyne.
The Sandvoort villagers, however, remain optimistic that there will be capable replacements to assist in producing more top students in the years ahead.