–Head Teacher lauds support of community and teachers

BELLE West, Canal No.2, West Bank Demerara and teachers attached to the Belle West Primary School came in for high praise last Thursday when the school held its 4th graduation and prize-giving ceremony.Addressing a packed auditorium, Head Teacher, Ms Parbatie Allie stated that the support of the community was magnanimous, a press release stated. She disclosed that parents donated one DVD player, one Sharp TV, bed sheets, pillows and other necessities.
Ms Allie also said that there were other kind gestures, including the donation of an electrical water dispenser and a flat screen computer. She noted that those two donations are from members of the community who do not have children at the school.
She also highlighted the support of corporate citizens like Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop of New GPC, Tony Yasin of Guyana Stores, PK Variety Store, Matts Printery Establishment and Food for the Poor, among others.
Allie further stated that the support of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) and the School Improvement Action Committee (SIAC) were overwhelming. She noted that several fund-raising activities were held by these two bodies. And she singled out the Chairman of the PTA, Mr Naushad Boodhoo, whom she praised as a tower of strength, commitment, perseverance and dedication.
Allie stressed that the dedication and determination of the teaching staff was unquestionable. She pointed out that the achievements of the school was as a result of the coming together, keeping together and working together policy which was observed as a daily mantra among the parents, teachers and residents of the community.
In terms of academic performance, Allie alluded to a statement made by Education Minister Priya Manickchand on June 12, 2014 when she said that the Belle West Primary School was one of the schools that recorded a 10% increase in the overall performance at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).
Of the 48 pupils who wrote the NGSA, six were awarded senior secondary schools, four grade A schools, 16 grade B schools. The top pupil Lajwantie Miranjie secured 514 marks and was among the top 1% in the country.
Meanwhile Assistant Monitoring Officer of the Ministry of Education, Ms Eleatrice Davenport in her presentation disclosed that the Belle West Primary School is well on its way to being certified as child-friendly. Noting that a child-friendly school is one that incorporates teachers, pupils, parents and members of the community, Ms Davenport said she has absolutely no doubt that will soon become a reality because of the excellent physical environment of the school.
She congratulated the graduating class and urged them to maintain a positive attitude. Davenport also urged the teachers to stay the course, noting that their efforts have paid dividends.
Labelling the graduation as a transition in the life of a child, Davenport urged parents to ensure that their children continue with even greater zeal and enthusiasm as they pursue their academic goals, the release concluded.