The Look Out Primary School celebrated its 10th Anniversary on Friday, October 7. To commemorate the day pupils entertained the audience with an energetic dance choreographed by Mrs. Natalie Allen. Grade two pupils received loud applauds for a poem they recited, titled, “Be the best of whatever you are”, by Douglas Malloch.
Head Teachers from St. Augustine Primary, Brades Primary and the Light House Community Academy conveyed congratulatory greetings on their schools’ behalf. MSS Deputy Principal, Fredwill Browne, also brought greetings, along with Mr. Glanford Cabey who congratulated the school on behalf of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA)
In a brief overview, Head teacher Miss Edith Duberry explained that the school was built in 1997 to rehouse the St. John’s Primary School. The old school was used to accommodate the relocated Glendon Hospital due to volcanic activity. She noted that the school buildings were occupied by Montserrat Secondary School, the Roman Catholic Church and other organizations. Meanwhile, Brades Primary School hosted pupils who belonged to the St. John’s Primary School, following the island’s major evacuation in 1997.
Head teacher Miss Duberry told those gathered at the Anniversary celebration that the Montserrat Secondary School returned to their main campus in Salem but the St. John’s Nursery School moved into one of the buildings at the Look Out Primary School and remained there until April 2002.
She said, “The Look Out Primary School was finally and officially opened on Monday, September 3, 2001, to serve its original purpose with a total of 85 pupils from Kindergarten to grade three enrolled.
According to Miss Duberry, the School currently has a total of 152 pupils enrolled, 72 boys and 80 girls from Kindergarten to grade six. There are seven full time teachers, two assistant teachers and one Special Education teacher.
Dressed in garment made from fabric representing the school’s uniform, Miss Duberry the school’s Head Teacher since its existence began, urged the pupils to be disciplined and strive to achieve their goals. “Take pride in your school and let the school’s motto be a beacon for you.” The school’s motto is “The top is reached by Striving”
Education Officer, Mrs. Zelma White in a feature address, challenged the teachers to ensure that their teaching is holistic not only catering to the cognitive but also to the effective. She said that a mind that is occupied with worries and fears may not be receptive no matter the mental capability.
“I challenge you to work towards molding children who love their country, who respect God, Self, others, government’s property, other people’s property and the environment,” the educator said.
In reflecting on the school’s progress, Mrs White stated,
“When I visualize Look Out Primary School I see teachers going the extra mile, to have in the classroom fish swimming in a container of water and other things that would make learning relevant to the students; going the extra mile to decorate classrooms with curtains, students’ work and or other things which will make the classroom conducive to learning; going the extra mile to share with others, teaching learning materials which were procured with personal funds both locally and while away on vacation.
To the pupils, Miss White cautioned them, never waste their educational opportunity or take it for granted because it is free and accessible.
She congratulated the staff and pupils, the parents, volunteers, sponsors, funding agency and Ministry Officials who contributed to the school over the years.