The Ministry of Education on Sunday, July 11, 2010 met at the Cultural Centre along with specially invited guests to recognise several persons for their services to education and the Education system and services in Montserrat.
There were fourteen (14) persons in all included persons from top management in the System to the school bus conductress and a maintenance officer. These persons were: Director of Education Kathleen L. Greenaway; Mrs. Patricial Campbell, Change Manager; MSS, Mrs. Camilla Watts, MBE; Mr. Sylvester, Vice Principal, MSS; Miss Mary James, Trained Teacher, MSS; Miss Amanda Osborne, Graduate/LEAP Teacher; Mrs. Juliettan Skerritt, and Mrs. Desney Edgecombe, Trained Teachers, Primary; Mrs. Ann Hobson, Nursery School Head; Miss Eulalie Meade, and Mrs. Kathlee Bramble, Nursery School Teachers; James Allen, Maintenance officer; and Miss Eleanor Phillip, School bus conductress.
Different Ministry officials read citations for the different groups of those recognised during a program which included the award presentations, entertainment in drama and dance a fitting vote of thanks and at the end a white table cloth light supper was served, all in a Verna Brandt ‘Celebrations’ décor.
Kathleen Greenaway’s citation describes, that her career in education began in 1974 following her graduation from the Montserrat Secondary School (MSS). ”…over the years, she has performed outstandingly in many significant roles…has made invaluable contributions to Education in Montserrat. Many,” it read.
At the end, gratitude was expressed, “to ‘Miss G’ as we have affectionately called you. The entire education Diaspora of Montserrat extends its sincere gratitude to you for your distinguished contribution to the delivery of quality education to the youth…”
Citations were delivered for each individual. Sylvester Browne was cited, as one who, “could be counted on to provide support and advice to the school leadership team and to assist teachers in the areas of curriculum and classroom management.”
Sylvester has given “well over thirty years of dedicated professional service to the Montserrat community in the area of education as a classroom teacher, a Head teacher and as Vice Principal of the Montserrat Secondary School.”
He was specially cited, for, “as a classroom teacher was a specialist teacher to many students, primarily boys, who had difficulty accessing the curriculum at the MSS.”
Alrick Taylor’s career in education spanned from, “as a Teacher at the Lees Primary School in November 1969…Grade of Assistant Teacher (Uncertificated) in January of 1971…Assistant Teacher (Certificated) Primary, Graduate Teacher, Secondary Education, Vice Principal, Secondary Education, Education Officer (Planning) and in December 2000 to the top management position of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Health, and Community Services. He assumed the leadership role of Principal of the Montserrat Secondary School from September 2006 to July 2009,” finally after he had retired from the Public Service.
Camilla Watts, who retired as MSS principal and later became ‘Head of the Pupil Support Unit’ following principal at the St. Augustine Primary School, was described as one who, “has worked effectively, tirelessly and lovingly to enhance the learning potential of pupils through the promotion of the cutting edge education intervention the PSU,” as wisely expressed the view that, “lifelong learning is a must for educators and that schools must ensure focus on the “I in Pupil” or individual difference in pupils for best outcomes.”
Teacher Desney, “…has come off as a Model Teacher or Master Teacher to both overseas and local educators who have observed her teaching,” while Juliettan, known as ‘Teacher Arlene’ “embodies many characteristics of the desirable teacher…can be described, “Using the words of nine co-workers, as, a no-nonsense person whose love for children is shown by her caring, patient, friendly and supportive demeanour.”
The nursery school teachers, Ann Hobson and Eulalie Meade and Kathleen Bramble were described in order. Ann, “is very quiet and unassuming but she was a very effective leader … well respected and liked by her colleagues…;” and Eulalie, “…has demonstrated a very endearing spirit to her colleagues, the children, parents, guardians.” Kathleen: “Teacher Kathleen’s tender loving care, warmth and endearment towards the children is evident by the fact that she was twice voted Practitioner of the Year…”
MSS teachers Mary James, and Amanda Osborne:
Mary began educating the children of Montserrat in 1975. She taught at the then Plymouth Junior Secondary School for a number of years before the introduction of universal secondary education. In her citation it said, “Her care, commitment and dedication to duty have resulted in her appointment as Head of Lower School…”
Amanda, “believes in the development of the total child…” She only joined the MSS staff in 2008, with responsibility “for teaching students of Form One who had difficulty accessing the secondary curriculum.”
Miss Osborne has resigned, and was thanked for the excellent service she has provided in her two years, “…all but two of the students were able to access main stream secondary programme.”
Patricial Campbell is also leaving her services with the MSS. She joined the education service on Montserrat in 2008, to advance the process of change as recommended in the 2007 Review of the Montserrat Secondary School. She addressed this change through related areas of behaviour, student involvement, curriculum and teaching and the leadership structure.
In her citation: “…is a personable woman. Full house in her office at lunch time is testimony to this…during these times that students shared their questions and comments and received feedback on the change process…generally, the initiatives under the change process have created a positive impact on the school.”
Finally, though not in the order presented above, Eleanor Phillip and James Allen. Eleanor was recognised upon her retirement. She joined the Ministry of Education in September 1992, as a School Bus Conductor. She remained in that post for sixteen (16) years and four months until December 2009. Of her, it was said that her wide experience of dealing with children made it an easy transition from a mother and a grandmother to the role of School Bus Conductor, “a job she had grown to love with all of its challenges, but also enjoyable experiences driving with our youths from 7 a.m. to her last trip at 4 p.m.”
James Allen joined the Ministry of Education’s team at a crucial point in November 1996 when migration was at its height due to volcanic activities. He is described as having, “filled many gaps…employed as a Maintenance Officer, he performed the role of Driver, helped with any and everything on Schools’ Sport Days; practised and provided music for the Early Childhood Centres’ Concerts and Graduations; performed some Office Attendant’s duties; and he at times would sacrifice his lunch breaks, to undertake urgent maintenance tasks, working ungrudgingly past 4:00 p.m. to complete tasks.”
Appropriate expressions of gratitude were expressed to all the awarded and recognised, whether they had retired, resigned or whatever their state. Some guests at the ceremony congratulated the Ministry as sought to ensure recognition of worthy employees to avoid a repeat of only lauding employees upon their death.
We also express appreciation for the numerous occasions that he provided willing and prompt assistance to the Public Library and the Department of Labour.
Mr Allen, words are not enough to communicate our heartfelt gratitude and we all say a big “Thank You”.
