Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/7154/-1/140/
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Pre-School Graduations In Anguilla
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There have been a number of graduations in the public and private schools in Anguilla during late last week and this week but, from a human resources standpoint, The Anguillian was only in a position to cover some of them. The first graduations were at three of the church schools which continue to contribute greatly to early education in Anguilla.
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The 2009 Graduates of the St. Mary's Pre-school
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Wednesday, June 24, was graduation at the Ebenezer Methodist Preschool in The Valley under the theme “Care for Us: Children of the Future.” There were 20 students in the graduating class. The Principal, Claudette Belle, told the parents that the children were enjoying the benefits and experiences of pre-school education which would assist them in establishing values for a lifetime.
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The 2009 Graduates of the St. Mary's Pre-school
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She noted that pre-school education was rapidly developing in Anguilla and that it was the duty of teachers to give the young pupils a sound and all round education that would help them build a bright future. She congratulated her staff for a job well done and also commended the parents and the graduating class.
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2009 Graduates and dancers of the Prophecy Pre-school
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On Thursday, June 25, the Anglican-run St. Mary’s Preschool held its 25th Graduation Ceremony at Camps B of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, where there were 60 graduates in the class of 2009. The event had as its theme: “Celebrating 25 Years of Early Childhood Education: Building a Brighter Tomorrow.”
The Annual School Report was delivered by the Principal Hazel Brooks. She said the school first opened in September 1983 at the Old Boys’ School with a roll of 23 students under the leadership of Veda Harrigan acting as Head Teacher for one year. The roll later increased to 50. Following the return of Ms Harrigan to her substantive post in the Education Department, as a primary school teacher in 1984, she was succeeded by Roslyn Pond. The number of students rose to 70 and four additional teachers were employed by The Vestry. Mrs. Pond retired in 1993 and was succeeded by Mrs. Brooks.
In 1999, during the passage of Hurricane Lenny, the roof of the school was damaged and classes were temporarily located at the Scouts and Guides Ruthwill Auditorium. In 2001 there was a groundbreaking ceremony for a new school, on the nearby church property, and in September 2002 the present 9-class room school, with various improved facilities, was officially opened. The roll now stands at 127. Mrs. Brooks was delighted to see the school reaching the important milestone of 25 years of service. She was grateful to the Government of Anguilla, parents and the community for their support over the years.
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2009 Graduates and dancers of the Prophecy Pre-school
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The feature address was given by Ms. Veda Harrigan, who is now the Education Officer responsible for Preschool and Primary Education. She was pleased that the 60 new graduates were now ready for entrance to the primary schools. She congratulated the principal and the teachers for the role they played in assisting the children in their learning process.
On Thursday, June 25 also, was the 10th Anniversary Graduation Ceremony of Prophecy Pre-school which was held at LA Café. There were 41 graduates. The school report was delivered by the Principal, Heather Gumbs, who traced the achievements of the school over the past decade.
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Graduates, parents and others at the Ebenezer Pre-school Graduation
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The feature address was given by Jahvez Hamilton, a past student who reflected on the motto of the church school “Developing the Mind, Caring for the Soul.” He had special words of advice and commendation for the teachers, parents and graduating students. He urged the students to demonstrate good behaviour and adopt a positive attitude and a capacity for hard work at the various primary schools they would be attending. “I think you should just be focused on making our parents and teachers at the Prophecy Pre-School proud,” he advised them, adding that they should also keep in mind the spiritual lives they were taught to lead.
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Graduates, parents and others at the Ebenezer Pre-school Graduation
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The graduation ceremony was the highlight of a week of activities which began with a divine service at the Church of God of Prophecy at West End a At which the sermon was delivered by Pastor Samuel Daniel. A concert at the Orealia Kelly Primary School, by past and present students, was presented on Monday followed over the next few days by a movie at the school, an education forum, a School Open Day and a Fun Day at the grounds of the Agricultural Department.
The Prophecy Pre-School Board and staff members have expressed their gratitude to the general public for its support over the past years and said they were looking forward to continued joint cooperation in the future.