Despite the difficulties they may face in life, students can become success stories in various pursuits in life, through their own perseverance and self-belief and through the support of their parents. This, according to the Honourable Anthony Garcia, Minister of Education, speaking at a Graduation Ceremony for thirty three (33) Standard Five pupils of Ascension Anglican Primary School on Tuesday 25th June, 2019.
He stressed to the pupils, which also included parents, teachers, Principal Paula Kalkman and other Ministry of Education officials, that they must hold onto the positive values that they were taught in the school as a way of staying focused towards achieving their goals. In so doing, said Minister Garcia, they would become exemplars and inspirations for the other young people in the community.
He also urged the large number of parents to provide unstinting support for their children,which would significantly help them achieve excellence in their life pursuits.The Minister also debunked the notion that so-called “prestige” schools arebetter than the government schools, adding that all schools can achieve excellence by parents working with their children to do so.
“Every school is really a prestige school. What we need is prestige students and prestige parents. And this allows me the opportunity to let the parents know that their assistance to their children, is of extreme importance because once that assistance is given, all of our students will be prestige,” the Minister said.
Minister Garcia noted proper parental training also extends to ensuring children become disciplined students and not become involved in negative activities. He appealed to the parents to do everything possible to ensure that their children do not get into trouble in school, by raising them in a loving, supportive, disciplined home environment. He added, parental responsibilities is extremely important because very often, in the school system, there are some children who are posing more challenges than usual andcalled for urged parents to embrace their children and give them the guidance necessary, since education is not an event, it is a process.
The Education Minister congratulated the principal and the entire staff of the Ascension Anglican Primary School for inspiring another group of students to strive to become the best that they can be.
During the function, the students did several performances, including a stay in school skit entitled “The Most Powerful Weapon,” dance and drumming routines and singing the hit song, “Best Day of my Life.” The pupils were also presented with certificates, tokens and special awards for excellence in academics, sports and cultural activities.