SBPS students urged to reflect on poor attitude

Students of the Sandy Bay Primary School (SBPS) who were unsuccessful at the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) were urged to reflect on the poor attitude which contributed to their failure.

Head teacher Hepcie Roberts, in her remarks, calmly commended the successful students, stating that their success is well deserved. She, however, did not mince words in lamenting the behaviour of some students which led to their{{more}} failure in this year’s examinations.

In addressing those students who were “pass deferred,” Roberts admonished: “You are not failures; you were given all the opportunities to be successful. The staff wanted the best for you. But some of you need to reflect on your past years in the school, especially the last two. I am not going to bash you here, but do you remember the many days when you were absent from school for no apparent reason, the days when you ran away from the class sessions, not making use of the evening classes the teachers have offered?”

The head teacher reflected: “I remember the many days the teachers will complain about your attitude towards school. Their concerns which would bring tears to their eyes sometimes. Reaching out to your parents with little success. What you have been doing, children, is dodging your responsibilities. But now you are reaping the consequences.”

According to Roberts, the school recorded a 69 per cent pass rate in the CPEA exams for 2016. “This success came about as a result of the students’ participation, parents’ involvement and the hard work that was done by the committed and dedicated teachers from kindergarten to grade 6.”

The head teacher showered thanks on all teachers and supportive parents, urging them to continue to assist with “punctuality, regularity and homework” of their children, as they enter into secondary school.

Featured speaker Shefflorn Ballantyne reminded the graduating class that they are still children and that they should focus on striving for excellence, by God’s grace, amidst temptations and obstacles.

“…Sex can wait, babies can wait, these are not your priorities at this moment…” he counselled. Ballantyne further warned the children to beware of those who would seek to take advantage of them.

“…people will push drugs on you and tell you to follow them in using and selling drugs…do not take it…do not be anybody’s drug mule…Don’t destroy your chances of success.” The speaker also encouraged the class to have God in their hearts “all the way”, to have gratitude, to work hard and help each other in their path of success.

In her congratulatory remarks, Ministry of Education official Hanna Browne reminded the students that the saying is still true that “hard work brings success.”

Valedictorian and top performer Shanyah Edwards, who placed 33rd for girls in the CPEA exams, received a number of awards, including Most Outstanding Student in Mathematics and Science. In her valedictory speech, Edwards thanked all of her teachers, her 38 fellow students and her parents for their undying support throughout her experience at the school.

The graduation was held at the Sandy Bay Roman Catholic Church last Tuesday, June 16, under the theme “striving together for excellence.”