Photos: 2011 First Day Back To School
Yesterday [Sept. 7] Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith visited a number of public schools, from the preschool to senior level, to personally welcome students and teachers back to school.
The Minister was joined by Education Permanent Secretary Warren Jones and Commissioner for Teaching and Learning Wendy McDonnell. Minister of Public Works Derrick Burgess joined Minister Smith at Francis Patton Primary School and Lyceum Preschool.
Schools on this morning’s tour included, Francis Patton Primary School, Lyceum Preschool, Paget Pre-School, Victor Scott Primary, The Berkeley Institute, St. John’s Preschool, Prospect Primary and CedarBridge Academy.
One of the primary reasons for the visit was to support the principals, teachers and newly entering and returning students.
Minister Smith said, “Nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing our young people take such an important step in their educational journey. At each school I visited I saw a sense of excitement and anticipation from each of our students. And despite one negative media report, all the principals and teachers to whom we spoke had a genuinely positive and upbeat attitude, were thrilled about welcoming back students and are prepared to settle down to the business of teaching and learning in the new school term.”
Echoing the Minister’s comments regarding the positive atmosphere at the start of the new school year, was a statement made by Garita Coddington, Principal of Francis Patton Primary School.
Ms. Coddington said, “On behalf of the Francis Patton team, I would like to give a big thank you to all those who were instrumental in ensuring our school was ready for today. It takes a team of caring individuals to make a school run smoothly. I thank you for putting in the work behind the scenes, the work that no one sees you doing, but enjoys the benefits/outcomes. Today is a day that makes me so proud to be an educator for our public school system. The students have enjoyed the first few hours of school and are excited about all that has been put in to make this day special for them.”
The Minister concluded, “I am certain that those sentiments are echoed across our Island’s schools.”
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These are great pics capturing parents, students, the Minister Dame Jennifer, and the Ministry officials…all obviously enjoying and inspired by a great first day of school.
When I clicked on Bernews today, I smiled and said thanks, beautiful photos, our beautiful children!! God bless our students from Pre-school, middle, secondary schools, home schoolers, and the college. Bless all the teachers, parents, those buses that transported them or those who carried these kids to school. Yes, there is a lot to complain about in Bermuda. But not today! Our children are safe from war, and have public free education. Yes, our children are in a good place BERMUDA! Adults, they are our future……. I pray that everything that is positive will be reflected in their young and impressionable lives and it starts with us, the adults.
I agree Emeka47 !!! So much to be gratefyl for in Bermuda………
Not sure why Dame Jennifer has to use the first day of school as a photo op when the systemic issues have still not been addressed, also why on earth is she wearing a evening cocktail satin dress at this time in the morning? Too much champagne.
Thanks Bernews for getting nice pictures of us this morning.
Would like to say thanks to various government departs that helped in making the start of school successful.
Dame Jennifer your doing and excellent job in Education and have a good team working with you and i admire how you and the BUT work closey together.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much for helping me to capture my baby girls first day at “big school”
!!!