11 November 2015 | Comments
On Friday 6 November 2015 St Helena celebrated its inaugural Teacher Appreciation Day – when teachers on the Island received thank you notes, handmade gifts and other treats from schoolchildren and fellow colleagues alike – highlighting the value and importance placed on teachers within St Helena’s community.
As a mark of this value, Governor and Mrs Capes hosted an evening reception on the day at Plantation House, where teachers and former students came together to celebrate their joint achievements.
Governor Capes said:
“I am happy to have this opportunity to host an evening for those on the Island who nurture St Helena’s most precious resource, our children.
“This reception marks Teacher Appreciation Day, which I am told is the first one to be held on the Island. If that is the case, then this is well overdue and I would like to say ‘Thank You’ to the Education Committee and the Education Directorate for all their hard work in developing the Strategic Development Plan for Teaching – which results in today’s celebrations.
“We often speak about the Airport and it can sometimes seem to dominate our discussions on developing future opportunities. But what is really important is the role teachers play in equipping young Saints with the skills necessary to take the Island forward.”
Councillor Nigel Dollery spoke about the return of graduates Stacey Thomas, Derrie Yon and Laura Lawrence who, with their newly acquired skills, will strengthen the teaching profession themselves.
Director of Education, Shirley Wahler, concluded:
“This is our day to say Thank You. I want to join all those other voices to say well done for overcoming tough obstacles and continuing in your profession. And tonight we are paying a special tribute for those teachers who have served for over twenty years in continuous service.”
During the evening, Maureen Plato, Dulcie Herne, Patricia Henry, Edna Richards, Hazel Peters, Barbara Osborne, Nicholas Plato, Carlene Crowie, Elaine Benjamin, Patricia Williams and Eileen Hudson received awards for their continuous service, with Eileen Hudson being the longest current serving teacher at 43 years in the teaching profession.
A new Scheme of Service was also officially launched on the night. This scheme is designed to encourage career development, develop new skills and competencies and reward current teaching staff. Further details on this new scheme will follow.
SHG
11 November 2015
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