By Trudy Simpson, Staff Reporter
A delighted Mary Brammer, principal at Glenmuir Preparatory school in Clarendon, receives her Certificate of Appreciation from Mrs. Henry-Wilson. THERE WERE smiles aplenty on the faces of 80 educators from 110 schools in Clarendon who were yesterday lauded for their services to education.
The 80, teachers and principals from 110 schools, were hailed for excellence at the annual Teachers' Day luncheon hosted by the Gleaner Company Limited and its subsidiary, Sangster's Book Store.
Their records are impressive, spanning a high of more than 32 years in the profession to a low of less than 10 years. One teacher, Ariel Campbell, who has been at Green Park Primary and Junior High for over 25 years, was also given an education grant by the Gleaner Co.
Boasting corsages donned at schools across the parish, they came to be dined and honoured at the Versalles Hotel, May Pen.
Among the educators was Mary Brammer, a veteran teacher and principal, who has spent more than 32 years at the Glenmuir Preparatory School.
"It's wonderful," she declared, with a smile after she and other educators received gifts from the Gleaner and Sangster's along with a certificate of appreciation. "I'm glad I came. I enjoyed it."
Not too far from her was Hilda McLaughlin, who has spent over 20 years at John Austin All-Age, upper Clarendon.
"I feel excited. I feel that Gleaner has been good and for the teachers, it's something to remember," she said.
After more than 12 years at the Frankfield Primary and Infant school, Callis Thompson was still eager to teach and also overjoyed at being honoured and Beverly Smith-Williams from Edwin Allen High was still in love with her job after 10 years.
So too was Jeremiah Golding, Principal of Woodhall All-Age, near Chapelton in North Clarendon.
He expressed thanks on behalf of all the educators and said that teachers would not give up the battle to bring out the best in their students, despite the numerous challenges they encounter in the classroom.
"We don't have to be bonded to be in education. We are here because we have a strong commitment to teaching. We are not easing up. We are going to hold on," he pledged.
It was a message touted by Minister of Education, Maxine Henry-Wilson, who was guest speaker. She reiterated that the Government was still negotiating with teachers through the Finance Ministry and the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA).
"I believe that we can reach an accommodation" she said, but stressed that the Ministry has to look at the overall education system instead of one aspect.
She said she would like it to be settled. "We are working to make sure that we arrive at a settlement, because there is so much to do in the system at the moment that every day that there seems to be some amount of indecision, which has an impact on the quality of education."
Teachers also expressed the hope of receiving adjusted salaries soon and hoped that an agreeable package will be presented at the JTA's Special delegates conference set for May 10.
Minister Henry-Wilson also urged teachers to help students realise their true potential, by encouraging the development of the students' natural talents, instead of trying to enforce what teachers believe should be talents.
The challenge is not putting more children in school, but to look at the quality of education children are getting, she said.
"Our human resources is what is going to make the difference, hence we cannot delay the answers to what is the quality of education that our children are receiving. You are at the heart of the answer to that question. We all are going to be held accountable for the expenditure that takes place in education. We got the highest allocation in the budget for this year. We therefore have to ensure that we have optimal return on investment," she urged teachers.
