On Saturday, January 8, from 4 pm the Education Office of East Caribbean Conference will host a special ceremony in honour of former school principals from St. Joseph village, Primrose Alexander and Helena Warrington, at the St. Joseph Seventh day Adventist church.
In attendance will be the Minister of Education, Hon. Peter St. Jean; Parliamentary representative for the St. Joseph Constituency, Hon. Kelver Darroux; the administration of East Caribbean Conference of Seventh day Adventists with headquarters in Barbados; Seventh Day Adventist clergy in Dominica; parents, students, church members and well wishers. These women of valour have given distinctive service in the field of education for almost five decades.
Helena Warrington
From an early age, Mrs. Helena Warrington enjoyed taking care of younger children, and this keen interest convinced the villagers that she was destined to be a teacher.
Prophesy was fulfilled when in 1962 at age 17 Helena began her teaching career at San Sauvuer Government Primary School. During a six-year stint at the school, her passion for teaching and exceptional service won the admiration of the villagers.
However, in 1968 she was transferred to the St. Joseph Government Primary school and served there until 1980. But in 1976, during that 12-year period, she decided to be professionally trained and thus enrolled at the Dominica Teachers’ Training College. After graduation, she continued teaching at St. Joseph Government Primary school with distinction.
In 1980 while at St. Joseph Government school Mrs. Warrington received a call to serve as principal of the Roseau Seventh day Adventist Primary School. This deep desire to dedicate her talents to the Almighty meant giving up government benefits and devoting the rest of her life to His ministry. As principal she made indelible marks on the lives of many students. They all can attest to this: Mrs. Warrington epitomizes the characteristics of a noble teacher.
After serving the institution for 16 and a half years, she enrolled at Caribbean Union College in Trinidad, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in educational services in 1997. Upon her return to Dominica she was transferred to the St. Joseph SDA School as principal. She worked at that school until her retirement in December 2008.
Her tenure as an educator for almost five decades is marked by selfless, sacrificial and spiritual service. She understood the basic philosophy of SDA education and remained firm to its principles.
She was resolute in her commitment to preserve the legacy of the Adventist church. Although she has officially retired from active service, she has never ceased to make significant contributions to the development of SDA education in Dominica. Her role as a Board of Management member of the Dominica SDA Secondary School for six years until December 2010, and the significant support that she regularly gives to the administration at the Roseau SDA Primary school, speak volumes of her devotion.
Primrose Alexander
Primrose Alexander’s teaching career began at the St. Joseph Government School where she was a former student. She loved to study and attained a certificate in teacher education from the University of the West Indies, through in-service training, and in 1975 she entered the Teacher’s Training College and completed studies in 1976.
Upon the establishment of the St. Joseph SDA Primary School in 1978, Mrs. Alexander was invited to be the first principal. However, she did not commence duties until January 1979, having resigned her position as teacher of the St. Joseph Government School. That decision underscores her commitment to Christian education and her strong desire at the time to have a Seventh Day Adventist School established in the community. That decision would go on to have ripple effects on the church’s membership and the positive influence of the message on the community. She went on to serve with distinction for 16 years. During these years she must have graduated close to 500 students.
Mrs. Alexander completed her second certificate from the University of the West Indies in 1995. It was in educational supervision and management. She was then granted study leave for a period of three years beginning in 1996 to pursue studies at the Caribbean Union College. However, because of diligence, she completed her studies in only one year including summers.
After graduation she became the principal of the Roseau SDA Primary. During this tenure she was instrumental in transforming the academic performance, uplifting the spiritual tone, and ushering in a culture of excellence.
The impacts of these are still being felt. In 2000 she was forced to take medical leave. She remains sidelined as a result, but her commitment to Christian education continues undiminished, so does her love for children and working with parents.
For close to 50 years Mrs. Alexander’s contribution to Christian education and education in the community is legendary. Her legacy continues to be the topic of conversation among the many students, teacher, parents and colleagues she influenced and continue to influence.
The Seventh day Adventist church commends Mrs. Helena Warrington and Mrs. Primrose Alexander for their meritorious service in the field of Education, and wish them well.
Well I am not sure what to say, but you have done it all and there is no words to say thanks you for where i am today, I was not one of the lucky Students to start Secondary school in first form, but i finally made it from third form, and today I am in another Country serving and protecting those who live their. Just wanted to say Congratulations to teacher “Pim” as you were called by all your students to include me. And to Mrs. Warrington I want to say Congratulations and may the good lord be with you both. LIKE THEY BETTER LATE THAN NEVER. MY PRAYS ARE BOTH OF YOU.
The service today was indeed a tremendous blessing and I must say the former principals deserved all the flowers they received. It is while one is alive that they should know how much they are loved and the value of their hard work. Congrats to both.
Miss Magloire Job well done!
congrats to my mentor mrs.Alexander,this award was long awaiting!but you have lots of awards in many of your students heart.I know most people will remember u for the licks;but it made alot of us have a zeal to learn.so thank u so much.u will never be beforgotten.love…………congrats to mrs.Warrington.
Congratulations to both Teacher Pim and Mrs Warrington…I was not your student but thanks to you for giving my daughter the academic foundation that took her to where she is right now…thanks again and congratulations!!!!!!!
Boy boy boy! I can never forget the day teacher pim gave me a licking at JMV just for chewing gum. Hmm, well I MUST say from that day I have learnt a valuable lesson. I have been one of the fortunate persons to have been taught by both dynamic women. Congratulations on your awards. You both are greatly loved by all who knew you. One love and Jah’s guidance!
CONGRATULATIONS TO MY SISTER PRIMROSE WITH HER ACCOMPLISHMENT IN HER TEACHING CAREER. SGE HAS MOLDED MANY YOUNG MINDS AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU.
YOUR SISTER
JUNIE
Congratulations to Mrs. Warrington and to Teacher Primrose on receiving this award. You both deserve it for your invaluable contribution to education, to the St. Joseph community, and to Dominica.
There is a famous saying: “Who would like an empty purse? An empty brain would still be worse.” Many empty brains were filled through your efforts, reducing the number of empty purses. Many of your students have gone on to be successful.
Thanks, and may God continue to bless you richly.
Congrats to Ms Warrington, she was my principal at the Roseau SDA Primary School. She was a very great teacher and principal, also congats to Teacher Primrose, God bless you both. Thanks to the community for recognizng their worth now, when they can both enjoy it.
These two heroines of faith deserve all the honor being bestowed, for they have given of themselves without reservation to the education of young people, who have matured into men and women, and have in turn also made their mark in society. Congratulations to Mrs Alexander and Warrington who evoked excellence from their students and accepted no mediocricy. These two remarkable ladies have influenced many lives and their true reward is in heaven, where awaits a crown of righteousness which the righteous God will bestow on them the ultimate honor.
Congratulations!!
I couldn’t have said it better,Amos. Congrats to these two! I am a proud alumni of the St.Joseph SDA school. Wonderful memories;for the most part. Favorite teacher, Ms.Frampton-hand’s down!!
JKYP,Lesily,Amos, Karen,Josette,Lyan…those were my childhood friends…
:-)
c/o 88
congratulations to mrs.warrington all what i am today is because of the good morals she instilled in me, i love this lady to death. thank you miss and may god continue to bless you richly.also congratulations to mrs.alexander
These two heroines of faith deserve the honor being bestowed on them, for they have given of themselves without reservation to the education of young people, who have matured into men and women, who in turn have also made their mark in society. Congratulations to Mrs Alexander and Warrington who evoked excellence from their students. Ladies, you have influenced many lives and your true reward is in heaven, where awaits you a crown of righteousness which the righteous God will bestow on you.
Congratulations!!
correction
You have served with distinction and have made us proud. (Second line)
Teacher pim & mr.s warrington thanks for the highways and little avenues you help built for the youths of senjo to earn a buck.I must admit you did not only treat the symptoms of poverty but you help cure the disease,by shapeing the minds and potential of students of all walks of life.
We are told that anyone can steer a ship when the sea is calm, and the true captain is one who steers a ship during bad weather. The fact that you two retirees have steered the St. Joseph SDA Primary and Roseau SDA Primary for over two decades have led us to believe that indeed you are qualified as expert captains. You have successfully led our schools during the most difficult periods. Under your administration, the schools attained significant improvements and your successors have benefited from the foundation that you have established. Those who come in the sphere of your influence speak kindly of you. Please accept my praise, and appreciation for the role that you have played in your leadership capacity. The Education Office of East Caribbean Conference of Seventh day Adventist is proud of your achievements. Congratulations!!!
Congratulations to Mrs Warrington and Mrs Alexander. I have learnt from you both as colleagues.You have The highest reward for a person is not what they get for it but what they become of it. My dear ladies smell your roses while you are alive. I love you both.
miss alexander is my granmother congras
Congrats to these two stalwarts of education. I had the opportunity of working with both teacher Pim and Mrs Warrington, and I can tell you they were my mentors. As a Junior teacher at the time they both taught me self- discipline and work ethics. They also lived what they believed. God bless you both.
Chamby
I agree, kudos to them both
Congratulations to both of you on this honor. To my sister Primrose, you deserve this honor and so much more. You have impacted the lives of so many young people. I am glad you are getting your “flowers” now
!
Love,
Your sister Blossom
congratulation to my past teacher primrose
newton
MY two Seven Day Adventise Roseau Past Pricipals But miss Alexada give me a Nice beating boi ,(i Really love the Both of them ) aye i Give them Alot of Trouble n see they still smilling Love u all
i must say congratulation to you teacher pim u deserve your flowers while u a alive i am a past student
Congrats Mrs. Alexander. The right hand of God was truly pointing you in the right direction.
May God continue to bless you and your family especially Vernelle.
God bless
Martha & family
Congrats!!!!!
To teacher Pim and Sis. Warrington. You have touched my life and still does. May God richly bless you.
Past student St. Joseph SDA primary school.
congraulation
Mum, we are so proud of your achievements and your lifelong dedication to education. God has placed you and Mrs Warrington in our lives to bless us and create an atmosphere of heaven on this earth. Everyday of your life you gave of your time, talents and gifts to improve the lives of others.
You taught us how to love, how to give, how to live selflessly and how to strive for excellence. The Bible ask the question, who can find a virtuous woman? We have found in both of you the virtues described in scriptures and now as proclaimed by the wise man, her children has risen up to call her blessed and honour her.
We are thankful that all your hard work has been recognized locally and regionally by both government and religious institutions. So many people, young and old, have expressed to us the invaluable impact that you’ve had on their lives. So many lives have been brought closer to christ because of your examplery lifestyle.
Nothing can fully paint the picture of the pride that has been created on the canvasses of our minds because of your accomplisments. We will forever hold you in high esteem on this earth but your greatest reward and honour will be presented to you by Christ Himself in heaven. We love you God bless you!
Congratulation! Good Job, Well Done! Love you guys
Truly these two are in deed phenomenal women. I was privileged to work with both of them and it was a learning experience for me. Congratulations my dear ladies.
“God is looking down from His throne, and is sending His angels to this earth to cooperate with those who are teaching the truth”.–Ellen G. white.Ye Shall Receive Power, p.277
teacher pim still strike fear in my heart up to this day
Wowowo Congrats in many ways. Teacher Pime has always been who she is and will continue to be who she is. Even today I still have this fear of her but now its in a good way, as old as I am i will continue to remember those good old days when learning your timetables was a must and know all the prime ministers of the caribbean countries was a must, where we had JMV every Friday and morning worship every day. May you continue to be teacher Pime because there is no one out there like you.
Mrs. Warrington a lady after God’s own heart, for your excellent service I applaud you.
May God grant you both the strength to continue touching millions of lives.
Congrats to both ladies my sister and my friend you both have worked hard this is well deserved. may the Lord continue to shower his blessings and continue the work of assisting our future. God bless you both. Enjoy the flowers while living. Hallelujah
love you all.
Service well done.
You two were instrumental in shaping the best that we have produced in St.Joseph.
As a former student of both ladies at the St.Joseph Government school I say thank you to them for playing a part in shaping me and may God continue to richly bless them.
From Otrobando with love.
but their are many other principals who walked the roads down to hampsted Portsmouth and other parts in Dominica before motor vehicles were in abundance……
What sucks in Dominica is that so many folks are over looked because they arent Party or Government Backers or remain silent to their residence….
Their must be a standard when doing these awards etc….check your archieves before hand picking folks i dont objective to those being honoured but honestly their are those who have done the very same thing like them too,so the playing field should be level..
that why we have so much double standards in Present Day Dominica because we dont do things in fairness…..and see what we have bestowed on ourselves….folks who are educated mislead the citizens because they move on whom the like or prefer etc….
its time Dominicans come out of that slavery mind setting!! FREE YOURSELF UP DOMINICA..
people like you make the world go round true definition of HATER, well take on your own and honour those they forget nah.
did you not read properly that it is the adventist church honoring these teachers and it has nothing to do with government.
all of allu are haters. those people did do all the good deeds.
sir get your facts right new year new rule. ok.. this is a church organized thing so go and honor those that u remember
Please read again… Why not congratulate these two ladies .. Instead of commenting that way. It is not a Government thing.. It is the Seventh Day Adventist who is honouring these two principals. Does everything has to be given a political twist?
Congratulations Teacher Pimrose and Teacher Warrington. I just know you two ladies but I did not have the honour of being taught by either of you as I am not from St Joseph nor I attended Primary School when you taught. But from what I have heard of you two ladies, you have done a tremendous job of nurturing young minds and so many have been brought closer to the Lord by your exemplary behaviour. Once again I pray a blessing on you both and may our Father richly bless you both.
Congratulations to my aunty for being recognised for her sound excellence and job well done>You were always the one to keep us on tract with excelling to where we are right now,it was always appreciated and it proves by the positive cment others have to share.Also congratulations to mrs washington for her job well done.
Congratualtions to you mum (Mrs Alexander) and Mrs. Warrington. My heart is filled with pride and joy regarding this recognition. It’s been a long time coming but it could not come at a better time. I know that your community appreciates all your hard work and dedication. Love you.
I too would like to express my profound gratitude to my dear aunt for inculcating such deep
spiritual , moral and law abiding principles in my life . My aunt ” Teacher Pim ” has truly been
a blessing to me and to so …. many people in the St.Joseph community . Mama , is smiling down
at you from heaven right now ! I am elated at your high esteem and continued exemplary
living especially in a society where good role models are swiftly dying . I also want to take this
opportunity to congratulate Mrs. Warrington too . Aunty , You taught me and you taught me
exceptional though i never liked the licks with that rubber belt for not knowing my time-tables .
May God bless both of You …… Deepest Love !
Congratulations to you both reaally deserve this award. I was one of the very fortunate people to be blessed by teacher pim back in the day….. Trus me she was great
I was blessed to have Mrs. Warrington as one of my teachers during my early years in primary school. Though she left at some point, I never lost the respect for her. She was such a warm individual that you could do nothing but love her.
As a for resident of the village of St. Joseph, I must say congratulations to both ladies for all the positive they have poured into my community. Though I never had teacher Pim as a teacher, but we all knew about the “very strict” Teacher Pim whom wanted nothing but the best for and from her students.
Congratulations!!!
Corrections … former resident of St. Joseph….last line – who wanted
Ladies, my heart goes out to you and your families. I am not a product of formal christian education but I interfaced with both of you during your tenure at the Roseau SDA Primary School where my four children were educated. Thanks for all the hard work and patience you exercised while education my children and coping with me. I am sure it took a lot from both of you to depart the comfort of your Government jobs and move to denominational employment where the perks and benefits are not so much. But I am sure you felt better; more satisfied and full; got job satisfaction, etc., etc..
I however do not think you should recline to your rocking chairs simply because you have attained a certain age. There are many opportunities for educators who are willing to offer continuing and adult education at evening classes. There are private schools needing management and administration expertise. There are many short-term consultancies for people like you with tremendous expertise and experience. So, ladies, may God lead you to another level of service as you retire from one and move to another. Cheers.
Congratulations ladies,good to see that you all are being recognized especially from the wonderful village of st.joseph.May the lord continue to bless the both of you.
She taught me how to read and am so happy for her and Mrs. Warrington right know she is still working with one of my daughter after school Lord please give long life health and strength i just love that lady Mrs. Alexander
Congratulations to Mrs. Warrington & Mrs. Alexander.
Congrats to these ladies for their services to the christian education of the young ones.
Teacher Pim is one of a kind. She a very influencial lady in the community of St Joseph. That honour is long outstanding .The love she showed as a teacher in and out of the class room has touched many. Even after her retirement teacher Pim has maintained a reputation as being the most dynamic prinicple at the St.Joseph District.Everybody wanted their child to go to teacher pim school because they knew of the level of discpline that she nuture into the most wayward child. She is a born teacher that is her gift. She is blessed. I remember how she use to drill us to learn our timetable and punish us with that brown leather belt if we didnot say it right and in the next five minutes she would pass and hug you and kiss you.You just couldnot stay mad at teacher Pim. I love that lady. Thank you for being part of my life. .
Congrate to Miss Warrington as well.
I was blessed enough to have had Mrs. Alexander as principal during my time at the St. Joseph SDA. She was a great principal and her staff was awesome. Congratulations are in order.
Congratulations to Mrs. Warrington and Mrs Alexander. I had the pleasure of being one of Mrs Warrington’s students at the Roseau SDA primary school and she was a no nonsense and fair principal. Don’t ever let her size fool you because she has the personality of a giant. And my daughter had Mrs Alexander as her principal some years later. Again I say congratulations. A job well done.
Congratulations to the both of you. You deserve this recognition. May God continue to use the both of you in His vineyard.
Congratulations to u both. Well done. God Bless
Congratulations!
go for it mr.s Warrington and mr.s Alexander
Congratulations to Mrs Primrose Alexander and Mrs Helena Warrington on such great achievements. Thanks for helping shape the lives of my 5 kids Aldin, Vanessa, Shanita, Eleonore and Eusica who were very fortunate for attending your school. May God richly bless you all.
THAT IS MY PRINCIPAL RIGHT THERE!!!!!!!!! Teacher “Pim” I love you to death.. All I am today is because you taught me well… I am sooooooooooo happy for you. Congrats hun!