It’s been a special week at Tete Morne Primary School, as they kicked off literacy week with the grand opening of their new school library this Monday.
Led by the library committee, composed of Ms. Andra Laurent, Peace Corps Volunteer Elena MacDonald, Miss Emanuelina Toussaint, and Miss Shanice James, teachers and community members have been working on this project for several months. They express great excitement to be able to open it up to their very eager students.
The project’s success is due in no small part to contributions from Harris Paints Dominica Ltd and Raffoul & Co Ltd as well as financial sponsorship from other friends of the school. Among these is Hands Across the Sea, an organisation dedicated to enhancing literacy across the Eastern Caribbean, which has worked directly with the school for the past 4 years providing new, age-appropriate, culturally-appropriate, high-interest books and other materials.
As Ms. MacDonald thanked these donors during the ceremony, she concluded that their generosity indicates a faith in the school and the students’ potential that is inspiring.
Several members of the community and friends of the school were in attendance. Grand Bay branch librarian, Karen Brown, gave a few words explaining how the real value in a library comes not from its existence, but from it’s use. She elaborates further, “The more you read the more you grow… You can grow in knowledge… You can grow in wisdom… You can grow in content… You can grow in ability.”
Former Principal Mrs. Theresa Hector, given the honour to cut the ribbon, also gave a motivational speech, encouraging students to read everyday. She explained that through reading, our children can learn new skills, travel to new places, and even improve as students.
The rest of the week featured ample reading time for all classes, as well as literacy focused activities. Among these was a parade through the village with chants promoting “Reading is fun! Read everyday!” and “…nothing on my mind but reading, reading all the time!” The students wore their homemade vocabulary hats so they could share their words or stop to read a story with those they met along the road.
With a goal to engage students and the community, Tete Morne Primary School is promoting a love of reading in every child.
Well done Mrs Jude, and the rest of the staff. Teaching is an onerous job/profession, and i always admire those who selflessly give it their best.Hope the result manifest itself soon, and we have better readers and writers of the English language.
Go Tete Morne school…..job well done
Very productive,
Education impacts quality of life. Read on children, read on.
Well done Ms McDonald and the team. Keep inspiring the students to succeed.