Two teachers, who between them, gave 80 years to the teaching profession in Dominica, were given a grand send-off at the St. Luke’s Primary School on Friday as they go into retirement.
Adeline Dubois David, affectionately known as Teacher Adeline, and Rosilia Le Blanc, also known as Teacher Rosilia, were honored guests at a special ceremony at the school which began with an elaborate display of trumpets, drums and Belle dancers, followed by a mass presided over by Bishop of Roseau, Gabriel Malzaire and lunch.
The two are well known in Pointe Michel, where St. Luke’s is located, and they have taught several generations of students.
Teacher Rosilia, who actually retired in 2013, told DNO she decided to become a teacher some 40 years ago because of her love for the profession and the love of being with children.
“To tell you the truth, it is something that I love, something that I could not give up but I had to,” she stated. “It’s enjoyable, I like being with the children, I like interacting with the children, I love my teachers, we were like one.”
She admits that there were difficult times during her long career but said she enjoyed it.
Le Blanc began her teaching career in 1971 at the Soufriere Primary School where she taught for a year and six months before moving to the St Luke’s Primary school.
She stayed there for the next 37 years.
She was born in Portsmouth but has been living in Pointe Michel for over 20 years. She has three children and one grandson.
Teacher Adeline began teaching in 1974 at the age of 18.
Her career began at the St. Luke’s Primary School, where she remained until she retired in December 2014.
She described her years of teaching as “wonderful.”
“They were wonderful years,” she remarked.
She said she has spent most of her life at the school where she arrived before the clock struck 8:00 am and where she would remain late into the night.
She recalls having to wait for a “whole hour” to catch the bus to her home in Canefield after she left the school compound at nights.
“But it’s just part of me,” she said.
The veteran teacher is indebted to her very supportive family “who never complained.”
Quite apart from normal duties, Teacher Adeline was involved in providing counselling and mediation to students and their parents as well as teachers. She was also involved in evening classes for many, many years.
She said she through the years, she enjoyed re-arranging her classroom on a regular basis, which creates great excitement among her students.
She has compiled a reading book for students of Grade K, a penmanship book and has penned a booklet entitled, “The Nuns are Back,” which she said consists of a history of St. Luke’s “in a dramatic way.”
She copped the Teacher of the Year in Dominica in 2010 and has received various certificates of excellence over the years.
Teacher Adeline plans to provide voluntary service to St. Luke’s but first she said she needs “a little rest.”
Congrats to you both!! Real great teachers! their passion and love for children were always amazing.
I am not sure if it was done, but an invitation to past students would be nice. Alma mater for my two girls and myself. I just love teacher Adaline!!! Always! God bless you both and may you enjoy your retirement. Hats off to people like you who give your all to the noble profession! National award in order – I nominate!!
wow., Congratulations to both teachers. You have done well. I remember them both starting their career whilst still a student at St.Lukes Primary. They look well. Job well done.
Its with excitement and happiness to read about two most beautiful teachers, your student wont forget you. As teacher Adeline mention she will continue to support after a rest, indeed that’s a blessing may God bless you two and enjoy your retirement.
These are the true heroes of the land … I salute you and pray that your many years of retirement will bring you joy, so much joy and some much needed rest. God bless you and thank you so much.
I commend both ladies for their service. However , it’s unfair that after all those years they are leaving without gratuity and a pension. The forces that be know how hypocritical they are in their treatment of people who are leaving the service after working for the “church”. They are very much aware that the concerns and well being of the teachers have never been taken into consideration. It’s a shame on the church.
Congrats to two off our amazing teachers, thank you for everything you all did for me , my son, and my grandkids, enjoy you all retirement and may God continue to bless you all.
Hello and good morning my people. Well I want to say thanks to Teacher Adeline and Teacher Rosilia for your dedicated service to our citizens and country. I must also say thank you to their family for allowing our citizens to be part of their family.
Very good send off for them. Always best to give ppl their flowers while they alive. Well done St. Luke’s Primary in recognizing your own
So very proud of these two individuals who selflessly gave off themselves so that future leaders will come from their sacrifice. Theses are really true heroes and so deserving of long service/meritorius award next Independant Day Celebrations. thanks again.
You made it and thanks for helping the children. I remembered Rosilia very well she used to live in Vieille Case. Good luck and enjoy your retirement.
Well done. You all are great individuals. Great role models for the other teachers and great caregivers. I do hope the other teachers learn from you guys. Great job to all teachers, Sir Carlton and sis. Anita.
Hi Rosilia
I can attest to your dedication and professionalism as I was a colleague during your term in Soufriere.
I recall that you used to be a voracious reader; I therefore hope that you will keep mentally stimulated through that medium.
God willing, the celebratory drinks will be on me, when I am next in the homeland.
Cheers!
While I must say congratulations are in order but on the same token I say it is not enough to just say good job and leave it just there. Teachers need better pay. The teacher said she had to stay hours awaiting a ride after school to get to her home. With better pay she would have a little car to take her home. The powers that be need take a critical look at teachers’ pay with a view of making it more attractive.
Congratulations and thanks to these two teachers for their years of service. Generations to come will benefit from their dedication and commitment to the teaching profession.
CONGRATULATION ENJOY RETIREMENT DO WHAT U ALL GO SEE THE WORLD FLY HIGH DO U LADIES
Interesting and excellent story of two teachers who took their responsibility seriously and loved it.
God bless you with a happy and healthy retirement for many years to come.
Both look like they have the energy to do another 10- 15 yrs