A new academic year started mostly with the customary good intentions on Monday, despite the reality of some schools still dealing with negative effects from Hurricane Irma. In addition, the absence of 18 staffers at the PSVE section of St. Maarten Academy (see related story) indicates a continued lack of confidence there in the principal backed by the foundation’s board.
It was nevertheless an overall upbeat beginning with high hopes regarding the future. While some of the youngest going to “big school” for the first time shed a tear or two as usual, the majority of pupils seemed happy enough to be back in the classroom.
Even a few parents had trouble parting with their offspring after the summer vacation, but that feeling will no doubt soon be replaced by a sense of relief about them no longer needing to be watched at home all day. The downside is often having to take the children to and from school every weekday, but at least they are now again in a learning process and kept busy in a constructive manner during the morning hours.
One interesting development reported on in today’s paper was the introduction of a “Wall of Fame” at Sundial School. The plan is to honour students for their accomplishments that way.
Although this may seem quite unimportant, one should not underestimate the significance of such a stimulus for those involved and others wanting to follow suit. Using adults as examples for youths is one thing; but having actual positive role models among their peers quite another.
