The Alma Parris Academy paused to reflect on its journey during a one-year anniversary service held at St Peter’s Parish Church, Church Street, Speightstown, St Peter, bringing together students, educators, parents, board members and representatives of the Ministry of Educational Transformation.
The service, held on Tuesday, was officiated by Reverend Canon Peter Haynes and celebrated one year since the Academy reopened its doors after being closed down.
Addressing the congregation, acting deputy principal Peter Browne described the milestone as both a celebration and a moment of recommitment.
“This is our first anniversary…. We have achieved our first milestone. One year. We are on a journey…. Therefore, we are here to celebrate and to give thanks to Almighty God, to give thanks for the efforts and the commitment shown by those who have taken part in this vision,” Browne said.
He told those gathered that the focus must remain firmly on students.
“Because here lies the future of our country. Each child matters. We must embrace this vision,” Browne said, while calling for continued support for the institution as it moves forward.
Chairman of the Board Catherine Jordan linked the Academy’s mission to the legacy of the woman after whom it is named.
She reminded the audience that Helen Alma Parris was “a prominent Barbadian educator from the north and a community leader… known for her commitment to inclusive education.”
Jordan reflected on how Parris went beyond the classroom, explaining that “she selflessly located her residence at one time to establish a day care in her house for the siblings of her students,” allowing older children to attend school. According to the chairman, that spirit of care continues to guide the Academy today.
Reflecting on the evolution of the institution, she recalled that when the government opened the initial school on the site, it aimed to offer an alternative curriculum for students who needed additional support.
“We felt we could do the same for children who at the time needed special care and we offered them that care,” she said.
Jordan pointed to the school’s achievements, noting that former students had gone on to careers in areas such as technical trades, hospitality and nursing.
She stressed that success was never measured by academics alone.
“Punctuality and regularity… good conduct, respect for self and others were as important as subject knowledge,” she said, attributing this to “the care, patience and dedication of teachers”.
Jordan reminded the students of their own responsibility in shaping their futures.
“You students are the most important people in your success,” she said, urging punctuality, regular attendance and respect as essential parts of school life.
Acting Principal Harriette Williams said the anniversary theme, ‘Shaping the Future: One year of purpose and progress’, captured the Academy’s first year of operation. She explained that the institution was conceptualised by the Ministry of Educational Transformation to serve a specific group of learners within a supportive environment.
“From its very beginning, the Academy has been guided by a clear mission to nurture the potential of every learner,” Williams said.
She outlined several highlights from the past year, including participation in sporting competitions, educational field trips, leadership workshops and recognition by UNICEF. She noted that the academy opened with 24 students and a carefully selected teaching staff, adding that the teachers were chosen “with great care” to ensure they had the skills to mentor and guide students effectively.
Deputy Chief Education Officer Reverend Stephen Scott said the Ministry was pleased with the school’s progress to date, describing the Academy as part of the broader transformation agenda focused on relevant and modern education.
Canon Haynes spoke of the significance of partnership and heritage, describing the reopening of the school as a positive development for the area.
“You have a very wonderful heritage which has been passed on to you,” he said, while encouraging those connected to the Academy to appreciate the legacy they are inheriting and building upon.
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