Ile Perseverance North primary school celebrates its 10th anniversary   |15 June 2023

The Ile Perseverance North primary school celebrated its tenth year anniversary on Tuesday morning with a special ceremony at the school, which also included presentation of awards to teachers who have served for ten years.

The two-hour long ceremony, which began with a blessing from the district’s pastor Father Fosten, and performance by the Perseverance primary school choir, took place in the presence of Education minister, Dr Justin Valentin, and his colleague from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Family, Marie-Celine Zialor, the principal secretary for Education, Merna Eulentin, elected member of the National Assembly for Perseverance, Honourable Desheila Bastienne and other guests.

In her opening address, the school’s head teacher, Bernadette Maria, said they had gathered to celebrate ten years of hard work, perseverance and success.

Taking the leadership role in 2015 as the head teacher, she stated it was a challenge at first but being surrounded by an amazing team she could overcome many limitations and together they made all things possible.

The vision of the Ile Perseverance North primary school is to create a conducive learning environment where all individuals are valued.

“Teaching is centred on the needs and interests of students where each of them is given equal opportunities to develop to their full potential,” said Ms Maria.

The head teacher stated that it was the responsible of the school to create a conducive learning space where staff, students, parents and stakeholders can work together in team spirit towards a common goal.

Through the years Ile Perseverance primary has countless achievements namely coming out on top for the primary six national exams at the end of 2019, in 2021 two students were awarded second and third place for the primary six national exams and after the inspectorate evaluation last year they obtained a good grade, which shows the team’s continuous dedicated effort have been fruitful.

However, Ms Maria said they still have some challenges to tackle despite their achievements, but these could be overcome with the support of the Ministry of Education.

The head teacher proudly stated that in the past years, eight members of their staff have been promoted to senior management level. “Some of these people are still with us at the school and some are in other schools helping other pupils,” said Ms Maria.

In her inspiring speech, Ms Maria also urged the staff and parents to keep on nurturing their students by providing them with the necessary guidance, love and support so they may become long life learners and achieve their goals.

Before leaving the podium, Ms Maria had a special message for her students. “Dear students, many opportunities have been brought forward, we ask you to take your studies seriously and make sure you achieve in becoming responsible citizens in our society tomorrow.”

For his part, Minister Valentin applauded the teachers and other staff for their good work in preparing the students for their future and that of the country.

“On behalf of the education community I would like to say thank all for giving the students this best deal and we count on you to ensure that the student of this school will grow to become the best citizens of this country,” said Minister Valentin.

Citing the theme ‘Fer Lekol Gou’, Minister Valentin urged the school to promote fun and artistic activities for the kids, so that in return they would like the school.

Minister Zialor delivered a special message on behalf of Vice-President Ahmed Afif, stating “it is important to acknowledge the milestone of a school and therefore it is important to celebrate their achievements”.

As the minister for sports, she also urged the students to not only achieve academic success but also to fare well in sports.

Inspired by the school’s choir following Tuesday’s performance, the two ministers announced they will be initiating a choir competition in November this year for both primary and secondary levels to coincide with the International Children’s Day.

The ceremony also included an award ceremony to recognise staff who have spent ten years at the school. They are Beryl Dogley, Sylvette Max, Marie-Cecile Jerry, Mandy Harryba, Paulette Gabriel, Peggy Boniface, Anissa Jill, Vanessa Joseph, Lianette Andre, Betty Barbe, Marie-Claude Rasamivelona, Marie-Claire Milius, Lynn Asba and Joseph Payet, who has been the school’s tuck-shop owner for the past ten years and who aspires to be a teacher.

The ceremony ended with an exhibition of the students arts projects followed by refreshments.

The accompanying photos show highlights of the event.

Text & photos by Neil Sirame