English River secondary holds first symposium |14 August 2023

The symposium in full swing

Partners discuss key issues to improve school’s environment

By Diane Larame

Students, parents, teachers and other education stakeholders of the English River secondary school gathered at Club 55 in Victoria on Saturday for a one-day symposium to discuss how to improve the school’s environment into a place where students can thrive.

The first independent symposium organised by the school in collaboration with the Parents Teacher Association and the School Council, was held under the theme ‘Nou Lekol’ (Our School).

The objectives were to collaboratively work with all stakeholders to build an effective relationship for the betterment of the school, promote a school environment that is supportive of the students’ welfare and wellbeing and also to assess ways in which to improve the school's image and infrastructure; the latter revealed as the biggest issue the school was facing.

The symposium started with an introductory remark by the school's head teacher, Steve Hoareau, who said that it was important to look at how the school was doing and how it can be improved to become better for the staff, students and parents.

“When we step into the school we need to ask ourselves, ‘Are we achieving our school's mission and vision?’ We need to create that good environment so our students can thrive. And for this we need to have a better relationship with our stakeholders, staff and parents,” he said.

This was then followed by a presentation by the deputy head teacher, Ted Arrisol, who displayed and explained the school's mission, vision and core values. “Our goal is to spread the message that English River secondary is a magnificent school and the reputation is getting better and better,” he stated.

Speaking to the media, Sir Steve, the head teacher, said that to improve the school, all those involved need to come together.

“We know that we have done a lot already but we are not satisfied, and together as a team we made the decision to have this symposium to address these issues,” he said.

He added that the symposium was not focused on discussing education methods or difficulties but rather the services the school offers and how to improve them.

During Saturday’s symposium, the participants were divided into groups to discuss five main thematic areas which included infrastructure and facilities, students’ welfare and services,  autonomy, partnership, communication and public relations. This was then followed by a plenary discussion.

Sir Steve said the recommendations that came out of the discussion will be used to adjust the school’s strategic plan so that the School Council and PTA could work on their action plans.

He said the recommendations were all in line with the symposium’s three objectives and the theme ‘Nou lekol’.

“We will classify what will be done in the short term, medium term and long term,” explained Sir Steve.

Mathias Valentin, one of the students who joined the English River secondary school two years ago, said his parents were a bit wary to send him to English River secondary school in S3 after leaving International School. Mathias, who is now in S5, said his experience so far  has been nothing but good and encouraging.

“My expectation was not good I can say but upon entering the school it was really different from what I thought. The staff was welcoming, the students were comforting and the teaching in class was well delivered. The overall atmosphere at the school was calming but also exciting,” he said.

Saturday’s symposium also saw the launch of the school’s official website.

Photos by Louis Toussaint