As Carmelo Dorsett prepares to move on to the next stage of his academic life, the St. Cecilia's Primary School sixth grade student said he will carry with him fond memories of the seven years he spent at the institution - but the one thing that he said stands out the most, is the dedication of the teachers.
“They pushed me to my limits, and I thought at first that it was because they did not like me, but then I realized it was because they saw potential in me and wanted me to become a highly educated student,” said Carmelo as he participated in the school’s Grade Six Retreat and Reflection Day.
“I will forever be grateful and thankful for what they did. So, I say to the teachers, thank you very much.”
Claudette Rolle, Catholic Board of Education (CBE) director, felt it was imperative that CBE primary schools sixth grade students engage in a retreat day this year, after having dealt with the gamut of emotions due to the pandemic and virtual learning.
The past 14 months have been a challenge for our grade six students, and ending their primary school experience with an event that is meaningful is important. The day of reflection gives them an opportunity to retreat from the pressures of schooling and think about how they have developed spiritually, mentally, and physically during their seven-year journey,” said Rolle.
The CBE director wanted the retreat day to encompass a spiritual aspect as well as a high school preparation aspect to help the primary school students as they make their transition to secondary school.
“During the course of the day, the activities bring them to the realization that they are closing one chapter of their lives and preparing to begin another. In a year that was atypical, it is important to bring closure to their experiences and give them hope that there is much to look forward to.”
Fellow graduating peer, Ahmaad Higgs, who, too, had been a student at the school for seven years, said the teachers made him feel like he could do anything.
Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian
