Newly-announced National Teacher of the Year 2010-2012, Mrs. Afrika Karamo-Miller of Sister Mary Patricia Russell Junior High School performs a violin serenade for Ministry officials and teachers at a Back to School rally for educators.

Minister of Education, The Honourable T. Desmond Bannister challenged Grand Bahama teachers to work harder to produce better results in national examinations and improve literacy and numeracy in the island’s schools. He told the packed gymnasium at the St. Georges’ High School that while he was called on to rally them, he must provide them with an honest picture of the national landscape in Grand Bahama. The Minister pointed out that for far too long, primary schools in Grand Bahama have remained at the lower level of the achievement ladder at the national level. He also noted that there are signs of improvement at the senior high school level.

The Minister called for greater parental involvement in education in Grand Bahama and encouraged teachers to enlist parents’ support in their children’s education.

“The opening of school is an opportune time to reach out to parents to acquire their email addresses in addition to their telephone numbers to ensure multiple lines of communication are available to update parents and involve them in their children’s progress, the Minister suggested.

The Ministry of Education’s theme for the 2010/2011 Academic Year is: “Parents, Students, Schools: A Winning Combination for Excellence in Education.”

The Minister commended Mr. Marvin Rolle, Principal of St. Georges’ High School for his school’s performance in the 2010 Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education. Thirty students from St. Georges’ attained five or more BGCSE with grades C and above for the first time in the school’s history. Last year, only twelve students were able to accomplish this feat. He further told them not to rest on their laurels but instead to look to competing with public and private high schools throughout the country. Additionally, he challenged teachers from the Eight Mile Rock and Jack Hayward High School not to settle for being the number two or three high school in Grand Bahama

Minister Bannister used the occasion to announce Mr. Julian Anderson, former Principal of the R. M. Bailey High School as the Acting District Superintendent for Grand Bahama High School, All-Age and Special Schools. Mr. Anderson replaced Mr. Hezekiah Dean who retired after serving fifty years in the public education system. Another surprising announcement made was the elevation of Mrs. Afrika Karamo-Miller to the position of National Teacher of the Year 2010-2012. Mrs. Karamo Miller replaced Mrs. Andrea Simms-Adderley, the initial winner who is on study leave.

Also during his two-day visit to Grand Bahama, the Minister and his delegation which f toured schools throughout Grand Bahama to access their readiness for the new school year and to meet with principals and teachers of the various schools to hear their concerns. The delegation included Mrs. Elma Garraway, Permanent Secretary and Mr. Lionel Sands, Director of Education.