In the heights of Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) celebrations, the quiet witness of teachers stands as a testament to their dedication and willingness to give their children the spotlight and glory. A Gleaner team visited select schools in the Corporate Area to highlight a few of these unsung heroines.
Ponsettia Edwards has lost count of the number of years she has been teaching grade-six students at the George Headley Primary School in St Andrew. She did a short stint in grade five, but has come to find that her passion lies in the thrill of preparing her students for exams.
Principal of George Headley Primary Aretha Willie told The Gleaner that Edwards is a dedicated teacher who knows how to get the best results from her children. The results, of course, speak for themselves as it was from her class that the top-performing boy and girl at the school emerged.
no secret formula
At St Richards Primary, it was Eulie Mantock’s students who scooped up the excellent passes in the GSAT.
“There is really no secret formula. I just try to push my students to do their best and live up to the school’s motto of being excellent in all things,” she said.
Principal at St Richards Maureen Wong wasted no breath in singing her praises.
“Ms Mantock is really an exceptional teacher. She has gone the extra mile for the students. She is also the coach for the Schools’ Challenge Quiz team and has given tireless service. We are just sad that she is leaving us this year,” she said.
Paulette Wright of Pembroke Hall Primary says that teaching is her calling and, despite the challenges, she takes great pleasure in seeing her students excel given the difficult circumstances that some of them have to overcome.
“All of my days and most of my nights were used to prepare the students, so I am really pleased about the passes. I expected my top students to do well so I am not so surprised at the results. Teaching is a passion for me and I have given and will continue to give my all,” she said.
