There will be no graduation exercise at the Allman Town Infant School this year as most parents failed to handover the $6,000 graduation fee by the deadline set by the administration. However despite the struggle to find the money, most parents have expressed disappointment at the school’s decision to cancel.
According to principal of the school, Dorothy Mason-Balmer, while a graduation ceremony is not important for basic school children, many parents demand this exercise despite the cost.
“For me personally I don’t think a graduation is important, but parents have created a culture where they want to see their little babies go off and so they are the ones excited about it, so we had discussions with them telling them exactly what the costs go towards and the majority of the parents were in agreement.”
Mason-Balmer explained that the $6,000 fee included venue rental, gown rental, package pictures as well as tokens for the students and friends of the school.
However promises made by the parents were never met, as the date for the payment of these funds passed with the parents of only five of the 43 children making the requested contribution, forcing the schools administration to cancel the ceremony.
“Many of the parents said they just couldn’t find the money, but they were disappointed that we decided to cancel and asked for more time to make the payments. But I said to them if you don’t have it there is no use for you to keep pushing yourselves,” explained Mason-Balmer.
“Let the children go off and have fun with their friends, after all these children are going to primary schools, they are going to need books, and pencils, why spend $6,000 if you don’t have it.”
The principal is right if you don’t have the money leave graduation alone. What I propose is have a celebratory party and print out some internet diplomas. They are going to need the $6000 for books, pencil and lunch money.
Agree 101% with you,you couldn’t have summed it up any better.
(Simplicity soon sign in )
So true! And s=when September morning come a dem same one a bawl how dem nah no money to send dem kids go school. We need to prioritize better man!
Of course, in addition to the $6,000 fee, the mother must have the best outfit to wear to the event. Just like funerals in Jamaica, some people will seek out opportunity to hype/model and their child’s graduation is just an excuse to do so. When did this trend of graduation from Basic & Primary schools started?
The principal is a 100% right!