Education Minister Burchell Whiteman (centre-right, front row) poses with St. Ann teachers after a luncheon held in their honour at the Runaway Bay Heart Hotel, St. Ann yesterday. At left is The Gleaner's Editor-in-chief Garfield Grandison. - Norman Grindley /Staff Photographer MORE THAN 50 educators from the parish of St. Ann were saluted by The Gleaner Company for their sterling contribution to education in that parish, yesterday.
The teachers and principals, who were feted at a special Teachers' Day luncheon held at the Runaway Bay Heart Hotel in St. Ann in the presence of Education Minister, Burchell Whiteman, and editor-in-chief of The Gleaner, Garfield Grandison, were awarded special certificates and gift packages. They were also introduced to The Gleaner's Teachers' Plan, under which The Gleaner will be delivered to their schools each weekday morning at a discounted price.
The teachers, some of whom were overwhelmed by The Gleaner's gesture, said they were happy that their efforts in the classroom were being recognised.
"Thanks a million to The Gleaner," said Barbara E. Miles, principal of the Runaway Bay All-age, "I have never been treated like this before," she added.
Minister Whiteman, who also lauded the teachers for their efforts in the classroom, reiterating points from his Teachers' Day message, especially singled out those teachers, who he says take the time to positively affect the life of the every child under their care and not just being content with the welfare of the majority.
"I believe that as we celebrate the special contribution of teachers, we have to make some special points of commending every teacher who regards the individual child as a specific and important child," said Minister Whiteman.
"... It is the extent to which we are adding value to the life of each of our children that we can really take credit.
"If I seem to be emphasising this point it is because I realise that while good things are happening in the system there are still a number of children falling through the cracks and we have to work together to protect them and develop them," explained the Minister.
