The Power of Education - Ministry Focuses on Thinking Globally

Issue 11 | 01 Sept, 2018

Building Resilience

OUR SAINT LUCIA www.govt.lc

Bi-monthly Progress Report from the Government of Saint Lucia

The Power of Education Ministry Focuses on Thinking Globally

02

01 Sept 2018

FOCUS ON EDUCATION

CONTENTS School Security a serious concern

Education: we all have a part to play

Soufriere on the rise

Special Message from Education Minister

Back to School Tips

Ministers on the Move

www.govt.lc

4 5 6

8-9 11 13

In this week’s issue of OUR SAINT LUCIA the spotlight is on education as we look at the start of a new school year, some of the initiatives in education and the plans for the future.

A Call To Protect Our Children Acting Chief Education Officer Ruffina Charles last week, sent out a stern warning to school administrators who, in any way, would violate students under their care.

The Education Official made her pronouncement at an Education Planning Meeting for the new academic year.

The Acting Chief Education Officer says she is concerned of the continued cases of indecent and inappropriate behaviour within the classroom between teacher and student and makes it clear that she will protect no-one who violates a child.

She acknowledged that the inappropriate behavior from both male and female teachers not only hinders the work being done by the Ministry to further develop the sector but ultimately negatively impact the lives of the children affected.

Ms. Charles called on District Education Officers, present at the education planning meeting, to play their part in helping the Division of education to stamp out this scourge.

The Instructional Focus Meeting, as it called, is being held to the theme Changing Mindsets - Ensure that all Learners Succeed.

Acting Deputy Chief Education Officer Dawson Ragunanan says it is fitting to bring all heads of the main units within the Education Ministry to take stock of the gains and setbacks of the past year, as a means of further strengthening the strategy to ensure success throughout the education sector.

He says feedback is an essential tool to improve student learning and teacher instructional practices. However, he says feedback needs to be timely, clear, descriptive and focused on improvement.

The Instructional Focus Meeting was held at the NSDC Conference facility in Vieux Fort.

Building Resilience

M

www.govt.lc

03

Early Childhood Education a Top Priority inister with responsibility for Education, Hon. Dr Gale Rigobert continues to stress the importance of early childhood education in Saint Lucia, saying that it is at the very core and foundation of the Education Sector.

This, as the Ministry of Education continues its support for integrated early childhood care and development in the education system.

It is the Government’s policy to ensure that every child is able to access early childhood education no matter their socio-economic background or which part of the island they are from.

Just last month, early childhood trainers in Saint Lucia were granted the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge as it relates to

“We are here today to support the effectively training of service providers towards acquiring competencies for planning curricula and implementing activities for improvement in the early childhood sector. Saint Lucia is the first island in the OECS to undertake this pilot project,” Ms. Prince said.

Acting Deputy Chief Education Officer for Instruction Dawson Ragunanan stated that the Department of Education remains committed to the early childhood sector and called on the participants to be the change the sector needs.

“The early childhood development curricula framework is key in providing the guidance to ensure that the students have a safe, nurturing and healthy environment so that these children can reach their full potential. Educators would be the better place to understand how children learn, forcing paradigm shifts and changing mindsets,” Ragunanan explained.

Facilitator Ann Hamilton-Dopwell expressed hope that the workshop will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to be the change agents for early childhood development.

planning training programmes for practitioners to use the early childhood curriculum framework.

The delivery of the early childhood curriculum framework is expected to be enhanced as childhood trainers participated in the recently held workshop at the Early Childhood Development Center.

The main aim of the workshop according to facilitators was to build capacity in the area of childhood trainers in Saint Lucia who can effectively train practitioners in developing the curricula and framework for early childhood.

Following the workshop, Education Officer for Early Childhood Education Agnes Prince said that she was very pleased that participants could share their expertise and work together to ensure child-centered principles and harmonization.

According to her; “this initiative to develop the skills of trainers to enable early childhood practitioners to use the OECS curriculum framework and handbook falls under the umbrella of professional development. Professional development is defined as those processes and activities designed to enhance professional knowledge, skills and attitudes of educators. This training of trainers workshop is intended to do just that.”

The OECS and UNICEF have partnered with the Early Childhood Services Unit to support the development of the early childhood curriculum framework.

The Ministry of Education in Saint Lucia has a unit dedicated to Early Childhood Education. Its mission: To develop a system of Early Childhood Education aimed at satisfying the needs and demands of both children and their parents by, promoting the development of young children in a safe and stimulating environment designed to impact positively on the learning skills and styles of the children and their parents; and to empower their parents and care-givers to play a more conscious, informed role in the holistic development of each child through education services.

04

01 Sept 2018

www.govt.lc

School Security Officers Now Better Equipped!

S

tudents in Saint Lucia are expected to return to their respective schools next week, with the assurance that school security personnel are now more adequately prepared to deal with various incidents.

Last year, following a spate of school robberies on the island, Minister with responsibility for Education Hon. Dr. Gale Rigobert said it was time for action, not just from the stand point of the Ministry of Education or the Royal St. Lucia Police Force but the Saint Lucian community as well.

Training programme helped to prepare security officers to keep schools and children safe.

Dr. Rigobert at the time made it clear that the issue was one that was actively being addressed with all stakeholders, including the Royal St. Lucia Police Force.

The school watchmen and security officers were awarded for their participation the security training programme.

And earlier this year The Ministry of Education made good on its word by engaging The Royal St. Lucia Police Force in providing training for some 25 watchmen and security guards from schools to help increase their efficiency on the job.

Human Resource Officer in the Department of Education Yolande Giraudy says the Division of Education remains committed to working with the Royal St. Lucia Police Force to ensure they have a cadre of professionals and well-disciplined security officers.

The training program conceptualized by the Department of Education, Innovation and gender relations, was part of a larger effort by Education officials to deal with the high incidence of burglaries at various schools on the island.

“Starting today, you are embarking of a new journey. I have no doubt that you will return to your place of work eager and ready to put into practice what you learned over the past two weeks. We are confident that you have what it takes. Being security conscious is a skill that is acquired and with the training you have received you will realize that you will perform with a heighten sense of awareness,” she told the officers.

The two-week training was conducted at the Police Academy at La Toc, by resource persons from the Royal St. Lucia Police Force. Several areas were covered during the training, including night and day patrols and procedures, recognizing and controlling hazards and nuisances, identifying suspicious activity and Basic Crime Prevention.

Superintendent of Training with the Royal St. Lucia Police Force Dr. Mashama Sealy expressed then, that the training would most certainly put the school watchmen on a better path in performing their duties.

The school watchmen and security were also trained in the mechanics of arrest, court procedures, giving evidence and powers of arrest.

And following the training exercise and assessment, it was concluded that the school security officers were now better equipped with the skills and knowledge to maintain security and enforce regulations at schools around the island.

Commissioner of Police Severin Moncherry called on the security officers to provide a high return on investment of the training by providing quality service at the schools.

“In the past, we heard of watchmen and caretakers and different names.

I, today refer to you as professional law enforcement officers for we are hoping that you will complement the RSLPF; that we will work together and that you will not go out there and forget whatever you were taught here. Whatever, you were taught here is for you to go out there and show members of the public that you are cut above the rest,” Moncherry said.

Following the training of the twenty-five security officers in the basic security training course, it is expected another batch will undertake the same training shortly.

Building Resilience

www.govt.lc

05

#EducateSaintLucia Needs Us All!

I

n July of this year, the Ministry of Education launched #EducateSaintLucia. According to Minister for Education, Hon. Dr. Gale Rigobert, government remains committed to deliver an education to every Saint Lucian citizen regardless of his/her socio-economic status.

supplies or books, thus depriving them of an opportunity for a good education. For too long she added the education system in Saint Lucia appeared to be too elitists, excluding some of the less fortunate among us.

During the launch of the initiative, the Minister pointed out; “what we are endeavoring to do with the #EducateSaintLucia initiative is to ensure that we are able to, first, create new initiatives that can correct social ills, and second, to harmonize efforts such that we have a greater impact versus desperate activities in various pockets of the society that do not have the kind of turn around that we anticipate. Third, we aim to better harness the benevolence of international partners, our local private sector such that we can have that tremendous impact.”

The #EducateSaintLucia initiative has eight pillars: ACT initiative, first generation initiative, knapsack drive, lifelong learning, vocational qualification, volunteerism and apprenticeship, career readiness and innovation.

“We sometimes forget that there are many families who are sometimes struggling and have great difficulty sourcing even small items, books and uniforms for their children. It is for this reason that we have conceptualized #EducateSaintLucia, which has as its purpose the need to break the nexus that connects a child’s socio economic environment and his or her ability to excel at the highest level,” Hon. Gale Rigobert says.

Students, she says, are sometimes unable to attend school simply because they do not have something to eat, uniforms, school shoes,

This week Minister Rigobert thanked the many private sector organizations, institutions, the diplomatic core, the diasporic community, as well as individuals for heeding the #Educate Saint Lucia call and contributing to education in Saint Lucia in general.

“We rely very heavily on the kindness, on the generosity and benevolence of many persons outside of Government so that we can deliver to our students the highest quality of education and the best environment to do so under optimum circumstances. To those who continue to participate in our #EducateSaintLucia initiative, by donating school bags and school supplies and in whatever way that you give to our students, we wish to say thank you and keep supporting us, as it takes the effort of an entire community to build a progressive and successful nation.”

06

01 Sept 2018

www.govt.lc

Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School:

Striving for Excellence

Karina Abraham and Cheyenne Hippolyte, represented Saint Lucia at the competition, and won!

T

he picturesque town of Soufriere is known all over the world for the presence of the twin peaks the pitons, the Sulphur Springs as well as some of the best hotels in the world. And now, the young people of Soufriere are striving to attain recognition on par with the icon pics and the beauty of their town, with their brains, talent and innovation.

When the 2018 CSEC examinations results were announced here two weeks ago, it reflected an overall pass grade of 78.55% for the Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School. Teachers, students and the town as a whole have been celebrating since.

This is a record performance for the SCSS and represents a massive improvement in the school’s overall performance and the highest percentage ever attained. The last time SCSS scored in the 70% range, was in 2001 and 2005. For the 1st time too, SCSS started an accelerated program which exposed selected forms 2 and 3 students early, to the CSEC program. These students took as many as 3 subjects and scored pass grades in every single one of them.

At this year’s sitting of the CSEC exams, the SCSS’s Velindel Esnard was one of the best performers. She attained 12 ones and 2 twos.

And it is only natural that the town which boasts some of the best hotels, should also boast the finest chefs right? Well the Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School was greeted with more good news last week, when two of its students representing “Team Saint Lucia” won the regional culinary competition “The Caribbean Junior Dueling Challenge” held in Barbados.

The team of Karina Abraham and Cheyenne Hippolyte, represented Saint Lucia at the competition, delivering a magnificent performance that ultimately won the hearts of the judges and also earned them high praises from the audience and other participants in the event.

Earlier this year the two junior chefs had been crowned champions in the finals of the 2018 Chefs in Schools Competition, sponsored by the SLHTA’s Tourism Enhancement Fund and which was held at the Ciceron Secondary School on June 15.

The “Caribbean Junior Dueling Challenge” was held August 14 – 19 at the Culinary Arena, Newton Industrial Estate Christ Church, Barbados. Seven islands; Grenada, Dominica, St Croix, Trinidad, Cayman Islands, Saint Lucia and Barbados battled it out for culinary supremacy.

The Saint Lucian duo from Soufriere came away with the winning trophy and also captured gold medals in the first two rounds, which required the teams to cook and present a national dish in the first round and a dish from a mystery basket in the second round.

After the first two rounds, three teams went on to compete in the finals, which included cooking a dish from another mystery basket. All dishes were judged on technical skills, presentation, taste and texture, cooking techniques and innovation.

Team Saint Lucia wowed the judges by presenting their winning dish in the final round which featured macaroni and corned beef wrapped in blanched cabbage leaf with fried potato, mango, carrot and corned puree, coupled with stewed chicken wings coated in chocolate biscuit and deep fried, plus grilled shrimp and pan-roasted pork with a drizzle of spicy sauce.

The young chefs were accompanied by their culinary arts teacher, Nashanka Henry and the SLHTA’s Tourism Enhancement Fund Projects Coordinator, Wendel George during their stay in Barbados.

On their return to Saint Lucia Karina and Cheyenne received a heroine’s welcome from the St. Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association.

Then on Tuesday August 28, the students were celebrated during a fund raising dinner at the Bay Gardens Beach Resorts and Spa, where their award winning dish was recreated. The event; “Celebrating Award Winning Culinary Excellence,” raised over EC$3,000, which will go towards assisting the junior chefs in continuing their Secondary School education. The resort will also be placing the winning dish on their menu and a percentage of sales will also go towards the student’s education.

Both the Minister of Education Hon. Gale Rigobert and the Minister for Tourism Hon. Dominic Fedee have since congratulated the students and the school for the outstanding achievement. It has also been announced that the Government of Saint Lucia will cover the CSEC fees for Karina and Cheyenne in 2019.

No doubt, the pair will be looking forward to following in the steps of the school’s recent successes and once again give Soufriere yet another reason to celebrate.

Building Resilience

www.govt.lc

07

ACHIEVEMENTS IN EDUCATION

• Opening of the Dennery Infant School • Introduction of Computer coding & robotics in schools • Developed a Comprehensive plan to rehabilitate all schools • Model Safe Schools Programme • Launch of #EducateSaintLucia • Islandwide schoolbags distribution “So there’s more information sharing, better coordination among agencies, greater input from literacy programmes in schools • Introduction of Digital agencies, and a greater collaboration between the • Introduction of DELF...French diploma for access to French universities public and private sector.”

• Signing of MOU with Republic of Cuba • Advanced plans for the transition of Sir Arthur into a University • Introduction of ACT for access to higher learning • Introduction of Education for Democratic citizenship

08

01 Sept 2018

www.govt.lc

Towards Globally Competitive Education for All New School Year Message from Minister for Education Hon. Dr. Gale Rigobert

B

ack to school and a new school year is a period which brings o students as well as teachers and parents much interest as it does some levels of anxiety.

We must recognize that largely we are a service oriented economy and that means we are compelled to prepare our students, our graduates, to function in a service economy.

As Minister with responsibility for Education, I do understand that you are very excited to embark upon a new journey, especially those of you who are entering school for the first time or are beginning your Secondary school education or Tertiary Education. I beg of you to embrace the privilege of an education and to acknowledge that it is a wonderful opportunity to be afforded the gift of the experience of learning.

A couple of months ago, I met with the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce and I was very encouraged by the quality of exchange and the level of interest and commitment which was evident. And in the conversations which I have had more recently with SALCC especially the DTEMS Dean and other colleagues from that department, we recognize that whereas we benefit from great collaboration with the private sector, there is still some room for improvement. And so I ask of the Chamber to continue to engage the SALCC and afford its students, not only those from DTEMS, but also those from the other departments, the opportunity of an apprenticeship so that they can get real life experience as part of their broader educational experience at SALCC.

While we recognize that there are still many changes to take place within the education sector, so that we can address the mismatch between that which we offer and that which the labour market requires, I am satisfied that all stakeholders are prepared to work together so that our young people can, thanks to the dedication of our teachers and educators, be exposed to an environment that allows them to fulfil their God given skills and talents.

This academic year, I wish to indicate that there will be a special focus on technical vocational education and training. We have long lamented the fact that it appears that technical vocational education training is an area that is stigmatized in the main. Two years ago, when I first met with the TVET Council and my TVET Unit, I implored them to do more to correct some of the misconceptions.

Every year in June, we announce the CSEC results and it is sometimes disturbing and heartbreaking, to see the extent parents and guardians would go, to seek redress because in their minds their children may not have been assigned to a school which they perceive to offer a quality secondary school education. I wish to remind our people, that the curriculum offered at the secondary school level is universal, meaning that all secondary schools follow the same curriculum. I am therefore confident, that the teachers at the various secondary schools are equally competent and equipped to deliver that curriculum. Universal secondary education has to

Building Resilience

www.govt.lc

08 09

must say by all indications was a tremendous success and mean more than just a placement at a secondary school. We must highlighted again the unwavering commitment and dedication of also perceive it to mean that they have equal access to a quality our educators. I hope that we can continue to offer that kind of secondary school education. training so that our teachers can be exposed to new and emerging Over this past summer, I spent a lot of time reflecting on what more methodologies and that they can sharpen their skills and become we can do to ensure that our students can boast of having received better prepared to deliver to the children of this nation. a globally competitive education upon their graduation. And we recognize that curriculum review is On that note I would like to commend the students who performed necessary at this point, as we exceptionally well at this year’s Common Entrance Exams as well as acknowledge various paradigthose who sat the CSEC exams and CAPE exams. The results of the matic shifts in the business CSEC exams revealed that we are sector - in technology and in performing better that the region’s consumer patterns and that our students ought to be “While we recognize that there are still many changes to average and that there was an increase in the overall performance given the best chance of take place within the education sector, so that we can this year. I would like to commend securing a job or venturing address the mismatch between that which we offer and the students, teachers and princiinto a business opportunity pals and all those who played as entrepreneurs. that which the labour market requires, I am satisfied that their part in ensuring that our all stakeholders are prepared to work together so that students continue to strive for And so, over the next couple of excellence. months, the ministry of educaour young people can, thanks to the dedication of our tion will embark on a compreteachers and educators, be exposed to an environment I also wish to thank the Prime hensive curriculum review that allows them to fulfil their God given skills and Minister and Minister for exercise, so that we can deterFinance Hon. Allen Chastanet, mine what more we need to talents.” for increasing the allocation offer. We need to review whethfor school repair and er there are existing subject refurbishment. This year we areas that need to be deemphasized and whether there are benefited from the injection of courses that are deemed now to be critical and necessary. These EC$10 million for the repair of our would need to be highlighted and in keeping with the notion that schools, some of which are decades old and were evidently in we are a service oriented economy largely dependent on tourism deplorable condition. and hospitality, that it makes sense to consider having our students do at least one foreign language which would be compulsory. We We recognize the various paradigmatic shifts in the education have had some pilot programs in that regard with French being sector, requiring that we effect some dramatic changes particularly offered for example at certain primary schools, but the time has in the area of E-learning and the use of ICT learning in education come, I think, for us to consider making it mandatory. today. It is for that reason that last September we moved very quickly to introduce courses that would improve the digital compeThere has been a lot of conversation about corporal punishment in tency of our students so that they will be well equipped to take an schools and whether we should consider the suspension or exam delivered in electronic mode or digital medium. abolition. We are minded that notwithstanding that, there has been extensive training and sensitization for educators in the areas Further to that, it has become necessary for us to outfit many of the of safe schools and child friendly schools as well as positive schools, with smart classrooms. behaviour modification. I am a strong advocate of positive approaches to behaviour modification and not punitive approachFinally, I wish to thank principals, teachers, school staff, parents es and I am guided by my team as to how to implement a suspenand students for their patience and understanding they have sion of corporal punishment in the first instance, with a view to demonstrated over the last couple of years especially as we tried to complete abolition in the long term. effect some changes and the level of cooperation that we have received.

I wish to applaud my student’s welfare team for the kind of work they have done over the summer to identify and equip students I once again take this opportunity to wish every student and teachwho come from economically challenged households. We have ers a very productive and successful school year and to remind been able this year again, to give books, learning material, school every Saint Lucian that the welfare of our children should be of bags to children who are in need. We are also continuing our school concern to us all and that we should do everything to ensure that feeding program, with a view to expanding the program where we provide them with a safe and stimulating environment in which necessary. Similarly the school transportation subsidy program to learn, play and grow. continues and we should not at all underestimate the value of that We pray that all those involved in the educational experience of intervention. our students will be imbued with the wisdom, patience, knowledge, compassion, understanding and fairness. May God bless all I wish also to applaud the teachers who dedicated the first couple of you! Thank you! weeks of their vacation to attending the summer institute which I

10

01 Sept 2018

www.govt.lc

Education Sector Embraces Qualit y Improvement Project

E

arlier this year the Ministry of Education, through the Saint Lucia Education Quality Improvement Project (EQUIP), made systematic efforts to enhance the education sector with the aim of developing the country’s human resource. That’s the word from Education Minister Hon. Dr. Gale Rigobert.

During the debate on the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, the education minister noted that the Caribbean Development Bank had provided a loan of USD$6 million, and a grant of USD$0.7 million to undertake some critical intervention in the education sector. Dr. Rigobert said the overall objective is to improve the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of the education system, one that is responsive to the needs of diverse learners, and the demands of the labour market.

“The objective is the expansion, rehabilitation, and furnishing of selected institutions so as to improve the quality, relevance and effectiveness of instruction across the sector, including the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College,” she said.

Overall, the project addresses the needs of the early childhood education sector, the tertiary sector, but very importantly, the project also addresses the needs of the vulnerable sub sector of special needs education.

The Minister also stated back then that upon the comprehensive infrastructural audit of schools, including energy climate resilience audits, the Ministry of Education will make available the necessary financing to restore and rehabilitate the island’s schools.

Since then, the Government of Saint Lucia has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) equivalent to US$16,192,000 towards the cost of implementing the EQuIP project which falls within the portfolio of the Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

September 2018 to August 2022: A. Consultancy Services: • Engineering and consultancy services for design review and construction supervision – construction/expansion/rehabilitation of four (4) schools • Assessment of the current Special Needs Education Provision across the basic education sub-sector in Saint Lucia and the Region • Development of a gender-sensitive Special Needs Education Policy and Strategy • Review and enhancement of current policy for psycho-social support services • Curriculum review and revision to incorporate a focus on Special Needs Education • Preparation of detailed designs and costings for a new Special Needs Facility and Transitional Education Centre • Assessment of a Secondary School to determine programme and infrastructure needs to facilitate delivery of an alternative curriculum • Development of an institutional framework to strengthen capacity and system leadership within the education sector • Development of a National Qualifications Framework • Review and enhancement of the Education Act 2008 • Mid-term evaluation of the EQuIP Project B. Goods, Works and Training: • Works: Expansion and/or rehabilitation works including renewable energy/energy efficiency (RE/EE) improvements at four (4) Schools: • Goods: Furniture, Equipment, learning resources and assistive devices for new and rehabilitated facilities and other specially identified schools.

• Training: Skills training and certification for educators in various disciplines.

www.govt.lc

08 11

Back-to-School Tips

Building Resilience

Being prepared reduces back to school nerves

I

It’s that time of year again and both parents and children can experience some back to school blues. But with some preparation and a few helpful tips, you can ease into a new school year with less stress. Here are some tips for getting back into the school mode and starting the school year off right!

FOR STUDENTS:

Tip #1: Have the Proper School Supplies that you need for your classes!

Be prepared. Be sure to spend the weekend having all your supplies, books and essentials in their rightful places.

Tip #2: Get enough rest the night before. Go to bed early, get enough sleep and begin the habit of getting to school on time Tip #3: Ensure that you have all your necessities. Create a checklist this weekend.

Tip #4: Set an Agenda!

During the school year is such a busy time! Between taking test, doing home work, attending activities, and school events it can be really hard to keep track of everything. By keeping an updated agenda you can better manage your time and know what you have to accomplish.

Tip #5: Know your Course Syllabus Knowing your class schedule is so important for being successful in the course you are taking.

Tip #6: Do Not Procrastinate Create good habits early as well as prioritizing your school work from day one.

Tip #7: Know What is Expected of You It is very important to know what your teachers are expecting from you. Pay attention to what the teacher is saying about the workload of the class and what they are hoping for you to get out of it.

Tip #8: Plan-short term, long term Have a weekly plan, a monthly plan as well as a plan for the entire term.

Tip #9: Make a list of your academic goals

FOR PARENTS:

• 1. Go over with your child the things they need to have for school and ensure school uniforms are ready • 2. Have a talk with your child, especially younger ones about what to expect and alleviate any fears or anxiety.

• 3. Take an interest in their school and school work from day one.

• 4. Ensure that children go to bed early • 5. Ensure that they are up early to prepare for school and have a good breakfast • 6. Meet the new teacher and get to know the principal as well.

• 7. Find out If there are any areas in which you can participate in the school life.

• 8. Tour the school, with the permission of school authorities of course.

• 9. Be sure to save the teacher(s) number as well as that of the school and principal.

• 10. Support your child and help boost their confidence by positive reinforcements.

12

01 Sept 2018

www.govt.lc

i m p r o v e m e n t i n 2 0 1 8 c s e c e x a m s r e s u lt s

T

he results of the 2018 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Exam (formerly O Levels or CXC), reflects an overall increase in performance by students in Saint Lucia.

On Monday August 20th 2018, officials from the Ministry of Education here, presented the media with the preliminary findings following the release of the results to candidates. Students sat the CSEC exams in May/June 2018 and an overview of the performance of candidates who sat the exams from the 23 secondary schools here, were reviewed.

According to the officials, students in Saint Lucia wrote 33 subjects with Paper 1 of 16 subjects being done online or electronically.

Overall, it would appear that there has been an increase in the performance by students from 2017 to 2018. The students in Saint Lucia who wrote the exams are also operating at an average which is higher than the regions average of 70.30%. This year Saint Lucia recorded a pass rate average of 76.47%.

Seventeen secondary schools recorded an increase in performance with the Grande Riviere Secondary School reflecting the highest increase of 24.81%. At the other end of the spectrum was The Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School with a decrease of 11.77%.

Quality of CSEC grades revealed that 16% of candidates obtained a Grade 1, 29% obtained Grade 2 and 31% - Grade 3.

Pass rates for individual subjects ranged from 29.28 % to 100%. Integrated Science showed the lowest pass rate of 29.82%. The region recorded a pass rate of 39%.

Industrial technology (Mechanical paper) had the highest pass rate of

100%. This has happened for the past four years.

26 subjects recorded a pass rate of above 70% and 18 out of 33 subjects recorded an increase in performance. English B recorded the highest increase of 22.91%.

CSEC “English A” has seen a steady increase in performance with 76.4% in 2018. (The regions performance is 71.70%). For Mathematics, following a dip in 2015, the subject saw an improvement this year recording a pass rate of 52.54%. (The regions performance is 48.7%) Candidates from the Bordelaise Correctional Facility, who sat the CSEC exams in Agriculture Science scored a 100% pass rate. Two candidates scored all “A’s” in their profile while the other two scored 2 A’s and a “B”.

Ministr y Undertakes School Repairs The Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations, this year received an amount of $10M to address infrastructural works at the island’s schools. Though this amount represents only one quarter of what’s needed to get our educational institutions to an acceptable physical condition, the most critical of works were undertaken during the summer vacation period.

The works carried out included repairs to roofs, electricals, painting, re-partitioning, plumbing and structural rehabilitation. The Department expects that as the school year continues additional works and maintenance will be undertaken to improve the physical condition of the school plant.

Major repair works were accomplished on several schools across the island including; • Vieux Fort Primary School: the entire roof was repaired.

• The Beanfield Secondary School in Vieux Fort: repair work on roof.

• Marchand Combined School: Entire toilet block was rehabilitated.

• The Entrepot Secondary School: Work done to its washrooms and exterior walls.

• Augier Combined School: Substantial repairs to its overall structure.

• Gros-Islet Secondary School had its guttering and down pipes repaired.

• La Ressource School had fencing works done to its perimeter.

• Additional painting, plumbing and electrical works were accomplished at several other schools.

Building Resilience

www.govt.lc

08 13

MINISTERS ON THE MOVE NCPD president Merphilus James meets with Minister for Health, Sen. Hon. Mary Isaac to discuss implementation of policies by Government for the protection and advancement of Persons with Disabilities in Saint Lucia.

The celebration of La Rose was quite a success with Culture Minister Hon. Fortuna Belrose and Education Minister Hon. Dr. Gale Rigobert at the forefront of the activities.

Gros Islet MP Hon. Lenard Montoute with members of the community who received constituency awards.

Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet at CPL with Mohammed, Pollard and Minister for Tourism Hon. Dominic Fedee.

14

01 Sept 2018

www.govt.lc

At a glance...

COMMUNITY

Residents of Babonneau receive Improved Water supply

The Water and Sewerage Company Inc (WASCO) has completed Upgrades to the Hill20 Treatment plant located in Babonneau. The primary objective of this project was to increase the supply of water to customers to a more consistent and reliable supply.

The first phase of works which began in June 2017 included the installation of a -ten-inch main that replaced the six-inch pumping main from the Hill Twenty treatment plant to the La Croix water storage tank. The upgrade has increased capacity and was the first step in satisfying the demand for water in areas that had previously received an intermittent supply.

The second phase of the works included the installation of an additional electrical pump at the Hill Twenty treatment plant that will further increase the water volumes to the various communities. Well done by WASCO and Parliamentary Representative Ezechiel Joseph.

MUSIC

Laborie Steel Takes London by Storm

An elated Hon. Allen Chastanet, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, has congratulated members of Laborie Steel Pan for being part of the winning panorama championship orchestra at Notinghill Carnival last week. The six - Andrius Edwide (arranger), Joshua Muroi (captain), Shanyqua Scott (assistant band leader), Chloe Layne, Toniva Thomas and Kissana Renard sights this victory as another milestone in their musical career.

Through the assistance of office of the Saint Lucia High Commission in London and High Commissioner Guy Mayers, the team travelled to the UK in mid-August to join the Mangrove Steelband, one of the leading steel orchestras in Europe. This was the first time that the Laborie Steel Pan has participated in London Panorama, one of the main events of the world-famous Notting Hill Carnival.

Following this success, on Wednesday August 29th, the team hosted a workshop in London followed by a fund raising concert on August 30th, at The High Commission for Saint Lucia on Thursday 30th August. The money raised will be used to buy new pans and help other children to learn steel pan.

The Laborie Steel Pan has been Saint Lucia Panorama Champions 2016 and first runners-up in 2017 and 2018.

Female Volleyballers Spikes Competition

SPORT

Saint Lucia last week made a clean sweep at the recent Eastern Caribbean senior female volleyball championship in Antigua. In the final game last Sunday, the Saint Lucians won comfortably over St. Martin.

Saint Lucia’s team was captained by Lisa Casimie and Vice Captain Kerin Neptune. The team won 6 of the nine individual awards including “Best Server” Kerine Neptune, “Best Middle Blocker” Yorserbel Emmanuel, “Best Outside Hitter” Lisa Casimie who also won the overall MVP award. The “Best Setter” was Cindy Wilson and Rosmarie Simon “Best Digger.”

TRAVEL

More Flights Into Saint Lucia

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is pleased to announce the addition of international flights to the island from the U.S. starting in the Fall 2018 with American Airlines, JetBlue and United Airlines.

JetBlue will launch its Mint Service to Saint Lucia from Boston Logan International Airport starting November 3, 2018. Also, the airline will resume its Mint service on Saturday flights from New York’s JFK airport to Saint Lucia starting February 2019.

Earlier this year, American Airlines announced that it will add a new daily flight into Saint Lucia from Miami, FL beginning December 19, 2018. United Airlines’ Saturday-only flights from Chicago O’Hare will operate starting January 5, 2019 through April 30, 2019.

Building Resilience

Connect With Us Office of the Prime Minister -www.facebook.com/opmsaintlucia -www.instagram.com/opmsaintlucia Allen Chastanet -www.facebook.com/allenmchastanet -www.twitter.com/allenmchastanet Lenard "Spider" Montoute -www.facebook.com/lenardspidermontoute Ezechiel Joseph -www.facebook.com/ezechieljoseph758 Sarah Flood Beaubrun -www.facebook.com/sarahfloodbeaubrun758 Guy Joseph -www.facebook.com/guyejoseph Stephenson King www.facebook.com/stephensonking Mary Isaac -www.facebook.com/maryisaacslu Fortuna Belrose -www.facebook.com/fortunabelrose758 Dominic Fedee -www.facebook.com/dominic.fedee Herod Stanislas -www.facebook.com/herodstanislas Bradly Felix -www.facebook.com/bradlyfelix758 Dr Gale T C Rigobert -www.facebook.com/drgalerigobert758 Edmund Estephane -www.facebook.com/edmundestephane758

www.govt.lc

08 15

SAINT LUCIA WE LOVE Did you know…

• Geography: Our island is of volcanic origin and is bisected from north to south by a central ridge of wooded mountains, the highest point being Mount Gimie (3,145 feet [959 metres]). Many streams flow from the mountains through fertile valleys. In the southwest are the Gros and Petit Pitons (2,619 feet [798 metres] and 2,460 feet [750 metres], respectively), two immense pyramids of rock rising sharply from the sea and enclosing a small bay. Near Petit Piton, in the crater of an ancient volcano, are the boiling sulphur springs from which the nearby town of Soufrière takes its name.

A choice tourist site, the springs also contain substantial energy potential.

• Constitutional framework: Saint Lucia is a constitutional monarchy with the British monarch as head of state, represented by a governor-general.

The bicameral parliament consists of the House of Assembly elected by universal adult suffrage and the Senate, with members appointed on the advice of the prime minister, on the advice of the opposition leader in the House, and by the governor-general.

The prime minister, leader of the majority party, heads the government.

• In 1992 the Castries-born poet and playwright Derek Walcott won the Nobel Prize for literature (he was Saint Lucia’s second Nobel Prize winner after Sir Arthur Lewis, who won the prize for economics in 1979).