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Controversy looms over selection of schools’ top students

Parents call for standardized criteria for selection of Valedictorian & Salutatorian
Some parents are calling for a standard criteria to be set for the selection of Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the Territory's schools since the selection process has left some students emotionally scarred and parents suspicious of the process. Ms. Leigha Burke was the top student at the Primary Five Examination for the Enis Adams Primary but based on the school's selection criteria she fell to number 3. Photo: VINO
A student who did not attend the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School from Class 1 but started in Class 2, was not deemed eligible to be the school's salutatorian though he was a consistently top performer and placed second for the school at the Primary Five examination. He had also previously attended another primary school in the Territory for one year only before joining Ebenezer Thomas Primary. Photo: VINO
A student who did not attend the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School from Class 1 but started in Class 2, was not deemed eligible to be the school's salutatorian though he was a consistently top performer and placed second for the school at the Primary Five examination. He had also previously attended another primary school in the Territory for one year only before joining Ebenezer Thomas Primary. Photo: VINO
A student who did not attend the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School from Class 1 but started in Class 2, was not deemed eligible to be the school's salutatorian though he was a consistently top performer and placed second for the school at the Primary Five examination. He had also previously attended another primary school in the Territory for one year only before joining Ebenezer Thomas Primary. Photo: VINO
A student who did not attend the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School from Class 1 but started in Class 2, was not deemed eligible to be the school's salutatorian though he was a consistently top performer and placed second for the school at the Primary Five examination. He had also previously attended another primary school in the Territory for one year only before joining Ebenezer Thomas Primary. Photo: VINO
A student who did not attend the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School from Class 1 but started in Class 2, was not deemed eligible to be the school's salutatorian though he was a consistently top performer and placed second for the school at the Primary Five examination. He had also previously attended another primary school in the Territory for one year only before joining Ebenezer Thomas Primary. Photo: VINO
A student who did not attend the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School from Class 1 but started in Class 2, was not deemed eligible to be the school's salutatorian though he was a consistently top performer and placed second for the school at the Primary Five examination. He had also previously attended another primary school in the Territory for one year only before joining Ebenezer Thomas Primary. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – As the excitement of graduation throughout the Territory comes to an end, the selection criteria for Valedictorian and Salutatorian at some of the Territory’s public primary schools came into question where at least one top student of her school in the Primary Five examination did not earn the right to be Valedictorian nor Salutatorian due to a “special criteria” that has been implemented by her school.

Traditionally, the top student at the Primary Five examination is usually used to select the Valedictorian and Salutatorian at respective schools. However, there are some schools that have been setting their own guidelines for the selection of their top students. This news site has been unable to confirm whether those guidelines are sanctioned by the Ministry of Education.

Of the concerns for the 2012 graduation that were brought to this news site’s attention, they include the Primary Five Top Student of the Enis Adams Primary School, Ms. Leigha Burke. Second in the same examination was Jaida Harrigan and Keanu Baker-Samuels in third. However, based on the selection process adopted by her school, Ms. Burke ended up being the third place student – a revelation that was only officially known to the student and her parents two days before the graduation and she had already had her speech written as the Valedictorian. Grades from Class 4 and Class 5 were used to determine the top student and according to her parent, she had a more consist 1st or 2nd place even from Class 3.

Another concern was at the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, where the top student of that institution in the Primary Five examination was Smeralda Avril, with Aidan George in second and Abdiel Mateo in third. However, based on the selection criteria for that school, Mr. George did not qualify to be the Salutatorian because he did not attend the same school from Class 1. He started in Class 2 but attended Class 1 at the Jost Van Dyke Primary before being transferred.

Speaking to Virgin Islands News Online, Lelia Burke, mother of Leigha said parents were informed at the end of Class 4, that their children’s grades from Class 4 and Class 5 would have been used to determine the top students for the school, a decision she was not concerned about since her daughter has always placed either 1st or 2nd to Jaida Harrigan as they were the two top students. She did admit that once her daughter placed third during the time. Given her daughter’s record, Mrs. Burke said following the results of the Primary Five examination, she had no suspicion that her daughter would not have made the cut for the Valedictorian or even if she didn’t, at least the Salutatorian.

Based on the selection criteria for the school, the Valedictorian was the second place student at the Primary Five examination Jaida, who like Ms. Burke had a Grade 1, while the Salutatorian went to a Mateo Parsons, a student who had obtained a Grade 2 certificate at the Primary Five examination. In addition, the name of the Salutatorian was only revealed on the day of the graduation, according to the mother, who said she found it to be very suspicious.

“It seems some dishonesty was happening based on the seemingly secrecy of this,” said the mother.

Mrs. Burke said her daughter was initially informed by the Class teacher that she was the Valedictorian. However, days before the graduation, the parent said they overheard from other students that Leigha was not the Valedictorian and it was then Mrs. Burke said she approached the Principal who informed her that her daughter was Number 3 in the class.

“It was hard for her (Leigha) and very emotional,” the mother recalled.

Standard criteria for all schools

In light of the situation, the parent firmly supports the implementation of a standardised process for the selection of the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the schools so as to avoid such situations where doubts and suspicion come into question.

“It needs to stop, the Education Department needs to set the criteria and apply it to all schools and not leave it up to the Principal and teachers at their whim and fancy”.

She also believes that such criteria as applied by different schools can end up being detrimental to the schools’ standards. “Your salutatorian can fail the Primary Five examination,” she charged noting that based on the school’s criteria, the Primary Five exams did not seem to play a critical role in their selection process.

“It is very unlikely for a child who is your top student all the time to drop so far. It makes me wonder if the grades that I saw on my daughter’s report are genuine.”

While it has already gone, Mrs. Burke said she would not like for such a selection process to affect any other student as it is highly unfair. “I would not want another child to go through what my daughter went through.” The mother said though the Class Teacher did apologise to her and her daughter for telling her she was the Valedictorian.

Meanwhile, another parent who wished to remain anonymous, also supports that the education department needs to set a criteria that is consistent in all schools to avoid such occurrences.

“No school should have a criterion in place that will have an emotional or psychological effect on students,” the parent said.

Another parent who was visibly upset when informed of the decisions taken and the criteria set by the schools, firmly stated, “The department needs to play a more active role in what goes on in the schools and be more proactive rather than reactive.”

Several efforts were made to seek clarity from the Ministry of Education on the procedure for selection of top students and based on the concerns raised by parents, whether there were plans to look into the concerns and have the situation addressed. However, no calls were returned up to publication time from the Acting Permanent Secretary Dr. Marcia Potter or the acting Chief Education Officer Mrs. Jillian Douglas-Phillip.

Efforts were also made to solicit comments from the Principal of the Enis Adams Primary School and the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School which were also futile up to publication time.

According to one parent, and while this news site could not confirm her report, she allegedly said when she contacted the Ministry of Education, she was informed that the Department does not get involved in school matters of such.

Another parent said she was told to write a letter to the department to express her concerns.

However, a stalwart educator told this news site when clarity was sought that she has heard of schools having their own criteria set before, but it was discussed recently at meetings among top educators of each school that they should all have a standardized process so that it “doesn’t bring anyone into question”.

84 Responses to “Controversy looms over selection of schools’ top students”

  • tell the truth (10/07/2012, 08:19) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    the education system is a mess
  • bvislander (10/07/2012, 08:35) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    this is totally nonsense. we need to set across the board decisions for all schools. Only in the BVI!!! Carlene, if you did this - this was totally wrong.
  • Low Standards (10/07/2012, 08:59) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I attended the graduation for the Enis Adams School and it was a joke for such a auspicious ceremony. It did not seem to me like anyone who had a part in the ceremony knew about it. I wonder if the principal meant to embarrass the child who did not know before that he was to introduce the guest speaker and then prompted an interview instead. This was low and either disorganised or wilfull. I say "shame on her" and "kudos" to the kids and parents who did their best inspite of the "on the spot" situation. It was a crying shame. Another thing was the putting of the tropies on the floor for the parents to just go and pick up - that was low and embarrassing. When I look at the level of the minds of people teaching our children, I can only say "well sah"
    • upset (10/07/2012, 09:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I do agree with u that graduation was a setup the students and teachers did not know what was going on...... It was a suspicious ceremony. I sat the front of the church the students walked by saying we have two second place. I was said to myself that is very good. not knowing it was only one student who got a grade two and not the child with the grade one.......
    • Youre correct (10/07/2012, 12:31) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      You hit it on the nail. The childwho did the introduction of the speaker was totally lost and unprepared. How can the principal do such a thing to children. She said something about him not getting an email. Didn't they practice for the ceremony? What email? This is something she should have given the child in his hands for him to go over long before. She wanted to make him look small, but in the end she was the one who looked incompetent. That same child for the FSC man was an honor student and he did not have a special honor thing around his neck either (sorry but I don't know the name of it). How can a grade 2 child be a sal..? Children, no one can take away your knowledge or intelligence. Outside of the BVI, Val or Sal does not matter.
    • If only (10/07/2012, 20:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well said! They need to shake up THE ENIS ADAMS PRIMARY SCHOOL, starting at the very TOP.
    • Low to d Ground (10/07/2012, 22:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      From in the beginning She came to our school and made all kind of changes suiting to her...she moved our christmas concert and graduation not only from the school traditional days but completely off the school site...I use to enjoy the Sunday afternoon on the hill with the EAPS family to any events they held.....this was taken away from us...The nights of fundraisers I saw her appear and disappear like the snap of the fingers...... To present---I thought the graduation was all about the graduates and the Primary V teacher well this was not the case this year.....
  • ooooo (10/07/2012, 09:26) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    we're moving from great to good
  • Random (10/07/2012, 09:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well someone needs to explain what the criteria’s are. I have been to the prize given ceremonies at this school and this young lady has always been in the top 3 mostly 1st or 2nd place, I can only record one time she placing 3rd and that was in class 3, and over the last two year it is clear that she has worked hard to be on top only to become a victim of the principle’s nepotism. I am also disappointed that the teachers at that school did not fight for this girl’s rights, but one thing I can say is that God don’t like ugly and he does not sleep. Don’t worry Ms. Burke you will sure outshine him in High School where he does not have the protection of his mommy.
    • Concerned (10/07/2012, 10:27) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      All of this mess is not of the Principle's account. You need to check the primary 4& 5 teachers. they are the ones messing with the poor children up in that school. They basically run the damn school for years now. Now someone comes along to clean up the mess and they cant handle it. Those teachers need to go. It was not the principle who decides what or who gets what. The class 5 teacher DID that mess. Get it right. I know.
      • Random (10/07/2012, 11:30) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        It was already declared at the school who was Val and who was Sal, so tell me why did the principal sent a text at 3.19 am two days before the graduation to who was supposed to be Sal mother and told her that she was Val and she was to prepare her speech, and no one knew who the Sal was until the day of the graduation. Since you so know tell us about that.
  • upset (10/07/2012, 09:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    That young boy do not deserve to be second that girl is excellent student.....until the day of the graduation it was revealed....... only in the BVI these type of nonsense happens.. education needs to step in and give that want she deserve. what are the school criteria education should have the last word not the principal..... the class teacher knew way she told the girl that she was Valedictorian because that boy cannot step in her shoes when it come to working... see what he got Grade 2 BBC and she got Grade 1 ABA NO WAY IN GOD WORLD HE CAN EVER BEAT HER....... the department needs to as the principal what criteria did she use
  • The TRUTH (10/07/2012, 09:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    In my view, the Head is extremely dishonest. This is somethiing she is used to getting away with, look at her record when she was at Sea Cows Bay, and still last year she did the sme thing with her daughter. She neeeds to GO!!! Anyway what does she know she is hardly ever to school. Minister Walwyn, do something before a parent do her something. Oh and by the way the school scholarship her child receive was also changed the same day of graduation to suit him.
  • MUCK (10/07/2012, 09:58) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    It is a MUCK up there. The entire school needs restructuring starting from Class 3. When you have a teacher, teaching her own child and that child is the only one on the principal's list! Ridiculous! I am a parent of a child in that school and I am nervous for when September rolls around. They will loose all of the good students and parents because of plain nepotisim! Mrs. Burke told the truth, everyone was shocked at graduation she placed her own son as the SAL and keep it a secret even from the teachers! Shame on you . Myron, you better fix up there quick!
    • The Parent of the Teacher's Child (10/07/2012, 17:52) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      The teacher's child has ALWAYS been on the Principal's Honour's List from Stage 1 until now. So explain has her mother been teaching her all those years? Has the other teachers also been cheating for her? Some people just can't accept defeat, especially when they wanted the same principal to move the teacher from the class to fit their needs. If the school is such a muck, why did you register your child at the school? Oh by the way I taught all of my children so I don't have to defend my daughter's academic intelligence. Her grades from pre-school speaks enough.
      • Well (10/07/2012, 19:08) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        To Parent of the Teacher's Child, you nervous now? Take a pole of the parents you will see how many of them was disappointed in your bias teaching. Trust me what's in the dark must come to light. I feel sorry for the children who will be scared for a long time. Your child is a very smart child but there are many other smart children who are never given the same opportunities. If you can't accept that you and others created this unpleasant system, then there is no helping you.
      • Lol (10/07/2012, 21:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        It sound like parent of the Teacher's child just out herself. Lol what a thing to tell the king! If I did not know better it look like class three teacher just respond defending herself and child. Take it easy teach, don't tek it personal. If u nah do nothing nah worry bout it.
        • To WELL and LOL (11/07/2012, 08:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          If the teacher out herself for defending how her child has been working in the school for the past five years something wrong with you all. It is really sad when we take one situation to attack the integrity of people and then involve children. If you all felt she was doing bias teaching you should have gone to the Dept. of Education. Why wait until now when your child has had the benefit of learning something to talk about it? I know what it is: some people just like rule and when they can't everything becomes a problem. I know this lady a long time as a teacher and when you hear her past students talk about her, they do it with pride. Answer this question also: 'Why would she do these things with her last child when she taught all the others?' Here in the BVI there is too much jealousy of what people have when they work hard for it. If her child and the other children can't do nothing in Primary Four then at that time you all have all rights to talk. Stop hiding behind this to show that you all have a problem. See the woman face to face and say what you have to say.
          • Callin (11/07/2012, 12:29) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
            ...We been calling her but as usual her excuse is she is always busy with somethnig....now she claim she busy preparing for this London trip where her son will spend the $700.... You call her she always brush u off.... She also changed up the team teaching in the school a method that worked so well for the school before she got there......but she knew Y she did it....how else would she keep tabs on her son.....of the three teachers one must have figure out what she was doing....but having one teacher for her son then she will know who leak info and blame that teacher like she is doing....
      • DEFENDER (12/09/2012, 18:00) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
        Muck I have one thing to you if you accept defeat then you need to shut up because parent of the teacher's child has a right oh yeah real talk I know the number if your child is not smarter than parent of the teacher's child daughter just shut up ok
      • DEFENDER (12/09/2012, 18:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Muck I have one thing to you if you accept defeat then you need to shut up because parent of the teacher's child has a right oh yeah real talk I know the number if your child is not smarter than parent of the teacher's child daughter just shut up ok
  • hm (10/07/2012, 10:12) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    It happened to me over 20 years ago believe it or not...so I guess it has been going on and nothing has changed. I placed top in the class but was given second instead. The principal officially give the val to the second place person (whom was someone she was related to). Now persons were telling me that they didn't think that was right but I was very young and didn't really know much that was going on. The school did give reasons why they did what they did but when I got older and looked back I realized they were 'kinda' suspect indeed.
  • Meli (10/07/2012, 10:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I was under the impression that the guidelines and measures for qualifying the Val and the Sal were set within the Ministry. Otherwise would be pure willfulness. What also concerns me is how were these shools able to determine all the grades for the class 5 students when there were projects and assignments graded by the Ministry. In addition, it begs to question whether someone in either the ministry or education gave the schools these students' grades because usually only the student's placement is revealed and not the GPA.
  • x factor (10/07/2012, 10:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is so sad. Why does Myron have to make everything so politicized???? jah man! Jeez um bread dey eloection is long gone.
    • same old (11/07/2012, 01:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      the education system and the country's demise under the NDP party's leadership needs to be addressed... people rise up before its too late.
  • Real Talk (10/07/2012, 10:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    That is pure rubbish. The boy cannot be val or sal because he didn't start at a certain class? You're graduating from class 5 and if you do the best you should be Val. The criteria should be made clear from the onset. Imagine the damage to the kids being told they're first place then told something else? I always thought Val and Sal were the top two of the final year of school?? How can you pass with a Grade 2 and be Val or Sal over someone passing with a Grade 1? How can schools decide this individually? There should be a national requirement across the board not schools doing as they please.
    • This ain't new (10/07/2012, 22:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      This has been going on for years... More than 10 yes ago they did this to me too... I work my butt of to make sure I did well all of class 5 and I got the highest, but because the usual student that would be in the top scored second they said I couldn't get Val or sal... These schools need some kind of control, really sad that they still doing this to these children.... End of the day I was still in the to in high school... Nor the Val nor sal managed to do better than me... I mads the honor roll every year, so for those of you that were taken away your right, don't worry time will show who deserved to be at the top... Keep your heads up!!
  • Bolly (10/07/2012, 11:21) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thats why the introduction of the CXC is a good thing, no room for nepotism, who gets the most subjects and the best grades is the winner, pure and simple.
  • Faithful (10/07/2012, 11:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I know Ebeneza Primary was doing this nonsense for years. Didnt know this same nonsense was going on at Enis Adams also. This is what discourages children from putting their best foot forward because they are victimised by the teachers who should be helping to uplift them. Ms. Burke, if you are reading this, do not let this deter you from doing your best in high school. Continue to do your best and you will be justly rewarded in the next 5 years.
  • Release (10/07/2012, 11:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    to myron: me aware that Ms. J and the two doctors one in your minsitry and the other in the education dept going lead you to hell in a hand basket... them really messed up this education thing....even to the lil lil primary five top student they cannot get right!!!!
  • Simple Simon (10/07/2012, 11:43) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    corruption...discrimination...bringing the system into disrepute...what examples for the poor young students by the individuals involved! Shameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!
  • concerned (10/07/2012, 11:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Shame! Shame! A big shame! Why do principals and teachers who we entrust our students to cause such emotional and psychological damage to our youngsters. These kids are 10, 11 and 12 year olds. Do these educators even recognize that permanent impact that these actions have on our students? To say to a child that you cannot be the Sal in your graduating class b/c you did not begin in class one of that school is so wrong. I am very sure that this young man had no part to play, in terms of he ending up at that school in Class Two. Why now punish him for something that he had no control over? The fact remains that he came into that school and he performed. And here it is he has being denied the recognition that he worked so hard for. THAT IS TOTALLY WRONG. Mr Walwyn, please I beg you, try and fix that problem. We cannot afford a reoccurrence. My heart goes out to Ms Burke. Did the principal believe that this would have gone unnoticed? Wow!!!!!just wow!!!!!! only in the BVI.
  • Wow (10/07/2012, 11:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Did I read correctly?!. They give a child who got a grade 2 the Sal. position over a child who got a grade 1?! Really? Monkey really know what tree to climb because if that was me, I would have not allowed that graduation to proceed unless I heard something from the Ministry. That's nonsense!
  • Wellsa (10/07/2012, 12:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Department has already sat a criteria. Principals just don't follow and do as they please. Each school is given a list of how students rank within the class and that is what should be used. Some principals have who they want to be val or sal and will do anything to make sure that person gets it. This brings to question the integrity of some of our leaders. Grade 2 student Sal and student can't be val or sal because they didn't come right up through the school. This is so so wrong.
    • ... (10/07/2012, 17:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Check the others school on Tortola. It's happenning at other school as well. You are right the teachers done have who they want to be val or sal before the students sit the exams. Myron you have your hands full.
  • The Ting Start (10/07/2012, 12:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The parents of these students should carry back the dam trophies to the school. That is the Val from Enis Adams and the Sal from Ebenezer Thomas. What the hell are we teaching our children.
  • Just My Take (10/07/2012, 12:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Teachers tend to have favourite students and those students grades are always good. If they don't like a particular student that student's grades are marked down. Many schools have students who they want to be Val or Sal even before they write the exams. Many children will continue to be at a disadvantage especially if they are in the lower income bracket or if they don't have the bubbly personality. Therefore, I believe the Val and Sal should be the two top students based on the Primary 5 exams. That's probably the only grades that the teachers cannot control.
  • Congratulations (10/07/2012, 12:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The criteria as I understand it is that the students must have attended the same school from classes one through class 5 and have been stable in their grades. So if your child transferred into the school, he/she cannot be the val or the sal. No point in arguing as it is the same criteria for the selection of the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the Elmore Stoutt High School whereby the student's grades must be consistent from Forms 1 though 5. Valedictorian or Salutatorian, who cares as when they go to High School AAA and CCC will be in the same class. The point is they passed so just thank God and move on.
    • MUCK (10/07/2012, 14:08) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Congratulations, please hush your tail! It is the principle of the story that matters! You cannot descriminate against a child who changed schools. If a child has performed then they should be justly rewarded, its people like you who obviously do not spend quality time with their child and do not know the hard work required that makes the system fail. Please go and read a book and exercise your brain!
      • MUCK you to stupid (13/04/2013, 13:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        First you want to upset with the teacher of class 3 three because her child is smarter than yours now you dissing people you just don't care who it is it has people smarter than your child so you need to stop and I know the teacher ok she taught all of children and not once has she for them so hush your mouth.
    • hm (10/07/2012, 15:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      this is terrible...if some of that is case we are really getting worse.
    • steups! (10/07/2012, 21:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Congratulations did you even attend high school here? Your ranking for graduation is based on your performance on 4th and 5th form, not all the previous years. Stop talking nonsense and get the facts please!
  • Observer (10/07/2012, 12:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Much ado about nothing.
    • text (10/07/2012, 15:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Just because its not your child but here is another example of how locals are treated in the homeland...shame on you all
    • Simple Simon (10/07/2012, 16:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      you either don't have children, brothers or sisters or any close somebody who is doing good educationally or you just ig!
  • Top This (10/07/2012, 13:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    And on top of that the Sal was awarded the principal's award for overcoming adversity....the principal's son....and still on top of that he was given the Enis Adams Memorial Scholarship.....
  • I know this story all too well! (10/07/2012, 13:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The same thing happened to my son when he attended the Enis Adams Primary School. This is nothing new. Nothing in this story surprises me. To this day they have no explanation as to why he did not get Val or Sal when he was always first or second from Class 1 up and got the same grades on the Primary 5 as the Val. But God doesn't sleep. I know that your daughter may be disappointed but all she has to do is work hard when she gets to high school and shine!
  • Champ (10/07/2012, 14:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr news man, while you are on this topic, check out the Seventh Day too. If you do not attend their church they do not treat you fairly in their school.
    • Proud West Indian (10/07/2012, 17:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well if that is such a problem to you don't waste your hard earned dollars and sent your child to a PRIVATE school which discriminates against your child. It is your choice to make whether you accept or reject this type of behaviour.
    • ... (10/07/2012, 19:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      They should be ashamed of themselves for a Christian school.
  • Brian Anthony (10/07/2012, 15:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This all the corruption that goes on in this beloved country. What did the child who topped the Primary Five results get? Just because she wasn't Born Here she got Nothing! Not a gift from government much less a scholarship. Hard work and success isn't celebrated in the BVI. It is all about who you for and your name. In any other Caribbean country, the parents would not have to buy a pencil much less a book. The cycle continues!!!
    • strupes (10/07/2012, 23:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why would Government be giving this child a scholarship for topping the Primary five especially if the child is not from here? You people seem to believe that Tortola has a gold mine. Our Government is not obligated to help in the education of people who are not from here. The same way your Government is not obligated to give away free scholarship and whatever else to people who are not from your homeland. You people are just unreasonable!
      • U A @$$ (11/07/2012, 20:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        U just sound like a fool... when ppl from the caribbean or anywhere else in the world does exceptionally well, don't they get free scholarships from the US or another country. boy u just a jackA$$... bias and ignorant
        • strupes (12/07/2012, 20:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Yes...a fool trying to safeguard my country's resources from vultures like you. The UK and USA can afford to do this ...they have the resources.
  • famer brown (10/07/2012, 16:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    did i read right they give the val to the head teacher's son? my god you mean corruption is even in the lil schools????
  • Proud West Indian (10/07/2012, 17:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The VAL and SAL should be based on your position in the PRIMARY FIVE PERIOD !!!!!. That's how it use to be when I was going to school and this way there would be no more confusion, biasness or nepotism !!!!!!!!!
  • parent (10/07/2012, 20:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Minister Walwyn please do a over haul of these schools, before september, so that we the parents can rest camly and let us know via media. By the was Enis Adams is not the ony school that has this problem check out AMPS and E??????? just to name a few
    • Satisfiedparent (11/07/2012, 17:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Parent, before you comment you need to get a few facts in order. 1. Remember to use an before a word that begins with a vowel. 2. The phrase "by the was" should read "by the way". I hope that you are not teaching your child/children this kind of language at home. You recommended that the Minister look into AMPs and E...... and others. If you were at AMPS graduation, you would have seen that the awards given to the top three students were given in the exact order in which they placed based on the results from the Education Dept. In addition the Minister of Education was there and he was the person who was given the opportunity to present the students with their school leaving certificate. As a past student and parent of children attending the school, I was there at the Graduation and I think each child got what they deserved. So get your facts right and don't follow hear say.
  • Tank (10/07/2012, 20:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Seventh Day is no different in my view. A young lady came third in the territory from and got the only A in Language Arts at that school and two others got the trophy. There is nothing wrong with giving them a trophy for Language Arts on graduation day if they were the fore runners prior to the primary five exam, but the young lady should have received one as well, but she is not a member of the church.
  • MY 25 CENTS (10/07/2012, 20:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is what happens when we have laws, policies or guidelines in place but they are not upheld. No principal should have the authority to chose who they want for top positions on their own accord due to favoritism or whatever his/her reason maybe. It should be made abundantly clear by the Department of Education to Principals, teachers and parents what the policies are regarding the Valedictorian and Salutatorian selection. I am of the view that the Val and Sal should be chosen from the grades produced in Classes 4 and 5 of every public school (it may be that the Private schools has their own process). If by chance the grades are identical then, going a bit farther back may make sense to make a fair decision. In the case at the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, to suggest that a child cannot be considered for a top position at graduation time because they were transferred, can be a bit prejudicial and certainly unfair especially if that student worked hard, more so if the transfer was from one public school to another public school. (please revisit that policy). Is there even a criteria?? If not this should be the PERFECT OPPORTUNITY to put one in place to avoid disturbing situation such as this. The way the Sal for Enis Adams’ school was selected was nothing short of deceitful, deliberate, and a down right disgrace!!! If there was proper merit to what was done, then the revelation of the Sal should have been made before graduation. Why was the name of the Sal withheld as though the information was a classified military secret? Obviously, the emotional effect it would have on the other students was never considered. As humans we are left to wonder how long has the principals been manipulating system? Will she be disciplined? Will she be made to explain her actions? Will the rest of the parents involved in this sit and let this be swept under the rug of unfairness? The principal has brutally compromised her own integrity by her recent actions and clearly she exists without a live conscience. Mister Minister please launch an investigation, as the parents, family, friends and on-lookers are waiting to hear the outcome. It is also imperative Mr. Minister Walwyn that is made clear to the Principal and Teachers of our schools that there will be repercussions if the guidelines are not adhered to. I must say to the graduates of the class, especially the one who was named Val initially, do not let this deter you from aspiring your goals, do not consider this a set back, but consider it more of a jump start to propel you forward. Continue to do your best, give it your best and most of all remember that whatever knowledge that you have obtained thus far in your educational venture no one can take it from you. Your future is filled with brightness though there maybe obstacles along the way. Look at them as opportunities. Lastly if you want it, you must will it and when you will it: IT WILL BE YOURS.
  • bvihearts (10/07/2012, 22:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I feel that what these schools are doing is ridiculous. I attended a graduation for Ebenezer school either last year or the year before and I was confused on the reason why a student receiving a grade 2 was either the Val or Sal over someone receiving a grade 1 certificate. In my opinion, when the child attended the school should not be a factor on whether they should be Val or Sal. This criteria needs to stop! The performance of a child in the primary five exam should be the main if not the only factor.
  • Myron needs to fix this! (10/07/2012, 22:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    They did they same thing to my sister some years back at Ebenezer. She worked her butt off to do well on the primary five and got the highest grade only to be told she couldn't be val nor sal because she did not start the school at class one and to add salt to the wound she wasn't even given any form of recognition for her achievement. We really thought that that's the way all the schools did it at the time. Luckily that didn't stop her from staying on top every year after that. I just hope that the Education Department looks into this and sets a criteria and ensures that all school's follow it. It is unfair to the students.
  • Jack Husbands (11/07/2012, 04:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    For my part I would scrap the graduations and the vals and the sals. The exam exerts too much pressure on children who are 10 or 11 and produces winners and losers at that early age when it is more difficult to cope. It also places too much importance on an exam that has no real bearing on the next 70 years of the child's life. And let us recognise an awful truth: the exam is weighted in favour of those children who come from homes with two parents who themselves had a higher education and are able financially and otherwise to invest more in education.
  • poor enis adams (11/07/2012, 06:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    wow my poor enis adams what is happening uo there i dont understand, i cant say is the teachers because enis adams has the basically most solid teachers like from donkey years ago!! gregg, warrican, simmons karen mcthavious these are all teachers that been there whenthis school was number one!! so what is going onnnn???who is macking the muckk,,,??lawdy teacher sylvie we miss you i guess...
    • Making the Muck (11/07/2012, 12:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The principal is making the MUCK......YES teacher Sylvia we miss you....TO DEATH......
      • Making the Muck (11/07/2012, 12:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        ....And Teache Sylvie was always in the school from 8:45 til when the bus picks up the last child.... not home claiming she have to make some long distance calls....with her XXXXXX
  • About time (11/07/2012, 07:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This has been going on forever with the same set of teachers its about time all there dirtiness come to light. I used to attend this school, placed top three every year and was hardly recognized for my accomplishments. Students who placed last received more recognition than me. In high school I placed in the top twenty, no other student from that class even came near. No matter how they tried to keep me down it just made me push harder. I really hope this dirtiness does not affect the young lady as she gets older.
  • justice (11/07/2012, 13:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is not the first this type of thing happen justice in the system is needed
  • What's Up (11/07/2012, 13:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can someone help me to understand why there is this 'special' science program at Enis Adams where the parents have to pay $90.00 which covers the lab and book fees. I have inquired and it appears no other primary school is doing this.
  • Where is the money going? (11/07/2012, 17:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Last year ALL the students were charged a $50 science lab fee. This came with a threat of them being left out of class if they didn't pay by a certain date. This equipment never arrived thus was never used by the students. This fee is being charged again this year and parents are being threatened again. In addition, a $40 fee was charged for science books they still have not used. Now the school wants to collect $125 per child and this has nothing to do with math or language books. I want to know where the money going/gone? What is happening at this school? I might need to transfer my child to somewhere I can afford! Tell Parsons we believe Democracy not Dictatorship!!!!
    • True (11/07/2012, 18:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I have the same problem, my son was in STAGE 1 last school year had to pay $90 for books and lab fee, got the books back at the closing of school and the books basically has not been used, and to top it off he's going to STAGE 2 for the new school term and still have to pay the same $90 when he received his books late like 3 months late, whats going on? where's this lab and why is it that STAGE 1 & 2 kids needs to be doing science at this age, start from class 1 at least.
  • Get the Facts (12/07/2012, 00:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    A program was implemented at the school. All parents agreed to it including the Burkes. The class grades from class 4 and 5 were to be used to determine val or sal. Students will still be awarded for what they accomplished on the exam. We all know this was a great idea, as primary 5 results often don’t reflect students’ true ability. If Mrs. Lelia Burke has an issue with it just because her child did not come val or sal then she seriously has her priorities twisted. What’s important is that her child passed and she was rewarded for all her accomplishments on the primary five. Secondly why you all don't talk about how the principle came up to that school and clean up all the nasty mess they were working in up there with rat poop and bat poop all over. You guys also talk about the concerts/ceremonies being moved from in the dirty, small, cramped school. I don't see the problem. People weren’t complaining about her when she got the school a new playground and installed a ramp just because a student wasn’t able to use stairs for a brief period. You also weren’t bashing her when she retiled some of the school and got a kitchen put in the school. Thirdly the class five teacher only told the principal who was val and sal two days before the graduation, so how was she, the principal, to inform parents before she knew herself. The Department has a copy of the criteria and the students’ grades. Also regarding the so called ‘secrecy behind who was the sal’ all the teacher of the school and the principal knew who was the sal two days before and were free to tell whoever they pleased. I don’t see why the Burkes felt they deserved to be called and informed who was the sal or val, if it was not their child. It seems to me that Tortola people take a simple situation and make a big deal out of it when they do not have all the facts. I sympathize with the Burkes for having been told from the teacher that their child was val when the teacher full well knew she didn't finish calculating her results and hadn't given the principal her results yet. People are blaming the principal when the teacher is to blame for the confusion. Also you talk about the graduation ceremony itself. The class five teacher was in charge of that ceremony and as you, who attended, saw she did nothing but sit. So why did the principal have to do everything? And about the boy who didn't get the guest speaker introduction he was supposed to read, again this was the class five teachers responsibility as she selected the boy to speak. You also say that a representative from the ministry was there and if she felt that the grading system of the school was not sanctioned she would not have been there. And what does her daughter being the sal at ESHS have to do with anything? If this woman is so good at manipulating people for so long then I need to take some pointers. This woman is a well-respected person and has past and present students who love and adore her. People who are for change and improvement have seen all she has done for the school and the education system in general. Tortola people take one simple thing and try to degrade a person’s hold character. Some of you commenters, just because you may not like the principal do not use this as an excuse to bash her for whatever differences you might have with her. As I said before people talk before they have all the facts.
  • Tank (12/07/2012, 06:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is too bad that the children have to go through this kind of thing. It seems like not every one's accomplishments are recognised, and this is certainly not fair.
  • ice cream (12/07/2012, 09:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    treat the kids right leaders
  • bubble (12/07/2012, 10:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    you all act like its the first time these things happening in the BVI, its not the first time and it will continue to happen. On the jobs, at schools everywhere, people get position/honors because of ''who they for' whether they deserve it or not!!!!! i've seen it happen countless times, so i dont even care about this situation, it just happen to be in the spotlight. As a youngster I cant even look up to anyone in society cuz this place full of corrupted leaders As they say " is who yuh for'' that gets you going on Tortola.....
  • never again (12/07/2012, 15:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Since the NDP get in all kind of things happening every where...in schools, with crime, with education, with jobs...god hurry back for your world
  • bed time stories (12/07/2012, 16:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    they gor reward they going to england to dance after what they did...
  • SAHRA PARLIN (12/07/2012, 17:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    well well well the poor child speech ready at all


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