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Fulfilling outcome overrides poor income as NRMSS acknowledges teachers’ input
By Michael Benjamin
Someone once said that teachers don’t teach for the income but rather for the outcome. Indeed, one day after the nation celebrated World Teachers’ Day, teachers of the North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary School (NRMSS), though their unions may still be agitating for better incomes, reveled in the outcome of their trade. Their students joined with
Ms Margaret Joseph (sitting) enjoys her final moments at the school surrounded by Headmaster (ag) Kirwin Mars (L) and other teachers.
members of the local alumni and other stakeholders to acknowledge their respective contributions during celebratory activities on Tuesday.
Indeed, in what could be best described as a humbling and delectable show of gratitude, the students of ‘Multi,’ as the school is familiarly called, convened in the recently commissioned Sylvester Hall and serenaded the teachers with songs, poems and dances that evoked sentimental feelings even among the uninitiated. The school is also currently celebrating its 40th anniversary.
The ceremony served a bifurcated objective when the headmistress, Margaret Joseph, who recently resigned after 39 years in the teaching service, was given a fitting send off – a concert that left her teary eyed and with nostalgic memories.
Later on, President of the local alumni, Michael Benjamin, presented the retiree with a beautiful plaque, donated by his executive and other members of the local alumni. She also received another plaque as well as gold jewelry from her staff and students.
Certainly, the performances were far from perfection but the quality of the songs and dance left spectators in awe and were a true reflection of the talent in the school that the teachers have promoted and continue to nurture.
Activities got underway with the students escorting their mentors on stage to rousing applause and then the fun started.
One of the students, Johanna Davidson, opened the proceeding with a poem fittingly entitled, ‘A teacher for all seasons.’ Shabiki Solomon then belted out a melodious song before returning to comprise a part of a dance group that choreographed a series of enthralling moves.
The audience was also emotionally moved when Henry Elcock, a pint sized student, teamed up with Shemroy Pilgrim to dish out a moving rendition that left the audience in awe. Just when it appeared that the best acts were completed, Shemroy Pilgrim climbed on stage and covered his mouth with his hands before emitting soothing and melodious sounds comparable to a musical instrument.
Meanwhile, amidst the jollification, Ms Joseph was praised for her stewardship while at the school. Shortly after the culmination of the culture show she ascended the stage and expressed gratitude to her colleagues and all others that had acknowledged her contributions to the school. She noted that her tenure in the teaching service was fraught with challenges but nonetheless enjoyable. “The important thing is that teaching has been my first choice and I was engaged in activity that I totally loved,” she said. She praised her staff and said that it was the dedication displayed by them that made her three-year tenure at the school most satisfying. She lauded the work of several teachers including Lillian Prowell, who served as her deputy; current Headmaster (ag), Kirwin Mars; Social Studies teacher, Rasleigh Joseph, and Technical Drawing master, Erwin Thomas. “These are but a few that made my stay pleasant but it does not eliminate the other teachers who have all been an integral part of my experiences,” said Ms Joseph.
She also had kind words for members of the local and USA Alumni whom she feels go beyond the call of duty to assist the school. As such, she expressed gratitude to the respective Presidents, Michael Benjamin (local), and Audrey Fredericks (USA) as well as the entire membership of both entities. “They taught me what it meant to go beyond the call of duty, even against the odds,” she concluded. Ms Joseph then closed with a fitting acrostic that truly exemplified her notion of retirement.
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