1966 graduating batch of trained teachers celebrate jubilee

Aug 05, 2016 News

The Cyril Potter College of Education recently joined forces with its 1966 batch of Graduates in recognition of the Golden Jubilee of graduation from formal teacher training.

Government Training College

The Group comprised graduates from the Government Training College, the established Teacher Training Institution of the country and graduates from the In – Service Teacher Training programme. The latter was a major innovation to increase, tremendously, the number of trained teachers and supply an expanding education system in the early 1960’s
This celebration was of special historic significance since it will be the only graduation group of teacher trainees to have graduated during the year of the Country’s attainment of Independence.
The celebratory activities were launched on Sunday July 24, with a religious service at the St. James the Less Parish, David Street, Kitty. Father Clifton Elias was the officiating Priest. Father Elias is himself a product of the teacher training institution.
The service was followed by a Special Brunch at Herdmandston Lodge. One graduate, Albert Agard had been overseas for over 40 years and was the centre of much attraction. Others had travelled across the Atlantic miles to share in this memorable reunion celebration as it turned to be.
It was amazing, though at times nostalgic, to hear of fond memories and old narratives that this gathering mustered up on such an occasion.
The following day took on a more serious note when the group donned polo shirts with GTC emblems and converged at the Cyril Potter College of Education campus for a General Assembly in the historic Bain Gray Hall. Staff and second year students of the college, officials of the Central Ministry of Education and specially invited guests shared in this noteworthy even. Laying of a wreath at the base of the Francis Vaughn-Cooke Bust and planting of a Flambouyant tree on the Campus grounds brought the day’s events to a penultimate end.
A small group of volunteers took time to ensure that some of our Seniors were remembered on this day. .Food hampers and floral arrangements were presented them with the hope that the gesture would bring joy to their hearts – joy that they once experienced when they taught and supervised us and many others.
The current second year students willingly played their part in setting the stage for a “Games Night Special Session” for the celebrating groups. This proved pleasantly rewarding. Even though the generation gap was wide, it was an excellent opportunity for “getting to know you”, laughter and other entertainment.
Then came the finale to the celebratory activities which provided time at the Herdmanston Lodge. There were Cultural Presentations, jokes, lively banter and heartfelt commentaries from individuals.
The occasion was apt for a stalwart of the profession, Lena Rockcliffe who has given invaluable service to education. She is celebrating this milestone with us and continues to do what she knows and loves best, to work with little people, love and care for them, develop their self –confidence and most of all show them the respect they deserve as developing human beings.
Retired lecturer Blanche Duke was also recognized and rewarded for her role as a teacher and mentor to numerous CPCE students over the years. The late retired Lecturer Lucille Cadogan was later rewarded.

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