St. George’s, July 6, 2011 (GIS) – A politician and a retired educator are concerned that the shorthand writing and spelling used in e-mailing, texting and in other social networking, is creeping in to formal correspondence by young people.
The concern of Tourism Minister Peter David and former Grenada Union of Teachers’ President, Jeanette Dubois, were expressed while speaking at the 2011 graduation ceremony of the St. George’s Anglican Senior School (SGASS).
Mr. David, the MP for the Town of St. George and an SGASS alumnus, said he is worried that the “new language’’ of the young people will “hamper their development’’ and limit their chances of employability.
Students should be assisted, he said, and those helping must be their parents and guardians.
“I urge you parents and guardians,’’ said Mr. David, “when the kids come home on evening, to read with them; work through their homework with them. If that is not done, we run the risk of losing some of them.’’
Ms. Dubois, the guest speaker at the ceremony at the Youth Development Centre at Morne Rouge, backed the call for greater emphasis on reading.
“Take that seriously,’’ said Ms. Dubois who appealed to parents to provide “much more guidance and support’’ to the graduating students who will be starting secondary school in September.
“Parents and guardians, you have to lead by example,’’ she stressed.
The theme of the graduation was, “Adapting to the Changes in the Global Marketplace.’’
Dubois outlined several types of skills that are necessary for survival in the new global environment. They include skills of analysis and problem-solving; effective communication; creative thinking; negotiating skills; and skills in science and Information and Communication Technology.
“There should be no end to your learning,’’ Ms. Dubois said.
Altogether, 120 SGASS or “Hindsey School’’ students passed the Common Entrance Examination (CEE).
SGASS top student, Blossom De Gale, placed 8th nationwide in the CEE. She’ll now take up studies at the St. Joseph’s Convent in St. George’s.
Minister David announced that Blossom, daughter of SGASS principal, Nigel De Gale, will receive a laptop computer “for a job well done.’’ The minister also donated a laptop last year to Khalil Buckmire, the most outstanding St. George’s Anglican CEE student of 2010.
Blossom De Gale, in the valedictory address, described the CEE as the “most difficult exam’’ in her life and that of her peers.
She said studies were combined with a series of extracurricular activities, such as the NAWASA-organised quiz which SGASS won. The school also won its third, straight St. George’s Primary Schools’ track and field sports meet.
“I believe we are ready to face the challenge of secondary school with God on our side,’’ she said.
Principal De Gale said despite many challenges, including the lack of “some of the most basic facilities,’’ students and teachers worked hard and SGASS “gained even more successes than ever before.’’
He also credited the school’s achievements to its “diverse areas of study’’ that mix academic and technical subjects, and to the support of parents and some members of the business community.
Mr. De Gale said he has complete confidence in the ability of the graduates.
“With the grace of God, you’ll all turn out to be strong and productive citizens of the world,’’ he said.
Graduation ceremonies are being held across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique for about 2,000 primary school students.
The daily ceremonies are being attended by government ministers including Hon. Tillman Thomas, Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for St. Patrick East.
