The display at the Anglican Primary School started out on school grounds with a map of the island that was painted on the school front yard. Students eagerly posed in front of their mural, a wall that was painted by Jeffery Aimable into kaleidoscope of inviting colours on a one of the school walls. The school was filled with students in their attire of the day, yellow, blue or white t-shirts to match the colours of the St Lucian flag, and black pants for the boys. Girls wore pleated black skirts with stripes of flag colours.
As explained by one of the school’s teachers, Anglican Primary had just set up as part of the Independence Competition and was trying to get students involved.
The exhibition on the inside incorporated national symbols and provided students with information on St Lucia’s native governors, governors general, and
prime ministers past and present. Pictures of distinguished figures of the island’s history decorated the walls.
“We’re not sure whether there will be an exchange for schools to see what other schools have done, but we’re hoping the judges would come today,” said Rhonda James a third grade teacher, adding: “Before the balloons deflate.”
On the second floor of the school balloons had been positioned to spell out Happy Anniversary. As far as the exhibition went, James said school personnel had attempted to make it as informative and simple as possible.
“The children have been asking lots of questions,” the third grade teacher told the STAR. “They are going around and looking at the pictures, having a visual of what we normally teach them in the classroom. They’re able to associate pictures with names and national symbols.”
According to James, building national pride and encouraging patriotism was the main purpose for the school participating in the competition. On Tuesday and Wednesday while the exhibition went on, a miniature food fair was hosted.
“We’re selling food from St Lucia, as well as Asia and America. We’re looking at the people who came.”
As far as judging went, Rhonda James said judges would generally focus on the cleanliness of schools and the how much national history was featured in individual displays. A representative from the ministry of education said judges for the Independence competition were expected to visit schools next week.
The Anglican School in expected to hold an ecumenical service at the Anglican Church on Friday from 9:30am.
Following the service, students will take part in a march back to the school in an effort to generate awareness about the nation’s independence.
Written By: Kayra Williams on Feb 19th, 2010
