Family Legacy Inspires Petersfield Primary’s PEP Triumph

When Kaliyah Hall and Anjardo Munroe walk through the gates of the Manning’s School in Westmoreland come September, they will carry more than impressive Primary Exit Profile (PEP) scores.

The top Petersfield Primary and Infant School students will take along family legacies built on hard work, preparation, resilience and proof that when homes and schools work together, success can flourish even in the most difficult circumstances.

At Manning’s, Kaliyah will be following a path already travelled by her two older sisters, who are past students of the prestigious institution.

“I feel very happy to be in my sisters’ footprints because both of my sisters went to Manning’s as well,” a beaming Kaliyah tells JIS News.

Her top score of 374.1 out of 400 comes after months of disciplined preparation that included Saturday classes, class papers, PEP practice papers and extensive revision.

“I studied. I used the study guide. I reviewed my topics. I reviewed my materials,” she shares.

While acknowledging challenges with some topics, Kaliyah says she was determined to achieve her goal.

“I am just happy [with] myself. I was not expecting to be in this moment right now. I am very happy,” she says.

Her older sister, Nastassia Hall-Cunningham, who is one of her teachers at Petersfield Primary, tells JIS News that Kaliyah’s success was the result of years of hard work and commitment.

“Kaliyah always excels. She worked hard, diligently, to make sure that happened,” she says.

She notes that Kaliyah often takes the initiative of researching topics independently and helping her peers understand difficult concepts.

“At times, she would be teaching her class some of the topics that she would prepare for. She was very passionate about what she wanted and what she wanted for her classmates,” she says.

Mrs. Hall-Cunningham says that the entire family is delighted that Kaliyah will now join the growing list of relatives who have attended the Manning’s School.

“We are excited. The family is excited. We are overjoyed,” she tells JIS News.

Like Kaliyah, fellow student Anjardo Munroe is preparing to begin a new chapter at Manning’s School while also continuing a family legacy.

The top-performing boy, who achieved a score of 350.8 out of 400, described receiving his placement as a moment of relief and accomplishment.

“I felt very happy to get that weight off my shoulders,” Anjardo tells JIS News, visibly relieved.

The student explained that preparation required consistent effort, including practice papers, revision and studying the materials provided by his teachers.

“I prepared by [doing] lots of past papers. I prepared with practice questions and studied the material that they gave me,” he says.

Young Anjardo admits that there were moments when he questioned himself, particularly in science and social studies.

However, he persevered and is now looking forward to becoming involved in extracurricular activities at his new school.

“I am definitely joining the chess club. I have always liked chess, and I want to get better at it since I am going to a higher level,” he says.

His mother, Suzette Ruddock-Munroe, who is also a teacher at the institution, credits much of his success to the strong partnership between parents and teachers.

“[His] daddy and I decided that after school each day we will be reviewing whatever teacher taught him,” she says.

Mrs. Ruddock-Munroe tells JIS News that the family also relied on practice papers, educational videos and support from teachers to strengthen areas where he needed improvement.

Now preparing to send a second child to Manning’s School, she is encouraging other parents to become active participants in their children’s educational journey.

“I just want to encourage other parents to work along with their child, communicate with their teachers, see where the child is going down and where they can assist,” she says.

Principal of Petersfield Primary and Infant School, Dr. Susan Rattray-Hammond, tells JIS News that while the impressive scores are cause for celebration, she is equally proud of the values and character demonstrated by the students throughout their time at the institution.

She notes that the school encourages students to strive for excellence while remaining grounded and committed to making a positive contribution to society.

“Wherever in life you go, be that person that makes a difference. Be that person that makes a positive impact. We want them to continue to reach for the stars, as our motto says, and to always understand that the legacy of being a part of Petersfield Primary and Infant School will always be with them,” Dr. Rattray Hammond says.

For Grade Six Coordinator, Grace-Anne Guthrie-Bent, the success of Kaliyah, Anjardo and their classmates is a source of immense pride.

The educator noted that the achievements came despite the significant challenges faced by students and staff following Hurricane Melissa.

“I am extremely elated. I’m super proud of my students. They have worked extremely hard despite the challenges… . We had students who were leaving from the shelters and coming to school, so that was indeed challenging,” she notes.

Mrs. Guthrie-Bent said the resilience demonstrated by students, parents and teachers throughout the recovery period ultimately laid the foundation for success.

“They were dedicated, they were resilient, and the results are evident,” she points out.

As Kaliyah and Anjardo prepare to walk through the gates of the Manning’s School in September, they will carry more than impressive PEP scores.

They will carry family legacies built on perseverance, sacrifice and support, which is proof that when homes, schools and communities work together, success can flourish even in the most difficult circumstances.