Teachers Urged to Influence Students for Good

MONTEGO  BAY – Teachers have been challenged to influence their students for good, and to practise the principles they have learnt with respect to planning, preparation and execution of their daily duties in the school and community.

The charge  was given  by Acting Principal of the Sam Sharpe Teachers' College, Dr. Michele Pinnock, as she addressed 282  graduates of the institution at the Valedictory Service,  held at the Calvary Baptist Church in Montego Bay, on April 18.

"As teachers, you will have in your charge the fresh lives of young children, whom you must take care to influence for good, not only by what you teach in the classroom, but also by how you instruct them for the challenges of life, by your own general attitude, by your style of living, and by your determination to continue to do your work with inspiration and enthusiasm," she told the graduates.

Dr. Pinnock encouraged them to always  perform with "a true sense of service and commitment, striving always for the attainment of excellence."

Speaking with the JIS News after the ceremony, Dr. Pinnock called for the leadership of the education fraternity and the wider society to provide graduating students with opportunities to volunteer their services.

"I would love for society to help my students by providing them with opportunities to volunteer.  We know that jobs are difficult to find, but I would love for society to help the students in this regard.  We have had professional development sessions with them and they understand the need to give back without wanting any remuneration, and so they are committed to doing that," the Acting Principal said.

Meanwhile, Pastor of the Edgewater Baptist Church in Portmore, Rev. Dr. Dylan Toussaint, said attaining the spirit of excellence should be the chief objective of persons wanting to do their tasks effectively.

"The spirit of excellence is attainable, in spite of all the challenges that you have been through.  You have the ability to learn the lessons of life and to utilize what you all have learnt," Rev. Dr. Toussaint told the graduates.

CONTACT: GLENIS  A.  ROSE
JIS REGIONAL OFFICE
MONTEGO BAY