2025-26 Director of Education School Reopening Address
Stakeholders in education, it is with unparalleled joy that I greet you at the beginning of this new academic year. I speak, not just for myself but for the leaders in education who fall under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries. After a necessary respite from the routines of teaching, learning, competing and performing, and an exciting carnival season we are poised to launch into the untried hours of this new school year. This 2025-26 academic year promises to be a transformative one. During the next three terms, multiple changes will be initiated or continued at every level of our education system; so, it is a period in which, more than ever before, we have to band together to achieve the goals of quality, equity and inclusivity in the education sector. Some of these changes were orchestrated by the education leadership within Antigua and Barbuda while others were engineered by regional and international agencies. All demand united efforts. We can anticipate great challenges but we can also look forward to monumental achievements.
As we take flight into this academic year, I’d like to welcome every student from nursery to university to a journey of discovery, growth and enchantment. No doubt, you will learn new, interesting concepts and master novel skills. You will experience physical, psycho-social and intellectual development. While all of these are critical, I encourage you, particularly those of you at upper secondary and in tertiary institutions, to nourish your spirit. Find time to worship God and serve your fellow men. In spite of the inevitable challenges that this year will present, I am excited and I hope that you, too, will be exhilarated by the curricular and extracurricular heights that you will soar past throughout the year.
To every parent and guardian who indefatigably work with your children, supporting their every endeavour and the activities of their learning institutions, we thank you and we encourage you to remain committed to your child/ children’s education. To those parents and guardians with flagging commitment, I implore you to visualize the final results of your efforts. Look beyond the present trials to the future triumphs. Do not abandon your children and charges. They need you. With your unwavering support, they can soar to unimaginable heights.
To all teachers, counsellors, deputy principals, principals and the executive of the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers, welcome to the 2025-26 academic year. As you navigate your roles and responsibilities this school year, always remember that as long as your actions are motivated by a thrust for quality education for all students and an enriching experience for all who are engaged in the business of education, we are in the same flock. Let us take flight into this new academic year with unquestionable oneness in our plans and practices. Remember, you are guiding a whole generation of Antiguans and Barbudans. Your present decisions have consequential implications for the development and prosperity of our nation.
Ancillary workers, bus drivers, conductors, crossing guards and school meals personnel, welcome to the 2025-26 academic year. Your service is integral to what transpires in education on a daily basis. Without your dedication, we would remain grounded. We take this opportunity to thank you and to encourage you to rise above the unstable conditions that confront us all from time to time. Perform your duties with the utmost alacrity.
To all the private citizens and corporate entities who serve as sponsors of our various programmes and competitions, we say thank you for what you have done in the past and what you have committed to doing in this academic year. Without your financial support, many of the activities that are designed to advance the holistic development of our students would not materialize. Your support helps to shape the society in which you operate. Let us continue to work together to our mutual advantage.
Before I conclude this address, I’d like to say a special word to the students and staff from the Glanvilles Secondary School who are joining the Pares Secondary School. We know, very well, that a school is more than just a plot of land and buildings. We know very well that the change you are about to experience is difficult and, for many of you, very disturbing. Be assured that we have done everything within our power to make this transition as smooth as possible. We challenge you to embrace this new development with open minds. In life, change is inevitable. Your future will be shaped by your reaction. Adopt a positive attitude and you will reap significant rewards.
As I conclude this address, I’d like to reiterate the Ministry of Education’s commitment to “enabl[ing] and empower[ing] all persons beginning at their earliest years to become lifelong learners, nation builders and globally competitive citizens by providing an education which is accessible, equitable, inclusive, relevant and innovative, which promotes critical and creative thinking, and fosters sustainable development.” We invite you, every stakeholder, to share our vision, support our efforts and work diligently towards creating a brighter future for all Antiguans and Barbudans. Welcome to the 2025-26 academic year. With God as our ultimate Guide, we can reach unprecedented heights. Let’s take flight with quiet determination and absolute confidence.
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