SOURCE POINTE XPRESS NEWSPAPER- The arrival of more than one hundred students from Glanvilles Secondary to Pares Secondary School yesterday marked the completion of an amalgamation of the two public institutions of learning.
The merger was undertaken earlier this year after education and government officials agreed there was an urgent and immediate need to develop the nation’s capacity for food security. As such, a recommendation was made to merge the two schools using the Pares Secondary School plant and to convert Glanvilles Secondary School into a National School of Agriculture, which will form part of the recently established Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS).
Glanvilles Secondary School students were received and welcomed on Monday morning by Pares Secondary School Principal, Letitia Lawrence, Director of Education, Clare Browne, also present. While stating that the merger is complete, Mr. Browne assured that work will continue to ensure the decision taken to merge the two schools together works in the best interest of everyone involved.
“We did everything we could to ensure that there was that smooth transition but we must do everything we possibly can to maintain that kind of cohesion and link of oneness at Pares Secondary School,” the director added.
Approximately 140 students were transferred, with the new student population at Pares Secondary School now being approximately 350.
In preparation for the commencement of the new school year, the necessary repairs and modifications were carried out at the Pares Secondary School plant, with the director of education expressing confidence that both existing and new pupils will be comfortable in the environment prepared for them.
According to the director of education, the school is built to accommodate 550 students and while in previous years the student numbers were high, the construction and operationalisation of Sir Novelle Richards Academy in 2017 resulted in a decline in numbers.
While they will have to adapt to a new learning environment, the students of Glanvilles and Pares Secondary Schools are not strangers. For years, they have collaborated in several events.
“They teamed up on sports. The cricket team comprised of students from both institutions. When they did their graduations last year, they came together in a ball. Their field trips they pursued together. So, there was already a natural kind of connection between both schools. So, I think we are off to a great start there,” Director Clare Browne concluded.
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I think this merger is a good move. Our children deserve the best opportunities, and if putting resources together means stronger academics and sports, then it’s a win.
This was a good move and I hope the children from Gransville integrate well
Wishing the students all the best as they work along to make a brighter future
All the best to our students. This is Tessa’s Alma Mater
A Brilliant decision by the government of Antigua and Barbuda
Hope this bears good fruits. Good work ministry of health