Dear Editor,

I wish to extend personal congratulations to all the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) students who were awarded a place at a high school for the new academic year September 2023/2024, even if you were not placed at the school of your choice. Kindly accept the wisdom of your placement and prepare to bloom whereever you are planted. Don’t be fooled by the misleading perception that only traditional high schools can prepare you for excellence.

As an educator of over 20 years, I have seen countless students from non-traditional high schools compete and outperform their counterparts at some of the finest traditional high schools. Therefore, accept the school at which you are placed and commit yourself to working hard and striving for excellence. The teachers at non-traditional high schools are just as qualified and competent as those at the “name brand” “top a top” schools. The curricula used for the different subject areas are the same for all schools and the duration of high school years is the same for everyone. The exit exams are the same for everybody as well.

I am, therefore, appealing to all students who were awarded a place at a high school to ask your parents to allow you to remain where you are placed. Be confident in your own abilities and self-discipline to be the exception. It is not where you are placed that will make you, it is what you make of where you are placed!

As someone who works at a non-traditional high school as a dean of discipline, I am acutely aware of the tremendous sacrifices that teachers, along with other members of staff, make to lift the standard of performance of students who come into our care with significant learning and behavioural challenges.

As you prepare to leave the comfort of primary school and take on the challenges of high school, I want to give you some fatherly advice. First, obey your parents and those placed in authority at school. Simply obey the rules of the school and the instructions of your parents.

Second, choose your friends wisely. Don’t keep company with students who are time wasters and encourage you into bad habits, such as bleaching, gambling, smoking, sex, showing disrespect to others, loitering on the roads, skipping classes, experimenting with drugs and/or alcohol, and other deviant behaviour.

Third, believe in yourself and work hard at school towards your goal. Develop a timetable for your homework after school in the evenings. Reduce your time on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms.

Fourth, develop the habit of reading and writing. Read widely and sharpen your writing skills. The ability to read and write well enhances your ability to communicate, which will inevitably open doors for you.

Fifth, be persistent in your school work. If you fail at something, don’t give up. Learn from your mistakes and failures by trying again and again until you get it right. Just don’t give up or say you can’t.

Sixth, be careful of what you post on social media. Don’t post nude pictures or any other pictures of yourself that would show you in a negative or inappropriate manner.

Seventh, take care of your mental health and get sufficient sleep. Set a time to go to your bed early. As a mental health patient, I know from experience that lack of sleep negatively impacts mental health and academic performance.

Eighth, be satisfied with what your parents are able to give you to go to school. It might not be able to do much, but be content with what you get. Don’t be tempted to want what your friends have and go out of the way to get it. If your parents can’t afford something you need, just accept that you will have to do without. You won’t die!

Ninth, if you have a problem and you are afraid to talk to your parents, tell your teacher, but don’t go to a stranger. Always talk to your parents and teacher about what makes you unhappy and uncomfortable.

Tenth, tell your parents to take you to Sunday or Sabbath school. The world we live in today is a cruel and uncaring place. You need divine coverage and protection. Even if your parents don’t want to go to church themselves, tell them that you want to worship at church.

As soon-to-be fully enrolled high school students a lot more personal responsibility is expected from you, especially between the time you leave home for school in the morning and when you are dismissed from school in the evening. Take your safety and security seriously. Use the road wisely, be smart and obedient. Stay focused on your education, be respectful and disciplined.

I wish for all PEP students a smooth transition from primary to high school. The word is always love for our children.

Andre’ A O Wellington

Dean of Discipline, Alston High School

Alston P O Clarendon

andrewellington344@yahoo.com