South parents, teachers proud of SEA students

BY noon on Thursday, most SEA students in South Trinidad had collected their results. Teachers and principals told Newsday the process was swift and they were pleased with the performance of their students.

For some students, the shift to online learning amid the covid19 pandemic was a bit difficult.

Aleah Jackson of Point Fortin ASJA Primary School told Newsday, “To be honest, it was kind of hard. But it got easier as time went by.”

As for the exam itself, “Maths was the easiest, the creative writing too. But the comprehension part was kind of challenging.”

Her mother Natasha Simmons admitted it was tough to have everything moved to an online platform, but she kept trusting God.

“It was time-consuming but we got through it.”

The school’s SEA class had 28 students this year, and their teacher Fazra Ali-Ohab said she had been implementing aspects of online learning even before the pandemic.

“Over the holidays, I used to do things with them on WhatsApp and always had that type of communication with them.

“The children were calm – I don’t think they panicked or were over nervous about it.”

Principal Jamila Ali-Khan shared similar sentiments.

“Surprisingly, they were really well behaved. We never had issues. The parents were also well disciplined. All the instructions we gave, they followed.”

Jerel Rogers, 12, of the Point Fortin Anglican Primary School, said he enjoyed the transition to online learning, adding that his family and teacher were really helpful.

“My aunt is a teacher, so we were always using it (online platforms) and we does write down the sums and correct it together.”

His mother, Janelle Ramdass, who is a nurse, said her schedule made it difficult to actively keep up with and monitor her son during class. But she said she had a strong support system.

Rogers’ favourite subject is mathematics and said he felt “very good” about his results. He passed for Point Fortin East Secondary School.

His teacher, Carrie Ann Fisher, said there were three SEA classes this year, with 75 students in total writing the exam.

“This time period really tested our teaching skills. It was almost like going back to college.

“It is very important to have that support between the parent, the teacher and the child, especially now.

"The children handled it well and the parents all got on board.”

She said her class had 23 students and all of them passed.

Moses Boatswain, 12, of VOS Government Primary School, said he was proud of himself, but wasn’t really a fan of online learning.

“I prefer going to school (physically) because I get to see my friends.”

Megan Ramsundar of St Gabriel’s Girls’ RC School said the entire exam was “pretty easy,” and told Newsday she was fully prepared. She added, though, that she prefers attending school physically rather than virtually.

Her father Terrence was extremely proud of her.

“It was a challenge for us, given we had to work from home and having to juggle managing a child in a learning environment while having to do work yourself. But we found it to be really effective, the school delivered on all fronts for us and we were quite happy with that,” he said.

He said he has been “constantly” telling his daughter how proud he is “no matter what the results are.

“One of the things we have observed is she is putting in her best work, she has tried her best and has done very, very well. So it is always a win. Of course, every parent would want their child to pass for their first choice, but it doesn’t matter what the results are, because she has already done her best as far as we are concerned.”

Her schoolmate Maria Francis also said the exam was easy, especially the mathematics section.

“Only one question gave me trouble. But I heard a corrector say maths was not easy, so I was like, ‘What? I think I did pretty good.”