East End Primary School Nursery Officially Opens

12 February 2024, 05:11 AM

Education

The East End Primary School Nursery officially opened its doors on Wednesday with a brief ceremony.

Ministry of Education (MoE) Acting Chief Officer Ms. Lyneth Monteith welcomed guests, emphasizing the long-held goal of fostering young minds in the East and North Side districts. “Since 2021, this vision has taken shape, and we are proud to unveil this vibrant space dedicated to nurturing young learners,” she stated.

Minister for Youth, Sports and Heritage, and Member of Parliament for East End, Hon. Isaac Rankine, expressed his gratitude to the MoE for the initiative. He remarked, “This marks a significant milestone for East End, and I look forward to witnessing the positive impact the East End Primary School Nursery will have on the lives of the young residents of East End and North Side and their parents.”

The Premier and Minister for Finance, Education, District Administration & Lands and Cabinet Office, Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, underscored the critical role of quality early childhood education in developing a strong, prosperous, and equitable society. She charged educators with continued dedication, emphasizing, “Keep your eyes focused on the goal to educate every single child in this jurisdiction so that no child is left behind.”

Principal Dr O’Neil Duncan closed the ceremony by acknowledging the efforts of all those instrumental in ensuring the new nursery became a reality.

Premier then unveiled the nursery sign and cut the ribbon to officially open the new early childhood care and education facility. She was assisted by Minister Rankine and the Member of Parliament for George Town South, Ms Barbara Conolly.

The event culminated with a guided tour of the new space.

Somenotable attendees included Department of Education Services (DES) Director Mr Mark Ray, who emceed the programme; DES Deputy Director Mr Elroy Bryan; Senior School Improvement Officers, President of the Parent Teacher Association, Ms Joy Vernon, Ms Nicola Williams, president of the Early Childhood Association, Mr Darrel Rankine, several civil servants, parents, principals, educators, students and other stakeholders.

The new facility, which commenced operation in August 2023, currently has 17 three-year-olds enrolled. It features a play-based curriculum, morning and aftercare programmes and daily free meals.

To learn more about the East End Primary School Nursery, visit East End Primary School – Department of Education Services – Cayman Islands Government (schools.edu.ky).