By Anesta Henry
The staff room at the St Alban’s Primary School has been renamed after former senior teacher Wendy Alleyne. Last Friday, Alleyne was the centre of attention as her family and friends joined staff and students of the St James-based institution to witness the retired teacher cut the ribbon.
During her address, Alleyne who said she was grateful for the recognition, thanked the school’s management for honouring her in such a distinguished manner. Alleyne, who was also a student of St Alban’s, said she loved the noble institution and what it represents.
“I stand here this morning as a proud product of this school which laid the foundation for my secondary and tertiary education.
My education did not begin at secondary school but right here at St Alban’s and I am always willing to give back to this school which has contributed so much to my professional as well as my personal growth,” Alleyne said.
“The best years of my teaching career were spent here as well. I had wonderful work colleagues who made the journey an enjoyable one.
I have a family member who’s always said to me ‘you are retired, why don’t you keep from St Alban’s?”, but that is easier said than done,” she added.
The former teacher appealed to the students to give back to St Alban’s when they move on and reminded them that past students have helped to pave the way for them to have a memorable experience at the school.
“I am imploring you to do the same for those following after you. I hope the legacy of the Wendy Alleyne Teacher’s Lounge embodies who I am and my character.
When individuals see and enter the room, I hope they feel the energy of servitude, giving, passion for developing and uplifting others, empathy, friendliness,” Alleyne said.
Principal Wendine Prince told those gathered that the honour was long in coming and one that the honouree truly deserved.
Prince said she has never had the privilege of working with Alleyne before taking up the principalship of the school even though she taught at the sister school St Alban’s Infants while Alleyne taught at the Junior School.
“I must however admit that I knew her as Shane’s aunt, and I also saw her when the two schools worshipped frequently at the St Alban’s Anglican Church.
Truth be told, I was a young teacher back all those years and I was extremely impressed when I witnessed her take command of the Junior school when they came to the church.
“As luck would have it our interaction really blossomed when I became principal of the school and Shane’s son, her great nephew Kyode, was a student here.
Trust me when I say that Kyode increased our interaction exponentially while he was a student here. We also interacted to discuss any projects that would redound to the benefit of the school,” Prince said.
The principal thanked Alleyne for her unwavering support and contribution to St Alban’s Primary.
anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb
