Work ethic key, says MP to new pupils

New secondary school pupils from St Michael South have been advised to cultivate a robust work ethic from their first day, regardless of their school placement.

Kirk Humphrey, the member of parliament for the area, also stressed the crucial role of parental involvement in ensuring pupils’ success.

Speaking at an event where he presented essential school supplies to 54 children in his constituency, Humphrey emphasised that determination and hard work were key factors in academic achievement. “I’ve lived long enough to see persons who have done very well at the 11 Plus to go on and make a mess of it. I’ve lived long enough to see people who did not do well at 11 Plus go on to do exceedingly great things,” the MP told the students. “It does not matter what school you go to, just give your best.”

The care packages, which included school bags and stationery, aim to assist pupils in their transition to secondary education. Humphrey explained that the supplies were provided because “everyone needs help at some point in their lives”.

In a pointed message to parents, the MP stressed the importance of early and consistent involvement in their children’s education, warning that waiting until the end of the year to review results would be a waste of time. ” I am asking parents to spend a little more time with your children, especially the first few weeks in the first school year, because that transition period is so difficult,” Humphrey advised, drawing on his expertise as a social scientist.  “If you all do not put in the work in the first few weeks, especially that first term, you are wasting time.”

Humphrey urged the parents to engage actively with their children’s school lives, encouraging them to “support and talk to the children [and] get to know their friends”. This proactive approach, he suggested, is far more effective than simply “showing up at CXC” examinations.