President Bostic urges Workman’s pupils to dream big

President Jeffrey Bostic has urged students of Workman’s Primary School to overcome shyness, get involved in school activities and prove that a small school can still achieve big things.

On his visit to the Workman’s, St George, school on Monday, Bostic encouraged more boys to participate in clubs and activities, particularly the Cub Scouts after seeing primarily girls in the Workman’s Dance Troupe.

“Every single boy in this school should join the Cubs… everyone,” he said. “And we must see a bigger dance troupe that includes boys, and those sports that you can perform, those things you can do.”

President Bostic’s call came against the backdrop of challenges outlined by former principal Sandra Downes, including limited space and resources, shyness and social anxiety among some students, and difficulties providing opportunities for outdoor activities.

She said the school has 103 pupils and 13 teachers, with its small size presenting challenges for activities such as football, cricket and scouting exercises.

“We have severely limited space, as can be seen. No playing field area, very limited.”

She explained that the lack of space can make some scouting activities “difficult or impossible to play and run safely”, while a small playing area can become overcrowded with just 10 active boys.

But Bostic told the students that their size should not prevent them from succeeding: “It does not matter how big or small your school is. It does not matter if you struggle with space or other resources,” he said. “What matters is that you have and you show some pride in whatever you do, and pride in your surroundings.”

He pointed to his own experience attending a small primary school, saying it reminded him of Workman’s.

“I came from a small school like you. That says something,” the President said.

Drawing on Barbados’ achievements despite its small size, he told the students that “smallness does not give us an excuse for not achieving greatness”.

Workman’s Common Entrance Examination results consistently placed it among the top 20 primary schools in the country, Downes said.

The school, which celebrated its 141st anniversary last December, has also established a school council, PTA and Cub Scouts, while students participate in netball and football.

President Bostic urged students to take advantage of those opportunities, particularly those who struggle with confidence: “You don’t have to shout today nor tomorrow. Just do one brave little thing for me: look one person in the eye and say good morning.

“Tomorrow, go and join the football or the netball team. Join the dancers, even if you go for a few minutes. On Wednesday, join and become the 11th member of the Cub pack at this school.”

He also challenged students who were more confident to help their quieter classmates rather than exclude them.

“Students that are not shy, you have a serious responsibility. Your responsibility is not to laugh at the ones who are shy. Go to them and say: ‘Come and sit with me,’ or ‘Come and play with me.’”

The school’s small population could work in its favour by creating a stronger sense of community, the President suggested.

“In a small school, everybody can also help you because a small school becomes like a family.”

He encouraged students to take pride in their work and surroundings, telling them: “Finish what you start. No retreat, no surrender.”

President Bostic noted the school’s academic performance and said its position among the top 20 primary schools was “a significant achievement”.

“Workman’s may be small, but big work comes from small places,” he said.

He challenged the school to live up to its goal of becoming “a beacon in a small rural community called Workman’s”.

“A beacon cannot hide under the desk. If not, you will not see it. A beacon must shine. So you children, you must shine.”

Patrice Elliot, Class Two student played How Great Thou Art on the steel pan for the president’s visit. The President was presented with a mahogany plaque by Head Boy Samuel Best which had a picture of the students and staff.

(LE)