By Andrew Batilo Francis
The newly elected Executive of the Old Edwardians Association on past Friday has unveiled a blueprint vision for the school, while also engaged with teachers of St. Edward’s Secondary School, reaffirming its commitment to restoring excellence, promoting unity, and improving the welfare of staff and pupils alike.
The meeting, held at the Junior Secondary School (JSS) Building, brought together teachers from both the Junior and Senior school staff including non-teaching staff in what the new leadership described as a “family meeting” aimed at fostering collaboration and charting a new course for the institution.
Opening the discussions, the President of the Old Edwardians Association, Commissioner Richard Hindolo Senesie, told teachers that immediately after assuming office weeks ago, the executive resolved that one of its first priorities would be to engage directly with the school community.
“We have met with the principals, and today we are here to meet with the teachers, to tell you what we want to achieve and, most importantly, to listen to your concerns and see how we can address them together,” he said.
Commissioner Senesie emphasized that the success of the Association’s plans depends heavily on the academic performance of the school, describing teachers as “the oxygen of the institution” and one of its most treasured assets.
“We can have all the plans in the world, but if St. Edward’s is not performing well in public examinations, then we have failed. There must be a direct correlation between the performance of the school and the performance of this executive,” he stated.
The President also addressed what he described as growing divisions between the JSS and SSS administrations, reminding staff that despite the administrative separation by the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, St. Edward’s remains one institution.
“There are two administrations, but there is only one St. Edward’s. Nobody should see this school as two schools. Teachers must interact, collaborate, and work together as one family for the good of the pupils,” he urged.
In a move aimed at boosting staff motivation and accountability, Senesie announced plans to introduce a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) system for teachers. Beginning in September, teachers will receive a bag of rice every month as an incentive, but they must meet agreed performance benchmarks.
The Association’s President further disclosed that the executive is actively working towards massive infrastructural reforms including the construction of a modern library equipped with computers and upgrading science laboratory facilities, which he described as currently inadequate for the school’s needs.
He also expressed concern over overcrowded classrooms, describing the situation as unacceptable and one that must be addressed urgently.
Another major priority, according to him, is ensuring that the majority of pupils transitioning from JSS to SSS come from within the St. Edward’s system. “We want at least 90 percent of students entering the Senior School to come from our own Junior School. We want Edwardians producing Edwardians,” he remarked.
Calling on teachers to set aside differences and work collectively, Senesie assured them that the welfare of staff would remain a key focus of his administration adding that committees will be created with staff representatives to coordinate teachers’ welfare and other functions.
“Though none of the current teachers taught me, I will not hesitate to give back to this school, and the teachers will benefit. Division among teachers ultimately affects the pupils, and that is something we must overcome,” he emphasized.
