The School Corridor Tatler

I listened to a colleague telling me how difficult it is to get teachers to come and teach in the Lavender Hill belt of schools. Farieda says that people think you will become a casualty of crime or that teaching in the area is non-existent. Farieda, a Maths specialist, says even she would say she is teaching in Retreat at times because people are quick to even judge your competence when you say you are teaching in Lavender Hill. Ivor, the Head of the school who is listening to this exchange, retorts rather abruptly : “ They have lost the plot… it is a privilege to teach in an area like Lavender Hill.” This is the training ground for teachers.” I fully agree with Ivor. In fact, I think all teachers should do community service in poor areas so that they can identify fully with the challenges of educating our youth who are stuck in such webs. We will quickly learn how our own glib recipes of “how to apply Blooms Taxonomy” will become our own nightmare! In these schools the odds are stac...

DCAS showcase the talent of undiscovered artists MSED Director, Eugene Daniels with Vocalist sensation, Esinako Esinako, the Hillwood Primary school 4 th grader, had fun today singing “My Redeemer” at the DCAS MOD Centre Principals’ Conference. We gave her a standing ovation, mesmerized by her vocal range and tone that by far exceed her age. Lavender Hill dancers with Esinako as their Lead singer   Later we saw the Lavender Hill dancers, also highly skilled and equally confident,drawing a huge applause from us. Not too long ago these township youngsters would have not had the opportunities to develop their natural talents because they become invisible to many of us.   Lionel Slinger, Hillwood Deputy Principal, Lavender Hill dancers, Esinako, Hillwood vocalist and Eugene Daniels, MSED director But let me not digress. I wish to indulge you with the conference magnet, Esinako, the ten year old. She has her own special story. During the school week, her life is far more complicat...