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DUTCH QUARTER--A fully fledged playground for Martin Luther King (MLK) School pupils is that much closer to being realised; a symbolic ground-breaking ceremony was held at the heart of the school Friday morning to mark the occasion, amongst school management, staff and pupils, Division for Public Education (DPE) representatives and Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs Rita Bourne-Gumbs.
The playground is meant for the school's Cycle 1 pupils and was largely made possible through the Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) and through fundraising at last year's pre-Father's day Bingo in particular, amongst some other initiatives.
School Manager Stuart Johnson proudly shared that the initiative was supported by staff, pupils and the community at large and that the playground will be the largest in the district and the first of its kind amongst the public schools.
The next project in line will be a multi-functional basketball court meant for the Cycle 2 pupils. This more extensive project will entail more funding and initiatives, Johnson shared.
Cycle 2 pupils formed the audience of the ceremony, as the Cycle 1s were participating in a sports-day event off school premises at the time.
PTF President Malaine Dublin, DPE Head Glenderlin Davis-Holiday and Minister Bourne-Gumbs emphasised the importance of play to physical and emotional well-being in brief congratulatory speeches, which includes learning to work in teams, increasing creativity and resiliency and promoting exploration and cognitive development.
Speeches were preceded by an opening prayer by School Counsellor Jessica Richardson and a rendition of the St. Maarten song by an MLK pupil. Adjunct Manager Lucia Kroon offered the vote of thanks.
Head Inspector Priscilla Bell, Leonard Connor School Adjunct Manager Alia Mathew Young and DPE staff member Juliette Greene were also present at the ceremony.
