Pistana replaces William Hodge, who was the permanent secretary for the past six years.

“We are extremely grateful and value the contribution he has made to the education fraternity,” Hanley said. “With this being said, I am pleased to announce our new permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education Mrs. Lisa-Romayne Archibald-Pistana. She has worked within the field of education for over 19 years during which time she served as a Teacher, Principal, Education Officer and Deputy Chief Education Officer. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the post.”

Other appointments include:

• Ms. Jamillah Bristol is the new Head Teacher of Beach Allen Primary School
• Mr. Javan Cannonier has assumed the post of Deputy Head Teacher at the Cayon Primary School
• Ms. Ulukia Bryan has accepted the post of Deputy Head Teacher at the Dieppe Bay Primary School

Minister Hanley said it is his intent to ensure that the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis continues to lead in the area of education. Other takeways from the speech include the following:

• Students in public primary and secondary schools, first day of school will be on Wednesday 7th September, 2022.
• Revised COVID-19 protocols for schools
  • All persons seeking access into our educational institutions must sanitize their hands
  • The wearing of a mask is now optional, “but strongly encouraged in enclosed spaces.”
  • To avoid the spread of Covid 19, those who exhibiting symptoms should see the help of a medical professional prior to their return to school
• All significant dates, update covid19 protocols, and other relevant school information can be found in the Ministry of Education Guidelines for the Re-Opening of the School year by logging to www.Education.gov.kn
• Key message for the 2022-23 academic year “Excellence is not a skill, it is an attitude,”
• The Ministry of Education’s goals for the 2022-2023 academic year focus on inclusivity and equity. We intend to provide every child equitable access to quality education in a safe child-friendly environment.
• Rebuilding Basseterre High School and converting all of our high schools into centers of excellence
•  Expanding our maintenance unit to incorporate skilled trade persons who will ensure the continued maintenance of our school plants
• strengthening the TVET sector through the provisions of certification at the end of the training period

Chief Education Officer, Francil Morris, greeted the teachers and promised that the next four days of training will afford the front-line educators additional tools to ensure that students are exposed to opportunities that maximize their full potential.

“I urge all of you as members of this education sector to mentally prepare yourselves to be challenged, excited, and inspired in the days ahead as the professional development opportunities that will be available will ultimately enable us to perform our professional roles effectively and efficiently,” he stated.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, William Vincent Hodge, noted that the key message for the school year was “Excellence is not a Skill, it is an Attitude.” The original quote by Ralph Marston will be shared with students when classes begin on Wednesday, September 03, 2022.

“We now stand at the portal of a new year that officially starts the recovery from the devastation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. “The new school year gives us yet another opportunity to make a fresh start. We must look forward to the unfolding of the year ahead with a renewed sense of direction and hope, enthusiasm, and excitement.”

Permanent Secretary Hodge congratulated the new persons being enrolled as teachers for the new school year and those who attained additional qualifications from the C. F. Bryant College or university degrees.

The teachers were assured that the Ministry of Education will do all within its power to enhance the learning experience ensuring that students are given a solid foundation to achieve their dreams and aspirations.