Teachers from Bridgeport Primary School, along with Principal Pearl Morgan (third left, front row), pose for the camera after the institution's lucheon and awards ceremony at the Hotel Four Seasons.

Just as she entered Bridgeport Primary School some 30 years ago, the delightful principal Pearl Morgan was sent off into retirement in style at a posh luncheon at Hotel Four Seasons in St Andrew recently.

But, as she embarked on a new stage in life with her husband Rev Glenton Morgan standing by her side, she did not just leave without rewarding her staff, both in the education and administrative departments, for their support over the years.

touching speech

In her touching speech, the last she will make as principal Madam Morgan, she told the gathering about the road she travelled in the education system. "Another privilege has been afforded me by the gift of life to speak to you as the retiring principal of the Bridgeport Primary School. When I took office in 1991 as a young teacher coming out of the classroom, the journey ahead for me looked a tedious one as I was the oldest member of staff and they have to look up to me for guidance," Morgan said.

She thanked the Almighty for giving her the strength and the school staff and a dedicated Parent Teacher's Association (PTA). In closing, she said: "I pray that you (my fellow teachers) will continue to give your best to the field of education and especially to Bridgeport Primary for the continuance of our storied heritage."

keep the faith

Guest Speaker, Dr Orville Taylor, senior lecturer at the University of the West Indies, said teachers have a huge responsibility and he has a great amount of respect for them. He encouraged teachers to keep the faith in challenging situations which is affecting the education system. He made mention of the breakdown of discipline in schools and recent attacks on teachers by parents.

He quickly disregarded some people's suggestions that the breakdown in discipline falls at the feet of broken homes and families. He said that the family was broken down a long time ago during slavery where the father was separated from the mother and his children. He said politics has divided the people and is the main reason for society's ills.

Teachers who have served from as low as one year to a high of 30 years were given appreciative plaques. There are four pioneer teachers at the institution, each serving 30 years; Pearl Morgan, Sharon Richards (vice-principal), Rhylan Boothe and Cecile Fraser form the background of the school.