Ave Maria School holds 14th graduation (Pictures + Video)
The Ave Maria School in Dansoman, Accra, Saturday held its 14th graduation ceremony on the theme, "Self-discipline: The key to success".
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The 2014 class consisted of 119 Junior High School graduates - who are currently awaiting their Basic Certificate Examination (BECE) results - and 60 Kindergarten 2 pupils who graduated to stage 1 of the main school.
The event, which was organised on the school premises, drew hundreds of people, including parents, guardians, well-wishers and observers.
The graduation ceremony saw exciting display of acting flair by the kindergarten 2 pupils, who acted a play on the adverse effects of gossip in society. The enthusiastic KG2 pupils also did poetry recitals, while the JHS students treated the audience to a spectacular Taekwondo and brilliant military cadet display.
Watch a video of the performance below:
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In his welcome address, Mr Michael Safo Antwi, the Managing Proprietor of the school, said the Ave Maria school strived "on a daily basis to provide safe, warm and conducive environment for pupils to achieve academic, sporting, cultural and life-long learning".
He said the school had a deep understanding of the meaning of community which is reflected in their mission statement of promoting excellence and inspiring each individual.
Mr Antwi said despite the tough economic times the country finds itself in, it is important that parents go the extra mile to educate their children.
He said: “We are all aware of the economic crisis these days but we need to go the extra mile to educate our children. The great Nelson Mandela of blessed memory once said and I quote” 'education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world'.”
Mr Antwi said it was the obligation of Ave Maria school to challenge students to strive for the highest standards, both in their learning and in their lives.
He said: "We know that in order to fulfil their potential at school, pupils and students must be happy and secure with their friends whose company they enjoy and the teachers whom they trust and respect.
"School we know is a place of work, but also a place to be enjoyed-somewhere to learn and somewhere to grow. All these [pertain] here at Ave Maria."
The Managing Proprietor went on to congratulate the JHS graduates, urging them not to rest on their oars.
“Your journey to life has just begun," he said, adding: "May your successes be many and your tribulations few."
For her part, the Headmistress of the school, Mrs Florence Agordjor, expressed appreciation for the support, encouragement and prayers the school had received from parents and guardians.
She said building a trusting and mutually beneficial relationship takes time, discipline and a lot of goodwill on the part of all concerned.
She, therefore, urged both the teaching and non-teaching staff "to continue to give of their best in the spirit of friendship and brotherliness as we push hard to sustain the greatness of our school in the process, and lift ourselves to greater heights”.
Advising the students, She said, “Do not to forget what has brought you this far. It is called deferred gratification; you must postpone the deceptive pleasures of now if you are to enjoy more lasting joy in the future”.
The guest speaker of the occasion, Mr Anis Haffar, a renowned educationist, advised the students to be curious, time conscious and have a sense of purpose.
He said the internet was a huge source of information and challenged students to explore it at all times.
Mr Haffar explained that due to the huge source of information now on the internet, it is now the responsibility of the students to find things out for themselves and not to wait for anybody to give them the information.
“Don’t wait for anyone to tell you this is the time to do anything. Your education is your responsibility”
He gave the students tips on how to be effective and organised by asking them to have a do list and write a list of items they intend to pursue each morning. He encouraged the students not to sleep on an empty brain as they do not normally sleep on an empty stomach.
“It will be difficult if you don’t have the discipline but over a period of time. Your brain will begin to work in your interest and you will succeed in a manner that will blow your mind,” he said.
Mr. Haffar advised the students to begin to select friends who want them to succeed and also find mentors in their communities who are already successful and develop a relationship with them.
Students from both the kindergarten and JHS departments who excelled in various disciplines were also awarded with various prizes.
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