Dunrobin Primary Rebounds From Tragedy To Triumph
Published:Tuesday | June 23, 2015 | 12:00 AMGary Spaulding
After a series of blows, disruptions, mishaps and tragedies, including the murder of a prominent member of the teaching profession, Dunrobin Primary School appears to be firmly anchored, once again, in the glory days of the past.
Janice Reid, who, as a grade-one teacher, established the solid foundation for the high achievers such as Zaria Ferguson, was murdered at her home 18 months ago, but there are indications that her legacy lives on.
For the likes of Heather Quest, who currently teaches Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) students, have clearly recognised that the path to success is to take massive, determined action.
In leading from the front, in charting the path to success, the unstoppable Quest would toil with her charges in extra GSAT classes up to 10:00 o'clock on some Saturday nights and would hold classes on Sundays as well.
At the vanguard of the institution's improved showing in GSAT is Zaria Ferguson, who emerged with a 99.4 per cent average.
Zaria, who is headed for Immaculate Conception High School, earned 100 per cent in mathematics; 100 per cent in language art; 100 in science; 97 per cent in social studies; and 12/12 in communication.
No magic
As far as the young scholar, who aspires to be a lawyer, is concerned, there was no magic to her accomplishments. It's just that hard work had paid off.
"When I heard my results, I felt elated, ecstatic and excited," said Zaria. "I also became speechless because I didn't think I was going to be so close to a government scholarship."
Zaria echoed the sentiments of her schoolmates that preparing for GSAT was definitely not easy. "I had to get to school for 7:00 a.m. for early work, and leave school most times at 6:00 p.m. after extra lessons."
Added Zaria: "I also did extra lessons on Saturdays and sometimes on Sundays. I also had a study schedule where I would get up at 2:00 a.m., and study until 4:00 a.m."
She said that during these times, her father, Dwight Ferguson, would stay up with her to help her work on weak areas, while her mother would assist with research and projects that she had to do.
"I thank God for the amazing support I got from my teachers, parents, church members and friends," she declared.
An active member of the school's parent body, Zaria's father shared that Zaria had always cultivated an atmosphere of excellence in whatever she does from as far back as he can remember.
"She has never been a child who believes that good results would just fall on her lap, as she would say, 'But daddy, I have to study'. That has been one of her favourite expressions and excuse at times, to which her mom and I always have to relent," said Zaria's dad said. "After all, we would always see the fruits of these same expressions."
Ferguson said his daughter has always placed a high demand on herself for high achievements and though not being easily identified as one with an overtly competitive nature, she competes with herself, always striving for the best results possible.