Statement from Honourable Sharie de Castro

Minister of Education, Youth Affairs & Sports- 2024-2025 School Year Welcome Back Remarks

Monday 9^th September, 2024

As we embark on a new and exciting school year, I extend a heartfelt welcome back to our hardworking school leaders, educators, students and parents. It is a joy to reconnect with each of you, knowing that this academic journey we are about to begin will be one filled with promise, purpose, and potential. Just as the dawn brings with it the warmth and light of a new day, we too are entering a season of hope and possibility. 

To our students—your energy and potential are like seeds planted in fertile soil. As you walk through the doors of your schools this year, know that you are the future of this territory. Every step you take on this journey of learning is a step toward discovering who you are and who you can become. The road ahead will be filled with challenges and triumphs, but remember, each challenge is an opportunity for growth, and every triumph is a testament to your hard work. 

Parents, you are the steady anchors in this journey. Your unwavering support is the foundation that allows our students to soar. As partners in this great work, we trust that you will continue to guide, nurture, and inspire your children as they reach for the stars. Together, we will help them navigate this journey with confidence and courage. 

To our dedicated school leaders and educators, welcome back to the sacred work of shaping minds and nurturing dreams. You are the architects of possibility, building bridges to the future for each and every one of our students. Over the past year, I have witnessed your unwavering dedication and creativity. You ventured outside your comfort zones, embraced innovative teaching methods, and led with heart and resilience. You understood the assignment, and you excelled!

As we stand at the threshold of a new school year, let us be reminded that education is like a vast ocean—deep, ever-changing, and boundless in its potential. Our role as educators is to guide our students as they set sail on this ocean, helping them navigate through the waves of discovery, curiosity, and learning. And just like a skilled captain, you have the power to steer them toward brighter horizons.

This year, we remain committed to “Moving Virgin Islands Education Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead.” Our commitment to integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in meaningful ways will equip our students with the tools they need not just for today but for a future that is still unfolding.

Parents, students, educators, as we journey together this school year, let us remember that every lesson is a building block, every challenge a stepping stone, and every success a beacon of light guiding us toward a brighter future. The transformation of our education system is not just a task—it is a mission, one that we will achieve with passion, persistence, and purpose.

Let us walk boldly into this new chapter, knowing that the future of our beloved Virgin Islands rests in the hands of those who sit in our classrooms today. It is a responsibility we all share, and with unity, dedication, and vision, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.

Thank you, and welcome back to an exciting new school year. Let’s continue to Move Full S.T.E.A.M.  Ahead together!