The Ministry of Education will be focusing public attention on the unique contribution of school counsellors within the Virgin Islands this week.

National School Counseling Week 2024 (#NSCW24) is observed from February 5 to 9 under the theme, “Standards Based; Student Focused” and highlights the impact that school counsellors have in helping students achieve success and plan for their future careers.

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie DeCastro, joins in congratulating all school counsellors. Honourable DeCastro said, “This week provides us with a special opportunity to recognise and honour the invaluable contributions of our dedicated school counsellors across the Virgin Islands. The theme emphasises the unwavering commitment of our counsellors to uphold standards while remaining deeply focused on the well-being and success of our students.”

The Minister for Education added, “National School Counsellors Week provides us with a moment to reflect on the impact counsellors make daily. The week provides the opportunity to show gratitude to school counsellors who implement school counselling programmes, which are a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century.”

Acting Chief Education Officer Mrs Orlandette Crabbe said counsellors play an important role in fostering a positive and nurturing environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. She said the impact they make on the lives of school communities cannot be overstated.

Mrs. Crabbe said, “The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports thanks all school counsellors for being actively engaged in assisting students to examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents.”

The Acting Chief Education Officer said, “Counsellors work in partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world. They significantly contribute to the development of positive school environments by focusing on ways to enhance students’ academic, career and their social and emotional development.”

The counsellors in focus this week are Mrs. Sharon Leonard (Primary Coordinator), Mrs. Desiree Chinnery Gomez, Mr. Jacob Edwards, Mrs. Tarriesha Dawson, Mrs. Lovina Jones-Henry, and Mrs. Trisha Smith Gomes in Primary Schools. Secondary school Counselors are Ms. Bisa Smith (Secondary Coordinator), Ms. Kimra DeWindt, Ms. Keriann Malone, Ms. Amy Gordon, Mrs. Chonda George, Mrs. Liana Taylor, Ms. Donalin Michel, and Ms. Eldrina Gerald.

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports continues to provide high quality educational services, as well as facilitate access to and participation in sports and recreation, in order to enrich the lives of all residents of these Virgin Islands.