The Savanne Paille Primary School has marked six decades of educational service, with Principal Juanita Carbon highlighting the institution’s longstanding contribution to the development of generations of students and the wider community. Addressing parents, students, teachers and community members during the Commencement of the 60th anniversary observance on Friday 6th November, Carbon paid special tribute to the school’s founding principal, Francis Bruney, who served from its establishment in 1966 and was present for the milestone celebration.
Established on September 5, 1966, the school has been led by 13 principals over the years, including Bruney, Clara Sylvane, Stanford Hyacinth, Peterson Austrie, Millicent Andre, Norma Joseph, Margaret Romaine, Philip Pierre-Louis, Charles ‘Charlie’ Seaman, Osborne Wallace, Nathalie Ferrol, Margaret Jules-Royer and Mrs. Austrie. Reflecting on the anniversary theme, “One Legacy, Generations of Excellence,” Carbon described it as a recognition of the educators and administrators who laid the foundation for the institution’s continued success.
She noted that the school had produced individuals who have gone on to serve in various professions, including education, law enforcement, business, construction and religious leadership, among them former Commissioner of Police in Antigua and Barbuda, Atley Rodney, who is now attached to the Regional Security System (RSS) in Barbados.
Carbon also reflected on the school’s historical journey, recalling that its establishment under the leadership of then Chief Minister E.O. LeBlanc provided children from the area with greater access to primary education, as many previously travelled to schools in Clifton and Portsmouth. She acknowledged the sacrifices made by early educators, including Bruney and former teacher Clara Saverin, who travelled from Portsmouth to Savanne Paille to fulfil their teaching responsibilities. The school’s original building was subsequently destroyed by Hurricane David in 1979, resulting in some students temporarily attending institutions in Clifton and Portsmouth before returning when the present facility was constructed in the early 1980s.
Highlighting the resilience of the institution and its surrounding community, Carbon disclosed that the school currently has an enrolment of 36 students, comprising 18 boys and 18 girls, compared with significantly larger classes in its earlier years. She expressed appreciation to successive principals, teachers, parents, guardians and community members whose contributions have helped sustain the school through changing circumstances. Looking towards the future, Carbon reaffirmed her commitment, alongside her teaching and support staff, to providing an education that develops creativity, critical thinking, discipline, collaboration, resilience and strong moral values among students.
The anniversary observances will continue throughout the academic year, culminating in a grand awards ceremony and dinner scheduled for Saturday, July 3, 2027. Carbon also announced plans for a student tea party and several activities targeting former students, young people and the wider constituency, including a family fun and sports day at the Lamothe Playing Field during the Easter period.
The celebrations are expected to bring together residents from communities stretching from Glanvilla to Capuchin, while also providing opportunities to raise funds to support the school’s needs. Carbon encouraged former students, parents, businesses and other stakeholders to participate in the planned activities and contribute to preserving the institution’s legacy. She reminded students that they were not merely witnesses to the school’s 60-year milestone but also custodians of its present achievements and builders of its future.
