Respected Principal, … dedicated teachers and staff, …distinguished guests, …supportive parents…. and my graduating peers – a pleasant morning to you all.
Four and a half years ago, (in 2022), I walked through the gates of Providence Elementary for the very first time. I arrived with four of my classmates from St. Angela’s (Chase, Jude, Lakey and Mitchell) feeling a little nervous, just like so many of us who came here from other schools or even different countries. But I remember the moment I was first greeted by a man in a bright green PES polo shirt, holding a big ‘STOP’ sign in one hand and welcoming me with the other. It was Curtis! As the days, months and years passed I realized that even though Curtis carried a Stop sign, he actually kept everything flowing. He knew all our names, who was picking us up, and what car they drove. He was always an amazing Master of Ceremonies at Sports Day.
The morning drop-off routine changed, but the warmth didn’t. That’s when we met Mr. Small over at the Main Building. Every morning, his soft-spoken ‘good morning’ and his slow, steady wave was like a magic wand, reassuring us that we had arrived at school for another meaningful day. On other days, Stoney might have been there, handing out smiles and chatter, which was extra comforting on the days we arrived just a little bit late, but still eager to start.
We quickly learned that the heart of Providence is made up of an incredible team including Miss Suzette, Miss Karen, Ms. Maureen, Kenaz, Peter and Akeem. In the office, Ms. Sherrianne knew everything and everyone! She always knew exactly when to offer a sympathetic ear, and precisely when it was time to straighten us up and get us back on track.
At Providence, we didn’t just do schoolwork; we learned how to express ourselves in many different ways. We practiced Español con Señor Small, explored our creativity in Art with Mrs. D’Oliveira, navigated technology in IT with Ms. Bowen, found magic in the Library with Mrs. Ellis, Ms. Forde, Ms. Tull and Mrs. Lynch, and really pushed our limits in PE with Ms. King.
Of course, our journey wouldn’t be complete without our incredible class teachers. For me it was Ms. Watkins, Mrs. Griffith, Mrs. Roberts-Smith, and Ms. Hinds. I’m sure you feel the same about Ms. Butcher, Mr. Lynch, Mrs. Drayton and Mrs. Puckerin and all the other teachers, even substitutes like Ms. Barrow. Looking back now, we have nothing but fond memories of them. Well… mostly fond! We know there were definitely times we tested their patience, usually by talking way too much, way too loudly, and at the absolute wrong time! In fact, our love for talking followed us to every class. I think we all remember music class when our chatter caused Mr. Layne to growl like a literal bear! But Mr. Layne never gave up on us! He was determined to impart his love for music into our souls. And honestly, it worked! Who knew that Sebastian and Jude would turn out to be so incredibly talented in something other than football? Let’s give them another huge round of applause for their amazing performance at this year’s Musical Showcase!
Beyond the classroom, our school calendar was always bursting with reasons to dress up, have fun, and learn while we played. From the vibrant colors of Multicultural Day and African Awareness to Character Day and Rock Your Socks, raising awareness and acceptance of differences. We worked together on Beautification Days, and we made unforgettable memories at the Family Barbecues and the Christmas Fairs.
What makes Providence truly special is how we are encouraged to participate in absolutely everything. Because of the incredible variety of extracurriculars here, we all leave as well-rounded individuals. For me, that meant pushing myself in violin and public speaking, and giving it my all in track, cross country, and swimming. We were encouraged to go beyond hanging on the sidelines.
Looking around the auditorium this morning, I can see so many mixed emotions. Some of us are bittersweet, happy to start a new beginning, but so incredibly sad to leave. As Ms. Hinds would say: ‘some people have flies in their eyes.’
It’s hard to imagine not coming here every day. We’ll always remember this lush, forested playground where we grew up.
On an old plantation our school resides,
In these beautiful grounds we take great pride.
Within these grounds our futures lie,
At our wonderful school Providence!
I’ll never forget the lyrics of our school song.
Our “futures” really did start right here within these grounds. Whether we were displaying artwork, representing the school at sport, or standing on prefect duty looking out for the younger students, Providence taught us how to lead with kindness. That’s what our motto, “Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge” looks like in real life.
I read that our benefactor, Mr. Melnyk, once said that the children here are Providence’s ‘greatest ambassadors.’ Class of 2026, as we step into secondary school, let’s prove him right. Let’s take the laughter, the well-rounded spirit and the integrity we built here, and carry it with us wherever we go.
Thank you, Providence, and congratulations to the Class of 2026!
