As schools resume on Monday, September 9, 2024, one of the leading citadels of learning in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Start-Rite Schools, has held an orientation programme for teachers of the educational institution as part of preparation for the commencement of the 2024/2025 academic year.
The orientation programme took place at the premises of the Start-Rite Schools with a series of training sessions by the Chairman of the school’s Advisory Board, Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, seasoned speakers like Dr. Linus Okorie, MFR, President/CEO GOTNI Leadership Institute and Dr. (Mrs.) Nelly Oburo, and some members of the school’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT), led by the Principal, Mr. Femi Akinlade.
According to the International Partnership Manager of the school, Mr. Daniel Chukwuemeka, “As the new academic year begins at Start-Rite Schools, orientation programme for staff serves as a cornerstone for the school’s commitment to excellence in education. It is designed to equip staff with the tools, strategies, and mind-set necessary to foster a thriving learning environment.
“The orientation ensures all staff are aligned with the core values and vision of Start-Rite Schools. Everyone gets on the same page regarding academic goals, student welfare, and community involvement. The direction for the year is Sustaining Excellence through Collaborative Leadership and Strategic Community Engagement.”
In his address at the orientation programme, Ndoma-Egba who is the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Federal University Lokoja (FUL), hailed the dedication and commitment of Start-Rite Schools teachers towards professionalism and academic excellence of the students, noting that without them the school will be nowhere.
He stated that the academic institution has always aspired to be the best and not just one of the best, adding that Start-Rite Schools was equally doing well in the area of sports, as about four of its students were already participating in international tournaments (lawn tennis game) and making the school proud.
“The important thing is that we have now reached that point where we are beginning to have enough facilities to serve us and our children. However, the fact remains that it is the teachers that make the school. The performance of the students and the children depends on the performance and quality of the teachers in the school.
“So, let me at this point congratulate all of you (the teachers) on the performance of our children. In the just released WAEC results we made a 100 percent. And I am told that virtually every child who did computer studies made an A.
“In the French proficiency exam, which was also just released, again we recorded a 100 percent. In fact one of our children almost tore the roof by scoring 99.5 percent. While we celebrate the children for these massive achievements, we give the teachers the praise,” Ndoma-Egba said.
He added: “And in sports, four of our own are now in the global lawn tennis circle. Start-Rite Schools has produced one of the children who has won 21 tournaments. He is today the West African number one under 14 tennis player and among the top 6 in Africa. We have three or four other children who have also won international tournaments.
“So we are getting known not just for academics, we are also getting known for sports. And like I always say, we don’t aspire to be one of the best schools, we want to be the school. So that when they are talking about schools, they’ll just say Start-Rite. So that Start-Rite becomes the standard for professionalism, for excellence, not just in teaching, but in academics, sports, character and leadership. We want to be the school not one of the best. And we could only achieve that through your professionalism, through your efforts. So far you’ve done well.”
