Fynnland Senior Primary School principal bids farewell

THE school year closes on a bittersweet note at Fynnland Senior Primary (FSP) as the school’s principal bids farewell after 41 years of service.

Dharumdutt Badripersad describes his arrival at FSP in 2017 as well received. The staff and learners welcomed him with great enthusiasm and excitement. He recalls his first assembly and how excited the learners were to meet their new principal. Their exemplary discipline, good manners and looking smart in their uniform impressed him greatly. He could see the kind of ethos that existed at the school.

“I felt honoured to be the first principal of colour to be appointed to the school since its establishment in 1936”, he said proudly.

One of the challenges he faced was the busy car park when parents dropped off and picked up their children. To ease the congestion a section of the tarmac area was opened for parents to park. A system was developed for entry and departure of cars. General assistants were also stationed at points to facilitate the movement of cars. Parents responded by expressing their appreciation.

Some of the major projects embarked during his tenure were to create a safe walkway for learners to proceed to the waiting area in the afternoons, securing the donation of two containers to house the schools sporting equipment, approaching businesses to sponsor the rugby poles on the sports field, building a wheelchair friendly ramp, enhancing the teaching and learning by installing projectors and screens in the classrooms as well as providing internet facilities.

Badripersad also answered the communities need for the admission of foundation phase learners by introducing a Grade 1 class for the first time. His vision was to introduce Grade 2 and 3 classes in the subsequent years.

Outside of the office, Badripersad is a keen sportsman who represented his province at volleyball. He has coached U12, U14 and U16 volleyball players in Inter- Provincial Tournaments. He also excelled at club cricket level as a spin bowler of note.

Because of his association with many sporting bodies he was instrumental in obtaining sponsorships for much needed sporting equipment for the school. Well experienced coaches both male and female were employed to develop much needed skills in learners in soccer, rugby, swimming, netball and hockey. FSP developed into a strong sporting school and had the confidence of hosting many inter-school tournaments. His insatiable desire to strengthen the link between the school and the community inspired him to make the school accessible for ABET classes.

Annual food evenings were organised to afford the parents and community at large an opportunity to enjoy the sumptuous food on offer and socialise with the educators in an atmosphere of great music and dance. He thanks the dedicated and supportive parents who through their involvement in accompanying and motivating their children at the numerous academic, sporting and social activities of the school  have contributed to the rich values of the school.

An achievement of special note was the school being voted Best Primary School and receiving the Southlands Sun Reader’s Choice Award in 2018. He thanks his dedicated and compassionate staff who worked tirelessly to provide quality education to all.

“I chose teaching as a profession because I felt that I could make a positive contribution to the upliftment of our children, developing their young minds and moulding their character to act responsibly.”

Badripersad shared that he will miss all the wonderful experiences he had over the past four years. He added that the staff, learners and parents including the supportive School Governing Body (SGB) have been incredibly wonderful. He stated with pride that he could not have wished for a better school to retire at. He has decided to begin a new chapter in his life. He plans to spend quality time with his family which includes his four grandchildren. He also plans to do some fishing and gardening. He is fully confident that the school will continue to build on the legacy he leaves behind.  

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