Old Harbour Primary’s dynamic duo scores big in PEP

With determination, discipline, and a passion for excellence, Caleb and Kezani have earned the coveted titles of being the school’s top PEP boy and girl respectively, making their teachers, families, and community incredibly proud.

"I was so happy and relieved when I saw my results," says Caleb. 

Kezani echoed with joy: "I had mixed feelings. I was super excited. I started to jump and scream and cry in a short space of time. Mommy was also super happy she said we did it we jumped together scream and cry together.”

Importantly for the academic duo they both got their school of choice. Caleb was placed at the Glenmuir High School, while Kezani will be attending Immaculate Conception High School. 

“While this was my dream school from grade three, and I pleaded with mommy to make it my first choice, she still went ahead and put it for my second choice. I was sad, then but super happy now,” Kazani told Old Harbour News.

Despite their success, the journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Caleb admitted that he had challenges focusing and studying at the right time and trying not to experience boredom. Kezani shared the anxiety of not knowing what would be on the exam and the nerve-racking expectations of passing.       

Both students credited their families and faith as key sources of motivation. Caleb says that he always wanted to attend the Glenmuir High School and it was always his desire to make his parents proud along with his motivation to do well. “My mother was my biggest inspiration, she never stopped. Even when she was tired and would rather sleep, she still check the books and goes through pass papers with me,” says Kezani.  

Behind these successful students are two determined mothers. Marsha Robinson-Smith and Diandra Gordon never stopped believing in their children. 

“I kept reminding him to put God first and stay consistent,” Robinson-Smith, Caleb’s mom, said. 

However, there were challenges for the one parent as well. “It's mainly Kez and I,” Gordon tells Old Harbour News. “Some challenges included not being able to find the extra lesson fee to send Kezani to classes, and our greatest challenge was relocating in the middle of PEP preparation.” 

She added: “I ensured that she had all the resources she needed to have. I tried my best to send her to extra classes and make it my point of duty to go through her books and pass papers with her. Even when I don't understand, I let her explain and break down questions as if I knew the answer before emotionally. I'm always motivate her to do her best and giving her little rewards when she gets the questions right”.  

Miss Gordon also credited her support system, saying “My church family is always there, where I fall short financially. There's always someone to back me up and when I feel like I'm going under there is always a word of encouragement.  Her school is also a big plus they had sessions to help us understand what pep is about and how to help my child and the teachers were on point too.”

Mrs. Robinson-Smith balances her work with Caleb’s education by first letting him know that each step of the way the work will be more difficult. She also allowed him to develop some sense of responsible by teaching him how to balance and prioritize his schoolwork and manage his time. 

She urged parents to approach the PEP materials with calm and confidence, acknowledging that while the content can feel overwhelming at times, it's important to stay composed because children often mirror the emotions of the adults around them. She says if parent allows children to be more responsible and accountable, then the work will become easier to manage for both them and their children. 

“I would advise them [parents] to never give up on their children and to be their children’s’ biggest supporter and also remind them this is just the beginning.” There is alot more work to put in and wherever they are planted they will bloom beautifully with the right support from the ones they love the most,” she said.                                           

With their eyes set on the future, both Caleb and Kezani are excited about starting the next chapter of their academic journey at their dream schools. If their PEP success is any indication, these two are just getting started. 

As Caleb enters high school, Smith’s hopes her son will continue to work hard, put God first, be humble and to be a good person by helping others along the way. While Caleb seems fully committed to continue along such path, he’s already looking forward to the new experience on the horizon. 

As for Kezani’s mom: "My hope is for her to continue to stay focused and give her best in everything she does. It is my dream to see her overcome life's challenges and emerge as a true gem just as her school’s motto says; 'Only the best is good enough.' I always remind her of Philippians 4:13: 'I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.' That verse is my constant encouragement to her.”