New head of education on Sister Islands

| 05/09/2008

(CNS): The Department of Education Services now has new Learning Community Leaders in three out of four education communities, with the appointment of Tammy Banks DaCosta (left with CEO Shirley Wahler) as head of education in the Sister Islands. Elsewhere, Herbert Crawford has been appointed LCL in the Western Learning Community and Desmond McConvey is LCL in the Eastern Districts.

They join Adora Bodden, the LCL for the Central Community, who was appointed last year to what was then a brand new position within the education system.

Educators on Cayman Brac learned of Banks-DaCosta’s promotion at a teachers’ professional development workshop held at the Brac Reef Resort Thursday, 4 September, which was attended by Education Minister Alden McLaughlin, Chief Officer Angela Martins, along with the Chief Education Officer Shirley Wahler. She steps into the shoes of Mexi-Ann Grant, who retired at the end of the last academic year, and will be replaced as Principal at the Creek campus of the Spot Bay and Creek Primary School by Claudette Lazzari.

According to the CEO, what impressed the interviewing panel about Banks-DaCosta was her clear vision of excellence in education. “There were dozens of applications for the three positions,” said Wahler. “Every one (of those chosen) brings extensive experience in our school system.”

Crawford, whose Learning Community Group includes JA Cumber, George Town Primary,the Sunrise Alternative Education Centre and Lighthouse School, steps up from a position as Senior Education Officer; and McConvoy, who now heads North Side, East End Bodden Town and Savannah primaries and George Hicks, has been promoted from Campus Director of George Hicks.

“We will continue to be the leading Learning Community in the Cayman Islands, as the purpose of a caterpillar is not to become a better caterpillar but to become a butterfly,” Banks-DaCosta said when her appointment was announced, and told her staff, “Like musicians in an orchestra, you play a vital role in the success of our learning community.”

"Tammy held a pivotal role in the collaborative planning work between the Eastern District and the Sister Islands. She will now be instrumental in overseeing the development of this work in the Sister Islands Community," said Head of Curriculum Services Clive Baker.

(Left: Education Minister Alden McLaughlin, Head of Teaching and Learning Caroline Dawes, CEO Shirley Wahler, Creek Principal Claudette Lazzari, Acting LCL Tammy Banks-DaCosta, Retired LCL Mexi-Ann Grant, and Chief Officer Angela Martins)

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  1. Nick says:

    You go mom! I’m so proud of you! I know you will be great! Nathaniel and I are behind you all the way! Love you lots!

    -Nick DaCosta