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ETPS Principal proposes to change uniform colours & school motto

- recommendations facing opposition in some quarters
Our News Centre has been informed that the photo above shows the proposed uniform changes at Ebenezer Thomas Primary School. Photo: Team of Reporters
The current uniform of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School in Sea Cows Bay. Photo: Facebook
The current uniform of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School in Sea Cows Bay. Photo: Facebook
Principal of the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School Ashkisha N. Maduro is not pleased about the proposed uniform and motto changes being made public. Photo: Facebook
Principal of the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School Ashkisha N. Maduro is not pleased about the proposed uniform and motto changes being made public. Photo: Facebook
The Ebenezer Thomas Primary School located in Sea Cows Bay is named after Mr Ebenezer Thomas, who donated the land free of cost for the school. Photo: VINO/File
The Ebenezer Thomas Primary School located in Sea Cows Bay is named after Mr Ebenezer Thomas, who donated the land free of cost for the school. Photo: VINO/File
It is unclear what is the new motto proposed for Ebenezer Thomas Primary School. Photo: VINO/File
It is unclear what is the new motto proposed for Ebenezer Thomas Primary School. Photo: VINO/File
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI- Parents, former teachers and past students of the Ebenezer Thomas Primary (ETPS) in Sea Cows Bay have advised our newsroom that the new principal of the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, Ashkisha N. Maduro, is proposing to change the school uniform colours and motto.

The school has had the current uniform colours of brown and gold for over 65 years. While no official decision has been made on the change, it is believed that Principal Maduro, who many reported to be doing an extraordinary job at the school, is consulting with the Department and Ministry of Education, according to a source familiar with the proposed changes.

According to a source, decisions will not be made unless all the stakeholders, including parents and teachers, are informed.

Former students against changes

Many indigenous residents of the Sea Cows Bay area are said to be opposed to the changes including most members of the school’s Parent-Teacher’s Association.

The school is also painted in its traditional colours of brown and gold. It is unclear what other traditional changes the school is trying to make, outside of the uniforms and motto. The proposed colours if approved will be pink top for girls and blue for boys.

There is no proposed timeframe for the suggested changes.

‘Why create confusion’- Principal Maduro

Meanwhile, Principal Maduro was not pleased about the proposed changes being made public by our News Centre.

“There’s no story in that so can you please refrain from looking for one.

“Why drag a school into a scandal and try to create confusion?” Principal Maduro told our News Centre.

Efforts to draw a comment from Acting Chief Education Officer Orlandette R. Crabbe and the school’s PTA President Anna-Lee A. Thomas proved futile up to the time of publication.

The ETPS is the signature public primary school in District Three. It is named in honour of the late Mr Ebenezer Thomas who donated the land free of cost for the school. The school library is named in honour of the late Augusta Forbes aka ‘Teacher’ who is believed to have started the first school in District Three under a mango tree by the now Methodist Church in Sea Cows Bay.

Long list of prominent former students

The ETPS can boast of some prominent alums such as Attorney Jamal S. Smith (deceased), businessman Dion A. Stoutt, Managing Director of STO Enterprises, businessman, former Permanent Secretary and Speaker of the House of Assembly Julian Willock, Attorney, and former Financial Secretary Glenroy A. Forbes, Businessman and former advisor to two Premiers Kevin C. Smith ‘aka’ O J, former Government Minister Hon Myron V Walwyn, now current Representative for District Six, and Attorney, poet and trust company executive Sonjah S. Smith among countless others.

The three recent principals of the school are Mrs Inez Brathwaite (deceased), Mrs Adel Forbes-Frett and Mrs Sybil Todman-Hodge.

Mrs Maduro was appointed Principal of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School in July 2023.

48 Responses to “ETPS Principal proposes to change uniform colours & school motto”

  • If it ain't broke don't fix it (03/05/2024, 12:34) Like (70) Dislike (3) Reply
    Leave it alone
  • Miss Maduro Is A Liar (03/05/2024, 12:41) Like (64) Dislike (10) Reply
    Leave the uniform alone stop trying to erase history and legacy.
    • Do not change our history and legacy (04/05/2024, 07:06) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
      As a alumni of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, I strongly suggest that the now principal do not know the history of our school. We have to be careful with the people that we put as leaders who try to change our history. Our uniform and motto stands out. Do not change anything, next she will be changing the name of the school. I saw this coming this was why we wanted our own to be the principal of the school. Sometimes the people in charge have to listen to the people when they speak. What does changing the uniform and motto have to do with learning.
  • Parent of ETPS (03/05/2024, 12:46) Like (32) Dislike (5) Reply
    That’s a inside job. I’m a parent and I never saw that. Ms. Maduro check your teachers. Smh
  • Electric (03/05/2024, 12:53) Like (27) Dislike (9) Reply
    The Principal herself is also a prominent alumni of this same school. I favor the old school colors though, maybe a new design with it the same colors.
  • WHAT!!! (03/05/2024, 12:54) Like (42) Dislike (3) Reply
    Money tight we can’t afford new uniforms.
    • soap box (04/05/2024, 07:51) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      It will cost the same more or less the colours will be different. That’s all.
  • Interested (03/05/2024, 13:03) Like (52) Dislike (2) Reply
    I have promised myself to stop blogging, but I just have to ask what does she find problematic with the current uniform?
    It is a part of our heritage. I attended that school and my daughter attended that school. We in SCB love the uniform as is,
    Thank you
  • ETPS Alumni (03/05/2024, 13:10) Like (28) Dislike (36) Reply
    Why Tola people so afraid of change??? You buy new school clothes every school year for your child so the same money getting spend, what's the big deal??? Move on. The new uniform looks great.
    • You sure about that!! (06/05/2024, 16:49) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      It has parents that make their kids uniform a slight bit longer or bigger so they can wear for more than a school year, so saying people buy clothes every school year isnt necessarily true. But do we change every schools uniform when we get tired of it?? There are places in that have the same uniform for more than 40 plus years and the students learn just fine and the parents dont complain about it...so why does this school need to change their uniform? This place doesn't seem to know how to hold history up!! Just like the current government considering maybe changing something about the territorial wear. HOLD YOUR HISTORY AND BE PROUD!!!!
  • flUffy (03/05/2024, 13:13) Like (41) Dislike (3) Reply
    I see the schools current.uniform colors as one of the most vibrant colors of ALLL uniforms in the territory..IN MY HUMBLE OPINION IF ANYTHING SHOULD BE CHANGED,TRY THE P.E UNIFORM ( a brown bottom and a gold top) which I think is more consistent with the school...This ain't JOYCE SAMUEL!! IF IT AINT BROKE LEAVE IT ALONE!!!THINGS ALREADY ROUGH ON US THE PARENTS OUT HERE!! changing a whole uniform for what???APPLyTO EDUCATION FOR MORE ASSISTANCE WITH TH E SCHOOL SUPPLIES( paper,toilet paper,etcetera! WE PARENTS ALREADY DRAINED!!
  • resident (03/05/2024, 13:30) Like (27) Dislike (8) Reply
    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Don't do it- Don't DO it!!!!! LEAVE IT ALOVE!!!!!
  • Negative (03/05/2024, 13:34) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
    no. that's Isabella morris primary colors. Nothing is wrong with the colors. Thee plaid looks great.
    • he he (04/05/2024, 07:55) Like (0) Dislike (13) Reply
      And Isabella Morris certainly ain’t coming back. We are too afraid of change. It’s not going to cost a Pennie more it just changing that’s all. Not because it’s there for serveral decades means it can’t change. The vibrant proposed colours are lovely.
  • What is wrong with it? (03/05/2024, 13:36) Like (28) Dislike (4) Reply
    Seriously, please leave our uniform alone. What is wrong with it?
  • Real People (03/05/2024, 13:36) Like (19) Dislike (4) Reply
    Leave it Please. My opinion it looks terrible. Then they might want to change the school color also
  • Teacher who was transferred (03/05/2024, 13:54) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    I heard she wants to change the Motto and school logo to, she has a good heart but just need to slow down!
  • The Reaper (03/05/2024, 13:55) Like (18) Dislike (6) Reply

    Leave it alone Woman..Next u want too change the school color ..Power gone straight to your *. Head

  • Isabella Morris (03/05/2024, 14:32) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wasnit this the uniform of Isabella Morris??? What is happening with the return of Isabella Morris Primary School?
  • Why.??? (03/05/2024, 14:41) Like (32) Dislike (3) Reply
    They are lot more priority and important Issues to deal with and sought out than to be getting distracted with uniform changes that 's not a problem...adding more stress and expenses to parents life..
  • Trying (03/05/2024, 15:03) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Remember when Orlandette was the principal at JSPS and she changed the uniform?? Just bringing up history... Not a parent or alumni of the school, but I think the uniform is fine.

    Her response about a scandal was unnecessary and rough. Ease up.
    • smh (03/05/2024, 23:04) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Trying
      The same thought came to mind. Once her n ame was mentioned, I saw the power mentality of doing things personally.
  • only in tola (03/05/2024, 15:38) Like (7) Dislike (20) Reply
    People here don’t like change. Change is good.
    Don’t mind them old people. Is only cloth.
    • NOT (04/05/2024, 07:51) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Change is good but not in all situations.
    • My School (05/05/2024, 22:36) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Its just cloth don't mind the old ppl that is tha school me n my family when to that school I have to see that school everyday n I love my ETPS the first principal in ages not from my village comes in looking to change things that have never bothered anyone come on now. If it ain’t broke dont fix it if she wants Isabella back she can go find it there is no reason for a uniform change n with that they will repaint the school as well n i dont want to c that ugly blue everyday
  • WOW (03/05/2024, 15:44) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
    Nice colors
  • GOLD Forever (03/05/2024, 16:05) Like (11) Dislike (8) Reply
    Never........NOOOOOOOO.........Never change it.

    Parents , guardians, whomever....stop this madness.

    DO NOT LET THEM CHANGE IT!
  • Hmm (03/05/2024, 16:06) Like (10) Dislike (8) Reply
    change does not always equal progress. we need to hear Ms. Maduro out before we just blast her for trying to be an agent of change. Too many of us are focused on where we have been, where we come from and cant see where we are going. We need to only use the rearview mirror when we need to check ourselves but moving forward is a different story. With these new generation of children there may be a road block that wasn't there before that requires us to change directions and that doesnt mean forgetting core principles.
    • @ hmmm (04/05/2024, 06:21) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
      You sound right… but if her comment to the media had outlined the reasons etc for wanting this change, people would be understanding. Except she opted to be immature in her response… how is the school being dragged into anything? How is this a scandal? Stupes.. learn when and how to speak Ms Maduro.
  • Sussan (03/05/2024, 19:31) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    I think this woman is crazy, parents are barely struggling to keep food on the table for their children. Is she going to buy the uniforms for the children? She think people working for the kind of money she working for? Parents are hand to mouth and scarcely that, but still trying to give their children a good life, just because she is not wearing the shoes that parents are wearing.Have some consideration for the less fortunate
  • Why bother. (03/05/2024, 22:05) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Everything is a problem for all you. People on Tortola can not be trusted!!! I bet it is one of her staff members, a stupid parent who doesn't like her, or Cindy Rosan who called VINO to make this news in an unnecessary effort of causing confusion. On a serious note, our police uniform need to change!!!! That gray shirt looks shifty. Put them in either blue and black, or all black . The firemen uniforms needs to go as well. The washout maroon shirts look terrible . Go back to the blue and blue.
  • facts (03/05/2024, 22:42) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    It's just a unnecessary change.
  • Judging by the senior school (03/05/2024, 23:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Shouldn’t it be riot gear black helmets and shields first?
  • resident (04/05/2024, 00:58) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
    Ms.Maduro is a nice person. However, she's doing too much for a principal who just got there. She hasn't been at that school a good year yet. I'm sure there are more pressing needs at that school. She needs to slow down and stop listening to certain people there who want her to carry out their agenda while they hide behind the scenes and she takes
    blows.
  • Jane (04/05/2024, 04:42) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    The uniform been around for years and it only gets better looking everytime i see it. My opinion Ebenezer has the best uniform and i think the uniform should stay as is.
  • Neighbors (04/05/2024, 06:05) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    I love the colours it needs to be changed
  • Change is good! (04/05/2024, 07:00) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
    The school needs a revamp! School morale is low, school spirit is low. The play ground has been im shambles for years! The library needs remodeling. The school needs computers! The school needs instruments! The school needs change. And she is doing all of this! All these boxes that for years needed checking. This isn’t about a uniform only, this is about the children. ETPS has been a sleepy school, it lacks support from the community. All the alumnis from this primary school where are you when the school is looking for support? We can name two who always show up, but today everyone has something to say. Ms Maduro is an advocate for change and improving the schooll, I support her endeavors. If I recall another school changed uniform some time back. Legacy isn’t being changed progress is being made.
  • Maria Louisa Varlack (04/05/2024, 08:27) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    the entire territory of the british virgin islands has been completely and utterly destroyed. every british virgin islanders born in the british virgin islands life has been utterly and completely destroyed.
  • LGBTQ (04/05/2024, 09:16) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
    HOT MESS CHANGE IT LOVE THE NEW COLOR BUT PREFER HOT PINK
  • Hmmmm (04/05/2024, 13:18) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    So why them thieving Isabella Morris and Leonora Delville uniform in one go
  • parent (04/05/2024, 15:09) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    The only thing that requires a change is the PE shirt which is currently white.
  • leave it (04/05/2024, 15:31) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    I hate the combination of collects that have been selected.
  • ................................. (04/05/2024, 18:13) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Let my people go leave the uniforms as is please dear head master
  • Thing to talk (05/05/2024, 19:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    First thing first u need to fix the problem with the 2 grade 6 fighting against each other and put the kids first sec it had a chat and y the queen of the school parent had to talk on ur behalf this school is going to dogs of the favoritism and is a shame! One side doing fund raiser and not alerting the next way is this a competition or a school this principal need to get her act together period!
  • Teacher observer (06/07/2024, 23:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The education system is the crumbling! I am very sad that this has reached to this level. I am very disappointed. Changing the school clothes would not necessarily boost school moral. Changing the teachers may. Principals need to do a better job of supervising their teachers. In the schools too many teachers want to be the head. They undermined the administration.. These are the ones that need to be dealt with. Teachers coming late, always out sick... This generation of teachers need to get their act together. These disputes only hurt the students. I agree leave the uniform. If you want to have plaid skirts for upper primary and solid for lower like ASPS did that's fine. The PE tops definitely needs to be changed that white is a no no... Sea Cow's Bay people love change. However the change that they need is students retaining information. Educational gaps filled. Reading fluency increased etc. more of the hidden curriculum coming out cause these children ain't got no manners. The motto... I can do all things through Christ needs to remain. This bible verse is extremely powerful. In education there should be structure. I am telling you leave this alone and revisit later in your administrative career. The mascot can be changed but that bible verse embodies who Sea Cow's Bay people are. A Christian community. You do not have to change the school colors to build school spirit. There are many ways to do so. My two cents. As someone said if it is not broken dont break it to refix it. We can definitely do all things through Christ who strengthens US!


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