A road well traveled

Cleopatra Francis recently celebrated her retirement upon reaching a milestone of 41 dedicated years to the teaching service. On May 3, she was honoured at a retirement function hosted by the staff of the St David’s RC School; the very school where she bade farewell to her position as a principal.

The function commenced with a Mass which was officiated by Fr Arnold Francis. Present at the function were representatives of the Catholic Education Board of Management, Aurea Honore and Mennen Walker-Briggs. Also present were principals of various schools, teachers, pupils, family members, friends and well-wishers.

In 1978, Francis ventured out on her teaching journey, one which began as an Assistant Teacher and which ended as Principal. From Guayaguayare RC to La Romaine RC, to Biche RC and to St David’s RC, just to name a few, Francis has certainly carved her footprints on Trinidad’s soil. Undoubtedly, she has left a lasting impression on the students and teachers with whom she interacted.

Her love for the students knew no boundaries yet she always strove to instil in them morals, values and a sense of self-worth. Her favourite words to them still resound in their minds, “A good education makes us shine but good discipline makes us glitter”.

Hats off to you Cleopatra Francis; yours has certainly been a road well-traveled!

Enjoy your retirement! –Tanisha Francis-Garcia, teacher