On November 9, 2024, Yunus English School Busumbala hosted an important Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meeting, bringing together teachers, parents, and school leaders to discuss the academic progress and welfare of students. The meeting, held at the school, served as a platform for reinforcing the partnership between parents and educators to ensure the continued success of the students.
The event began with a welcoming address by Vice Principal Mr. Lamin Sanno, who introduced the distinguished members of the high table, including Mr. Lamin Tabally, Principal of Yunus English School Busumbala, Mr. Musa Drammeh, Headmaster of the Lower Basic School, Ms. Halimatou Sadia Sowe, Principal of Yunus English School Sareh Pateh/Jamwelly, Mr. Saikou Jawo, and Mr. Amadou Jawo. Mr. Sanno highlighted the significance of PTA meetings, emphasizing how they provide a valuable opportunity for teachers and parents to collaborate and discuss strategies for the betterment of the students.
Principal Mr. Lamin Tabally took the floor to address the parents and share the school’s recent academic achievements. He proudly announced that Yunus English School had registered 435 candidates for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) last year, with an impressive 70% pass rate in both English and Mathematics. He also celebrated the school’s outstanding performance in the Gambia Basic Education Certificate Examination (GABCE), where the school achieved a perfect 100% pass rate, with no student failing.
In his address, Mr. Tabally emphasized the importance of adhering to the school’s code of conduct, which helps maintain discipline and academic focus. He reminded parents that the school operates six days a week, with classes running from Monday to Saturday. On Fridays, lessons end at 12:40 PM. He also reiterated that students are not allowed to use mobile phones during school hours to ensure their full attention is on their studies.
The Principal further shared updates on the school’s structure, stating that Yunus English School offers a range of educational levels, from nursery through to senior secondary. He highlighted that the senior secondary students can specialize in three fields of study: Humanities, Business, and Science.
Mr. Tabally made a special appeal to parents to ensure timely payment of school fees, including the Grade Nine GABCE registration fees. He urged parents to bring payment receipts to the school to prevent students from being sent home for non-payment. Additionally, he called on parents to continue supporting teachers by helping to cover school expenses, including study fees, to motivate educators and maintain a high standard of education.
Several parents also shared their thoughts during the meeting. Mr. Omar Dumbuya expressed gratitude to the school’s leadership and staff and urged parents to play an active role in supporting teachers by being good role models at home. Mr. Ousman Saho echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that both teachers and parents have a shared responsibility to ensure student success by upholding the school’s code of conduct. Abdoulie Janneh also thanked the teachers for their hard work, praising the academic success of the 2023-2024 school year.
The PTA meeting concluded with a renewed sense of partnership between parents and the school, with both groups committed to supporting each other for the continued academic and personal development of the students. The event underscored the vital role of parent-teacher collaboration in fostering a positive and productive learning environment for all students at Yunus English School Busumbala.
