Principal of Pimento Walk Basic School in St Ann, Jenise Ellis, is urging parents to get involved in the lives of their children, especially during the early years.

Taking a short break from the many tiny ones vying for her attention last Tuesday, Ellis argued that parents need to play a more active part in their children’s lives as the success of a child isn’t solely dependent on what the teachers and government do.

She underscores that it needs the effort of all the stakeholders in a child’s life, including the parents, to help the child to succeed.

Ellis told the Jamaica Observer North & East that some of the children who attend the basic school she leads are not assisted sufficiently by their parents, especially when it comes on to completing homework.

“I realise that the support we receive from parents decreases on a yearly basis. It’s as if they believe that a child’s academic welfare is left only to teachers,” she stated.

Ellis also bemoaned the fact that many parents are frequently absent from parent–teacher association meetings, while some send the children to school without the necessary tools needed to learn.

The principal said that despite the lack of parental support, she will continue to ensure that the school plays a positive role in the lives of the young ones entrusted to her.

“Even though the lack of support from some parents poses a challenge to us educators here at the school, we do the best we can to ensure that the students get the foundation they require in order to excel in their future endeavours.

“When we send them off to further their education at the primary school level, they usually do well,” said Ellis.