"Family in limbo over education'', which makes negative remarks about Purvis Primary School.

We, as other schools across the Island, can attest to the fact that the characteristics of many of our students are varied and in many ways prove to be challenging to us. Despite this, we at Purvis accept the children as they are and make a concerted effort to meet the needs of all students who come to this school.

Specifically, we take exception to the comments allegedly attributed to "Mum, Lindsay Manderson'', to the fact that her choices were now limited to the "unpopular Purvis Primary School''. If this statement is accurate, we would question the source of the criteria used to judge and deem Purvis to be an "unpopular'' Primary School.

Further, we question the source used to conclude that the number of children presently registered is "thirteen kids going after thirty spots''.

Indeed, such information is grossly inaccurate since it would not be proper protocol to release or discuss number intake to the public at large unless direction from the proper authorities had been given.

We must reiterate that according to our Visitors' Log there is no written evidence to support "Mum Lindsay Manderson'' has ever come for a tour of the school. Therefore, it would be interesting to know how one arrives at the conclusion that "Purvis is so bad, we weren't impressed when we looked around.'' As a matter for public interest and knowledge, Purvis Primary has not only had an illustrious history but to date many positives have been synonymous with this school. To name a few, former students like other schools in Bermuda, have gone on to become teachers, principals, accountants, lawyers, doctors, and have also excelled in carpentry, plumbing, electrical and upholstery trades, hospitality and taxi industries.

Our present administrator, particularly by those who know her, is a stickler for consistent discipline, setting high standards of performance both for students and teachers. She also believes in accountability.

It is a well known fact that to be a member of the Purvis School teaching staff, one must expect that he/she plans lessons, demonstrates self-discipline, shows a love for children, sets high standards and motivates students to reach their full individual potential.

To be a teacher at Purvis also means that one can expect to pass through the Developmental Supervision Process, as mandated by the Ministry of Education, in order to enhance personal professional growth and to engage in the best teaching practices.

At this time, we feel that it is particularly important to highlight some positives about Purvis of which we are very proud: The record shows that many principals both past and present in the educational system had their roots at Purvis Primary. Among these have been the Cora Scott Gayle, Winton Williams, Iona Richardson, Dr. Yvonne Blackett, Dr. Irish Marsh, Judith Ingham, Leon James, Ellsworth Christopher (acting), Livingston Tuzo, Carol Bassett, Kalmar Richards, Suzette Walters, Sinclair Richards, former Chief Education Officer and the present principal.

An ex-teacher and former Deputy Principal from Purvis was recently voted "Teacher of the Year'' in a US school district in Florida. Another ex-teacher was recently appointed as Principal of Heron Bay School.

A former member of staff has risen from teacher to mentor to Deputy Principal at Paget Primary School.

Ironically, the present principal -- a former Purvis student and teacher -- was also a past principal at Heron Bay School before being placed at Purvis Primary School.

The present principal recently received commendations both from the former Permanent Secretary for Education and the SEO of Schools for initiatives that have been carried out here at Purvis.

Under the present administration nine members of staff have engaged in furthering their professional growth toward obtaining a Masters degree in administration, supervision and curriculum, language arts and literacy as well as in counselling.

There was high praise for the students' Open-House Literacy Place display from the Education Officer responsible for Language Arts and the Literacy Place Scholastic Representative from overseas who visited the school on March 22 for a Staff Development Session.

Many of our students have also recently excelled in sporting events.

Visitors always comment on the cleanliness and safe environment seen and sensed when visiting Purvis School.

The present administrator expects a high degree of accountability and time-on-task to be shown both by staff and students. We, like all schools, always set goals to work toward improving the academic standards of our school.

In closing we, the staff at Purvis, are proud of the rich heritage that has evolved since its inception.

We intend to continue to work toward upholding high standards of integrity in terms of student achievement, behaviour as well as to work to the best of our ability to maintain the highest level of accountability and professionalism in all that we undertake here at Purvis.

"Onward ever onward -- striving toward excellence'' in order to continue to provide quality education for all students in attendance at Purvis Primary.

The following is a letter by the entire staff at Purvis Primary School.

Written on March 29 and addressed to The Royal Gazette , it is a reaction to a March 28, Page 3 article on the problems of the Manderson family in finding a suitable school for their five- year-old daughter. The story makes reference to Purvis Primary as "unpopular'' and quotes Mrs. Manderson as saying, "Purvis is so bad, we weren't impressed... It can't be good if they only have 13 kids going after 30 spots.''