Natalia Steer on her way to dream school St Jago
When other students were preparing to sit their diagnostic test in grade 4, St John’s Primary School student Natalia Steer was hospitalised and battling an illness.
Natalia was battling sinusitis and had to do surgery to remove her tonsils and adenoids.
Despite missing out on a great number of classes, she sat her test and scored the highest.
“I was sure that I would get out [of hospital] and do good on my exams, and I am very happy with what I got. The doctors treated me very good. The teachers are great, they did their best for me, and I really appreciate it,” Natalia told JIS.
The top girl at the St Catherine-based institution earned a place at St Jago High School after the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) results were announced. “I was very excited, because I really wanted to go to St Jago,” she said.
Natalia’s mother, Tedece Weir, said it was a testing time for her when Natalia was hospitalised.
“I could not eat, I could not sleep, but thanks to the doctors and nurses at Children’s Hospital. I am very grateful,” Weir said.
DISRUPTION OF SCHOOL
“When she came out [ of the hospital], she did the exam. She came out today and the other day, she did the exam,” Weir added.
Due to the disruption of school activities because of the COVID19 pandemic, the students have been placed in high schools based on the grades they received in the Grade Four Performance Task, and the Grade Six Ability Test.
Natalia, whose grades were exceptional, was placed in the school of her first choice.
Cynthia Dawkins, vice- principal at St John’s Primary School, described Natalia as a student who has the right attitude towards success, even in trying circumstances.
“She understands what she needs to do to become a good Jamaican citizen,” she said.