I have heard many people comment on the angry statements made at public meetings held by the Minister of Education to discuss the Score report and its recommendations.

The minister was kind enough to invite me to the meeting in St David’s. I took great comfort from the level of interest and commitment to the future of St David’s Primary, from the teachers, from the students and from the parents. There was a very positive energy there that I thought spoke volumes about the important part the school plays in the life of the community.

All those at the meeting seemed genuinely passionate about their community and were prepared to defend, in a mature and logical manner, their children and community landmark, St David’s Primary School.

Families of two and three generations filed into the full gymnasium, many of whom had attended St David’s Primary. We greeted parents whose children attended years ago, middle school students filled with fond memories and community members who understand, at first hand, how a neighbourhood school bonds strangers and builds lasting relationships.

There were protesters and they made their entrance peacefully. Shouting interrupted the Deputy Commissioner of Education, but it was interesting to see the audience’s determination not to get sucked into a disruptive protest, but rather to talk and listen among themselves and present their reasons to keep St David’s Primary open in a responsible way. It was a true reflection of the character building that clearly comes from a concerned community raised by committed educators in a well-balanced schoolhouse.

Every early-learning school should be quietly protected in small neighbourhoods. There is proof, island-wide, of the success of children educated in this way. We all understand times are changing. There are fewer children born and enrolling in schools. We have changing educational standards and scientific data proves children with more learning space and proper facilities achieve more.

There is, however, much to be said about building character and a sense of pride and belonging that contributes much to the Bermudian fabric we are all so proud of. I’m glad we’re having this consultation. I’m learning more and more about what really matters to us and the depth of our appreciation for one another. If we start teaching these values at the primary level, there has got to be hope for generations to come.

It’s not for me to say what decisions will come of this consultation process, but it was a proud moment to see a community defending its children and community with such passion. Remember, this consultation process stems from a court judgment ruling in favour of parents’ rights to know and discuss the future of their children’s education before any school-related decisions are made. This began with principals being transferred under the previous government.

There is always an opportunity for progress to begin right now. Let’s look forward to the Ministry of Education creating a win for all through a combination of Score report recommendations, including more space for learning, with teacher delivery of high academic performance, mixed with character building, to create a “best in class”, school-based academic model.

What our community does have is the foundation for discussion, which is revealing the many qualities and high standards of our education system and I, for one, encourage this kind of consultation.

• Susan Jackson is the One Bermuda Alliance MP for Pembroke South West (Constituency 20)