Primary school students were again embraced by Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd as he continued his tours of public schools in New Providence on January 23rd, 2020. Staff and students of Garvin Tynes and Sybil Strachan Primary Schools were elated to meet and chat briefly with the Minister.
First year teacher at Garvin Tynes Primary School Sharlene Major said her students were in awe during the Minister’s visit to her class; specifically as he led a mini vowel lesson on diphthongs. The school’s principal, Alice Phillips stated that she was thankful for the opportunity to share a few of the school’s concerns with Minister Lloyd.
Principal of Sybil Strachan Primary School Ricardo Rolle expressed his pleasure to witness the Minister in his role as educator; as he reinforced counting and division skills in the preschool and grade 3 respectively. Principals of both schools insisted that the Minister’s visit served as motivation for the students to work at their best.
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
It was a repeat victory for 10 year-old Roy Seligman who emerged as winner of the 2020 Bahamas National Spelling Bee (BNSB) at the Atlantis Resort yesterday. The Lyford Cay International student said he was humbled after winning for the second consecutive year over his 21 competitors. Placing 2nd, was his fierce competitor 11 year-old Gabriel Ajul from Exuma Christian Academy. The pair faced off in round 13, the final round of competition. Maria Sanchez, 11, of St. Anne’s School placed third after successfully completing 12 rounds of competition. Minister of Education Jeffrey Lloyd was present at the competition and commended the 22 BNSB contestants for their persistence and drive to excel. He admonished parents, teachers, and all stakeholders to encourage the participants in the great work they are doing.
A comprehensive look at the meaning of each BGCSE and BJC grade.
“We have embarked upon a more comprehensive school registration process to include the registration of new students at preschool, primary and secondary levels.” Mr. Taylor stated.
“We have a defined period of registration in excess of three months. We believe that that should be sufficient time for any and all parents who are interested and who are mandated to register their children to do so. We want people to go to the schools during this period so that we can have this process wrapped up by the end of school this year; so that as we plan over the summer, we can have a smoother transition from one school year to the next.” added the director.
This registration exercise involves students entering preschool for the first time, grades 1, 7 and 10. Documents required for registration include the student’s passport, birth certificate, NIB smart card, immunization card (pre and primary school if it applies), and the most recent report card from the last school attended (if it applies). Documents required for proof of identity of the parents/guardians of the registrants include their birth certificate, a government issued ID with a photo, and adoption papers, if applicable.
Parents registering students entering preschool should report to the government preschool within their area. Likewise, parents of students entering grades 1, 7 and 10 are asked to report to the school in their area, or the identified feeder school.
Moreover, students entering primary school for the first time should reach five years old on or before September 30th, 2020.
With regard to students transferring from private schools and the Family Islands, parents of these students are asked to report to the district office for registration.
The Ministry of Education (MOE), through its Department of Education (DOE), launched its first annual Public School Registration Drive on March 3, 2020. The launch was a part of a continuing effort to minimize the delays and challenges associated with the registration process. Registration for the upcoming school year commenced March 2nd 2020, and will end on June 30th, 2020; taking place between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. During a press conference held at the Ministry of Education, Director of Education Marcellus Taylor along with other Education officials announced the details surrounding the process of registration for the 2020/2021 school year. Mr. Taylor noted that for the first time, registration of all public school students is standardized; and is taking place within a stipulated timeline.
Pictured from left to right: Leja Burrows, Assistant Director of Education, Preschool Unit; Sharon Clarke, Acting Assistant Director of Education, Special Services Section; Marcellus Taylor, Director of Education; Antoinette Storr, Assistant Director of Education, Schools Management; Carolyn Hall- Knowles, Senior Education Officer, Special Education Unit; Zane Lightbourne, Schools Management Director
Director Taylor announced that the DOE has made a number of adjustments to the registration process to ensure a smoother transition into the new school year. One such addition to this process is the introduction of Transition Meetings. These sessions are designed for parents of students entering junior or senior high school for the first time; as they focus on the policies, procedures and expectations of the receiving schools. Another enhancement to this year’s registration exercise is the fact that junior and senior high school student orientation is now scheduled to take place the week prior to the official opening of school. Previously, orientation exercises were conducted during the first week of school. Director Taylor and his team called on all parents to comply with the stipulated deadlines, and to be supportive of this initiative.
“March is Parental Involvement Month. Schools will be engaged in walk-abouts, and parents will be distributing flyers pertaining to the registration drive. We call on parents to join the schools in their communities and to make their presence felt.” Mr. Taylor appealed.
“When we would’ve engaged in a successful registration process, we could expect the following: efficient deployment of teachers and other resources, an efficient timetable in operation from day-one, students who are focused and ready for school, instructional focus captured from day- one, and ultimately the achievement of our most important goal which is 85% of our students graduating from secondary school by the year 2030.”
Meanwhile, Senior Education Officer for Special Education Carolyn Hall-Knowles was also a part of the panel. She noted that parents desiring to register their children for the Ministry’s Pre- Primary Special Education Programme should first ensure the child is referred and receives a psychological evaluation; to ensure proper placement. She added that students entering the Junior High Special Education Programme should first receive placement letters. Other officials present at the press conference included Assistant Director of Education, Schools Management, Antoinette Storr; Assistant Director of Education, Preschool Unit, Leja Burrows; Acting Assistant Director of Education, Special Services Section, Sharon Clarke; and School Management Director, Zane Lightbourne.
“Pursuing Excellence Achieving Greatness” was the theme under which the C. V. Bethel Sting Rays celebrated Mr. Giovanni Clarke, their 2019- 2021 teacher of the year. Mr. Clarke indeed achieved greatness when he placed first runner up in the National Teacher of the Year 2019 competition. C. V. Bethel celebrated the music teacher with a special assembly held on the school’s campus. Clarke encouraged the students to “let their lives be music”, and thanked the school’s administration, his fellow teachers, support, security and secretarial staff, as well as the C.V. Bethel Concert Band.
An official groundbreaking ceremony took place at the University of The Bahamas (UB) this morning for its state-of-the-art university residence and multipurpose complex.
The new facilities are expected to be a major asset to local and international students and the community at large. UB’s President Dr. Rodney Smith thanked one of the primary partners in the project, Providence Advisors.
Among the officials present were Governor General His Excellency Cornelius A. Smith; Prime Minister The Most Honourable Dr. Hubert Minnis; Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest; Minister of Education Jeffrey Lloyd; UB President Dr. Rodney Smith; and other officials.
Minister Lloyd commended the parties involved in the planning phase of the project, in particular, the students of UB.
Woodcock Primary School Celebrates Commonwealth Day 2020
Woodcock Primary School celebrated Commonwealth Day at its Hospital Lane campus. Students sang the Commonwealth song and Principal Denise Farquharson read the Queen's speech from the throne. Commonwealth Day is a grouping of fifty-four nations once colonies of the British Empire. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second is the titular head of this association of developed and developing nations. This year marks 71 years of the modern Commonwealth and the theme is: Delivering a common future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming.
The National Technical College Fair was held at the Melia All Inclusive Resort on January 27th -28th, 2020. The event exposed senior high school students to quality options for tertiary advancement in technical trades. Discussions were also held between the Technical College Fair Committee and BahaMar executives to explore possible online and short term course offerings.
Minister of Education Jeffrey Lloyd continued his tour of New Providence elementary schools when he visited the Columbus Primary and Centerville Primary Schools. While on the campuses, the Minister took on the role of instructional leader in several of the classrooms. Minister Lloyd also met with the Principals of Columbus Primary and Centerville Primary Schools Mrs. Jacqueline Sands and Mrs. Sheanda Maycock respectively, to discuss the various initiatives being carried out by the schools to enhance the overall academic performances at both schools.
Over 40 students of the Government High School (GHS) were today awarded for outstanding achievement in academic performance for the 2019 Christmas term. Obtaining the highest grade point average of 3.70 was 10th grader Davian Cartwright.
The school’s former head girl Sherell King during her keynote address challenged the student-body to apply the principles which she said led to her success. “I challenged myself by setting the bar extremely high and found that applying the principles, faith, discipline and focus; I was able to obtain a 3.9 GPA.”
Students received certificates for the following categories: Principal’s List, Honour Roll, Most Improved, Outstanding BGCSE passes, Subject Awards, and Perfect Attendance.
