Minister Jeffrey Lloyd tours Columbus and Centerville Primary

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.

BEMU Opens New Headquarters

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The Bahamas Educator’s and Managerial Union (BEMU) opened its National Secretariat and Training Centre on Tuesday, December 17, 2019. The building, named in honour of BEMU’s founding president Mr. Charles Wildgoose, will serve as the headquarters for the union's more than 400 members. A veteran educator and unionist, Mr. Wildgoose said he was honoured to know that his contributions to BEMU were now etched in the annals of history and looked forward to witnessing the continual advancement of the union, under its current President Mr. Stephen McPhee. Delivering remarks, at the Soldier Road based complex, was the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education Mrs. Lorraine Symonette-Armbrister, who said the facility “…will be instrumental in providing a space for our chief instructional leaders to convene and engage in dialogue and training.” She believed the acquisition of the building will provide a space to “enhance the managerial and administrative capabilities of the members.”

Calender of Events

BTVI Runway to 5k Soiree Silent Auction & Alumni Recognition

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

Minister Jeffrey Lloyd

Tours Schools

On Saturday, January 11th, 2020, The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) honoured 16 of its alumni during its ‘Runway to 5k Soiree Silent Auction and Alumni Recognition Reception' held at the Island House. Among the honourees were Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd; BTVI Chairman Kevin Basden; and spouse of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Patricia Minnis. The trio received the “Trailblazer Alumni Award of Excellence” for their advocacy and commitment to technical vocational education and training. Other awards included the Distinguished Alumni Achievement, Emerging Leaders and Scholar Practitioners. Sponsored by RBC, Saturday’s event also incorporated a silent auction of which proceeds will be used for the development of BTVI.

A comprehensive look at the meaning of each BGCSE and BJC grade.

National Art & Craft

After-School 15th Annual Exhibition 2019.

The National Art & Craft After-School Enrichment Programme opened its 15th annual exhibition dubbed, “We Create the World We Live In”. The ceremony took place in the foyer of the Ministry of Education on Friday, December 6th, 2019. Minister of Education Jeffrey Lloyd, Director of Education Marcellus Taylor, and Bahamas National Trust Director of Education Portia Sweeting, were presented with art pieces produced by students of the programme. The audience was treated to special performances by the Government High School Band.

The National Art & Craft Enrichment Centre was the brainchild of former Education Minister Alfred Sears, and it was opened in January 2005.

Future Teachers of The Bahamas 2019 Installation Ceremony

Twenty-six new cadets were encouraged to “keep pushing forward” during the Future Teachers of The Bahamas 2019 Installation Ceremony at Government House on October 22, 2019. Assistant Director of Education, Keyshann Bastian in a spirited address told the new teacher cadets that although the challenges that may come with their training and career might be overwhelming, depending on God will bring them through victoriously. Under the theme, “Committed to Excellence in Bahamian Education”, the cadets were officially welcomed into the three-year programme which is designed to assist in preparing future teachers to meet the demands of the profession.

“In All Things Give Thanks” was the resounding theme during Government High School’s Annual Thanksgiving Service. The atmosphere was saturated by hymns of thanksgiving, and selections by the school’s Performing Arts Department. Evangelist Theodore Hanna offered words of encouragement surrounding the theme. Included in the service was the dedication of the new school bus, which was conducted by the Rector of St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Canon Basil Tynes. The recent purchase of the school bus was made possible as a result of funds raised by the school, the Parents’ Teachers’ Association, teachers, and students. It is the school’s first bus since 1990.

GHS Thanksgiving Service & Bus Dedication

Inaugural RBC Race for the Kids in The Bahamas

The inaugural RBC Race for the Kids in The Bahamas 2020 was officially launched today at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) in New Providence. Proceeds from the race will be directly invested into three main areas including the improvement of BTVI’s “Learning Lab”, to support the expansion of the school’s STAR early intervention programme for at risk first year students, and assist with the rebuilding of BTVI’s Freeport and Abaco satellite campuses which were adversely impacted by Hurricane Dorian. RBC Bahamas now joins numerous nations including Canada, the US, Europe, Asia, Australia and a number of Caribbean countries which have benefitted from the initiative since its inception in New York City in 2008. RBC Managing Director and Head of Personal Banking in The Bahamas, Ms. LaSonya Missick shared her excitement for the launch of the series of charitable runs. Speaking on behalf of Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd, Undersecretary Ms. Serethea Clarke affirmed the Ministry’s support for the initiative, and reiterated the significance of enhancing technical and vocational training in The Bahamas. The Bahamas Edition of RBC Race for Kids is set to take place January 19, 2020.

Woodcock Primary School Celebrates Universal Children's Day

The entire week of November 18th – 22nd 2019, is being observed as “Children’s Week” at Woodcock Primary School. Teachers, parents and students alike take time out of each day this week to highlight the various character traits that our children are displaying to make the world a better place one day at a time. We also emphasized the importance of our community partners in being a part of the “village that raises a child”.
In this effort, November 20th 2019, is recognized as Universal Children’s Day under the theme: “Children Today, Our Keepers of Tomorrow”. Woodcock Primary School partnered up with JDAB (Jamaica Diaspora Association Bahamas) under the leadership of Mr. Rohan Kerr and members of the organization to provide complimentary breakfast for our children, parents and staff members. It is our humble prayer that partnerships like these and many others that uplift and build our students to be our keepers of tomorrow continue along this path.
Included in this report are photos that highlight the festivities that took place at Woodcock Primary School’s Universal Children’s Day Celebrations.

H. O. Nash Junior High School Hosts Its Annual Awards Ceremony, 2019

“One Team; One Goal: Pursuing Excellence” was the theme under which students of H. O. Nash Junior High were honoured. Awardees received recognition in categories such as Students of the Year, Principal’s List, Honour Roll, Rising Stars, Precious Gems, Subject Awards, Most Improved, B.J.C. and Pitman Performance Awards. Lion’s Country celebrated over 100 students, boasting of 82 Honour Roll recipients and 11 Principal’s List awardees. The school also celebrated the accomplishment of 14 B.J.C. passes with 5 As, and 32 Pitman passes of which 22 were first class passes. In a brief inspiring presentation, guest speaker, Rev. Diana Francis reminded students of the importance of doing their best.

Government High School Honours Academic Excellence

“Embarking on the Journey Towards Excellence” is the theme under which 51 students of Government High School (GHS) were honoured for outstanding academic achievement. The stats of honour students this year showed a five percent improvement from last year, according to the school’s principal Ms. Eloise B. Whyms. Four students landed a spot on the Principal’s list, while 47 made the Honour Roll.

Among those recognized for scholastic achievement were displaced Abaco students from Patrick J. Bethel High School who were integrated within the GHS community. In a surprise visit, the students’ principal, Mr. Ricardo Ferguson presented them with certificates.

In a brief inspiring presentation, guest speaker, Mr. Leonardis Moss reminded students of the keys to continued success.