SCHOOL TIMES

November 2009

See story on page 2

Inside this edition...

Zya wins Summer Enrichment Fair

Page 2

Berkeley students are riding to victory!

Page 4

Students at Elliot take a challenge!

Page 4

World Teacher’s Day Page 5

Principal Spotlight…

Trina Cariah Page 5

Barry takes a bite of out

crime! Page 6

CedarBridge Academy votes in SGA elections

Page 7

Principal Spotlight… Valerie Williams

Page 8

Careers Fair Page 8

Scot Guard visits

Warwick Preschool Page 9

Harrington Sound’s

‘Commissioners for the Day’

Page 9

Halloween festivities Page 10

Principal Spotlight…

Opal Wilson Page 11

Long Service Awards

Page 11

Harrington Sound Primary

Purvis Primary

West Pembroke School

Warwick Preschool

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PAGET PRIMARY’S ZYA FRASER WINS THE 2009 SUMMER ENRICHMENT FAIR School Times would like to introduce Ms Zya Fraser, the 2009 winner of the annual Summer Enrichment Fair. Zya’s entry, an electronic interview with Superintendant Antoine Daniels. This publication took a moment to interview the Primary 5 student from Paget Primary.

How old are you? What school do you attend? What are your favourite topics in school? I am 8 (eight) years old. I attend Paget Primary School and I am in P5. My favorite subjects are Math, Science, Social Studies, Lan-guage Arts, Music and Art. What made you choose to do a video? I chose to do a video because I love to work with technology such as Computers, Cameras and Video Cameras and I thought it would have been interesting to get my project across this way. Why did you select the topic you did? Were you nervous interviewing your subject? I chose to do Guns in Bermuda because I knew that Guns were a really big problem in Bermuda so I thought that if I wrote about guns people would have listened to me, and they will stop using them in violence. Yes, I was a little nervous in the beginning, but as we moved on I knew that I was brave enough to do anything if I believed in what I was doing. Did you think that you had a chance at winning? Why or why not? Yes, I did think I had a chance of winning because I felt that my project was more important to the environment then other peoples’ projects. How did you feel when you discovered you had won? I felt very happy and pleased because I had a strong feeling that I worked extremely hard and thought that I could have possibly won the award. What did you like most about the Summer Enrichment Programme? Would you like to do it again next summer? The part I really liked the most was when I met new friends. I also liked when I was writing about my project. I knew it was going to come out likeable. I would most likely do the Summer Enrichment Programme again because I had a good experience. Do you like school and why? I absolutely love school because I love to learn and I want a good education. Why is education important to you? My education is important to me because I want to always do my best to make sure that I get good scholarships to one of the top colleges. Do you know what you want to be when you grow up? When I grow up I want to be either an English teacher or a Math teacher. On weekends I would also like to work at a Spa.

Winner: Zya Fraser

Young Zya is all smiles

as she is presented the plaque

for her winning

entry

Page 3 November 2009

THERE WERE AWESOME ENTRIES AT THE 2009 SUMMER ENRICHMENT FAIR!

BERKELEY STUDENTS ARE MAKING A MARK FOR THEMSELVES IN THE CYCLING FIELD

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This summer, students at Elliot Primary were challenged by our Director of Academics, Dr. Llewellyn Simmons, to read at least 10 books each while they were on vacation. Most participants read 15 books, while two read close to 30 each. In September, Dr. Simmons visited the school to congratulate all of the students and staff for their commitment to reading as they received participation ribbons and certificates: “I was proud of the Elliot family for rising to this challenge. There are so many things to do in Bermuda during the summer; I commend everyone for taking time out of their days to not just open one book, but many!”

STUDENTS AT ELLIOT PRIMARY WERE ‘READ’Y FOR THE CHALLENGE!

Book smart: Staff and students at Elliot Primary proudly accepted their participation certificates from Director of Academics, Dr. Llewellyn Simmons.

This summer, four S3 Berkeley cyclists competed locally in the Caribbean Cycle Championships. The students, Tre-Shun Correria, Dominique Mayho, Marquis Cann and Mickaela Ebberly only started competitive cycling the previous year with a new school cycling programme which was conducted by the Bermuda Cycle Association’s president Mr. Peter Dunne. The students were entered into the competition as Mr. Dunne felt they had excelled in the programme and were ready to be exposed to a higher level of competition. The students, who train twice a week through the school’s programme and then independ-ently through their club teams, remain in the cycling circuit competing against the islands top adult cyclists.

Dominique Mayho is now a regular winner of the Adult B division with the other riders hot on his back wheel.

Photo courtesy of IslandStats.com

TEACHERS CELEBRATE WORLD TEACHER’S DAY

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Members of the Bermuda Union of Teachers, Department of Education officials, students and members of the public gath-ered at City Hall on Monday, 5th October to commemorate World Teacher’s Day 2009. This day was celebrated worldwide by 30 million educators in 170 countries. The crowd was entertained by Primary 3 students from Paget Primary School, who performed You Can’t Do Whatever You Like. In her remarks, BUT President Keisha Douglas thanked the Island’s teachers for all their service and unwavering commitment: “We appreciate you for having chosen this profession, despite challenges. Thank you for your commitment to lifelong learning.”

School Times would like to introduce Mrs. Trina Cariah as the new principal of Paget Primary School. No stranger to the Bermuda Public School System, Mrs. Cariah started her teaching career at Somerset Primary where she taught P4 and P5 year lev-els. She subsequently transferred to Paget Primary where she taught for a further four years before deciding to relocate with her family to Stone Mountain, Georgia. Over the next decade she taught in the DeKalb County school system where most recently she was the grade chair for second and fourth grades at Princeton Elementary. She was voted the school’s first Teacher of the Year in 2008. Mrs. Cariah recalls how a visit to Ber- muda last Christmas turned into an opportunity of a lifetime. “When I came home for Christmas, I saw that the Bermuda Public School System was looking for principals so I thought I would apply and see what would happen. Everything eventually fell into place and then I was told that I was successful. It felt like a dream. I was extremely ex-cited.” Mrs. Cariah, who lauds her staff and colleagues for helping her to get set-tled, has set one mammoth goal for her- self—to learn the names of each of her 226 students before the term ends. “I’m up to about 80 so far,” she says with a laugh. When asked to describe her first month on the job, Mrs. Cariah replies: “It’s yet to be a dull moment, but I love it. I am taking my job seriously. While here I want to make sure my teachers are happy but most of all, I am here for the students. This is where God wants me to be.”

PRINCIPAL SPOTLIGHT ON TRINA CARIAH…..

Pc. Andrew Rollins of the Bermuda Police Service and his drug sniffing dog, Barry, wowed the students at Purvis Primary recently as they were given a firsthand demonstration on how the Police duo takes a bite out of crime. Pc. Rollins showed the students Barry’s ability to sniff out drugs and took the time out to explain to the youngsters the importance of living a drug and crime-free life.

STUDENTS AT PURVIS PRIMARY LEARN HOW BARRY THE POLICE DOG TAKES A BITE OUT OF CRIME

CEDARBRIDGE ACADEMY STUDENTS EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE IN SGA ELECTIONS

Students at CedarBridge Academy received the opportunity that many young people under the age of 18 rarely experi-ence—to vote. From October 13 through 15, the 685 students were able to cast their votes for who they thought would be the best officers for the school’s Student Government Association. Actual polling stations were set up and students were required to conduct themselves in the same manner which they would have to if they were in a real life voting process. Although the school has done this exercise in the past, it had subsequently faded away. But thanks to a former student, now a teacher at the senior school himself, students can look forward to participating in this exercise every year. “As Student Government Association advisor, I thought it was important for the students to experience a real voting situa-tion how I did when I was here,” says science teacher Tarik Bean-Darrell, who graduated in 2001. “Last year, when I joined the staff and became advisor, I thought it would be good to bring the process back.” While each advisory group was escorted by their homeroom teacher last year, Mr. Bean-Darrell said this time students voted on their own volition: “Realistically, we expect around a 60 percent turnout.” He continued: “This isn’t just about showing them how to vote. It’s about showing them that they have a voice in the community.”

And the results were…. 2009/2010 Student Government Association Members

EXECUTIVES

President Thoshalae Smith Vice President Keira Smith Treasurer Briana Boyd Secretary Angelita Trott Asst. Secretary/Treasurer DeAzha Chambers Asst. Historian/Journalist Stacey-Lee Smith S4 Year Representatives Year Leader Jahnae Harvey Shuntelle Paynter Simiah Caisey Cherina Darrell Kavone Hodsoll-Omara Shermanique Washington Shaquille Codrington S3 Year Representatives Year Leader Danea Tucker Dunte Albuoy Garanae Burch Precious Smith Che Bowen Sarah-Ann Robinson S2 Year Representatives Year Leader Taiva Paynter Kayla Ingemann Jahchey Tyrell Sashe Robinson Fernando Brown Tia Daley

S1 Year Representatives Year Leader Niambia Russell Marcus H. Bean Shackeil Burrows Kevin Pacheco Ricai Paynter

Mr. Bean-Darrell watches as a student casts her vote.

Every vote counts!!

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PRINCIPAL SPOTLIGHT ON VALERIE WILLIAMS…. Valerie Williams is a 33-year teaching veteran in the Bermuda Public School System. She spent all of her classroom years at Elliot Primary before becoming a teaching deputy. Six years later, she became a non-teaching deputy, a position she held for 14 years before becoming a mentor. In September 2009, Mrs. Williams became the new Principal at Victor Scott School. The devoted mother of two reveals to School Times that she never endeavoured to become a Principal: “It was never one of my goals but I was always told that I had leadership qualities. When I became a mentor and was visiting different schools, it sparked a yearning and I wanted to see if I could affect change from a different perspective.” When vacancies for principal positions opened up, Mrs. Williams decided to apply. She reflects on her feelings when she

found out she had been successful: “I was very ex-cited, especially when I found out I was going to be at Victor Scott! I attended the school as a child so I have come full circle.” Mrs. Williams concludes: “It’s been great! The staff has fully embraced me and the children are wonderful! They are so willing to learn!”

All smiles: New Victory Scott Primary principal Valerie Williams is surrounded by students in P2 Benson.

STUDENTS VISIT THE ANNUAL CAREERS FAIR

Hundreds of school students visited the Bermuda College on the 22nd and 23rd of October for the annual Careers Fair. They had the opportunity to explore different career areas which included but was not limited to the trades, law, accountancy, communica-tions, banking and of course the Civil Service. There were many interactive stalls which allowed students to have a firsthand look at what really happens “on the job”. A plethora of questions were asked and it appears to have been a successful day for all!

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WARKWICK PRESCHOOL RECEIVES PERSONALISED PERFORMANCE The staff and students at Warwick Preschool were given a special treat as members of the Scot Guard performed for them on 21st October. The band was on the island preparing for the Bermuda Tattoo which was held at the Royal Naval Dockyard. After playing a few sets, the gentlemen explained their uniforms to the students and the significance of various pieces. It was a great morning of entertainment for the preschoolers!

HARRINGTON SOUND STUDENTS BECOME POLICE COMMISSIONERS FOR THE DAY!

Congratulations to Calvina Steede and Levi Sheeheed of Harrington Sound Primary who were two of six overall win-ners in the annual Police Poster Competition. Over 500 students Island wide entered the competition. Along with receiving certificates commending them on their success, they were made Commissioner of Police for the day on October 6, 2009. A huge WELL DONE is being extended to these students, espe-cially from the Harrington Sound School family!!!

DON’T FORGET….

...COUGHS AND SNEEZES CAUSE DISEASES!!

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HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES AROUND THE SCHOOLS

St. Paull’s Preschool

West Pembroke School

Dalton E. Tucker Primary

Northlands Primary East End Primary

St. Paul’s Preschool

East End Primary

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PRINCIPAL PROFILE ON OPAL WILSON…. Principal Opal Wilson is no stranger to West Pembroke Primary School—she began teaching there 26 years ago! She has taught at the P3 and P4 levels, along with being a Learning Support and Reading Resource teacher. In 2001, she became deputy principal at the school and held that position until the end of the 2008/2009 academic year. While she doesn't have to worry about getting acclimated to a new environment, Mrs. Wilson says that she has had to ad-just to her new role but lauds her staff for being so supportive: “I am especially grateful for the assistance of my deputy, Wendell Smith. As a former principal, he has so much to offer.”

Mrs. Wilson reflects on the first day of school when students and parents learned that she was taking over the helm at West Pembroke: “There were lots of hugs and kisses. Everyone was shouting, ‘Congratulations!’ It was a wonderful experience!” The mother-of-two says she is looking forward to seeing each and every child at her school flourish in their unique way: “Whatever their gift is, we are going to continually work on that!”

New beginnings: Veteran educator Opal Wilson is the newly appointed principal of West Pembroke School. She served as the school’s deputy from 2001-2009.

THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HONOURS ITS LONG SERVICE AWARDEES The Department of Education recently honoured employees from the Bermuda Public School System who had given between five and 40 years of service. Also honoured on 8th October, 2009, at the recognition and awards reception held at the cafetorium at The Berkeley Institute were the Department’s retirees who dedicated a total of 380 years of service to the public school system. The retirees were: Monica Hanson Marlene Jantzen Cheralyne Outerbridge Mary Cottle Sharon Dublin Dorothy Trott Eunice Hart Jennifer Manders Glenn Bascome Sheryll Ricardo Angela Purcell Carole Figueiredo Linda Manders

Celebrating close to 400 years of service: Pictured from left to right: Linda Manders, Jennifer Manders, Carole Figueiredo, Angela Purcell, Dorothy Trott

WE WILL MISS A VERY DEAR COLLEAGUE, THE LATE MRS. CAROL SMITH, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT,

PROSPECT PRIMARY SCHOOL

This edition of School Times was produced by Carla Zuill,

Communications Officer for the

Department of Education.