CATHOLIC SCHOOLS E-MAGAZINE Summer 2017
MANY PARTS, ONE BODY WORKING TOWARDS THE COMMON GOOD
OUR MISSION The Catholic Board of Education (CBE) is dedicated to the formation of productive citizens who are firmly rooted in the principles of the Gospel. Catholic Education is more than information and facts. It is a process of learning and formation. It views the person as a whole with intellectual, physical and spiritual dimensions. Student learning is not solely focused on securing a place at a good college or getting a great job, but learning to be responsible, socially minded citizens. All instruction within CBE schools is rooted in the spiritual and moral precepts of the Church. Consistent with its Catholic identity, all CBE schools are committed to helping students of all religions reach their full potential in a dynamic, Christ-centered learning community.
Catholic Education Board of Education Board Members 2015—2017
The Most Reverend Archbishop Patrick Pinder, STD, C.M.G. (Archbishop of Nassau)
Mr. Lambert Longley (Chairman)
Mrs. Sharlyn Smith (Vice Chair)
Mr. Barry Wilmott Deacon Danny Price Mrs. Gail Wisdom Mrs. Wendy Craigg Mr. Winston Rolle Mr. Jamaal Gomez Mr. Ansel Watson Mrs. Remelda Moxey Mrs. Christine Robinson
4
Message from the Director of Catholic Education
5
CBE Schools at a Glance
STUDENT STORIES
TEACHERS & staff STORIES
8
Catholic Board of Education Student Highlights
24 Why We Teach?
11
MSSCA Student Named Top Youth Environment Ambassador
25 Teacher & Staff Retirees
12
The Gentlemen of Aquinas College
ALUMNI STORIES
SCHOOL STORIES
30 Congratulations to our newest alumni (Graduating Class of 2017) 16
Aquinas College Installs Weather Station
18
Following in the Steps of Jesus
19
Archdiocesan Track & Field Meet
20 CBE Exodus Mass 21
CBE Baccalaureate Mass
32 Reunions Recaps 34 Alumni Upcoming Events 35
Reconnect with Your Catholic School
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION
“We have all been given special gifts and are called to share these gifts with one another as members of one body in Christ.”
Dear Friends, As we conclude yet another school year we look back on our many shared experiences, good and not so good, that have helped us to grow and learn. We have worked through challenges in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew and landfill fires. We have also celebrated personal triumphs and as a family of schools have accomplished significant achievements, some of which are outlined in the student highlights section of this e-Magazine. “Many Parts, One Body”, these words taken from 1 Corinthians 12: 12 – 31 formed the basis of our theme for CBE schools throughout The Bahamas. The theme was chosen to highlight the uniqueness of each school within our system. It also emphasizes the value of every member of our school community and demonstrates how each individual, using the gifts God has given, contributes to the rich legacy of Catholic Education in The Bahamas. To the families of our sixth graders leaving the CBE system; our graduates and others that will not be back with us, we wish you all the best. You will always be a part of the CBE family. We say good-bye to a number of staff who will be retiring at the end of this school year: Mr. Louis Chuck, Ms. Melverne Fox, Ms. Muriel Dean, Mrs. Barbara Mosley-Gray, Mrs. Rachel Sirra and Mr. Sterker Jean-Simon. We thank all of you for your unwavering commitment and service to our students. “Many Parts, One Body”, let us keep this at the forefront of our minds . We have all been given special gifts and are called to share these gifts with one another as members of one body in Christ. I wish all of you a safe and enjoyable summer with family and friends. May Christ bless and keep you. Claudette A. Rolle
CBE SCHOOLS AT A GLANCE
128 Years of Education in The Bahamas
206 # of teachers
8 Schools New Providence, Abaco & Grand Bahama
2nd largest education system in The Bahamas.
2,778 # of students
© Mr. Arden Granados
CATHOLIC BOARD OF EDUCATION STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS Catholic Board of Education (CBE) students continued to light the way during the third term of the 2016 – 2017 school year. Several of our students achieved national success in the areas of academics, sports, music and the arts. The Catholic Board of Education congratulates these students for their outstanding success.
AQUINAS COLLEGE
Winner, 2017 Zonta Club United Nations Essay Competition - Yamille Moss, Grade 11
Bronze Medal, 2017 Carifta Swimming - Sean Neely, Grade 9
Second Place, Water & Sewerage 2017 National Essay Competition - Trevon Stubbs, Grade 11
Winner, Water & Sewerage 2017 National Video Competition - Trayias Bowe, Grade 11
MARY, STAR OF THE SEA CATHOLIC ACADEMY
Winner, Grand Bahama Credit Union Essay Competition - Charde Adderley, Grade 11
Runners-up, Model United Nations Simulation (MUNS) - Gabriele Josephs, Grade 12 and Kyan Outten , Grade 11
Second Place, Water & Sewerage 2017 National Video Competition –Kendyll Curry, Grade 11
Scholarship to attend the prestigious Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Conference, American Women's Club - Yana Swain, Grade 10
2017 Top High School Accounting Student, Ernst & Young - Dwaynesha McKenzie, Grade 12
Second Place, All –Age Division, 17th Annual City of Freeport Council Junior Junkanoo Awards
Top 2017 Youth Environment Ambassador (YEA) Award - Zhyir Miranda, Grade 7
Semi-Finalist, 2017 Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards Program - Antheo Bain, Grade 6
Second Place, 2017 Ministry of Education Business Studies Accounting Brain Bowl Team Competition - Traiyas Bowe; Brianna James and Kevinique Stubbs, Grade 11
Winner, 2017 Gentlemen’s Club Talent Competition - Gregory Stubbs, Grade 12
Winner, Gentlemen’s Club Morehouse College Award - Stephen Seymour, Grade 12
Winner, Gentlemen’s Club Archdeacon William Thompson Award - Stephen Seymour, Grade 12
CATHOLIC BOARD OF EDUCATION STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS ST. FRANCIS de SALES SCHOOL
STS. FRANCIS & JOSEPH SCHOOL
Winner, District Spelling Bee - Michelle Wilson, Grade 3
Winner, Bahamianize Fairytale Art Competition - Ciara Bowe, Grade 6
Second Place, District Spelling Bee - Kia Ewing, Grade 3
Winner, Bahamianize Fairytale Art Competition - Morgan Bethel, Grade 3
Third Place, Abaco Primary District Sports Meet - SFDS Primary School athletes
Finalist, Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards Program - Sarah Knowles, Grade 6
Winner, The 2017 Dolphin Encounters Marine Education Poster Contest Winner - Valentino Smith, Grade 6
Third Place, The 2017 Dolphin Encounters Marine Education Poster Contest Winner Ernest Thompson, Grade 4
Third Place, The 2017 Dolphin Encounters Marine Education Poster Contest Winner Tatianna Taylor, Grade 6
Winners, 2017 Archdiocesan Track & Field Meet
Eighth Place Finalist, Top 22 Nominee, 2017 Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards Program - Alexis Williams, Grade 6
Third Place, Sts. Francis & Joseph Guidance Department‟s Speech Competition - Nicholas Strachan, Grade 5
ST. CECILIA’S SCHOOL
Winner, St. Cecilia's School Guidance Department's song competition - Reiyah Gibson 5E
Second Place, St. Cecilia's School Guidance Department's song competition - G'naya Robinson 5E
Third Place, St. Cecilia's School Guidance Department's song competition - Christian Smith - 6J
Finalist, Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards Program - Craig Simmons, Grade 6
CATHOLIC BOARD OF EDUCATION STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS ST. THOMAS MORE SCHOOL
Winners, GLAT Attack Competition - Dantia Kemp, Grade 6; Jordan Gibson, Grade 6 and Danae Francis, Grade 6
Second Place, 2017 Archdiocesan Track & Field Meet
XAVIER’S LOWER SCHOOL
Second Place, The Dolphin Encounters Marine Education Poster Contest, K-2 Category Jermaine Strachan, Grade 2
Twelfth Place Finalist, Top 22 Nominee, 2017 Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards Program- Danae Francis, Grade 6
Third Place, The Dolphin Encounters Marine Education Poster Contest, K-2 Category Aryanna Cooper, Grade 2
Display of Artwork at the Central Bank of The Bahamas, June 2017– Alexander Johnson, Grade 6
Second Place, The Dolphin Encounters Marine Education Poster Contest, Gr. 6 - 8 Category - Danae Dorsett, Grade 6
Grand Prize Winner, Bahamas National Trust “I fly only in The Bahamas” Poster Competition - Omari Stewart, Grade 5
Second Place, Bahamas National Trust “I fly only in The Bahamas” Poster Competition Theresa Bas, Grade 5
Fourth Place, Bahamas National Trust “I fly only in The Bahamas” Poster Competition Maya Miller, Grade 5
Tenth Place Finalist, Top 22 Nominee, 2017 Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards Program - Dymani Scott, Grade 6
MARY, STAR OF THE SEA CATHOLIC ACADEMY STUDENT NAMED TOP YOUTH ENVIRONMENT AMBASSADOR Zhyir Miranda, a seventh grade student at Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Academy (MSSCA) was named one of the top three 2017 Save The Bays Youth Environment Ambassadors (YEA‟s). Save The Bays selected twenty-four (24) Bahamian Youth Ambassadors from schools throughout Grand Bahama. The top YEA‟s were chosen from amoung this group of students. Zhyir was selected because of her passion for the environment and sustainability. One of Zhyir‟s inaugural duties as top YEA was attending a recent research session at the Island School in Cape Eleuthera. During the session students of the Island School presented their results from the Island School Spring 2017 Research Class to attendees. Research topics included coastal ecosystems, repurposing waste and aquaponics. The Youth Environmental Ambassador & Leadership Programme is spearheaded by Save The Bays in partnership with Glover & Associates Inc. and the Center for Creative Leadership, an international training company. The programme is the educational arm of Save The Bays. Its goal is to educate and mold young persons to become stewards of the environment. This year Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Academy was recognized for having the most students complete the Youth Environmental Ambassador & Leadership Programme. Seven (7) MSSCA students completed the programme and were certified in May as Youth Environment Ambassadors. MSSCA was awarded nine hundred dollars ($900.00). The funds will be used to enhance the school environment by creating green spaces around the campus. “I was really happy to be named one of the top Youth Environment Ambassadors”, said Zhyir. She shared: - “My future plans are to continue to work to keep the environment clean and trying to reduce global warming. When I get older I would also like to start a programme to bring young people together to make a difference in our country.” Mrs. Claudette Rolle, Director of Catholic Education, congratulated Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Academy, “On behalf of the Catholic Board of Education I wish to congratulate MSSCA and thank them for being a model, eco-friendly school.” Caring for and preserving the environment is seen by the Catholic Church as a moral issue. As an integral part of the Church‟s mission, Catholic schools are committed to teaching students that they are part of a community and have a responsibility, as citizens, to make positive contributions to the greater society. Mrs. Rolle explained: - “The Catholic Board of Education has identified eight general categories to describe our ideal graduate. These categories contain the specific characteristics CBE strives to instill in all CBE students. One of the categories involves our students being environmentally conscious persons who are stewards of the environment. We ensure our students are aware of the behaviour necessary for sustaining and protecting the physical surroundings, that is, coastlines, forestry and wet-lands.”
The Gentlemen o
A group of dynamic young men contribute to Aquinas College
Stephen Seymour, Karrington Culmer, Gregory Stubbs, Kriston Clarke and Kyle Smith were among the impressive cadre Representing Aquinas College, the five young men are shining examples of students who have distinguished themselves in
Founded 27 years ago, the Gentlemen‟s Club was established to fill a need for positive programs that would engage youn talent competition with a beautiful piano performance. Stephen Seymour was awarded the Morehouse College Award fo plays Christian leadership. Additionally, Aquinas College was awarded School of the Year.
Lamon Stubbs, director of the Gentlemen‟s Club, explained that the School of the Year award is based on the performance group of young men from Aquinas who really participated and added value to the Gentlemen‟s Club program.”
During a roundtable discussion with the five young men, they shared their aspirations for the future and spoke to what t young men who were focused on achieving positive outcomes for their lives. The young men recalled a phrase Stubbs ofte
Kriston spoke to the incredible power of influence and camaraderie between Gentlemen‟s Club members:- “Being in [the Club to allow young men like myself to realize that we all have to let our light shine.” Karrington Culmer shared that he doctor and Kyle Smith wishes to study biochemistry. Four of these young men have their sights set on matriculating to St. physics and mechanical engineering.
Shona Knowles, principal of Aquinas College, expressed pride in her students, “It speaks volumes to the caliber of schola is more than facts and information; at Aquinas College we ensure that the needs of all of our scholars are met on the physi
“Upon entering the Gentlemen‟s Club I realized that males in The Bahamas in our generation are of a higher caliber than you will notice that we have been doing a lot and that we are extremely talented and driven. You may not see it now but gi
of Aquinas College
e receiving the 2017 Gentlemen’s Club School of the Year award.
of young men from schools throughout New Providence who recently participated in the 26th Annual Gentlemen‟s Club Ball. n academics, school leadership, community service and performing arts.
ng men in The Bahamas. At this year‟s Ball the Aquinas College gentlemen garnered several awards. Gregory Stubbs won the or academic excellence; he also won the Archdeacon William Thompson Award which is awarded to the gentleman who dis-
e and participation of the young men, as a collective group, in the program. He attributed Aquinas College‟s win to, “the great
they believe is a positive outlook for young men in The Bahamas. Each spoke to how inspiring it was to network with other en said to them, “Lift as you climb.”
e] Gentlemen‟s Club actually gave me hope as a young man in The Bahamas. It takes organizations such as [the] Gentlemen‟s wants to pursue chemical engineering; Gregory Stubbs aspires to study computer science; Kriston Clarke hopes to become a . John‟s University, Collegeville, Minnesota. Stephen Seymour will attend Morehouse College in the fall to pursue a degree in
ars enrolled at Aquinas College.” She continued, “Our scholars are Christ-centered and character-driven. A Catholic education cal, mental, emotional and spiritual levels.”
what many may see on the surface,” declared Stephen. He continued confidently, “When you look deeper at our young men, ive it five years, ten years. We will be making our mark!”
WEATHER STATION INSTAL
The installation of the Aquinas College weather station is a school project which will contribute to th
A newly installed weather station at the Aquinas College campus is expected to enhance student learning, pro technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education at the school. The successful installation of the s Danny Davis, an Aquinas College alumni, parent and Assistant Professor in the Chemistry Department at the Un
The station is the second phase in the Aquinas College Air Monitoring Programme. It supplements the particul Dr. Davis explains, “When we started to analyse the data we realized that we needed wind speed and direction t we looked at the data from the March 5th, 2017 dump fire.” Dr. Davis added, “To assist with the interpretation o We had to assume that the wind direction and speed recorded at the airport by the Department of Meteorology w
The Air Monitoring Programme was implemented in response to landfill fires in the area. Measurements take recent fire. The data assisted administrators in making informed decisions as to when it was safe for school to re
Weather affects many parts of our lives, from deciding what clothes to wear to our response to the threat of ma bush fires, etc.), UV radiation, risk of flooding - are all linked to weather. As an island nation it is important for us. The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) assert that becoming a weath water, and climate events.”
The Aquinas College weather station gives students the unique opportunity to collect data in the field on w specific to central New Providence. “The Aquinas College Air Monitoring Programme is a model that can throughout The Bahamas,” said Mr. Burnside. He continued, “The Department of Meteorology will be able to the Aquinas College weather station, particularly during the hurricane season.”
The solar-powered weather station provides up-to-the-minute data reporting on wind speed, humidity, rainfall, index and many other weather parameters. The data are transmitted wirelessly to an indoor console where uploaded to the internet. The data from the weather station will be used to supplement geography and science cl introduction of the NASA Globe program to the school and aid the interpretation of particulate matter data monitoring station.
“I am extremely pleased that the Aquinas College weather station has been installed,” said Most Reverend Pa Pinder, S.T.D., C.M.G, Archbishop of Nassau. He continued: - “The recent commencement of the country‟s h important reminder of the huge impact of weather on our lives. I wish to thank those who partnered with A install the weather station. It will be a great benefit to the school and the broader community.”
LLED AT AQUINAS COLLEGE
he academic enrichment of students in addition to having a broader impact on the wider community.
ovide an additional avenue for public access to weather information and support the advancement of science, station was the result of a collaborative effort between the Catholic Board of Education‟s Facilities team; Dr. niversity of The Bahamas; along with Godfrey Burnside and his team from the Department of Meteorology.
late matter monitoring system which was purchased and installed at the beginning of the 2016/17 school year. to effect a more complete interpretation of the particulate matter data. This deficiency was most apparent when of the particulate matter data, wind speed and direction data were obtained from the Department of Meteorology. were the same as at Aquinas College, but this was not necessarily a true postulation.”
en at the school showed that air quality on campus returned to pre-fire normal levels one week after the most esume.
ajor weather events such as hurricanes and bush fires. Issues of climate change - air pollution (from cars, buses, r us to not only pay attention to weather during times of crisis but to understand the daily impact weather has on her-ready nation “improves a nation‟s readiness, responsiveness, and overall resilience against extreme weather,
weather conditions n be implemented use the data from
, ozone level, heat e it is stored and lasses, support the from the existing
atrick Christopher hurricane season is Aquinas College to
an
FOLLOWING IN THE STEPS OF JESUS CBE Primary Schools Perform ‘Living Stations of The Cross’
St. Cecilia‟s School, Sts. Francis & Joseph School and St. Thomas More School students re-enacted the Passion of Christ and performed the Living Stations of the Cross at their respective schools. Religious education is an integral part of the daily school curriculum of all Catholic Board of Education (CBE) schools. All CBE students participate in religious instruction and Church liturgies including the celebration of the Mass. The Stations of the Cross are a 14-part reenactment of the tragic events of the last day of Jesus of Nazareth. “I believe the Living Stations of the Cross is the most important exercise for the students because they get to experience the last hours of Jesus' life on Earth through the 'Way of the Cross'”, said Mrs. Ambrosine Ingraham, Religious Studies Coordinator, St. Thomas More School. She added: - “Catholic Education teaches all people that we are made in the image and likeness of God. When we take time to REMEMBER the Greatest act of unconditional LOVE that Jesus did to save us from the Power of sin and Death, we honor God in a most profound way.”
ARCHDIOCESAN TRACK & FIELD MEET STS. FRANCIS & JOSEPH SCHOOL CLINCHES FIFTH CONSECUTIVE ARCHDIOCESAN TRACK & FIELD MEET WIN
Young athletes from Sts. Francis & Joseph School bested competitors from three other CBE primary schools to win the 2017 Archdiocesan Track & Field Meet. The 2017 Archdiocesan Track & Field Meet was held over the course of two days, kicking off on Thursday 4 May. It was a sweep for Sts. Francis & Joseph School as in addition to winning the overall aggregate, the school also won the primary and junior categories. The annual Meet offers CBE primary school students the opportunity to exhibit their skill, dexterity and endurance in track and field events. Catholic Board of Education (CBE) schools are dedicated to the education of the whole child through development of the intellectual, physical and spiritual dimensions of every CBE student. Athletics is an integral part of the total education program of CBE schools. Catholic Board of Education primary schools have a sporting legacy, which is evident in the number of alumni who have gone on to achieve success in athletics both nationally and internationally. This year CBE primary school alumni participating in the 2017 Carifta included Megan Moss (400 meters, Gold Medal), Sean Miller (High Jump, Gold Medal), Adrian Curry (100 meters, Silver Medal), Deja Moss, Acia Astwood, Devine Parker and Alex Storr. BAISS 2017 Most Outstanding Athlete Otto Laing is also an alumni , he attended Xavier’s Lower School. As with all CBE sporting competitions, the 2017 Archdiocesan Track & Field Meet fostered school spirit, healthy competition and provided a fun environment for students, parents, teachers and administrators. St. Thomas More School placed second overall at the Archdiocesan Track & Field Meet. St. Cecilia’s School was 3 rd and Xavier’s Lower School finished 4th. Primary Division 1st Sts. Francis & Joseph School 2nd St. Thomas More School 3rd Xavier’s Lower School 4th St. Cecilia's School
610 points 585 points 381 points 350 points
Junior Division 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Sts. Francis & Joseph School St. Cecilia's School Xavier’s Lower School St. Thomas More Primary School
322 points 296 points 218 points 216 points
Overall Standings 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Sts. Francis & Joseph School St. Thomas More School St. Cecilia's School Xavier's Lower School
932 points 801 points 646 points 599 points
CBE PRIMARY SCHOOL CLASS OF 2017 AND FAMILIES GATHER FOR EXODUS MASS Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Academy students, parents, teachers and friends gathered on 6 June for the traditional Exodus Mass to honor grade 6 students. The Exodus Mass was celebrated in Nassau on 7 June . In Nassau the Most Reverend Patrick Christopher Pinder, S.T.D., C.M.G, Archbishop of Nassau was the main celebrant and homilist. He told students:- “As you complete primary school you are completing your initiation, your entry into a process called education. This process will last a lifetime.�
CBE TWELVTH GRADERS AND FAMILIES GATHER FOR BACCALAUREATE MASS
St. Francis de Sales Church , Marsh Harbour- 6 June 2017
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Nassau , Bahamas - 13 June 2017
© Ms. Marie Rodgers
WHY WE TEACH Some persons find themselves working in a certain profession by happenstance, teaching is not one of these careers. One has to have a special calling to set out to become a teacher. Many persons work jobs that they do not have a passion for but still dutifully wake up every morning and manage to mechanically complete the necessary work tasks . Here again the teaching profession is distinct; to be a good teacher one has to love what one does and have an unselfish desire to unlock each students‟ potential. Several CBE teachers were asked why they became teachers and what they enjoy most about teaching. Below are some of their responses: “I choose teaching as a vocation because I love children and the joy of making a difference in a child’s life. The greatest joy I get from teaching is when I see my children do well and make a meaningful contribution to society.” Mrs. Amoranna Maycock, Grade 4 - Xavier‟s Lower School (16 years in the classroom) “When I decided to become a teacher it was during a time in my life when I wanted to be challenged. I was looking for something that would challenge me mentally. The thing I enjoy most about being a teacher is contributing to the growth and development of my students. Additionally, I enjoy building positive and healthy relationships with my students in an effort to exemplify how they should treat others.” Miss Sydney Collie, English Language & Literature , Grades 7, 10 & 11 - Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Academy (5 years in the classroom) “I do not think I choose teaching, teaching choose me. My journey started during my early teens. I had the privilege of helping out as a volunteer at my church summer camp. It was there where I developed a love for working with children. I was also drawn to teaching because teaching is fun ; there are various ways you can get students excited about learning. The greatest joy I get from teaching is helping my students develop a love for learning. It brings me joy building relationships with students and seeing their academic and social growth.” Miss Aderia Burrows, Kindergarten, Sts. Francis & Joseph School (Eight years in CBE system) “I love teaching because I think it was my call to be a teacher and over the years I have been blessed with a lot of students who have done well in life. The remuneration is seeing the children maximize their potential and become who God wants them to be in life.” Ms. Stephanie Coley, Grade 6, St. Thomas More School (40+ years in the classroom)
“A number of factors influenced my decision to become a teacher. First, a few of the adults in my family whom I looked up to for guidance and support were teachers and they always spoke about their love for their profession and the joys they got from nurturing and teaching students. Secondly, I have always had a love for the continuous growth and development that students go through during their time with you. Any and all types of appreciation shown by students makes all the hard work and effort worth it. The moments when you hear “oooohhh” and “ahhhh” after something exciting and new is learnt or discovered is always an inspiring moment for a teacher.” Mr. Carson Neilly, Computer St. Thomas More School (7 years in the classroom)
CBE BIDS FAREWELL TO RETIRING TEACHERS & STAFF At the end of the 2016-2017 school year the Catholic Board of Education (CBE) will bid farewell to five teachers and one staff member. Mr. Chuck, Ms. Fox, Ms. Dean , Mrs. Mosley-Gray, Mrs. Rachel Sirra and Mr. Jean-Simon each retire after a combined ninety-four (94) years of service to the CBE community. Mr. Louis Chuck served as the Art teacher at Aquinas for twenty-five years. His official retirement day is 31 August 2017. After eight (8) years in the system St. Cecilia‟s School teacher Ms. Muriel Dean will retire on 31 August 2017. Ms. Melverne Fox, a primary school teacher at St. Cecilia‟s will retire after 14 years of service on 31 August 2017. Mrs. Barbara Mosley-Gray a teacher at Sts. Francis & Joseph School retires after 37 years of service. Mrs. Rachel Sirra, a teacher at St. Francis de Sales will retire after three years of service to Catholic Board of Education. Mr. Sterker Jean-Simon, the custodian at St. Thomas More retired on 27 January 2017 after 7 years of service The Catholic Board of Education thanks these women and men for their hard work and dedication to our Catholic schools, and send our blessings and best wishes in retirement!
Mr. Louis Chuck
CBE BIDS FAREWELL TO RETIR
Ms. Muriel Dean
Ms. Melvern
Mrs. Barbara Mosley-Gray
RING TEACHERS & STAFF
ne Fox Mrs. Rachel Sirra
Mr. Sterker Jean-Simon
© Mr. Jose Cecil Magno
CONGRATULATIO
Congratulations to Aquinas College; Mary, Star of the Sea
St. Francis de Sales Commencement Exercise: Friday, 9 June 2017
Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Academ Tuesday, 13 Jun
ONS GRADUATES!
a Catholic Academy & St. Francis de Sales Class of 2017!
my Commencement Exercise: ne 2017
Aquinas College Commencement Exercise: Thursday, 15 June 2017
REUNIONS R AQUINAS COLLEGE CLASS OF 1997 CELEBRATES 20 YEARS The Aquinas College Class of 1997 kicked off its 20th anniversary celebrations with a Teacher‟s Appreciation Special Assembly & Luncheon. On 19th May, 2017 members of the Class of 1977 gathered at Aquinas College to honour nine (9) of their formers teachers. Immediately following the Special Assembly the honourees, along with current Aquinas College teachers, were treated to a special luncheon held in the Vince Ferguson Gallery. Michaella Forbes, Member, Class of 1997 Reunion Committee explains why it was so important for them to honour their former teachers:- “It was important for us to honor our former teachers because we want them to know that they have made a difference in our lives and their impact is far reaching. We want this recognition to remind them of how important they are. “ The Class of 1997 has also committed to raising funds to assist with the development of their beloved alma mater, Aquinas College.
RECAPS AQUINAS COLLEGE CLASS OF 1977 CELEBRATES 40 YEARS Over the long holiday weekend the Aquinas College Class of 1977 reunited to celebrate their 40 year anniversary. Celebrations kicked off on Thursday, 1 June with a pot luck dinner and continued Friday with dinner at Lucianoâ€&#x;s. The Class met for Saturday morning breakfast at Garden of Eden, and on Sunday morning worshipped together at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Celebrations culminated with a pool party at Mr. Hannaâ€&#x;s residence. A good time was had by all. To commemorate their 40th Anniversary the Class of 1977 will donate computers to Aquinas College.
REUNIO
Aquinas College Alumni Living in Grand Bahama G During the weekend of June 9th, Aquinas College alumni living in Grand Bahama gathered to commemorate the schoolâ€&#x;s 60th Anniversary. Celebrations kicked off on Friday, 9 June with a Meet & Greet party at the Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy Auditorium. On Saturday morning the alumni met for breakfast at Q-Lounge and attended a festive dinner that evening at the MSSCA Auditorium. Celebrations culminated on Sunday as alumni gathered to worship together at the 9:00 a.m. Mass at Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Part proceeds from the events will fund the purchase of computers for Aquinas College.
ONS RECAPS
Gather to Celebrate The School’s 60th Anniversary
ALUMNI UPCOMING EVENTS
AQUINAS COLLEGE CLASS OF 1997 Sunday, 25 June 2017 – Worship & Social Church service at Bahamas Harvest Church Blue Lagoon Island Social @ 1:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 July 2017 – Reunion Event All fundraising activities will be held during the Reunion Event. At the event alumni will also be invited to make donations to assist the school with its development projects. **********************************************
AQUINAS COLLEGE CLASS OF 2007 Saturday, 23 September 2017 – „This is How We Do It‟ -: Aquinas College Alumni Concert from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Aquinas College 60th Anniversary Concert will be a fun filled, family event. The concert will feature accomplished Aquinas alumni and current student musicians. Hosted by the Aquinas College Class of 2007, in commemoration of their 10 year anniversary, the concert will embody Aquinas College‟s rich legacy in music and the performing arts.
RECONNECT WITH YOUR CATHOLIC SCHOOL!
Please spread the word and encourage the Catholic Schools Bahamas Network (CSBN).
other
Catholic
school
alumni
to
join
The Catholic Schools Bahamas Network (CSBN) has been established to engage people who share CBEâ€&#x;s vision and plan for its schools and to invite them, as stewards, to share their gifts and bring that vision to fruition. Members receive regular updates on exciting new developments at our Catholic schools; get the opportunity to reconnect with classmates and cherished, former teachers and share in the many uplifting stories of CBE schools. Sign up at: http://cboe.cec.edu.bs/alumni/reconnect/.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS E-MAGAZINE PHOTO CREDITS Aquinas College - Mr. Jose Cecil Magno Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Academy - Mr. Manu Sebastian & Miss Sydney Collie St. Francis de Sales School - Mr. Arden Granados St. Cecilia’s School - Ms. Marie Rodgers Sts. Francis & Joseph School - Mr. Emmanuel Caragan St. Thomas More School - Ms. Nicolosena Davis & Mrs. Alexandria Richardson
Special thank you to Mr. Elmer Bongon, Ms. Marie Rodgers, Ms. Nicolassena Davis-Carter, Miss Shannals Johnson, Miss Sydney Collie and Mrs. Valerie Rolle for sharing the stories of our CBE schools.
© 2017