Catholic Schools E-Magazine - Vol 1 Issue 1 Spring 2017

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS E-MAGAZINE Volume 1 Issue 1 Spring 2017 Catholic Board of Education Website: http://cboe.cec.edu.bs/

Many Parts, One Body – Working Towards the Common Good

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Page 1 …………….. Director’s Message Page 2 …………….. Student Stories Page 8 ……………. School Stories Page 19 ………….... Teacher Stories Page 21 …………… Alumni Stories

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MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION Many of us at this point have already decided either what we are giving up or taking on during the Lenten season. Generally, we tend to give up those attitudes and behaviours that prevent us from having a more meaningful relationship with Christ. Our giving up may also come in the form of a sacrifice that leads to almsgiving. For example, in some of our schools the teachers and students may give up a small part of their daily lunch allowance and at the end of the Lenten season, donate the funds to those who are less fortunate. Conversely, some of us may decide to take on attitudes and behaviours that will strengthen our relationship with Christ. We may decide to attend Mass or worship services more frequently, be more intentional in following the teachings of The Bible or spend more time reading God’s holy word. Whether we have decided to “give up” or “take on” let us do so with a firm resolve so that our Lenten journey can be one that deepens our relationship with Christ and with one another.

Claudette A. Rolle Director of Catholic Education

The Most Reverend Patrick Christopher Pinder, S.T.D., C.M.G, Archbishop of Nassau; Mrs. Claudette Rolle, Director of Catholic Education with St. Francis de Sales Pre-Kindergarten students and teachers.

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CATHOLIC BOARD OF EDUCATION STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS Catholic Board of Education (CBE) students continued to light the way during the second 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         

Gold Medal, Bahamas Archery Competition - Samuel Albury, Grade 7 Silver Medal, Bahamas Archery Competition - Rayvaughn Sweeting, Grade 7 Bronze Medal, Bahamas Archery Competition - LaSean Cartwright, Grade 9 Bronze Medal, Bahamas Archery Competition - Leander Braynen, Grade 9 Bronze Medal, Bahamas Archery Competition - Leslie Rahming, Grade 7 National Winner, Overall Best Score, B.G.C.S.E. Auto Mechanics Examination - Stephen Seymour, Grade 12 National Winner, Overall Best Score, B.J.C. General Science Examination - Danae Morrison, Grade 9 Top Achiever, B.J.C. Examinations, 6 A’s - Leander Braynen, Grade 9 Winner, The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology & The Templeton Foundation essay competition - Brianna James, Grade 11

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Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Academy  

Top Achiever, B.J.C. Examinations - Alexis Turnquest, Grade 10 Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Academy, Student of the Year – Antheo Been, Grade 6

St. Francis de Sales School     

Second Place, Department of Education, Abaco District, Religious Speech Competition - Jabez Gibson, Grade 6 2017 Honouree, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Ashanti Duncanson, Grade 12 First Place, 2017 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA )Art Competition – Ireneo Ajero III, Grade 8 Third Place, RYLA Poem Competition - Tavashanae Whyley, Grade 12 St. Francis de Sales Primary School Student of the Year – Sara Knowles, Grade 6

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St. Cecilia's School     

Winner, 50th Anniversary Spelling Competition – Khyla Jones, Grade 6 Second Place, 50th Anniversary Spelling Competition – Craig Simmons, Grade 6 Winner, Catholic Diocesan Primary Schools Basketball Tournament, Girl’s Division – Strikers Basketball Team - MVP, Raynell Young, Grade 6 Runner-Up, Catholic Diocesan Primary Schools Basketball Tournament, Boy’s Division – Strikers Basketball Team St. Cecilia’s Student of the Year - Craig Simmons, Grade 6

Sts. Francis & Joseph School          

Winner, Hoytes Primary Schools Basketball Tournament, Freeport, Boy’s Division – Shockers Basketball Team Runner-Up, Catholic Diocesan Primary Schools Basketball Tournament, Girl’s Division – Shockers Basketball Team Third Place, Magical Classic Gymnastics Competition (Orlando, Florida) - Bayli Major, Grade 4 Third & Fourth Place, Magical Classic Gymnastics Competition (Orlando, Florida) - Anaiah Rolle, Grade 5 Second Place & Top Ten Finisher, Magical Classic Gymnastics Competition (Orlando, Florida) Morgan Bethel, Grade 3 Second Place & Top Ten Finisher - Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Morgan Bethel, Grade 3 First Place, Commonwealth Writers of The Bahamas Club Competition - Lauren Scriven, Grade 4 Second Place, Commonwealth Writers of The Bahamas Club Competition – Amaya Boodoo Third Place, Commonwealth Writers of The Bahamas Club Competition - Kiahna Cooper, Grade 4 Sts. Francis & Joseph’s Student of the Year – Alexis Williamson, Grade 6 5

St. Thomas More School   

Winner, Catholic Diocesan Primary Schools Basketball Tournament, Boy’s Division – Sparks Basketball Team - MVP, Andru Arthur, Grade 5 Most Votes, KKids International Poster for a Cause Competition – St. Thomas More K-Kids (Rafael Escobar, Danae Francis, Dantia Kemp & Dacel Lee Lapastora).

St. Thomas More Student of the Year – Danae Francis, Grade 6

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Xavier’s Lower School           

Third Place, 50th Archdiocesan Spelling Competition – Wayde Braynen Jr., Grade 6 Winner, KR Class, School Reading Challenge, Boys - Chase Hall, Kindergarten Winner, KR Class, School Reading Challenge, Girls - Jade Marshall, Kindergarten Runner- Up Girls 10U Singles, Lil Mo International Tournament (West Palm Beach) - Sierra Terae' Rodgers, Grade 6 Level 1 Competitive Gymnast, 2016 Atlantis Crown Gymnastics Invitational - Malia Strachan, Grade 2 Level 2 Competitive Gymnast, 2016 Atlantis Crown Gymnastics Invitational - Azariah Smith, Grade 4 Level 2 Competitive Gymnast, 2016 Atlantis Crown Gymnastics Invitational - Sienna Tinker, Grade 5 Level 3 Competitive Gymnast, 2016 Atlantis Crown Gymnastics Invitational - Dior-Rae Scott, Grade 4 Excel Silver Competitive Gymnast, 2016 Atlantis Crown Gymnastics Invitational - Logan Stubbs, Grade 2 Xavier’s Student of the Year – Dymani Scott, Grade 6

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ST. CECILIA’S SCHOOL WINS 50TH ARCHDIOCESAN SPELLING COMPETITION

The level of competition at the 50th Archdiocesan Spelling Competition was a fitting tribute to the Golden Anniversary of this outstanding event. The impact of any event is measured by the memories of the persons involved and the number of persons affected. If we use these factors as a yardstick, it is fair to conclude that the Archdiocesan Spelling Competition has contributed significantly to the growth and development of the educational sector of The Bahamas. The coordinators of this first competition were true pioneers as the Competition created a foundation for the establishment of other local Bees such as the Ministry of Education District Spelling Bees.

Khyla Jones, a sixth grade student of St. Cecilia’s School, emerged as the winner of the 50th Archdiocesan Spelling Competition. It turned out to be fifty (50) for the 50th as the Archdiocesan Spelling Competition lasted fifty (50) rounds. In the end, after a thirty (30) round faceoff with her school mate, Craig Simmons, Khyla won the Bee on the word ‘durability’.

The 50th Archdiocesan Spelling Competition was held on Thursday, 26 January, 2017 at Seton Hall, Xavier’s Lower School.

Khyla and Craig will represent Catholic schools at the 2017 Bahamas National Spelling Bee. FINAL RESULTS OF 50TH ARCHDIOCESAN SPELLING COMPETITION Winner – Khyla Jones, St. Cecilia’s School 2nd Place – Craig Simmons, St. Cecilia’s School 3rd Place – Wayde Braynen Jr., Xavier’s Lower School

Photo Caption: Spell off between Khyla Jones and Craig Simmons.

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CBE SCHOOLS CELEBRATE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration during which Catholic schools in The Bahamas engage in specific, planned activities which focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to our church, our communities and our nation. Catholic schools throughout The Bahamas commenced its celebration of Catholic Schools Week with special masses held in New Providence, Abaco and Grand Bahama. Catholic Board of Education (CBE) principals, teachers, students, staff and friends of Catholic schools gathered in a spirit of joy and thanksgiving for the blessing of Catholic education.

“The Gospel is at the heart of both the mission and the vision of our Catholic schools”, said the Most Reverend Patrick Christopher Pinder, S.T.D., C.M.G, Archbishop of Nassau in his homily during the opening Mass for Catholic Schools Week at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Addressing students he stated: “To our students, know that you are privileged to be enrolled in the finest Catholic School system in the region. We do not seek to be elitist. But we do strive for excellence. May you all continue to be formed in Grace, Goodness, Wisdom and Learning – so that you credit both our schools and our community.”

The first Catholic Schools Week was celebrated in The Bahamas in 2009. The Week has been celebrated for the past forty-three (43) years in the United States. The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), the largest, private professional education association in the world, has set as its theme for the 2017 Catholic Schools Week “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service." As acknowledgement of the interconnected global world and a commitment to serving local communities, CBE’s theme for Catholic education for the next three years is "Many Parts, One Body Working towards the Common Good by Building Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service."

Catholic schools comprise the second largest educational system in The Bahamas. The CBE families of schools include Aquinas College; Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Academy; St. Francis de Sales School; St. Cecilia’s School; Sts. Francis & Joseph School; St. Thomas More School; Xavier’s Lower School and Every Child Counts.

“Catholic Schools Week is a time for us to not only celebrate, but emphasize our involvement in the building of our country,” stated Mrs. Claudette A. Rolle, Director of Catholic Education. CBE schools throughout The Bahamas participated in a range of activities during the Week including community service initiatives, student art exhibitions and career day.

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Aquinas College Blood Drive

Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Academy students prepare care packages for those in need.

St. Francis de Sales - ‘Lunch on the Lawn’

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St. Cecilia’s students present care packages to persons in the St. Cecilia’s community.

Sts. Francis & Joseph School - Career Day.

St. Thomas More students perform during the STM Special Assembly.

Xavier’s Lower School- Games Day

Students of Every Child Counts perform for Archbishop Patrick Pinder and special guests.

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AQUINAS COLLEGE RECEIVES 1st RUNNER UP IN THE BAHAMAS NATIONAL GOOD PRACTICE AWARD PROGRAMME Aquinas College was recently awarded 1st Runner Up in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) National Education Good Practice Awards Programme. The Good Practice Awards is a competition among Commonwealth ministries of education, civil society organizations and nongovernmental organizations working in the field of education. The award recognizes and promotes good practice in education programmes, projects, policies, strategies or significant interventions that have made a positive difference to the status and conditions of school children, teachers or the education system in respective countries.

Aquinas College submitted its Integrated Technical and Vocational Programme as a Good Practice Model. The submission featured how Aquinas College merged technical and vocational studies with traditional education. This merger was implemented to explore introductory studies and skills in engineering, to dispel gender-bias mindsets in the workforce, to provide students with opportunities to partner with industry stakeholders and to enhance the continuously changing needs of the labor market.

As one of the top award recipients Aquinas College will represent the Bahamas at the 2018 Commonwealth Education Good Practice Awards. Aquinas College was also awarded seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500.00) to be used for its Integrated TVET Programme. The Commonwealth Award winners will be presented at the 20th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers in Fiji in February 2018.

“There were several aspects of Aquinas’ submission that made its application standout”, said Ms. Sharmaine Sinclair, Head of the Steering Committee and Judge, MOEST National Education Good Practice Awards Programme. She explained: - “The judges at both levels were impressed with the impact, sustainability and replication of the programme. Aquinas College is receiving great results; which speaks to the continued viability and relevance of the program.”

Mrs. Shonna Moss-Knowles, Principal, Aquinas College, expressed her elation on Aquinas College placing 1st runner up: –“I was ecstatic to highlight our initiative. The proof is in the pudding. After eighteen years Aquinas can boost that the merger of technical and vocational education with traditional education has removed barriers, eliminated gender disparities and improved the quality of education offered at our educational institution."

******************************* About Aquinas College: Aquinas College is a private Catholic Board of Education school. The school relocated from its Madeira Street location in the congested city of Nassau to its state of the art facilities on the sprawling plains of Gladstone Road in September 2009. This academic institution, which had its humble beginnings in the converted Hibiscus Inn on Madeira Street, was established in 1957 by the Dominican Sisters of Adrian, Michigan. Aquinas College has the widest selection of academic courses and tertiary programs of all

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local private schools. Courses include Advanced Placement (AP), Cosmetology, Tourism & Hospitality, Auto Mechanics, Electrical Installation and Culinary Arts.

Left to right: Randol Dorsett, Dean of Students; Shannals Johnson, Senior Mistress; Shona Knowles, Principal; June Hutcheson, Guidance Counselor and Ravin Wilson, Teacher, Auto Mechanics and Electrical Installation.

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SHARING THE STORIES OF OUR DYNAMIC SYSTEM

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“What it means to be a Catholic school is to be a place where people are exposed to their dignity as human beings. Students attending Catholic schools are exposed to an excellent level of education. A Catholic school is a place where you don’t simply educate minds; you educate the total person.”

Most Reverend Patrick Christopher Pinder, S.T.D., C.M.G, Archbishop of Nassau

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CBE TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Catholic Board of Education (CBE) teachers participate in full day Professional Development twice per year in February and August. On 23rd February 2017, primary and secondary school teachers gathered together to collaborate, earn and plan towards enhancing the learning experience of every CBE student.

Topics included ‘Assessment Techniques & Learning Styles – Accommodation’, ‘Test Construction – Aligning Assessment with Learning Objectives Creating Rubrics for Assessment’ and ‘Critical Care Response’.

Research has shown that teaching quality and school leadership are the most important factors in raising student achievement. “One constant finding in all the research literature on teacher professional development is that notable improvements in education almost never take place in the absence of professional development”(Thomas Guskey). Professional development is key to meeting today’s educational demands. Catholic Board of Education teacher Professional Development workshops are also conducted throughout the year.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT – THRUPTHY KRISHNAN St. Thomas More, Class of 2005 Aquinas College, Class of 2011

Thrupthy Krishnan attended St. Thomas More Primary School and graduated from Aquinas College in 2011. Miss Krishnan holds a Bachelors degree from Monroe College in Public Accounting and a MBA in International Finance and Education from New York University. She is currently enrolled in the Doctorate program, Business Administration (D.B.A) International Financial Instrumentation at Harvard University. Thrupthy, who is also is a Chartered Financial Analyst and Accountant, is an Assistant Senior Accountant, Audit Services at KPMG LLP. She recently transferred from the KPMG office in New York to The Bahamas office.

In addition to her personal experience Miss Krishnan has professional experience in the area of college admissions. While a student at Monroe College she worked in the International Admissions department as an Admissions Tele Counsellor. One of her main duties included assisting students with starting and completing the online application process and leading them through the application and visa approval process. Thrupthy recently returned to Aquinas College to speak to high school seniors on the topic of ‘Preparing for College’. She also conducted a session with seniors at Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Academy (Freeport, Grand Bahama).

Four key takeaways from Thrupthy’s talk, ‘Preparing for College’, were: 1. “Do something that brings you joy and pleasure and makes you feel successful.”

2. “Apply to every college and for every scholarship. There are no barriers in your way at this stage, only thing holding you back is yourself.”

3. “There is always a way. Where there is a will there is a way. I was you. Sitting in Aquinas just a few years ago, I never thought I would even get to visit Harvard much less be a student there.”

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4. “Decide on what your highest degree will be and invest most in that one, the last one. If you intend on stopping at your Bachelors, choose the best college for your Bachelors.

But if you intend on going on for your Masters, spend less on your Bachelors and choose a reputable university for your Masters.”

Miss Krishan felt compelled to reconnect and give back to her Catholic school. She explained: - “Getting my foundational education from the Catholic Board of Education in the Bahamas, I feel it is my turn to give back. I am truly appreciative of the behavioral and structural development I have attained while I was a student at Aquinas and believe that my personal development there is what lit my path for my future. It was indeed a pleasure for me to give back by helping the current students of the institutions that made me who I am today. “

Photo Caption: Aquinas College seniors listen intently to alumni Thrupthy Krishan.

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ALUMNI NEWS Upcoming Alumni Events: April 22nd, 2007 – ‘This is What We Do’ Aquinas Alumni Concert presented by the Class of 2007 May 2007 - Aquinas College Teacher Appreciation Luncheon hosted by the Class of 1997

Alumni Picture Gallery:

RECONNECT WITH YOUR CATHOLIC SCHOOL Join the Catholic Schools Bahamas Network (CSBN) today. CSBN has been established to engage people who share the Catholic Board of Education’s (CBE’s) vision and plan for its schools. We invite you, as stewards, to share your gifts and to become actively involved in Catholic schools. As a CSBN member you will receive regular updates on exciting new CBE developments, get the opportunity to reconnect with classmates and cherished, former teachers and share in the many uplifting stories of CBE schools.

To join click http://cboe.cec.edu.bs/alumni/reconnect/.

24our Catholic Schools email jalbury@cec.edu.bs.

For more information about how you can support

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