Campion Today by Sasha Nevers

Campion at a glance Student Enrollment 1st-5th Form 6th Form Total Students

1126 321 1447

Percentage of students from primary schools in 1999: 5% • 2008: 30%

Student Costs Below is a breakdown of the basic cost to educate each Campion student, including how this cost is funded and

what is the shortfall. However, these figures do not address the kind of education we would ultimately like to offer our students and the financial rewards we think our teachers deserve.

For each student, per academic year:

Basic cost of education Portion paid by Government Subsidy

Annual Auxiliary Fee

J$45,000 J$9,500

J$16,000 (Percentage of students unable to pay Auxiliary Fee: 22%)

Donation requested for Teachers’ Fund J$7,000 (Percentage of students who give this donation: 60%) Shortfall in basic cost to educate each student J$12,500 Teacher Facts Full-time teachers 70 Teachers with master’s degrees 14 Teachers with bachelor’s degrees &/or teaching diplomas 56 Total staff (inclusive of admin & ancilliary) 108

Average gross teacher’s salary Average teacher incentive afforded by school

2008-09 Total School Budget Total Government Subsidy Shortfall

J$75,000 per month J$3000 pp, per month J$149million J$124million J$25million

campion college | 2009

orn in Canada and now a naturalised Jamaican citizen, Father McIsaac is the Regional Superior of the Society of Jesuits in Jamaica and chairman of Campion College, St. George’s College and St. Anne’s High, Primary and Infant Schools, as well as director of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kingston Deacon Programme, and a lecturer at St. Michael’s Theological College. Even with this demanding workload, Father McIsaac remains a familiar face on the campuses of the five schools he oversees and, like a good parent, demonstrates equal care and interest in all. Here, Father McIsaac shares his views on where Campion has been, where it is now, and where it is going as the school prepares for its 50th anniversary in 2010. What do you see as the key priorities for the Board at this time? Apart from the ongoing vigilance required in maintaining the school’s high academic standards and implementation of Jesuit teachings, the Board also sees Campion as having an important role to play in providing a positive model for Catholic education, but even more broadly as contributing to the development of education in Jamaica. The staff and leadership of Campion College have a collective wisdom that I believe should be more effectively placed at the service of the nation, particularly in this time of great disparity in the educational system. What is the school’s biggest challenge? One of the greatest challenges for Campion is the fostering of a “community” that is united by vision and mission. In many ways, Campion already enjoys a strong “community” that has contributed to its success; and I believe that the present leadership at all levels of the school provides us with an unprecedented opportunity for growth and maturity. campion college | 2009

One on One with Campion College Chairman, Peter McIsaac, SJ

What role would you like the alumni to play in the growth of the school? Alumni groups are vital agents for the development of the school, in two important ways: First, through the organization of events that intend their own consolidation and celebration, they contribute a unique “spirit” to the school. In this way, the alumni demonstrate that Campion College is not just an educational institution to “pass through,” but a community to “belong to.” The second is by supporting the school as “stewards” of the future: generously giving their time, their expertise, and assisting with financial support. It has been my experience that alumni associations have been most vital in providing the supports that change the character of a school: developing infrastructure, creating opportunities for specialized programming, responding generously to the emergent needs of the schools. What do you attribute to Campion’s success in attracting and producing such a high caliber of students? Clearly, Campion’s rise to pre-eminence had much to do with the original dedication and proficiency of the Jesuits and staff. As the school’s reputation for excellence widened, the rating scale and placement mechanism of the Ministry of Education also contributed to the attraction of the most gifted students to Campion. Once having chosen and been placed at Campion, however, these outstanding students are exposed to an unparalleled staff, and to a school with a character that undeniably lends itself to growth and excellence. It is a great challenge to take the gifts of these young people and develop them so that within a few short years they are able to compete internationally in all academic fields. To achieve the excellence that they do, much more than adequate pedagogical methods need employment: it requires discipline and maturity, both of which depend on the positive example and mentorship of staff, parents, and alumni.

faculty spotlight: Kippy & Jean Chin

ampion College’s academic success is in large part due to the commitment of its hardworking and loyal group of teachers. Among this group are the well-loved husband and wife who have been members of the Campion family for over 30 years: “Kippy” and Jean Chin. Many think that this couple met at Campion, but Kippy and Jean have known each other since they were teenagers. They both attended the University of the West Indies at the same time: he studied Chemistry and she, Botany. After graduation, Jean took up a job at Campion [the all-boys predecessor] teaching Integrated Science to Forms 1-3, while Kippy was appointed chief chemist at the Cane Farmers’ Association. The two later married and when their first son, Kesang, was born, Kippy decided to enter the teaching profession with the encouragement of Campion’s Past Principal, John MacKay, in order to spend more time with his family. Kippy started off teaching Chemistry in 6th Form and, after a few years, added Advanced Math—subjects which he still teaches today. As for Jean, she has been teaching Biology to the CSEC group for a number of years and she is also the 5th Form Supervisor among other numerous jobs she generously takes on around the school. As proud parents of Campionites Kesang and Dave, the Chins continue to give of their parental care and attention to the two generations of Campion students whom they have taught so far. Master veteran teachers, the Chins are able to convince their students that the topics are not intimidating but conquerable, and so have left indelible imprints on these young minds. The Chins have dedicated their lives to teaching and helping so many students—including some of Jamaica’s top doctors, engineers and scientists—achieve their dreams. As any Campionite who has had the honour of being taught by the Chins will tell you, the most difficult thing about this amazing couple is trying to keep up with them, especially Jean. However, we did tie them down for just a few minutes for a quick Q&A. How do you make learning so much fun? What are your tricks? Kippy Chin: No tricks! I’m really an actor and, in the classroom, I have an instant audience. I like teaching. I use examples from everyday life and experiments. Jean Chin: The children that come here are very bright. I never did a course in magic so have no tricks—what you see, is what you get. What are some of your fondest memories at Campion? JC: There was usually some scientific activity going on in the Junior Science Lab after school [in the early days of Campion] as the fellows wanted to build transformers and have balloon races on strings across the lab or fix up the “green-house” that

was set up at the back of the lab. They’d also want to dissect lizards and any other poor stray animal that they could catch. I learned a lot from them—some of them were very, very bright! My students continue to add to my education.

You have both had excellent results with your students. Do any of them stand out? KC: Yes, the school has always been strong in science. They are so many good students but if I had to pick one I would say David Sangster (Class of 1980) who went to MIT and now works in Silicon Valley. He was not a bookworm, used to romp all about the place, play football and everything, but was naturally bright and always top of the class. JC: Ian Gooding (Class of 1981) is the boy who comes to mind as I love art and he was so artistically gifted (and courteous and fun). He has the credits on some of the Disney-animated films and I always look for his name. On the female side, Kathryn Stewart (Current 6th Form Supervisor and Class of 1985) towers as she has done—and continues to do—so much for her alma mater. Big up Katie! Finally, what dreams do both of you have for Campion? KC: I hope we continue to be strong in science, to do well. JC: If I can be said to have dreams for Campion, it would be that, like every other school in Jamaica, it produces graduates that are honest, hard-working, sensitive to the needs of others, protective of the environment, willing to show others how to help themselves, and generous—to each other and to their alma mater. For the full interviews, visit www.campioncollege.com campion college | 2009

In ten years, I’ll be...Twenty-two years old (Vachenique Walters, 1-1) A student at UWI (Stephen Palmer, 1-2) The Korean first lady president (Hyekyung Moon, 1-3) A professional basketballer or pilot or heart surgeon (Mario Harrison 1-4) A student at Oxford or Harvard (Maria Lindsay 1-5) A haematologist (Danielle Williams, 1-6) My dream is to...Travel the world (Allison Phillpbert, 1-1) Be knighted by the Queen (Almando Lennon, 1-2) Become a national hero (Danielle Bruce, 1-3) Help make the world more peaceful (Peter-John Goldson, 1-4) Make my parents & grandparents happy (Melissa Lalah, 1-5) Improve the standard of living of Jamaicans (Joshua Soares, 1-6) CAPE Examinations Number of subjects offered Number of subjects with a 100% average pass rate Number of subjects with more than half the students receiving “Grade 1” Lowest average pass rate of any subject Students with scores among the top 3 in the island

19 14 8 78% 27

Average number of the 7 annual Government Scholarships awarded to Campionites in recent years

Number of Campionites who have won the Rhodes Scholarship

12**

**Six in the last six years

Profile of a Campionite Campion College is consistently the first choice school of GSAT entrants and its 235 First Form places are filled with those scoring the highest examination grades. In 2008, 38% of the national GSAT scholarship winners were placed at Campion, which has been typical of prior years.

CSEC

Examinations Number of subjects offered Number of subjects with a 100% average pass rate Number of subjects with more than half the students receiving “Grade 1” Lowest average pass rate of any subject Students with scores among the top 3 in the island Also, Campion student, Tesha Chai, received the top score in art in the Caribbean.

*As a comparison, the 2006 national average pass rate for English Language was 51% and for Math 36%. Source: National Council on Education

campion college | 2009

15 7 9 93%* 21

In addition to UWI and UTECH, Campionites have been accepted to a host of universities over the years, including: In the U.S.: Bard College, Bentley College, Boston College, Boston University, Brown University, Colgate University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Duke University, Emerson College, Georgetown University, Harvard University, Hofstra University, Johns Hopkins University, Johnson & Wales University, MIT, Mount Holyoke College, New York University, Northwestern University, Princeton University, SCAD, Stanford University, The New School of Visual Arts, Tufts University, University of Chicago, University of Florida, University of Miami, University of Virginia, Vassar College, Yale University. In Canada: McGill University, University of Toronto, University of Western Ontario. In the UK: Oxford University.

If I could make one thing better at Campion, I would... Improve the science labs (Rebecca Hugh, 1-1) Help plant more trees (Romario Tulloch, 1-2) Help refurbish the auditorium (Abigail Minott, 1-3) Use laptops instead of exercise books (Christopher Buckeridge, 1-4) Make the canteen bigger & have more sitting areas (Mijan PReid 1-5) Make the library bigger and add more books (Trevann Hamilton, 1-6) If I was the principal, I would... Get rid of the shift system (Poe Han Thar Kyaw, 1-1) Raise funds to re-surface the tennis courts (Ryan Gentles, 1-2) Make sure every child learns (Garrett McFarlane, 1-3) Improve the PE complex (Adrian Hall, 1-4) Make all the lockers big so no one would complain (Jake Mahfood, 1-5) Raise money to fix broken equipment (Terri-Ann Pyne, 1-6) I could help other students by... Cleaning up the school (Sebastian Reid, 1-1) Opening a learning centre for slow learners (Amani Campbell, 1-2) Speaking out for them (Chevardo Downer, 1-3) Encouraging them to do their best (Ashli White, 1-4) Putting in the latest technology & empowering them (Nakeem Parsons, 1-5) Doing what is expected of a Campionite (Khadeeja Davis, 1-6)

campion college | 2009

Reaching Out: The Student Support Programme

hrough the Guidance & Counseling Department, the school has responded in a variety of ways to the changing demographics of the student population—22% of which cannot afford to pay the auxiliary fee or many of the other costs associated with a high school education. In addition, the Department has identified over 50 students in the 2008-09 academic year whose needs include assistance with: auxiliary fees, lunch vouchers, bus cards and grants towards fees, books and other supplies.

The Department has also introduced a Breakfast Programme which is open to the entire school body in response to a recent survey showing that most students do not eat before arriving at school due to lack of food at their homes, or lack of time because of the great distances that many students have to travel. The Department relies on the generosity of corporate partners such as GraceKennedy and individuals for donations of food items, and on parents to be volunteers for the cooking and serving of these meals. Another recent addition is a mentoring programme which matches qualified alumni, parents and other individuals to students throughout the school who are in need of positive role models and academic support. Mentors must sign up for a minimum of one academic year and guidance is provided by the Department. (NB: Mentors have no financial obligations to their mentees). The Alumni Scholarship Programme Established in honour of the Jesuit teachings of their beloved alma mater, The Campion College Alumni Association provides support to fellow alumni by facilitating three annual scholarships at the University of the West Indies. These are: the Radley Reid Scholarship (paid for by an anonymous alumnus sponsor), the Lloyd Phang Scholarship (paid for by Alumni Association members), and the Father Ruddy Scholarship, which is made possible by alumnus Paul Hoo (Class of 1975). Association members and concerned parents also recognize excellence and provide support to current Campion students through the distribution of a number of annual scholarships: • • • • • • • • • •

The The The The The The The The The The

Potluri Scholarship Jamie Lue Memorial Scholarship Leo Henry Memorial Scholarship Class of 1985 Class of 2013 Daphne Anderson Scholarship Sam Mahfood Scholarship Hope Scholarship Dorothy Tenn Scholarship Valda Sinclair Education Fund

campion college | 2009

Recipients are decided on by the school’s administration and some of these scholarships are a combination of merit and need based, while others are for strong students who are also active sportspersons, among other criteria. These scholarships are funded privately and represent the whole or part of the total cost of the student’s education. The names for these scholarships are decided by the sponsors, who sometimes choose to honour a group of students, a past student, a teacher or even a parent. At least 40 additional scholarships are needed every year and alumni and friends of Campion are invited to support this programme.

Ways you can make a difference… • • • •

Sponsor a scholarship Volunteer as a mentor Donate food items or help in the Breakfast Programme Make a donation to the Programme for items such as:

Annual auxiliary fees per student

J$16,000 (1-5th) J$35,500 (6th)

PE Uniforms

J$1200 (boys) J$1300 (girls)

School uniforms

J$2000 (boys) J$1500 (girls)

Purchase of non-rental books

J$20-40,000

Annual cost of bus transportation

J$25,200

Annual cost of lunch

J$54,000

Basic average total costs for a Campion student per year J$130,000

Student Spotlight: Sharlayne Waller

inner of the Avinash Potluri Scholarship for 2008, Sharlayne Waller is an exceptional student who obtained all Grade Ones in her10 subjects in 2008, and is now in Lower 6th Form doing a record six CAPE subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, French and Communication Studies. Sharlayne is not only a brilliant student, but she also excels in many extra-curricular activities. She is a member of numerous clubs, including: the Interact Club, the Students’ Voice, the Magazine Committee, the Sixth Form Association and ISCF. In addition, she is a passionate volleyball player, who has represented her school in this sport from 1st Form, and an accomplished piano player, who plays at the Grade 4 level. Born on January 10th, 1992, in Kingston, Sharlayne attended Sts. Peter and Paul Prep School before being placed at Campion. Her mother is a gynecologist/obstetrician, her father is a chemical engineer, and she currently has a brother at Campion who is in 2nd Form. As expected, Sharlayne is a very busy person, but she stopped just long enough to give us some insight on how she stays at the top of her game.

as well as those persons older than I. I have also learnt the value of service to my fellow citizens in Jamaica, and the value of time management. What are your career goals? SW: Right now, my goals lie in the field of science. I’d like to be a biochemist (I want to find a cure for something), or a medical doctor, or an actuary.

You did 10 subjects at CSEC, any favourites? Sharlayne Waller: Chemistry. I loved the exciting experi- What is your overall impression of Campion ments. as a school? SW: It has definitely lived up to my expectations as a competiWhat’s your favourite extra curricular tive school…I like the school spirit that is prevalent during school past times? matches, at Sports Day and at the several entertaining events. SW: I love volleyball because of the ‘adrenaline-inducing’ games we have. Additionally, I love to play the piano; it re- What advice would you give 1st Formers lieves stress. about the school? SW: They should keep The Lord in their lives as He will help How do you juggle academics and other them to achieve their goals. They should strive for greatness as commitments? only their best is good enough. Finally, they should realise that SW: It would have to be the application of parental training this is a turning point in their lives; they will eventually make new that has led to me planning my days and prioritizing. friends and become accustomed to the Campion life, so they should not worry about this. How do you think Campion has molded your character? SW: Campion has helped me to mature overall. I have learnt The prestigious Avinash Potluri Scholarship is awarded annually to the how to make good friends and how to communicate with peers top CSEC performer and is named in memory of this Campionite.

Did you know? • Campion now has 40 active clubs and 15 sports teams. • Sixth formers and teachers volunteer at the school’s two-year-old Champion Homework Centre for children from Chamber’s Lane, which was donated by The Mayberry Foundation. • The Filmmakers Club won the top three prizes in the Alliance Francais Junior Filmmakers’ 2008 Competition. • The Key Club was recognized as a “Distinguished Club-Diamond Level” by their international parent organization in 2008. • The Dance Society won the All-Island Jazz Section of the JCDC 2008 awards. campion college | 2009

Alumni Spotlight: Ramon Arscott, Rhodes Scholar

ne of Campion College’s 12 Rhodes Scholars is Ramon Arscott (Class of 1997). Born in Kingston, Jamaica, on January 10th, 1982, Ramon attended Mona Prep where he was appointed Head Boy and captain of the track team. Ramon went on to excel at Campion and received Grade Ones in his eight CSEC subjects, and Bs in Physics, Chemistry and General Paper, and an A in Mathematics at the CAPE Level. His leadership record at Campion was also admirable. He took a leadership position from his first year at Campion and kept increasing his level of responsibilities in various clubs and sporting groups. He was sub prefect, prefect, house captain, sports captain and then, head boy. Ramon was involved with sports from his first day at the school and he won numerous sports awards and was named captain of the track and field team and Colts Football Team as well as sportsman of the year for his graduating class.

Now a student of Oxford University, Ramon obtained a Masters of Science in Integrated Immunology with Distinction in 2007, and he is currently a candidate for a D.Phil (PhD) in Clinical Medicine specializing in Tumour Immunology to be completed in 2010. While at Oxford, Ramon has been involved in many extracurricular and sporting activities: he is junior dean of Lincoln College, president of the Lincoln College Graduate Community, member of the Lincoln College Football Club, and a board member of the Rhodes Scholar’s Southern African Forum, just to mention a few. In his own words, Ramon shares how he feels Campion has contributed to his success:

SPORTS 08-09

After Campion, Ramon took a year off and worked with the Kingston Restoration Company. He taught remedial classes to teenage high school dropouts from Rae Town and he also became a member of the Dispute Resolution Foundation as a conflict mediator and football coach. In 2000, Ramon enrolled at UWI Medical School and he received his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (M.B.B.S.) in 2005. During his time there, he participated in many sports and clubs and received numerous awards and accolades. Then, in 2005, he received one of the most prestigious academics awards: the Rhodes Scholarship.

“My time at Campion was like that of many adolescents; full of ups and downs that prepared you for the vicissitudes of life. I’d say the things that stand out most would be my track and field endeavors. The track team was like family to me, and Mr. Phillpotts-Brown like a father to us all. Track (and sports in general) ingrained discipline through the process of staying the course of rigorous training, taught you how to handle victory with humility, but more importantly how to deal with failure as well, skill-sets that undoubtedly aided my approach to academia and life in general. “I had fabulous teachers in mostly everything. Other teachers worth a special mention that I had a great rapport with, and were not only inspiring, but absolutely fantastic at what they did, were: Mrs. Webster, Mr. Chin, Mr. Corcho and Mr. Henry. Teachers like these are the reason Campion does so well each year. “I’m really attached to Campion not because of what I did in the classroom, but what I did on the field of play, representing the school…I would say that it’s the extra-curricular school-related activities that molded me the most at Campion and have given me the pride to call myself a Campionite.”

Ramon Arscott is congratulated by Sir Howard Cooke

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Campion boys won the ISSA/Grace Shield “A” League U-19 competition in 2009 and were quarter-finalists in the U-16 Colts cricket competition.

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Campionites were the 2008 winners of the annual RBTT Corporate Area Schools Chess Competition and semi-finalists in 2009.

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Our boys won the ASAJ High School Waterpolo Competition for the first time, taking the trophy away from longstanding champions, Wolmer’s Boys’ School.

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Our girls won the table tennis U-19 Urban Cup Competition.

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Campionites hold the Top Triple Jump title (08) and 800m title (03-08).

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Our boys won the Mayberry High School Swim Meet and placed second in the ISSA High School Swim Meet. In both competitions, our girls’ team placed third.

campion college | 2009

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A Campionite is the Caribbean Junior Golf Champion.

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Our boys placed second in the National High School Tennis Competition.

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The U-15 boys’ team placed second in the badminton All-Island Competition.

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The netballers were semi-finalists in the Digicel Urban U-15 Competition.