SAHS Annual Report Academic Year 2022-23 by St Andrew High School for Girls

St. Andrew High School for Girls ANNUAL REPORT ACADEMIC YEAR 2022- 2023

Introduction 2022- 2023 was our first year back to full school face to face since 2018-2019! It was so good to have the students back to school! Thankfully we returned to some form of normalcy! Our theme for the year was “Refocused, Resilient, Ready to Conquer”. It was certainly an appropriate theme as we had to readjust to being back to school- face to face and change our mind set towards teaching and learning. For many students, being online two plus years really had a negative impact on their mental health, therefore we had to take time to care of each other and being determined to conquer the challenges that we faced.

Student Enrolment

1468

STAFF

130

Teachers

97 Academic – Full Time

Full Time – Non Govt

Part Time – Non Govt

Administrative

Ancillary

Full Time Full Time Non Govt

15 2

Part Time Non Govt

Full Time

Part Time Govt

Board of Management Thanks, must be extended to the Board of Management ably led by Ms. Rachel McLarty for the leadership and support that was given throughout the year. December 31, 2023, the current Board’s term will come to an end. The board’s term began January 2020, and this board has had to navigate unchartered waters and pivot to adjust to meet the myriad needs and challenges that we faced while dealing with the pandemic. Thank you for the yeoman service that you gave to ensure St. Andrew High thrived through these years. Abundant blessings to you all. Thanks as well to our Chaplains, Rev. Stephen Mullings of the Methodist Church and Rev. Astor Carlyle of the United Church who continued in their weekly ministry to the students during devotions. The words that you have left with the girls and staff have been challenging and encouraging. Thank you for your commitment to being here for us each week. Thanks, must be extended to Rev. Alex Hayden, who deputized for Rev Carlyle when he was on sabbatical.

Condolences We express condolences to members of our school community who lost loved ones this year. We lost brothers, fathers, mothers and sisters. In February this year, we said farewell to ancillary staff member, Mrs. Donna Spence- Goodrich. Mrs. SpenceGoodrich served here at SAHS for 6 years. She was warm, fun-loving and a hard worker. We certainly do miss her. We continue to pray for the Lord’s peace for all who lost loved ones this year.

Administrative and Ancillary Staff I am very grateful for the expert leadership of our Bursar Mrs. Carrol Handy along with the assistance of Senior Secretary Miss Julene Umraugh and Operations Manager Mrs. Janyce Hearne. The administrative and ancillary staff had to work assiduously to ensure the smooth running of the school now that we were back face to face. Thank you for all that you did! Your work is acknowledged and appreciated.

Administrative and Ancillary Staff Function This year, the Annual Christmas function for the Administrative and Ancillary Staff hosted by the PTA was held in the Margaret Gartshore Hall December 14, 2022. The Guest Speaker was chaplain, Rev. Astor Carlyle. Staff members were presented with a cash gift in lieu of the usual lunch and light refreshments were served. Presentations were made to the Ancillary Staff of the Year 2022 and Administrative Staff of the Year 2022. Administrative Staff of the Year 2022 First Place: Miss Shannel Gardener Second Place: Miss Julene Umraugh Third Place: Mr. Raoul Salmon Ancillary Staff of the Year 2022 First Place: Mr. Peter Bramwell Second Place: Miss Cecelia Maragh Third Place: Mrs. Marvernie Johnson

School Improvement Plan (SIP) We came to the end of the 2020- 2023 SIP at the end of this academic year. Whilst we were able to achieve many of the objectives that we had set, there are some objectives that will have to be carried forward for the new SIP. Managing school during a pandemic was no easy feat! However, we remain committed to the mission and vision of the school to provide world class secondary education to our students, maintaining a tradition of excellence whilst maximizing the students’ academic potential. Keeping in mind the four-fold development—physical, mental, spiritual and social and being that international model for education.

SUMMER & OTHER PROJECTS Tech/Voc Lab We now have a computer lab dedicated to Grade 10- 13 students doing Technical Drawing (TD), Building Mechanical Engineering Drawing (BMED) and Electronic Document Preparation and Management (EDPM). The lab can seat 27 students. Thanks, must be extended to the classes of 1970-1972 for their donation 13 system units. As well as the SAHS Foundation for their contribution of $1,027,750. A group of Old Girls for the class of 1986 donated $385,000 funds for the full purchase of air conditioning units. Ancillary Staff Lounge and Caretaker’s Cottage Rebuilt I am happy to report that our major summer project for this year, the installation of container units for the ancillary staff lounge and caretakers’ cottage, is complete! Our Ancillary staff havea new and improved space!

97th Commemoration Day - September 21, 2022 We celebrated our 97th Commemoration on the school’s birthday, September 21, 2022 in the Garden Theatre! It was so good to be back in that space with the entire student population being present. The service was a very good one. The Dance Troupe, Sign Language Club and Drama Club represented well with their items. Our speaker was Pastor Ryan Mark Reynolds from Pure in Heart Ministries. He was very relevant and relatable to the students. Offerings of $442,446f were donated to Minto Primary School, Jamaica Association for the Deaf, Jamaica Autism Support Association and the Fund for Retired Ministers in the Methodist and United Churches.

General Activities/ Special Events Held Heritage Week Presentation Disaster Preparedness Week Parents’ Month Presentation/ Parent Forum Dance Xplosion Science Week Awards Ceremony Christmas Service Christmas Term and End of Year Examinations Grade 7 Sports Day and Field Trips Grade 8 and 9 Cultural Programmes Old Girls Carol Service Leadership Training Seminar Grade 12 Grade 11 Examination Preparation Seminar Earthquake Awareness Week

Students’ Council Week Jamaica Day Africa Day Math Week ISCF Week Cyber Awareness Week Career Week and Expo Ancillary and Administrative Staff Seminars Blood Drive Grief Management Seminars Modern Languages days Valedictory and Farewell Services Summer School Summer Enrichment Programme

Walkathon After a six-year break, our fundraiser walkathon was held on Saturday March 25, 2023. Approximately 375 students and parents participated in the walk from the roundabout at the Norman Manley International Airport to the Port Royal Primary School (9. 5 km). It was a great day and the students enjoyed themselves. We realized a profit of $1,712,071 Pop- Up Shop For the first time ever, we had two pop-up shops! There are several students who have started a business or have a desire to start a business. As a policy, students are not allowed to sell items on campus. However, to encourage the “entrepreneurial spirit”, the decision was made to offer a ‘Pop up Shop’ for our budding entrepreneurs. On November 23, 2022, and April 27, 2023, the Margaret Gartshore Hall was transformed into a mini market. Over 40 students had their items on sale. This included jewelry, pastry, crochet pieces, artwork and other items. The school community supported the students, and the fledgling entrepreneurs were very encouraged. This will certainly be a permanent fixture on our school calendar. Canteen Concessionaire We welcomed to the St. Andrew High family in January 2023 PJ’s Cuisine. The feedback so far is mainly positive. The quality of meals is far improved, the prices are reasonable and there is a wider variety of offerings. We look forward to a scrumptious relationship with them.

Student Performance Reviews Student Performance Reviews were held from February 1-3, 2023- face to face. The turnout of parents/ guardians was very good. The number of parents collecting reports on the day for all grade levels has remained above 90% except for Grade 13 with 83% collected. We realised that as a consequence of online learning, some students needed additional support. We therefore implemented intervention programmes at various grade levels. Grade 7 and 8 students had special reading sessions. Grades 10 and 11 had two-hour English and Mathematics workshops. As the year progressed, we saw a marked improvement in the performance of students. Grade Level Meetings This year all our grade level meetings with parents were held face to face. On average 87% of parents attended the meetings. This continues to demonstrate the parents’ commitment to their daughter’s education. We continue to partner with our parents/ guardians for the best for our girls. Parent Teachers Association Ms. Nicole Roberts was elected president of the PTA in June 2022. Ms. Roberts and her team of parents must be commended for the herculean work that they put in this year. They had lofty goals, and I am pleased to say that they achieved them. Job well done! Old Girls Association As an Old Girl, I continue to be overwhelmed with pride and gratitude as our old girls continue to support the ladies at school. Our old girls locally and overseas continue to exceed our expectations in their support of the girls. The local chapter of the Old Girls Association led by Mrs. Julaine Lumsden-Manderson continued to make a positive impact on the school. They continued their involvement in devotions, Leadership Development, Mentorship and Big Sister programmes as well as the Love Drives. I had the privilege of attending the Georgia Chapter’s fundraiser in June2023 It was a great time of fellowship and connecting to our sisters overseas for them to see that SAHS a “gwan wid tings”. Health Centre The Health Centre was kept busy during the year. We had students displaying Covid symptoms and Nurse Campbell-Bent had to stay on top of things. Interestingly, we had several students who had foot injuries, whether on or off campus during the year. It was as though being at home had reduced their motor skills. Special thanks to Nurse Campbell-Bent who continues to look out for the well- being of the students. Student Leadership Head Girl Mishka Barcoo, Deputy Head Girls Akeliah Hemmings and Karly Thorpe along with the team of Senior Prefects, Prefects and Sub-Prefects really worked well with their younger sisters to help them reacclimatize themselves to being back to school. The student leaders provided outstanding leadership this year and worked with teachers to ensure that our high standard of discipline was maintained.

Students’ Council President of the Students’ Council Kayana Bartley, and her executive were active in the school community. Meetings were held on a regular basis and during Students’ Council Week February 6-10, 2023, the school was abuzz with activities from the Council. The Students’ Council continued to be relevant to the needs of their colleagues and provided opportunities to listen to their constituents and bring their concerns to the highest possible level. The voice of the students is important, and the Council must be commended for the role that they have played. Honour Roll and Awards This year 66 students Grades 7-13 qualified for the Honour Roll based on their excellent performance in the Christmas Term Examinations 2022. We instituted the “Golden Pen Award” for students who got the highest grade for each subject in the Christmas Term examinations. At our Awards Ceremony today, we will acknowledge 179 students who have received awards for Excellence and 240 for Good Progress. 245 students (grades 10-12) will receive the award for school citizenship. At our Farewell Service in July, 99 grade 13 students received their award for School Citizenship. In May 2023, 136 lower school students received their school citizenship award. Special commendations must be given to our top students from each grade level. Grade 7 - Ameera- Noelle Phillips Grade 8 - Eden- Jae Watson Grade 9 - Amani Wilson Grade 10 - Abigail Walker Grade 11 - Kali Duncan- for CSEC Kali got 8 ones, all straight A profiles and 5 first placements in the school. Grade 12 – Ashley Allison for CAPE- Ashley got 4 ones, all straight A profiles, placing in the top 5 for all subjects. Grade 13- Anya Grey for CAPE Anya got 4 ones, all straight A profiles, placing in the top 10 for all subjects. Student Behaviour The Grade Coordinators for the Academic Year 2022-2023 were: Grade 7 Mrs Peta- Gaye Davis Grade 8 Mrs. Janice Whyte-Creary Grade 9 Mrs. Kay- Semone Pryce- Robinson Grade 10 Miss Cadean Clayton Grade 11 Ms. Opal Morrison Grade 12 Miss Nichole Smith Grade13 Mrs. Koreen Brown- Clarke (Acting) We were back to face-to-face school. Grade coordinators and teachers faced the challenge of refocusing students to the expected behaviours. Having been out of the formal school system for a while we found that there was an increase in some undesirable social behaviours. There are a few students who for various reasons did not adhere to the guidelines that were given to help with their development. We continue to work with 5

these ladies to assist in adjusting their behavior, as we are determined to maintain a peaceful and productive learning community, where all students enjoy learning. Commendations must be given to the grade coordinators and form teachers who worked consistently to ensure that the girls continued to exist in a well-ordered and disciplined environment, that is the hallmark of St. Andrew High School. The team made certain that our core values were maintained. A personal thank you to Vice Principals Mrs. Abigail James and Ms. Cherylia Bhoorasingh who continued to work assiduously carrying out their dual roles of Deans of Discipline and Academic Studies. Mrs. James and Ms. Bhoorasingh were on the ground, keeping abreast of what was happening with the girls and ensuring that the girls kept in line. They worked relentlessly this year! I could not have done my job without them! Thank you, ladies! ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE The Senior Management team held the reins of their department steady. Commendations to: The Heads of Department/Teachers in charge for the academic year 2022-2023 were: Business Education Mrs. Melesha Gordon Geography Mrs. Karen Miller-Notice Guidance & Counselling Mrs. Renae Cummings-Williams Home Economics Mrs. Audria Barrett-Doyley who acted for Ms. Ouidamyrl Williams who was on 8 months leave History/Sociology Mrs. Karen Brown-Chambers Information Technology Miss Colette Lemard Language Arts & Literatures Mrs. Sydonna Gilzene- McCain Mathematics/Technical Drawing Mrs. Dawn Thompson- Clarke Modern Languages Mrs. Alicia Bernard-Gordon Performing Arts Mrs. Nadette Grant- Malcolm Physical Education Ms. Paula Thompson Religious Education Mrs. Stacy-Ann Zodge Science Mr. Franklin Burrell Learning Enhancement Miss Ingrid Newman Visual Arts Miss Nikki-Ann Chambers Safety and Security Ms. Michelle Rhone Student Management System – RenWeb Ms. Hope Williamson Timetabling Mrs. Alicia Blake Kudos, thanks and ‘big up’ to all teachers! You worked hard! This was not an easy year, but you showed that hard- work, determination and love can make us achieve anything! Job well done colleagues!! Education Week- May 7- 13 The first week in May is celebrated as Education Week. The PTA along with the school had a luncheon for the teachers on Wednesday May 3, 2023, at the Terra Nova Hotel. Teachers’ Day was celebrated on Wednesday May 10, 2023. The Students’ Council led in devotion and made presentations to the teachers.

Subject Teachers of the Year 2022-2023 1st - Mrs. Alicia Blake 2nd - Mr. Franklin Burrell 3rd - Mr. Dwayne Gayle 4th - Mrs. Kay-Semone Pryce- Robinson 5th - Ms. Juneau Williams Form Teachers of the Year 1st - Ms. Juneau Williams 2nd - Ms. Monique McFarlane 3rd - Ms. Solay Fearon 3rd - Mrs. Kerry-Ann Jones-Burnett In addition to the subject and form teacher of the year awards, we had our ‘Staff Stars’ 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Mr./Ms. Prepared- Mr. Franklin Burrell The ‘Feedbacker’- Mrs. Alicia Blake The Fun learning One- Mr. Franklin Burrell Mr./ Ms. Ever-Present- Mr. Leacroft Bolt Mr./ Ms. Never Late- Mr. Leacroft Bolt Mr./ Ms. No Nonsense- Mrs. Janice Whyte-Creary

Long Service Awards We give thanks to all members of staff who serve this institution. This year we honour Ms. Cherylia Bhoorasingh and Mr. Franklin Burrell from the Academic Staff as well as Mrs. Sherine Francis- Henry and Ms. Julene Umraugh from the Administrative Staff for their 20 years of dedicated and stellar service to St. Andrew High. We are forever grateful for all that you have done for the growth and development of this institution. Guidance The Guidance department was kept very busy this year. There were a lot of social and interpersonal issues that they had to deal with daily. The department had to be ready to not only offer guidance to students, but parents as well. These are difficult times that we are living in. We did notice as the year progressed that the number of mental health issues reduced as the girls returned to normalcy. We are however concerned about a few students who really had a very difficult year. There are some girls who really struggled throughout the year. We continue to do all that we can to assist these girls and pray that the Lord will bring full restoration to them- life to the fullest!

EXTERNAL EXAMINATION RESULTS External examinations took place from May 3- June 23, 2023. We worked tirelessly with our examination students to prepare them adequately for the examinations. Congratulations to the ladies and teachers for the work that you put in! Well done!! In CSEC, we maintained a 97% pass rate. 50 % of passes were at a grade One, this was an improvement over the previous year where we had 42% grade One’s. 96 % of students passed 5 or more subjects. 93% passed Mathematics and 100% passed English Language, with 80% of those passes at Grade I. The following CSEC subjects had a 100% pass rate: Additional Mathematics, Chemistry, Economics, EDPM, English Language, Food Nutrition and Health, Information Technology, Office Administration, Physical Education, Principles of Business, Technical Drawing, Textiles, Clothing and Fashion and Theatre Arts. Subject English Literature

2023 (% pass rate) 99

Principles of Accounts

Biology

Physics

Human and Social Biology

Religious Education

French

Caribbean History

Mathematics

Social Studies

Spanish

Geography

Visual Arts

In CAPE We maintained a 99% pass rate. 23 % of the passes were at Grade I versus 16% in 2022. 98% of students passed three or more subjects. This year, 32 subjects had a 100% pass rate. The following subjects had a 100% pass rate: Accounting Unit 1 Art and Design Units 1 and 2 Building and Mechanical Engineering Drawing Units 1 and 2

Communication Studies Computer Science Units 1 and 2 Digital Media Units 1 and 2 Economics Units 1 and 2 8

Entrepreneurship Units 1 and 2 Environmental Science Units 1 and 2 Food, Nutrition and Health Unit 2 French Unit 1 Geography Units 1 and 2 History Units 1 and 2 Literatures in English Unit 2

Management of Business Units 1 and 2 Performing Arts Unit 2 Physics Units 1 and 2 Pure Mathematics Units 1 and 2 Spanish Units 1 and 2 Tourism Unit 1

For the other subject areas: 2022 (% Passes)

Subjects Biology Unit 1

Sociology Unit1

Chemistry Unit 1

Chemistry Unit 2

Sociology Unit 2

Caribbean Studies

Biology Unit 2

Heartiest congratulations to our students who placed in the top 10 in the Region in the CXC examinations. For CSEC, we received: Subject Geography Physical Education Theatre Arts

Subject French Unit 1 Computer Science Unit 2 BMED Unit 1 Art and Design Unit 1 Performing Arts

Placement 2nd 1st 2nd 5th 2nd 1st

Student Rihanna Deane Kai Norman Rasheida Burke Ayla Pessoa- Rollins Kayana Ricketts Kanyinsola Olowoyeye

Placement 10th 9th 8th 7th 3rd 6th

Student Macsan Brown Kemoia Ryenolds Shae-Ann Spence Chenique Duncan Katherine Daye Kristen McGhie 9

5th 2nd 9th 7th 4th 3rd 2nd

Environmental Science Tourism

Assantewaa Alberts Jillian Budd Dejanae Ricketts Khaliia Baccas Joanna Brown Catherine Salkey Kyla Mair

Scholarships/ Bursaries 74 students received scholarships/ bursaries from various individuals and organizations. We want to say thank you to all our scholarship donors who continue to support our students and their education. JCDC Festival Competition Our students performed excellently in the JCDC Music, Dance and Speech and Drama competitions. Here is a summary of our medal haul! Category

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Music

Dance

Speech and Drama

Special commendations to Maylyn Dillion (Grade 9) and Breanna McLeod (Grade 7) who were crowned the national champions in the Jamaica Popular Music, Vocal Class 3 and Jazz, Vocal, Class 4 category respectively.

CLUBS & SOCIETIES Clubs and societies were back to their usual activities this year. Club meetings were back face to face. Interclubbing with other schools and their clubs was a normal feature. The students’ involvement in co-curricular activities is a significant part of their growth and development here at St. Andrew High. It is mandatory that our students are involved—it helps develop the whole student. Key Club Members from our Key Club attended the International Convention 2023 held in California from July 5 -9, 2023. St. Andrew High School received the Distinguished Club Diamond Level 2022-2023 and Dijonae Daley received the Outstanding Lieutenant Governor Award. President Shari and LG Dijonae were voted International Trustees, President and Vice President for the 2023 -2024 Key Club year.

SPORTS Our ladies were on the courts, smashing and scoring points this year. Basketball, Netball, Table and Lawn Tennis, Volleyball and Hockey were all in action.

Swim Team At the ISSA swim meet on January 20, 2023, at the National Aquatic Centre, we placed 3rd. At the Mayberry Swim Meet on March 24, 2023, we placed 3rd again. Zaviya Cameron (9D) has qualified for the national team. Coach Rohan Whyte continues to work with the girls and we anticipate that 2023-2024 will see us improving our performance. Track Team ISSA/ Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls Championships- March 28- April 1, 2023. We sent a small team of 14 students to the championships this year. Unfortunately, we finished the championships without scoring any points. However, we took 150 students to the National Stadium on Friday March 31, 2023 and one would have thought that we were winning many races. The girls cheered their hearts out for their colleagues who were in the heats. Our current track team has been in training since August this year and we are hopeful that at the championships next year our performance will be commendable! Badminton Our Badminton team won the Eastern Conference Competition! We are working towards retaining that trophy this year.

INTER-HOUSE COMPETITIONS Gartshore Cup Competition (Visual Arts) The Gartshore Cup Competition for Visual Arts was held on October 27, 2022. The judges were very impressed with the general quality of the work. 1st 2nd 3rd 3rd 5th 6th

Arc Stockhausen Gartshore Anderson Darling Cavell

Inter-House Netball - November 18, 2023 The Junior Division:

The Senior Division:

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th

Darling Arc Gartshore Cavell Stockhausen Anderson

Inter House Athletics Sports Day 2023 was epic. Our last sports day was January 2020, and the girls were excited to be back on the track. The event held on Friday January 27, 2023, showcased some amazing

Stockhausen Cavell Anderson Darling Arc Gartshore

talent. Old girls turned out in their numbers to support their houses. There was healthy rivalry among the girls, students came out determined to do well in their events even if their house did not win. 11

Sports Day Results Cheerleading Competition 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th

Darling Cavell Anderson Stockhausen Gartshore Arc

Final Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th

Arc Darling Gartshore Stockhausen Cavell Anderson

Inter House Music Competition Talent is certainly not lacking at St. Andrew High. The inter- house music competition was held on April 4, 2023, in the Margaret Gartshore Hall. The houses presented a potpourri of beautiful sounds. Gillies Cup for Work The recipient of the Gillies Cup for work is determined based on the results after the aggregate of points for detentions, demerits and suspensions is subtracted from the aggregate of points for stars, merits and punctually points. The Gillies Cup for Work this year goes to Arc House. Cargill Cup for Best House The Best House overall is determined by the sum of the points earned from placements in all Inter House Competitions inclusive of the Gillies Cup. Best house this year is Arc! Congratulations. CONCLUSION 2022-2023 was an epic year filled with so many positive, fulfilling activities. We faced many challenges, but we are thankful that the Lord was with us and gave us the strength to handle them. We are looking forward to new and exciting things for 2023-2024, trusting the Lord to give us success. Our theme for 2023-2024 is Excellence in Education-Own It and I am confident that with the consistent determination of the entire St. Andrew High family- the Board, churches, staff, students, parents, old girls- we will achieve this! We will certainly experience Life to the fullest- Life More Abundantforever! Thank you.

Keeva Ingram (Mrs.) Principal November 23, 2023 12