Inside this edition...
Zya wins Summer
Enrichment Fair
Page 2
Berkeley students are
riding to victory!
Page 4
SCHOOL
TIMES
Students at Elliot take
a challenge!
Page 4
November 2009
Harrington Sound Primary
World Teacher’s Day
Page 5
Principal Spotlight…
Trina Cariah
Page 5
See story on page 2
Barry takes a bite of out
crime!
Page 6
CedarBridge Academy
votes in SGA elections
Page 7
Warwick Preschool
Principal Spotlight…
Valerie Williams
Page 8
Careers Fair
Page 8
Scot Guard visits
Warwick Preschool
Page 9
Harrington Sound’s
‘Commissioners for the
Day’
Page 9
Halloween festivities
Page 10
Principal Spotlight…
Opal Wilson
Page 11
Long Service Awards
Page 11
West Pembroke School
Purvis Primary
SCHOOL TIMES
Page 2
PAGET PRIMARY’S ZYA FRASER WINS THE 2009 SUMMER ENRICHMENT FAIR
School Times would like to introduce Ms Zya Fraser, the 2009 winner of the annual Summer Enrichment Fair. Zya’s entry,
an electronic interview with Superintendant Antoine Daniels. This publication took a moment to interview the Primary 5 student
from Paget Primary.
How old are you? What school do you attend? What are your favourite topics in school?
I am 8 (eight) years old. I attend Paget Primary School and I am in P5. My favorite subjects are Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, Music and Art.
What made you choose to do a video?
I chose to do a video because I love to work with technology such as Computers, Cameras and Video Cameras and I thought it would
have been interesting to get my project across this way.
Why did you select the topic you did? Were you nervous interviewing your subject?
I chose to do Guns in Bermuda because I knew that Guns were a really big problem in Bermuda so I thought that if I wrote about
guns people would have listened to me, and they will stop using them in violence. Yes, I was a little nervous in the beginning, but as
we moved on I knew that I was brave enough to do anything if I believed in what I was doing.
Did you think that you had a chance at winning? Why or why not?
Yes, I did think I had a chance of winning because I felt that my project was more important to the environment then other peoples’
projects.
How did you feel when you discovered you had won?
I felt very happy and pleased because I had a strong feeling that I worked extremely hard and thought that I could have possibly won
the award.
What did you like most about the Summer Enrichment Programme? Would you like to do it again next summer?
The part I really liked the most was when I met new friends. I also liked when I was writing about my project. I knew it was going
to come out likeable. I would most likely do the Summer Enrichment Programme again because I had a good experience.
Do you like school and why?
I absolutely love school because I love to learn and I want a good education.
Why is education important to you?
My education is important to me because I want to always do my best to make sure that I get good scholarships to one of the top
colleges.
Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?
When I grow up I want to be either an English teacher or a Math teacher. On weekends I would also like to work at a Spa.
Winner: Zya Fraser
Young Zya
is all smiles
as she is
presented
the plaque
for her
winning
entry
November 2009
Page 3
THERE WERE AWESOME ENTRIES AT THE 2009 SUMMER ENRICHMENT FAIR!
SCHOOL TIMES
Page 4
BERKELEY STUDENTS ARE MAKING A MARK FOR THEMSELVES IN THE CYCLING FIELD
This summer, four S3 Berkeley cyclists competed locally in the Caribbean Cycle Championships. The students, Tre-Shun
Correria, Dominique Mayho, Marquis Cann and Mickaela Ebberly only started competitive cycling the previous year with a new
school cycling programme which was conducted by the Bermuda Cycle Association’s president Mr. Peter Dunne.
The students were entered into the competition as Mr. Dunne felt they had excelled in the programme and were ready to be
exposed to a higher level of competition. The students, who train twice a week through the school’s programme and then independently through their club teams, remain in the cycling circuit competing against the islands top adult cyclists.
Dominique Mayho is
now a regular winner of the Adult
B division with the other riders
hot on his back wheel.
Photo courtesy of
IslandStats.com
STUDENTS AT ELLIOT PRIMARY WERE ‘READ’Y FOR THE CHALLENGE!
This summer, students at Elliot Primary
were challenged by our Director of Academics, Dr.
Llewellyn Simmons, to read at least 10 books each
while they were on vacation. Most participants
read 15 books, while two read close to 30 each.
In September, Dr. Simmons visited the
school to congratulate all of the students and staff
for their commitment to reading as they received
participation ribbons and certificates: “I was proud
of the Elliot family for rising to this challenge.
There are so many things to do in Bermuda during
the summer; I commend everyone for taking time
out of their days to not just open one book, but
many!”
Book smart: Staff and students at Elliot Primary proudly
accepted their participation certificates from Director of
Academics, Dr. Llewellyn Simmons.
November 2009
Page 5
TEACHERS CELEBRATE WORLD TEACHER’S DAY
Members of the Bermuda Union of Teachers, Department of Education officials, students and members of the public gathered at City Hall on Monday, 5th October to commemorate World Teacher’s Day 2009. This day was celebrated worldwide by 30
million educators in 170 countries.
The crowd was entertained by Primary 3 students from Paget Primary School, who performed You Can’t Do Whatever You
Like. In her remarks, BUT President Keisha Douglas thanked the Island’s teachers for all their service and unwavering commitment:
“We appreciate you for having chosen this profession, despite challenges. Thank you for your commitment to lifelong learning.”
PRINCIPAL SPOTLIGHT ON TRINA CARIAH…..
School Times would like to introduce Mrs. Trina Cariah as the new principal of Paget Primary School. No stranger to the
Bermuda Public School System, Mrs. Cariah started her teaching career at Somerset Primary where she taught P4 and P5 year levels. She subsequently transferred to Paget
Primary where she taught for a further four years before deciding to relocate with
her family to Stone Mountain, Georgia.
Over the next decade she taught in the
DeKalb County school system where most recently
she was the grade chair for second and
fourth grades at Princeton Elementary.
She was voted the school’s first
Teacher of the Year in 2008.
Mrs. Cariah recalls how a visit to Bermuda last Christmas turned into an
opportunity of a lifetime.
“When I came home for Christmas,
I saw that the Bermuda Public School
System was looking for principals
so I thought I would apply and see
what would happen. Everything
eventually fell into place and then I
was told that I was successful. It
felt like a dream. I was extremely excited.”
Mrs. Cariah, who lauds her staff
and colleagues for helping her to get settled, has set one mammoth goal for herself—to learn the names of each of her
226 students before the term ends.
“I’m up to about 80 so far,” she says with a laugh.
When asked to describe her first month on the job, Mrs. Cariah replies: “It’s yet to
be a dull moment, but I love it. I am taking
my job seriously. While here I want to make sure my teachers are happy but most of all, I am here for the students. This is where
God wants me to be.”
STUDENTS AT PURVIS PRIMARY LEARN HOW BARRY THE POLICE DOG TAKES A BITE OUT OF CRIME
Pc. Andrew Rollins of the Bermuda Police Service and his drug sniffing dog, Barry, wowed the students at Purvis Primary recently
as they were given a firsthand demonstration on how the Police duo takes a bite out of crime. Pc. Rollins showed the students
Barry’s ability to sniff out drugs and took the time out to explain to the youngsters the importance of living a drug and crime-free
life.
CEDARBRIDGE ACADEMY STUDENTS EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE IN SGA ELECTIONS
Students at CedarBridge Academy received the opportunity that many young people under the age of 18 rarely experience—to vote. From October 13 through 15, the 685 students were able to cast their votes for who they thought would be the best
officers for the school’s Student Government Association.
Actual polling stations were set up and students were required to conduct themselves in the same manner which they would
have to if they were in a real life voting process.
Although the school has done this exercise in the past, it had subsequently faded away. But thanks to a former student, now
a teacher at the senior school himself, students can look forward to participating in this exercise every year.
“As Student Government Association advisor, I thought it was important for the students to experience a real voting situation how I did when I was here,” says science teacher Tarik Bean-Darrell, who graduated in 2001. “Last year, when I joined the staff
and became advisor, I thought it would be good to bring the process back.”
While each advisory group was escorted by their homeroom teacher last year, Mr. Bean-Darrell said this time students
voted on their own volition: “Realistically, we expect around a 60 percent turnout.”
He continued: “This isn’t just about showing them how to vote. It’s about showing them that they have a voice in the community.”
And the results were….
2009/2010 Student Government Association Members
EXECUTIVES
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Asst. Secretary/Treasurer
Asst. Historian/Journalist
S4 Year Representatives
Year Leader
S3 Year Representatives
Year Leader
S2 Year Representatives
Year Leader
Thoshalae Smith
Keira Smith
Briana Boyd
Angelita Trott
DeAzha Chambers
Stacey-Lee Smith
S1 Year Representatives
Year Leader
Niambia Russell
Marcus H. Bean
Shackeil Burrows
Kevin Pacheco
Ricai Paynter
Every vote counts!!
Jahnae Harvey
Shuntelle Paynter
Simiah Caisey
Cherina Darrell
Kavone Hodsoll-Omara
Shermanique Washington
Shaquille Codrington
Danea Tucker
Dunte Albuoy
Garanae Burch
Precious Smith
Che Bowen
Sarah-Ann Robinson
Taiva Paynter
Kayla Ingemann
Jahchey Tyrell
Sashe Robinson
Fernando Brown
Tia Daley
Mr. Bean-Darrell watches as
a student casts her vote.
Page 8
PRINCIPAL SPOTLIGHT ON VALERIE WILLIAMS….
Valerie Williams is a 33-year teaching veteran in the Bermuda Public School System. She spent all of her classroom years
at Elliot Primary before becoming a teaching deputy. Six years later, she became a non-teaching deputy, a position she held for 14
years before becoming a mentor. In September 2009, Mrs. Williams became the new Principal at Victor Scott School.
The devoted mother of two reveals to School Times that she never endeavoured to become a Principal: “It was never one of
my goals but I was always told that I had leadership qualities. When I became a mentor and was visiting different schools, it sparked
a yearning and I wanted to see if I could affect change from a different perspective.”
When vacancies for principal positions opened up, Mrs. Williams decided to apply. She reflects on her feelings when she
found out she had been successful: “I was very excited, especially when I found out I was going to be
at Victor Scott! I attended the school as a child so I
have come full circle.”
Mrs. Williams concludes: “It’s been great! The
staff has fully embraced me and the children are
wonderful! They are so willing to learn!”
All smiles: New Victory Scott Primary principal
Valerie Williams is surrounded by students in P2
Benson.
STUDENTS VISIT THE ANNUAL CAREERS FAIR
Hundreds of school students visited the Bermuda College on the 22nd and 23rd of October for the annual Careers Fair. They
had the opportunity to explore different career areas which included but was not limited to the trades, law, accountancy, communications, banking and of course the Civil Service.
There were many interactive stalls which allowed students to have a firsthand look at what really happens “on the job”. A
plethora of questions were asked and it appears to have been a successful day for all!
Page 9
WARKWICK PRESCHOOL RECEIVES PERSONALISED PERFORMANCE
The staff and students at Warwick Preschool were given a special treat as members of the Scot Guard performed for them
on 21st October. The band was on the island preparing for the Bermuda Tattoo which was held at the Royal Naval Dockyard.
After playing a few sets, the gentlemen explained their uniforms to the students and the significance of various pieces. It was a great
morning of entertainment for the preschoolers!
HARRINGTON SOUND STUDENTS BECOME POLICE
COMMISSIONERS FOR THE DAY!
Congratulations to Calvina Steede and Levi Sheeheed
of Harrington Sound Primary who were two of six overall winners in the annual Police Poster Competition. Over 500 students
Island wide entered the competition.
Along with receiving certificates commending them on
their success, they were made Commissioner of Police for the
day on October 6, 2009.
A huge WELL DONE is being extended to these students, especially from the Harrington Sound School family!!!
DON’T FORGET….
...COUGHS AND SNEEZES
CAUSE DISEASES!!
Page 10
HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES AROUND THE SCHOOLS
St. Paull’s Preschool
East End Primary
West Pembroke School
St. Paul’s Preschool
Dalton E. Tucker Primary
East End Primary
Northlands Primary
Page 11
PRINCIPAL PROFILE ON OPAL WILSON….
Principal Opal Wilson is no stranger to West Pembroke Primary School—she began teaching there 26 years ago! She has
taught at the P3 and P4 levels, along with being a Learning Support and Reading Resource teacher. In 2001, she became deputy
principal at the school and held that position until the end of the 2008/2009 academic year.
While she doesn't have to worry about getting acclimated to a new environment, Mrs. Wilson says that she has had to adjust to her new role but lauds her staff for being so supportive: “I am especially grateful for the assistance of my deputy, Wendell
Smith. As a former principal, he has so much to offer.”
Mrs. Wilson reflects on the first day of school
when students and parents learned that she was taking
over the helm at West Pembroke: “There were lots of
hugs and kisses. Everyone was shouting,
‘Congratulations!’ It was a wonderful experience!”
The mother-of-two says she is looking forward
to seeing each and every child at her school flourish in
their unique way: “Whatever their gift is, we are going
to continually work on that!”
New beginnings: Veteran educator Opal Wilson is
the newly appointed principal of West Pembroke
School. She served as the school’s deputy from
2001-2009.
THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HONOURS ITS LONG SERVICE AWARDEES
The Department of Education recently honoured employees from the Bermuda Public School System who had given between five
and 40 years of service. Also honoured on 8th October, 2009, at the recognition and awards reception held at the cafetorium at The
Berkeley Institute were the Department’s retirees who dedicated a total of 380 years of service to the public school system.
The retirees were:
Monica Hanson
Marlene Jantzen
Cheralyne Outerbridge
Mary Cottle
Sharon Dublin
Dorothy Trott
Eunice Hart
Jennifer Manders
Glenn Bascome
Sheryll Ricardo
Angela Purcell
Carole Figueiredo
Linda Manders
Celebrating close to 400 years of service: Pictured
from left to right: Linda Manders, Jennifer Manders,
Carole Figueiredo, Angela Purcell, Dorothy Trott
WE WILL MISS A VERY DEAR COLLEAGUE,
THE LATE MRS. CAROL SMITH, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT,
PROSPECT PRIMARY SCHOOL
This edition of School Times was produced
by Carla Zuill,
Communications Officer
for the
Department of Education.