July - August 2007

July

Ministry of Education came to review Our efforts at Holy Cross, the committee was impressed with what they saw.

Plans for the upcoming 2007-08 school year call for Holy Cross to become a full primary school offering classes from Infant I through Standard VI (K through 7). Our projected enrollment will more than likely double to approximately 400 students…over twice as many uniforms, textbooks, meals, school supplies, teachers, desks, socks, shoes, book bags

Construction of new classroom pod is well underway. This building will house the Infant Division Infant I, Infant II and Standard I (K through 2nd) and will be 'home' to 199 little ones - wow!

400 students are registered so far and we will have 13 teachers 1 Principal 1 vice principal 2 Special Ed teachers

We are working on a plan for teachers and staff first aid training, fire safety plan and hurricane evacuation

A professional / career day is in the works to teach children about different professions as well as a music and art appreciation days.

The school dental clinic is just about finished. Many, many thanks to Bud and Geri Rotter for their generous donation which purchased the necessary tools and equipment; Dr. Mark and Joan Johnson for spearheading and coordinating the entire effort; dentist Louie Lam and Dave Buelow for setting everything up and their wives Roxanne and Shirley for cleaning the office space. A special thank you also goes to Francis' wonderful husband, Vernon for calmly negotiating with Belizean Customs, dozens of people in Belize City and San Pedro for days actually weeks to get the equipment into the country - not an easy task.

Seminary student and volunteer Chris Lloyd has been at the School since May and will be here until mid-August. Chris has been an enormous help to staff, students and volunteer groups and has done every job thats needed doing - and believe me, there are LOTS of jobs that need doing at Holy Cross! His quiet presence and humility have been greatly appreciated.

Discussions are underway with Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia regarding their setting up and funding a teacher training program and a marine biology study/training facility adjacent to Holy Cross. This would be a fabulous resource for the entire nation of Belize.

August

For the teachers of Holy Cross it is back to school for the month of August as they have teacher training. The teachers are taking classes at the school and also in Belize city to upgrade their skills. Among the things they are learning are classroom management and advanced skills for Special Ed.

We now have 431 students enrolled for the new school year.

In September Holy Cross will be a full primary school offering classes for each grade level from kindergarten Infant I through seventh Standard VI in addition to our Special Education Unit. A quantum leap in just one year! Thanks be to God and you, many of the Island's poorest children will have the opportunity to receive an excellent basic education at the lowest (or in many instances no) cost.


New classroom building

New classroom pod well on the way to being done

School uniforms for September

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