tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91300207774060121352024-02-19T23:18:36.383-08:00Holy Cross Anglican SchoolSan Pedro, Ambergris Caye, BelizeHoly Cross Anglican Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10786109970604574404noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-77285188071262555762012-08-03T16:33:00.002-07:002012-08-03T16:34:12.706-07:00Rainwater Harvesting at Holy Cross<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new rainwater tank at Holy Cross Anglican School</td></tr>
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For all those who spoke with Francis and Vernon, founders of Holy Cross Anglican School, you will know that they have long wanted to collect the abundant rainwater that San Mateo receives and use it in place of the much more expensive town water supply we currently use. Yet for a vision that sounds so simple, this one remained elusive... until now.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The full team - St Helena's, All Saints, Grace Church, Water Missions, Holy Cross. </td></tr>
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Thanks to a huge collaborative effort, Holy Cross is delighted to be a recipient of a rainwater storage and purification system from the Belize Chapter of <a href="http://watermissionsbelize.org/" target="_blank">Water Missions International</a>. This system collects water from the roof our our new toilet block, feeds it into a 10,000L (2,640 Gallon) storage tank, then an attached system purifies the water, removing any bacteria and contamination so the water is safe for drinking. This purified water is stored in a smaller tank then pumped to the kitchens as needed for drinking and cleaning. The system is amazing - completely self contained and runs by gravity and solar operated pumps so there is no ongoing cost to the school. We hope that this system can supply the total water need of the school for at least 6 months a year, hopefully more. WOW!!!<br />
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But the gift of water was only part of the gift Water Missions International gave the school and the community. Each day the team was here, they ran activities in San Mateo, either announcing the project, doing health and hygiene classes with the children, doing classes with the women and also celebrating the installation of the system. Throughout these activities they shared a simple yet powerful gospel message - just as water is life, Jesus is the living water that gives us life. Just as water needs to be filtered to removed contamination, so too Jesus died on the cross to remove the contamination of sin from our lives. They prayed with the community, shared stories, encouraged and celebrated.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Health and hygiene training in the school cafeteria</td></tr>
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One of the things that made this project special was the way many groups came together to make the project possible. The project was made possible by <a href="http://www.acswebnetworks.com/gracechurchyorktown" target="_blank">Grace Church, Yorktown</a>, Virginia who had visited the school a year ago with a team and were moved the the water situation in San Mateo and the school. They began exploring options and discovered Water Missions Belize, who were able to provide the expert staff and design for this project. Also partnering<span style="font-family: inherit;"> with the project was </span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.7699625932515273" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.sthelenas1712.org/" target="_blank">St Helena’s, Beaufort,</a> South Carolina who also had a partner relationship with All Saints in Belize City. It may sound confusing but bringing this diverse group together was incredible, especially seeing the Belizean youth partnering with the American youth and realizing they were capable of making change in their own country. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Community celebration - fun songs with the local children</td></tr>
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<span id="internal-source-marker_0.7699625932515273" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.7699625932515273" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A huge thank you to all who made this possible for Holy Cross School. We are truly thankful and humbled by your generosity. </span>Holy Cross Volunteer Coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13732414695129785292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-3388437919847830712012-08-03T16:11:00.000-07:002012-08-03T16:11:57.197-07:00Volunteers Making a DifferenceOnce again Holy Cross were blessed by the presence of teams of
volunteers over the summer. Some were new teams, here for the first
time, while others were those who had partnered with us for many years.
It was a wonderful time as old friendships were renewed, new friendships
made and people from all over the USA came together with a common
purpose of helping the children of Belize.
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A central part of the vision of Holy Cross is to form long term
partnerships with churches and schools, whereby volunteers can
experience the joy that comes with giving back to a community, witness a
little of the poverty that the majority of the world's children live
in, then become motivated to support long term, sustainable change. <br />
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Teams this summer included:</div>
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<b>GINGER & TONY ROGERS</b>, two incredible individuals who have worked with us for several summers. Ginger once again did a wonderful job of setting up and running a summer school for our std 5 children (7th grade), helping with reading difficulties and getting them ready for their final year of primary schooling. Tony is an incredible handyman who can do anything asked of him and his presence was a wonderful support for our team this year. </div>
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<a href="http://www.easternshorechapel.org/" target="_blank"><b>EASTERN SHORE CHAPEL</b></a>, long time supporters of the school who regularly send a group of skilled carpenters as well as well rounded team members of all ages. This year they replaced railings, built a gate and completed fencing for our playground, helped add fill to our playground and gave superb assistance to our summer school. Go Team!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLIa0Hp4Xlr0BV6Fbcp8aGQHj0Tew-jyiewMNflpf81jgdQtKF_6eRx0KD8rpUqG_D4BfmhNUfF7gbTTcvpq3zBEFr9GLHMaITnFv_YrqytAOwdVI8HFP2VuElKwe1VQr7jF6_cuIoMDA/s1600/2012+Eastern+Shore+Chapel+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLIa0Hp4Xlr0BV6Fbcp8aGQHj0Tew-jyiewMNflpf81jgdQtKF_6eRx0KD8rpUqG_D4BfmhNUfF7gbTTcvpq3zBEFr9GLHMaITnFv_YrqytAOwdVI8HFP2VuElKwe1VQr7jF6_cuIoMDA/s1600/2012+Eastern+Shore+Chapel+3.JPG" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New railing gets a coat of paint</td></tr>
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<b><a href="http://stp2.org/" target="_blank">CHURCH OF ST PETER & PAUL</a></b>, a first time team to Holy Cross but very experienced yet youthful missioners. They did an incredible job of painting classrooms, and in just 5 days painted 6 classrooms, one hall and one mural, all in our infant school. THANK YOU - the teachers are going to be so happy to see their classrooms looking almost brand new. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inspiring mural for our K-2nd graders</td></tr>
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<b><a href="http://www.tom1604.org/" target="_blank">ST THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND SCHOOL</a></b> also blessed us with a group of youthful yet very capable missioners, who delighted the children of San Mateo by running a fun and energetic Vacation Bible School. The children loved hearing about Jesus, while also doing simple crafts and playing fun games. The group also helped by painting classrooms and assisting in the summer school. What a blessing!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local children loving VBS</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local boy loving the music and attention</td></tr>
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A group of regular vacationers to San Pedro from <a href="http://www.wintersetcommunitychurch.org/home.cfm" target="_blank">Winterset Community Church </a>were also first time volunteers at the school. The leaders of the group had been vacationing here for years and came in for a visit earlier in the year. When they heard we needed skilled volunteers they were excited by the opportunity to give a little back to Belize. They came back with a group of friends, spent their mornings working hard building gates, shelves, painting, assisting with summer school and vacation bible school. And, they had so much fun doing it they can't wait to come back!</div>
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<b>Mary Ellen</b>, a sewing teacher from Connecticut spent a week helping in our sewing center, providing great support for our wonderful sewing ladies. She was able to offer some great tips and hints for making the uniforms, maintaining the machines and really encouraged our sewing ladies. She was very impressed at what our group had been able to achieve as large self taught learners in such a short time. Thank you!</div>
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A group of <b>Park Scholars from North Carolina State University</b> returned for their second year. With great energy and enthusiasm they painted more classrooms (did I mention we have a lot of classrooms?). They also began a project they hope to continue for many years to come - photographing every home in San Mateo to provide a record of change over time. PLEASE - if you have a good collection of photos of San Mateo from previous years, email me at <a href="mailto:volunteerbelize@gmail.com">volunteerbelize@gmail.com</a> and I can put you in touch with these volunteers. </div>
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A diverse group from <b>Grace Church,</b> Virginia; <b>St Helena's</b>, South Carolina; <b>All Saints</b>, Belize City; and <b>Water Missions international</b> built us a fantastic rainwater harvesting system. This is such a good story I've told in in a separate entry. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now that's a large tank!</td></tr>
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The <b>Canterbury Society of William and Mary </b>in Virginia, who are wonderful supporters of the school have begun an informal tradition (if there is such a thing) of sending individual students for an extended period of time over the summer. God is good and often who ever they send has just the right skills. This summer, Jacob has been a huge blessing to the school working on computers, assisting with teams and lending his creative design skills to a couple of very interesting projects that I hope to unveil soon (no peeking... it's a surprise!)</div>
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Finally, and certainly not least, <a href="http://www.transfig.com/" target="_blank">St Matthew's School and Transfiguration Church </a> will come as part of their annual trip to San Pedro where they will teach the local children how to swim (an important skill on a tropical island), as well as helping our school with the final touches of much needed paint. </div>
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Wow - what a huge effort on the part of so many. But you have all been an important part of keeping our 'little' school in San Mateo open to the children of Sam Pedro. Thank you all for your help. We know you have all learned so much just by being here an experiencing Belize and our prayer is that this experience will encourage you to greater things in your Christian journey. As a wise person once told me "a mind once expanded can never contract". </div>
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<b>If
you are interested in sending a volunteer team over the coming year</b> -
such a spring break or summer or even mid year, please contact us at <a href="mailto:volunteerbelize@gmail.com">volunteerbelize@gmail.com</a> to
find out more information. There is always something for you to do.Holy Cross Volunteer Coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13732414695129785292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-48215956469757634232012-07-18T13:30:00.000-07:002012-08-03T15:35:50.091-07:00Safe Water in San Mateo<a href="http://www.holycrossbelize.org/" target="_blank">Holy Cross Anglican School</a>, and the Rotary Clubs of San Ignacio and Belize City and are very excited to report an exciting first step for safe drinking water in San Mateo! This is a huge step forward for the local residents, many of whom have running water that is at risk of contamination from the dirty groundwater that surrounds the water pipes entering the community.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUid5LF_hZxhsXF2KlbvsPKgX4dcQ3o4sLFXC-1AN7RL8DP-g5gr9hk5q8c1KSxAHwxfHYuAqed7eBP-0y3-ft7UaXwetmsdHkX7Fw2LMSuQZfJ1_rXMO6tK14BS91rieKzYrkGJrVAA1/s1600/Sawyer+Filter+Training+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUid5LF_hZxhsXF2KlbvsPKgX4dcQ3o4sLFXC-1AN7RL8DP-g5gr9hk5q8c1KSxAHwxfHYuAqed7eBP-0y3-ft7UaXwetmsdHkX7Fw2LMSuQZfJ1_rXMO6tK14BS91rieKzYrkGJrVAA1/s400/Sawyer+Filter+Training+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ann Kuffner leading training with first members of the community to receiving the Rotary Filters</td></tr>
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The filters chosen are the incredible Sawyer Water Filters - these act a little like human kidneys, filtering all bacteria and solids from the water and making it safe to drink. They cost around $50 each, but last for 8 - 10 years! They are simple to teach people to use and require just simple maintenance - no wonder Sheree Fukai from <span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"></span>the Rotary Club in San Ignacio was excited when she found out about these! Sheree wrote a grant that saw 750 of these filters distributed to schools around the country - including Holy Cross - while the Rotary Club of Belize City are working to distribute filters directly into communities affected by poor drinking water. <br />
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So far 7 units have been given to the San Mateo community, with the hope of more to follow.<br />
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Like many good achievements, this has come as a result of many, many individuals working together for the common good.These include:<br />
<ul>
<li>The Rotary Clubs of San Ignacio and Belize, for all their hard work securing these filters for the families and children of Belize</li>
<li>Kim Shackelford from the <a href="http://outreach.olemiss.edu/study_abroad/san_mateo_empowerment_project/" target="_blank">San Mateo Community Empowerment Project</a>, for connecting us to the community. </li>
<li>Lisa Tillett, from the Ministry of Health, for all your input and experience and wonderful co-operation. </li>
<li>Ann Kuffner, for all your work coordinating between the different groups, leading training and being the person on the ground doing all this hard work. </li>
<li>Heather Zwicker, from <a href="http://www.belizecommunityconservation.org/" target="_blank">Belize Community Conservation</a>, for introducing the school to Ann, so that we could be a small part of this wonderful project</li>
<li>The many other;s whose names I don't know but your work was important in seeing this happen. </li>
</ul>
Following this first training, we hope in time to receive more of the filters from the Rotary Club of Belize and Ann will continue training and distribution. A huge effort, but well worth doing. Fresh, affordable water in the community has been a huge need for a long time and this looks like a wonderful solution until a permanent piped water solution can be found. Well keep you all updated of progress. <br />
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A huge thank you for everyone involved in this project. Your dedication to the families of San Mateo is truly appreciated.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoDLoNSapvNpr_mWu-ysXTcnxW6x1hTkLYjSeE0bWub1d-3ejXilWeH5iheZCyecCKW6t2DC6dEcUK-MNDoT456CCXHg1vGvX-gM8GlrQxSj9jtKa8cQCdcMzk0FMQf-_b2J4VsCcxwcK/s1600/+Sawyer+Filter+Training.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoDLoNSapvNpr_mWu-ysXTcnxW6x1hTkLYjSeE0bWub1d-3ejXilWeH5iheZCyecCKW6t2DC6dEcUK-MNDoT456CCXHg1vGvX-gM8GlrQxSj9jtKa8cQCdcMzk0FMQf-_b2J4VsCcxwcK/s400/+Sawyer+Filter+Training.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local residents learn how to use the filters properly</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The proud owner of a new filtration system. </td></tr>
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<br />Holy Cross Volunteer Coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13732414695129785292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-17307563406457525402012-06-24T10:29:00.000-07:002012-06-26T11:18:25.946-07:00First Holy Cross Preschool Graduation <br />
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The pride in the air was almost palpable as staff, parents, friends, brothers and sisters watched the young graduates assemble. And they looked beautiful too - the girls in gorgeious dresses and boys in black pants and bow tie, all covered in a magnificent graduation gown and cap. </div>
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The ceremony, planned by the infant school staff, was wonderful. The children were well prepared and looked so confient - hard to belive they were the same children who joined us a year ago. They sang a song about how much they looked forward to going to primary school and accepted their diplomas proudly. After the ceremony, parents and children enjoyed a celebratory meal. <br />
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Pictures say so much more than words, so look forward to plenty more below. <br />
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But first I want to thank all those who have made this first year of preschool possible - the Anglican Diocese, the teachers, the parents and all the volunteers who donated their time, toys, books and money to make this happen. We belive that this preschool will have a huge impact on the community and the academic future of these children. PLEASE help us to keep the preschool thriving by supporting Holy Cross Anglican school - donate by sending a check to PO Box 59, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize on online/check via the 501c3 registered <a href="http://www.hcefoundation.org/" target="_blank">Holy Cross Education Foundation</a>. Contact <a href="mailto:volunteerbelize@gmail.com">volunteerbelize@gmail.com</a> to find out about donating supplies or volunteering. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to march to the stage</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singing a song</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Receiving certificates from Vice Principal Mrs Tasher</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just too cute</td></tr>
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</div>Holy Cross Volunteer Coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13732414695129785292noreply@blogger.com0San Pedro, Belize17.9213664 -87.961090517.8004884 -88.119019 18.0422444 -87.803162tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-90592558268409830222012-06-16T11:21:00.000-07:002012-06-26T11:23:21.112-07:00Softball Success<br />
You wouldn't have thought it as our softball team headed for the district playoffs, but this was the first year that many of them had played softball. But here they were, two confident teams with wins already under their belt.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coach Mr Brandon Bood, Manager Mr Carlos<br />
Coba with the Holy Cross Boy's Softball Team</td></tr>
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This is the first year Holy Cross has had a softball team and we owe our successful start to St Thomas Episcopal Church in Massachusetts, who generously donated us several large bags of uniforms, bats, balls and catchers gear last summer when they came as a volunteer team to the school. Also this year one of our new teachers - Mr Brandon Bood - is a very experienced softball coach and had previously coached a team who won the national finals.<br />
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So for many reasons we were very confident. Mr Bood and our sports teacher Mr Carlos Coba together did a great job of coaching the teams. It wasn't long before the local competitions started.<br />
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Both our teams did well.<br />
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Our girl's team played San Pedro Roman Catholic School, winning the match.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls team, ready for that fast ball</td></tr>
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The boys had two teams to complete against. First up was Isla Bonita, winning 14-6. Next they faced San Pedro Roman Catholic School, winning 8-4.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWp5Dcfwcx7UuZNMboXYLDfE-JE4CUsjuuLZoVJJvtjNx4Fyrdv3lZh1F6g5PQ7QjzdTXfESLBymgZQBv_xSfX2nki9eGnNoZnMicR6NCGMsGhqMg8cvLQpmnIDyYWfmiIU3o6KYc8Sjge/s1600/2012+Jun+Softball+Local+Games+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWp5Dcfwcx7UuZNMboXYLDfE-JE4CUsjuuLZoVJJvtjNx4Fyrdv3lZh1F6g5PQ7QjzdTXfESLBymgZQBv_xSfX2nki9eGnNoZnMicR6NCGMsGhqMg8cvLQpmnIDyYWfmiIU3o6KYc8Sjge/s320/2012+Jun+Softball+Local+Games+%25284%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy's team, waiting their turn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHmqURI1asq9DoCdcB7tV0c1Km-_IWP_AWggrXZ20_ali4ItvD5oXL7do9LLeqCdrOMWjgQ3N94HNR6WjDfjPcbal_2nMBsyp1bs7wkGAkazjYhSMeAbb9f_I5WjMjkpLK8px3FyF9zu5/s1600/2012+Jun+Softball+Local+Games+%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHmqURI1asq9DoCdcB7tV0c1Km-_IWP_AWggrXZ20_ali4ItvD5oXL7do9LLeqCdrOMWjgQ3N94HNR6WjDfjPcbal_2nMBsyp1bs7wkGAkazjYhSMeAbb9f_I5WjMjkpLK8px3FyF9zu5/s320/2012+Jun+Softball+Local+Games+%25289%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As often is the case, beating one obstacle just brings the next. Our team was eligible to play at the district level, facing all the other schools from the various areas in the Belize district. But if, and only if, we could raise $300 US in 5 days. Well, trusting in miracles and the generosity of the many who support us, I put out the appeal. And God had gone before us. I had asked St Thomas church, who had donated the equipment, and not only did they get my email which was sent to and address they almost never check anymore, but the Senior Youth Group at the church had already arranged a fundraiser for that weekend and were happy to support the team as part of it - WOW!<br />
<br />
Our teams were thrilled to head off to the district level playoffs. For some, this was the first time they'd been of the island. For many, it was the first time they'd even seen a real softball field. But they didn't let the big city overwhelm them. <br />
<br />
The boys started strong- winning against St Martin De Porres R.C. School 4-2. The next game was tougher as they faced the previous district champions from Crooked Tree Government School. They started well and were leading 4-1 until a couple of simple mistakes lost our team the lead and their confidence. The game finished in a loss, but everyone agreed out team had done well.<br />
<br />
The boys team took home two trophies - 2nd place in the Belize District Rural, and 2nd place in the Belize District. <br />
<br />
The Girls had a tougher time, playing Buttonwood Bay Nazarene School, loosing 5-0 but still picking up the 2nd place trophy for the Belize District Rural Schools. Well done!<br />
<br />
We'd like to take a moment to thank everyone who made this day possible - coaches, teachers, parents, volunteers, donors and staff. We now hold our heads up high thanks to your hard work. <br />
<br />
We'd also like to ask for future support for our teams - especially for donations to help our teams go to the mainland for games. Either send us a check, or email <a href="mailto:volunteerbelize@gmail.com">volunteerbelize@gmail.com</a> indicating you're available to ask when sporting needs come up. We also need donations of trophies to host inter-school tournaments at our school, as well as sporting equipment - especially shoes. <br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holy Cross Girl's Softball Team</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holy Cross Boys Softball Team</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Holy Cross Volunteer Coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13732414695129785292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-91466506927824125412012-04-19T11:06:00.000-07:002012-04-19T15:24:18.317-07:002012 Scholarship Drive<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPehtxmH0PAmVt0kiaSmSSuaTKvuTpXiD5wiFs6LWQRVkb-Ak3U5Yc6ehft3P2dkARSxPi-06s-M9osFivbuUNzB3ahNJ7rU7glgOqTYL6PXYRwP2s_9HA5_udUlNLmkrZjg6bkcca7pn/s1600/Std+6+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPehtxmH0PAmVt0kiaSmSSuaTKvuTpXiD5wiFs6LWQRVkb-Ak3U5Yc6ehft3P2dkARSxPi-06s-M9osFivbuUNzB3ahNJ7rU7glgOqTYL6PXYRwP2s_9HA5_udUlNLmkrZjg6bkcca7pn/s320/Std+6+a.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8th grade students studying hard</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>Welcome to our 2012 High School Scholarship Appeal. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span>A </span>child without education is destined for a
lifetime of uncertain employment, often working long days for minimum or less
than minimum wage. Donating towards a high school scholarship gives kids a shot
at a much brighter future. And that future is not just for them - sometimes a
single family member with a decent job is what it takes to pull that whole
family out of the poverty trap. <br />
</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
Right now we're looking for individuals, groups, clubs and churches to get
together, raise funds and donate a full or partial scholarship for one or more
of our thirty-five 8th graders (Standard VI) who will graduate in June.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Scholarships
include tuition, school fees, 2 uniforms, books and exam fees. At the time of
printing, the full cost of a scholarship (in $US) is:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Form 1 (First year high school) $750</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Form 2: $850</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Form 3: $1,000</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Form 4: $1,200</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">This can
either be paid in full by August, 2012 or in installments due in August,
November and March, 2013.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUS9BPYeXQAQmQaSjS68o4H5dgUrK5aSxUZm6H4vJWs4-QPuAIsYtQCIU6L_XNRTJmystioEHdF1ardLMCLR3iHEDP31b7HRuSjQvv-k0I7O_KdIcFJqP3ITgLAIu1iy34vyPdaVAU0zR/s1600/Std+6+c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUS9BPYeXQAQmQaSjS68o4H5dgUrK5aSxUZm6H4vJWs4-QPuAIsYtQCIU6L_XNRTJmystioEHdF1ardLMCLR3iHEDP31b7HRuSjQvv-k0I7O_KdIcFJqP3ITgLAIu1iy34vyPdaVAU0zR/s320/Std+6+c.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing for exams</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As a
scholarship donor, you will receive a photo of the scholarship recipient, copies
of school report cards and emails from the student. You are also encouraged to
write to them regularly.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As a
scholarship recipient, the students will be expected to maintain good
attendance, correspond at least once a term and 1st Form students must attend
ongoing computer classes in the Holy Cross Computer Lab. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">If
providing a full scholarship seems daunting, then please do consider offering a
partial scholarship. We can then pair you with another donor offering a
partial scholarship and you can sponsor a high school student together.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">For all
of those already offering a scholarship I’d like to thank you very much for
making this chance possible for our graduating students. Committing to
education is not a quick or easy thing to do, but it is one of the things that
can truly change a life. Please do email Linda Carter at </span><a href="mailto:lindabelize@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">lindabelize@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> to
confirm whether you can continue your scholarship for the coming year.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">For those
considering offering a scholarship I’d like to challenge you to do so. It
really will change a life. Please do email Linda Carter at </span><a href="mailto:lindabelize@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">lindabelize@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> to say
you’re interested in providing a scholarship and receive information on the
children looking for sponsors.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">And to
everyone, thank you all for your ongoing support of our school here in
Belize. Without you we wouldn’t even be in a position to be offering this
life changing opportunity.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWwgIbWaxwD1FqbFImtNBlVoMrw7_Te6dr5QJ1L91hUCk55tFcH1oKPx-0j9M8eKdzhu-qga8tt7gB2fOlu1GZPosxh9deiE4z0vp5ZziAmQ4SphMJcW3xokt-ANxPBzx6VK2BKlpoPaD/s1600/Std+6+b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWwgIbWaxwD1FqbFImtNBlVoMrw7_Te6dr5QJ1L91hUCk55tFcH1oKPx-0j9M8eKdzhu-qga8tt7gB2fOlu1GZPosxh9deiE4z0vp5ZziAmQ4SphMJcW3xokt-ANxPBzx6VK2BKlpoPaD/s320/Std+6+b.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you to all who made our school possible and our futures bright</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">. </span></div>Holy Cross Volunteer Coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13732414695129785292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-41608763936680232422012-03-31T11:33:00.000-07:002012-05-24T11:40:14.656-07:00Preschool Antics<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajNnXGS53YiC-AYl4p0y-Bbn6tsdzk9C0A8_4kS5CxL_ogUWQ2BGJCkP2ICnkBzelfk0o3fkPt_NdEN5z0rj_nQu9Cp8jxCgFaQeyoDqj7N4MNhvuqUa_eA3gASYzVZcb2JRnmBATnbJx/s1600/Career+Nurse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajNnXGS53YiC-AYl4p0y-Bbn6tsdzk9C0A8_4kS5CxL_ogUWQ2BGJCkP2ICnkBzelfk0o3fkPt_NdEN5z0rj_nQu9Cp8jxCgFaQeyoDqj7N4MNhvuqUa_eA3gASYzVZcb2JRnmBATnbJx/s1600/Career+Nurse.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nurse Jamilyn - what a cutie!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Holy Cross preschool has gotten off to a wonderful start, with 15 bright-eyed 4 year olds attending every morning, while a few less three year olds come every afternoon. Although I could happily spend all my time in the preschool and blogging cute stories, I'll keep it short.<br />
<br />
<br />
Our preschool children are learning many of the same things as their counterparts from around the world - simple numbers, letters, learning through play, how to get along with others and the rules of being in a classroom. <br />
<br />
In Belize, few children attend preschool. Often this is because the local preschools are very expensive - one local preschool is charging $25 Belize ($12.50 US) a week per child at preschool - a huge burden when you consider the average wage is $40 BZ per day and families commonly have 5 children. Also, particularly at our school where we focus on providing education for the most disadvantaged children, few have had parents who have had the skill, resources or time to teach their children any of the basic skills and knowledge many western schools take for granted. <br />
<br />
Mrs Jamira, the preschool teacher, who previously taught our Infant 1 class (equivalent to K in the US system), had a lot to say about the advantages our preschool is giving our children. In previous years she says it's been common to have many children who arrive at school very unprepared. Many don't have the simple skills you might expect - how to hold a pencil, count to 5, spell their name or know their age, write any letters or even know the names of shapes. With 1 teacher to 25 or more children, it's really tough to fill these gaps in learning while also keeping up with the curriculum. But now, with our preschool, we have a whole class of children who are already learning these skills, who can be role models and helpers to their peers.<br />
<br />
Now for the cute pictures! March was child stimulation month and all the preschools had a chance to break out and learn beyond the classroom. Our kids had a ball. Here's a few highlights:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KiYzq_v1SWIlB3RS5WO-tjnIm7695LEXwcZO_yMIy_0bO9nFVMzLbV0pInhPGimsQetE6gQxKmSYkhhlqteyp6XnvD_Ur5zoIQjRUiJs-OAWZ82YuAJ-kn2aDEf7o0Wqpx8USINfTRfq/s1600/Culture+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KiYzq_v1SWIlB3RS5WO-tjnIm7695LEXwcZO_yMIy_0bO9nFVMzLbV0pInhPGimsQetE6gQxKmSYkhhlqteyp6XnvD_Ur5zoIQjRUiJs-OAWZ82YuAJ-kn2aDEf7o0Wqpx8USINfTRfq/s1600/Culture+Day.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Culture Day, where all the children came dressed as one of the cultures found in Belize.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0SS_2_aiuxm6_6GQ5xhaeEbqqEghnrNigvJ1SH3k1hmwf305klrs3WEFkZoHms8B0n_0d9hkEoyDzWNGYRJI0XHYF_KfriqqrivlgT1dT38sgPGBrHykgFZLIIu1oPaok2kwoS8Pwv2r/s1600/Career.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0SS_2_aiuxm6_6GQ5xhaeEbqqEghnrNigvJ1SH3k1hmwf305klrs3WEFkZoHms8B0n_0d9hkEoyDzWNGYRJI0XHYF_KfriqqrivlgT1dT38sgPGBrHykgFZLIIu1oPaok2kwoS8Pwv2r/s1600/Career.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Community day: All the kids came dressed as a community worker, then spent the day meeting real community workers and learning about their jobs. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1i9_HEBEYMGP_SedYsRLQT5DUH_09efk1QG03R6zRK5l_YCul3bgllOxQdYx4l9ruTPhyphenhyphenGzNYipoUz7OKxnbgcY4XnbH2duPozHBcdsUx2jM1ku_hJvneimqYcBFYC9wwLpRzUIUJ6LF/s1600/3+leg+race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1i9_HEBEYMGP_SedYsRLQT5DUH_09efk1QG03R6zRK5l_YCul3bgllOxQdYx4l9ruTPhyphenhyphenGzNYipoUz7OKxnbgcY4XnbH2duPozHBcdsUx2jM1ku_hJvneimqYcBFYC9wwLpRzUIUJ6LF/s1600/3+leg+race.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three legged races in the park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8G_SZsbMqWmin0xUsLDvRKsg8BK11vaKp1cwZhYGVkfL5dPhXGpWBFhYtFDLo2J2J2pIh7jUvn7w6dRmXhMYskPC7NcFfWSeDR1p0hbC9SBlzcZxKxHdh-Kw5oMxWR_8JxC2Ave1nqoZ/s1600/Drake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8G_SZsbMqWmin0xUsLDvRKsg8BK11vaKp1cwZhYGVkfL5dPhXGpWBFhYtFDLo2J2J2pIh7jUvn7w6dRmXhMYskPC7NcFfWSeDR1p0hbC9SBlzcZxKxHdh-Kw5oMxWR_8JxC2Ave1nqoZ/s320/Drake.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Craft day was a hit</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Holy Cross Volunteer Coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13732414695129785292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-56651529047615527972012-03-09T13:00:00.000-08:002012-05-31T13:44:24.997-07:00Spring Break at Holy CrossSpring break is always a fun time at Holy Cross as people from many walks of life find their way to Holy Cross school and discover the reward of volunteering and fall in love with the local children. This Spring break we were once again blessed with several College teams who did so much.<br />
<br />
<b>LYCHBURG COLLEGE</b> made their annual pilgrimage and as always were a fun team who knew how to work hard as well as relax. Taking our unofficial school motto - "Blessed are the flexible for they do not get bent out of shape" - they took unexpected school closures and local elections in their stride. Their goal for the week was repainting several areas that were in desperate need of attention, including parts of our dental clinic. They had a great time and we sure enjoyed having them here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrB1s0lrghGeqjb86n6tq7O1syrfUYApkoaS_JUX-uc1pM4p26iQySw8FGImvnLMMv_xVH4mdxK9-JYxckBimWmzKi5OJmr8qouzntbtAcL64oc_lZNNYX22r7COsd-Vv2YlSF9rV8p9mo/s1600/Lynchberg+2012+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrB1s0lrghGeqjb86n6tq7O1syrfUYApkoaS_JUX-uc1pM4p26iQySw8FGImvnLMMv_xVH4mdxK9-JYxckBimWmzKi5OJmr8qouzntbtAcL64oc_lZNNYX22r7COsd-Vv2YlSF9rV8p9mo/s320/Lynchberg+2012+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lynchberg college having a great time scrubbing down walls and repainting.</td></tr>
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<b>PERDUE UNIVERSITY</b>'s Phi Kappa Psi formed an Inland Islander's group and made their second annual trip to Holy Cross, getting down to some serious work building a tool storage shed for Mr Freddy, as hiss previous shed was donated so that the sewing center had a place to work...blessed are the flexible! These guys did a fantastic job in just a week pulling down an old structure then relocating it and rebuilding it as a wonderful tool shed. Mr Freddy was very happy to once again have is tools easily accessible in a safe, dry location. Thank you so much to the guys of Inland Islanders.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foundations for the new tool shed in place, floor and walls ready to go up. </td></tr>
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<b>DIANN</b> from Emmanuel Church in Virginia Beach one again lent her skills to our library, bringing us into the digital age with cataloging software and a scanner so that we can scan all our books into the library, as well as scanning them in and out. Our wonderful librarian, Estrella, learned very quickly and was able to keep doing the work herself. Thanks also to the Jett Family who showed us that you're never too young to volunteer and not only donated a lot of books and funds for sewing machines but were able to help the mammoth task of removing books from shelves, sorting then replacing them as Estrella cataloged them. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diann & Estrella hard at work in the library</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEgZVU_o1Soe7wO_TUfyHClDHd-5AHCpTJx1mLODR4qD8POVGDjPdnVpm6lRpXV54WnfVtlR7vc5npMPWDb6yPG-TT8OzpmaU3hypG-yJE_VXy_P2T5FF0957UsYCYXany63Z2r-LAjKJ/s1600/spring+break+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEgZVU_o1Soe7wO_TUfyHClDHd-5AHCpTJx1mLODR4qD8POVGDjPdnVpm6lRpXV54WnfVtlR7vc5npMPWDb6yPG-TT8OzpmaU3hypG-yJE_VXy_P2T5FF0957UsYCYXany63Z2r-LAjKJ/s320/spring+break+017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Books generously donated by the Jett family. Thank you!!</td></tr>
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We were also blessed with a couple of groups of teacher training students who spent time with our teachers. <b>DRAKE UNIVERSITY</b> brought with them a very enthusiastic team who brought a lot of supplies, energy and showed us how much potential the iPad has as a teaching tool (if you have one to donate then get in touch!).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Drake student has a wonderful time reading with our preschoolers</td></tr>
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No spring break would be complete without a team from <b>OLE MISS</b> who once again had a wonderful week in the classrooms supporting our teachers.We enjoyed meeting and talking to them, while our teachers picked up some valuable skills and exchanged information. They also hosted an activity day for the local kids in town. <br />
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Finally, our faithful supporters from<b> ST MICHAEL'S CHURCH </b> in Raliegh, North Carolina came back for their 6th year to run a fun Easter Vacation Bible School for the chldren as well as tackling the mammoth task of expanding our preschool building. During the mornings the children had a wonderful time learning the Easter message through singing, listening to stories, coloring, doing craft and hunting for Easter Eggs. While the children learned and played, the volunteers worked hard opening up the end wall of the preschool building (which was the old special ed class for those who know their way around) then lengthening the wall so that it now shares a wall with the classroom beside it. It was a tough challenge for 4 1/2 days but the team were amazing finishing everything including two coats of paint. WOW.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local children and volunteers coloring the Easter story at Vacation Bible School.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhua1E8QHFi9VVv_Zfry67FK57qOKDa-VRD1vLAzZBlHryCTMWos5rl5Q55vlpmsO7wyxKO5HB8_il3eFmry_M5jjz2YD9tEYd4NQwiqYoX8JUUJGBnJ5NdG8TzXZeB_DqSKl5lO72OJtH1/s1600/StMicheals.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhua1E8QHFi9VVv_Zfry67FK57qOKDa-VRD1vLAzZBlHryCTMWos5rl5Q55vlpmsO7wyxKO5HB8_il3eFmry_M5jjz2YD9tEYd4NQwiqYoX8JUUJGBnJ5NdG8TzXZeB_DqSKl5lO72OJtH1/s320/StMicheals.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The guys get serious about indoor plumbing for the preschool.</td></tr>
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There were other visitors too - thank you to all of you who visited, toured, donated and supported us. We could not do what we do for the children of San Pedro without your support. <br />
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If this post has inspired you to get involved, please contact us at <a href="mailto:volunteerbelize@gmail.com" target="_blank">volunteerbelize@gmail.com</a> or visit our website <a href="http://www.holycrossbelize.org/" target="_blank">www.holycrossbelize.org</a> for more information.Holy Cross Volunteer Coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13732414695129785292noreply@blogger.com0San Pedro, Belize17.9213664 -87.961090517.8911499 -88.0005725 17.951582900000002 -87.921608499999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-10588624279342365232012-01-13T08:00:00.000-08:002012-01-30T00:48:56.945-08:00San Mateo Road Building ContinuesAnyone who has visited San Mateo in the last two years knows the absolutely transformational effect the roads have had on this community. Previously, all residents had to walk in and out on precarious "london bidges" - thin walkways made of old planks build over the dark and suspicious lagoon waters. But now - thanks to the roads - access in and out of the community is much, much easier and daily life improves as locals can now have building materials and drinking water delivered much closer to home. <br />
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The road building began with the University of Mississippi, who together with members of the local community who were sick of waiting for local authorities to act, formed the San Mateo Community Empowerment Project. It has now transformed the local community by providing access. <br />
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Here's the story of the latest road building told in the excellent words of the San Perdo Sun, our local newspaper here in San Pedro. (View this article with aditional images are read other great articles from the San Pedro Sun <a href="http://www.sanpedrosun.com/environment/2012/01/13/san-mateo-empowerment-project-continues-to-build-san-mateo-road/" target="_blank">here.</a>)<br />
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"The members of the San Mateo Empowerment Project continued with their main goal over the past weekend; to expand the San Mateo road. In the past two weeks, some 24 volunteer students from the University of Mississippi, USA paid a visit to San Pedro Town where they participated in many volunteer projects; one of which was to helping with the road expansion in San Mateo.<br />
Over the last two weekends, beginning in the early morning, the volunteer students along with San Mateo residents and community members were off to work, caps in hand, to expand the road into new areas. Equipped with wheelbarrows, buckets and shovels, the group was able to make significant progress.<br />
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According to coordinator Kim Shackelford, to date over 850 linear feet of road has been constructed. The road is 12 feet wide and three feet deep and has a solid concrete base of limestone. Another section of the road, leading to the next section of the lagoon was completed.</div>
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Shackelford said that the success of the project is widely attributed to the excellent cooperation from the San Mateo community. “We have a strong commitment from the community which is good for the success of the project so far,” explained Shackelford.<br />
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While there has been some help from the larger community of San Pedro, Shackelford explained that there are still some misconceptions. “Some people outside of San Mateo feel that there are not as many people living in the San Mateo area,” said Shackelford.<br />
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Slowly but surely the road is moving along replacing the London Bridges in the San Mateo area. The road project has been materializing mainly through the efforts of the “Ole Miss” students who continue to raise funds at their University to purchase materials. Along with the San Mateo residents, the volunteer students push forward, giving of their time when visiting Belize with the final goal to complete the roads."<br />
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Thanks everyone for your hard work.Holy Cross Volunteer Coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13732414695129785292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-68202910617542461972012-01-05T14:27:00.000-08:002012-01-30T00:39:25.764-08:00EWB Visit Holy Cross & San Mateo<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
This week, Holy Cross welcomed our first visit from the Texas A&E chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB). This was a fantastic visit and will form the beginning of what we hope will be along lasting partnership. </div>
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The EWB students focused their attention to two different areas: How can we help the school; and how can we help San Mateo?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The EWB team in San Mateo, Belize</td></tr>
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At the school the engineers focused on two tricky issues - protecting our computers from the erratic power we receive and monitoring the effectiveness of the waste water garden. The design for our computers was already pretty good, but they were able to give us some ideas for continuing to improve the water garden, for which we are very grateful. </div>
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But more excitingly were the ideas generated to help the community of San Mateo, from where we draw many of our students. San Mateo has inadequate water, power, road, and sewerage facilities, so there were many challenges for the engineers to choose from. They chose the following three:<br />
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<li><strong>WATER</strong>. The engineers tested the water and confirmed what the locals already knew: the town water supply that some residents have access to - while still being much, much better than carrying water home in buckets like they used to - is not reliably safe for drinking. Although it enters the area as safe water, the pipes lie in the sewerage contaminated lagoon water, which seeps into the pipes in some areas when pressure is low. Likewise, some of the many tanks that locals use for storing rainwater were found to be contaminated too. This is a serious hazard to the health of the local residents, especially infants and children. Read more <a href="http://www.sanpedrosun.com/environment/2012/01/20/preliminary-study-finds-san-mateo-water-contaminated/" target="_blank">here</a>. <br /><br />The engineers identified that informing the local residents of the issues and teaching the residents how to safely treat the water were the immediate need, and they will then develop several prototypes of point-of-use water treatment systems that will provide safe drinking water from the local tap water. (Currently locals pay $5 BZ for 5 gallons of bottled water. This solution would reduce the price to less than $1). </li>
<li><strong>ELECTRICITY</strong>: The next need is electricity. Some houses are now connected to mains electricity, and a fascinating yet not entirely safe web of extension leads and wires attach yet more houses to the grid. Yet many houses are without any power and all houses have blackouts several times a month (or even several times a day on a bad day). The biggest impact is always the lack of evening light for study and general household activities. <br /><br />The engineers proposed a simple battery operated system that could run a light electric load (eg a light, radio and maybe even a fan), that could then be recharged by someone who had mains electricity. The local population thought this was a wonderful idea and are excited to try it. I suspect that this might also be adopted by other residents of San Pedro who have less than reliable electricity, or as a back-up during hurricanes. </li>
<li><strong>ROADS: </strong>The engineers were also able to give a few suggestions to improve the roads being built by the community. These were to add culverts to improve drainage, and adding a geotextile under the road to support it in the mud. Most interestingly with the culverts, they were as much to let the tidal water in as to let the accumulating water out - the tidal water is salty so every time it washes inland it prevents harmful bacteria and mosquitoes from breeding. </li>
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We are very excited about these developments for San Mateo. To find out more about San Mateo and how you can help the development there, visit the San Mateo Community Empowerment Project website hosted by Ole Miss <a href="http://www.outreach.olemiss.edu/study_abroad/san_mateo_empowerment_project/index.html" target="_blank">here.</a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Electrical measurements</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sampling the water</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuLJnwc9HPnjhkMbVzotDlscCgrTDUv5DBCYrlQkdhyphenhyphenfc2B-8FE49Lym71MCCv4MquI1Uvh7tWTJ5PAws49Um766dwHeM_juBdJApaXB4pGEFcs9t5M1qNmMh3W26hL-Rj7aUqTbp4cz7/s1600/ewb+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuLJnwc9HPnjhkMbVzotDlscCgrTDUv5DBCYrlQkdhyphenhyphenfc2B-8FE49Lym71MCCv4MquI1Uvh7tWTJ5PAws49Um766dwHeM_juBdJApaXB4pGEFcs9t5M1qNmMh3W26hL-Rj7aUqTbp4cz7/s1600/ewb+2.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Engaging the local population</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new generation of EWB in training?</td></tr>
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Holy Cross Volunteer Coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13732414695129785292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-91564118657658545472012-01-03T14:00:00.000-08:002012-01-30T01:31:55.184-08:00Solar Success<br />
<img height="124" src="http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/5710/BRE_home_page_Large.PNG" style="max-width: 800px;" width="320" /><br />
We're excited to report the Solar Panel project is up and running! Thanks to Baker Renewable Energy for installing and many generous donors for contributing, the 24 solar panels generated over 758 kwh so far - at that's with some very cloudy and rainy weather. <br />
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These solar panels are just one step in making Holy Cross School more green and importantly more sustainable in our use of water and power. As both electricity and water are expensive on our small island, these green technologies make a big difference in operating costs. <br />
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Read more about the project here: <a href="http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/electricity-to-500-students-in-belize/" target="_blank">Global Giving</a><br />
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<img height="320" src="http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/5710/enphase_report_nov_2011_Large.PNG" style="max-width: 800px;" width="212" /><br />
Global Giving<img height="305" src="http://cloud.globalgiving.org/pfil/5710/enphase_report_fall_2011_Large.PNG" style="max-width: 800px;" width="400" />Holy Cross Volunteer Coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13732414695129785292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-16837075410399900542012-01-03T04:36:00.000-08:002012-01-10T04:38:16.450-08:00Ole Miss Winter Camp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyHyp4hCJwCnz_SMAiKT-MxgVCUICaMCOfL9mv3LHcV5JcuYQI0o0pZhTBKRVmTE8JTrOtT_lmZrmS_JQbSmCbtzdHjcYyS6AlSqbXTiHZ_N5BP61LJE7EtgarpRs1ykNYrTLjY1IpbZq/s1600/Ole+Miss+Small+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyHyp4hCJwCnz_SMAiKT-MxgVCUICaMCOfL9mv3LHcV5JcuYQI0o0pZhTBKRVmTE8JTrOtT_lmZrmS_JQbSmCbtzdHjcYyS6AlSqbXTiHZ_N5BP61LJE7EtgarpRs1ykNYrTLjY1IpbZq/s320/Ole+Miss+Small+%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring science - shadow drawings</td></tr>
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The kids of San Pedro had a very welcome addition to their Christmas Holidays this year - a team from one of our favorite partners - the University of Mississippi - brought down a wonderfully talented team, who ran a fun winter camp for the local kids. Each day brought different activities - science experiments, cheer leading, arts and crafts, fitness tests, games and more. </div>
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As an observer it was simply delightful to see our students getting so absorbed in these activities. The girls simply loved dancing, and some had great rhythm and style. Strangely, many of the boys really enjoyed doing simple jig saw puzzles, and my fondest memory is of watching these boys concentrating so hard and working so co-cooperatively to complete puzzles together. </div>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicE2e96WIPZJdL1VxYWrR45t3oV9NOorL078n8L88zXprRSvzL1UT0vu3PVCo_yyI573-pVW1vcJOg_waUF_El4RKAT08cigRnoGfnd5cEkt628-a1V2vzXODvlheP7o-4ZmZn40NQOsk7/s1600/Ole+Miss+Small+%252817%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicE2e96WIPZJdL1VxYWrR45t3oV9NOorL078n8L88zXprRSvzL1UT0vu3PVCo_yyI573-pVW1vcJOg_waUF_El4RKAT08cigRnoGfnd5cEkt628-a1V2vzXODvlheP7o-4ZmZn40NQOsk7/s320/Ole+Miss+Small+%252817%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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An Old Miss student interviews a local boy</div>
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The 24 Ole Miss students and professors came from a variety of faculties incuding social work, education, exercise science and journalism and were headed up the amazing Dr Kim Shackelford, who has done some much to help the children of San Mateo. </div>
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Thank you so much Ole Miss for brining smiles to the kids of San Pedro</div>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhairIJrxKLjqkK7Dd9_twI1_lweMJDudJ33WjPMlYLYj1QIV82YcNTlKY2v52aeKomE5EXZzVb6-F9ApjNSwk-DxwQN-6cycORWFlCayRQVRqjGz1AOq-HX9VvZI-v7K_W_sLZD-_XQjBp/s1600/Ole+Miss+Small+%252810%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhairIJrxKLjqkK7Dd9_twI1_lweMJDudJ33WjPMlYLYj1QIV82YcNTlKY2v52aeKomE5EXZzVb6-F9ApjNSwk-DxwQN-6cycORWFlCayRQVRqjGz1AOq-HX9VvZI-v7K_W_sLZD-_XQjBp/s320/Ole+Miss+Small+%252810%2529.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Learning the cheer leading moves</td></tr>
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<><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjWGfsn5mvHMCpoDJR3MuhmlOaaHxKAQLZadb-qIWwKZU21dgTFg8Qxd5t4mGLQzkzU4-dA_qzI7Tgx4FNq-jixwNoGrS-rQ7rGn01G6mc4jiq-OhJS3-lfdkAmYH864CzCkfm9cyvoHg/s1600/Ole+Miss+Small+%252814%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjWGfsn5mvHMCpoDJR3MuhmlOaaHxKAQLZadb-qIWwKZU21dgTFg8Qxd5t4mGLQzkzU4-dA_qzI7Tgx4FNq-jixwNoGrS-rQ7rGn01G6mc4jiq-OhJS3-lfdkAmYH864CzCkfm9cyvoHg/s1600/Ole+Miss+Small+%252814%2529.JPG" /></a> </><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vsCJzlmQhQFPtfsrXJ5AOCIoo7mU5l9DiuPv65T9TfOsIxpdXsC0ah8xWxfYS51UNGnggEfJnhDnVt7MXDillwf_rhr0Odhvysq6jDZFiDGh3RpigW98RJ1Fsg3FzTwm0HSmA21Y14iK/s1600/Ole+Miss+Small+%252811%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vsCJzlmQhQFPtfsrXJ5AOCIoo7mU5l9DiuPv65T9TfOsIxpdXsC0ah8xWxfYS51UNGnggEfJnhDnVt7MXDillwf_rhr0Odhvysq6jDZFiDGh3RpigW98RJ1Fsg3FzTwm0HSmA21Y14iK/s320/Ole+Miss+Small+%252811%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></div>
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<><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhairIJrxKLjqkK7Dd9_twI1_lweMJDudJ33WjPMlYLYj1QIV82YcNTlKY2v52aeKomE5EXZzVb6-F9ApjNSwk-DxwQN-6cycORWFlCayRQVRqjGz1AOq-HX9VvZI-v7K_W_sLZD-_XQjBp/s1600/Ole+Miss+Small+%252810%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhairIJrxKLjqkK7Dd9_twI1_lweMJDudJ33WjPMlYLYj1QIV82YcNTlKY2v52aeKomE5EXZzVb6-F9ApjNSwk-DxwQN-6cycORWFlCayRQVRqjGz1AOq-HX9VvZI-v7K_W_sLZD-_XQjBp/s1600/Ole+Miss+Small+%252810%2529.JPG" /></a> </><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Totally absorbed in finger knitting</td></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjWGfsn5mvHMCpoDJR3MuhmlOaaHxKAQLZadb-qIWwKZU21dgTFg8Qxd5t4mGLQzkzU4-dA_qzI7Tgx4FNq-jixwNoGrS-rQ7rGn01G6mc4jiq-OhJS3-lfdkAmYH864CzCkfm9cyvoHg/s1600/Ole+Miss+Small+%252814%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjWGfsn5mvHMCpoDJR3MuhmlOaaHxKAQLZadb-qIWwKZU21dgTFg8Qxd5t4mGLQzkzU4-dA_qzI7Tgx4FNq-jixwNoGrS-rQ7rGn01G6mc4jiq-OhJS3-lfdkAmYH864CzCkfm9cyvoHg/s320/Ole+Miss+Small+%252814%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys get competitive with push ups</td></tr>
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Holy Cross Volunteer Coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13732414695129785292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-37162321826868906762011-12-15T12:08:00.000-08:002011-12-15T12:08:44.794-08:00Santa Visits Holy Cross<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwOtUUhI8fzaDJsAaCxJFC-ivXLEtxW1Thg72FARlUPSqNbK45bwm6gf0dI5P7qa2ecyFsKnZD-xbKQ0I-zn4caRbvNJxbO6jMmOqMOvpanePu_REaQ8B9QdQMMcmmbkFJyhfxXaM_PnS/s1600/Santa+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwOtUUhI8fzaDJsAaCxJFC-ivXLEtxW1Thg72FARlUPSqNbK45bwm6gf0dI5P7qa2ecyFsKnZD-xbKQ0I-zn4caRbvNJxbO6jMmOqMOvpanePu_REaQ8B9QdQMMcmmbkFJyhfxXaM_PnS/s200/Santa+004.jpg" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa distributes presents</td></tr>
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Ask any child what the highlight of the year is and most likely they will tell you "CHRISTMAS!!" And this year was no exception, as thanks to the hard work of several very generous locals there were presets from Santa for each and every child at the school (and a few more curious visitors too).<br />
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Santa drove into the school at the head of a convoy of golf carts, accompanied by his army of elves. Tantalizing sacks of presents were unloaded, then one by one each class came to receive their presents from Santa. They were thrilled to each receive a present with their own name on it, individually wrapped and different in size and shape to the presents of everyone else.<br />
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Santa, who moonlights as an owner of a local bar (where else would Santa holiday but San Pedro??), did an amazing job of making each and every child feel special - big smiles, high fives, a quick hug and a big present. The children had so much fun. Santa was still holding strong after 420 kids - just desperate for a coffee!<br />
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Wandering through the classrooms was great fun after Santa had visited - the kids had unwrapped their dolls, trucks, activity books, balls and a myriad of other gifts. They also shared Christmas food together and enjoyed music and games. So much fun.<br />
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Christmas almost didn't happen, until an angel, in the form of the amazing Krista who owns a condo at Reef Village visited the school and started an amazing sequence of events. She heard of our need for Christmas gifts and was inspired. She started a toy drive within the local community and within a few short weeks had gathered together a present for each child - incredible. And, she had so much fun, she wants to do it a gain next year!<br />
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Krista is also does fundraising and has promised to support Holy Cross School as a beneficiary of the Nathan Yip Foundation - how exciting! <br />
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We'd also like to thank the many individuals who brought down Christmas gifts - your generosity is wonderful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhyzhKrDoOTZDsm4PtkO5sntPqNCPEifyFkL2to3gdLqi3daNTUH7v9386uJeXb2KCOZuh8OLrhhQjSo9mcWo3eek_VcqQ_WPFCgdqQLl5kE9QCekwZojsGgru4r4svJwYJflybh9d8hU/s1600/Santa+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhyzhKrDoOTZDsm4PtkO5sntPqNCPEifyFkL2to3gdLqi3daNTUH7v9386uJeXb2KCOZuh8OLrhhQjSo9mcWo3eek_VcqQ_WPFCgdqQLl5kE9QCekwZojsGgru4r4svJwYJflybh9d8hU/s320/Santa+006.jpg" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa talks to the class</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ms Krista enjoys a moment with Santa</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgne0pFMZUi8QLCM5lp-r0z3COPA5FrVqrJ4SkJBwmgm25Idn4f8wbxJexSanqo9iK81QMfIy7USrzGxD6T7IYBTUyZC-ZYz5SFEMyREE7j4RtBeBEy42o7KvLLOUBnOxxAwUrkjZFo-GEv/s1600/Santa+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgne0pFMZUi8QLCM5lp-r0z3COPA5FrVqrJ4SkJBwmgm25Idn4f8wbxJexSanqo9iK81QMfIy7USrzGxD6T7IYBTUyZC-ZYz5SFEMyREE7j4RtBeBEy42o7KvLLOUBnOxxAwUrkjZFo-GEv/s320/Santa+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Receiving gifts</td></tr>
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<br />Holy Cross Volunteer Coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13732414695129785292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-82241927361530249192011-12-09T12:00:00.000-08:002011-12-15T10:12:37.312-08:00Spiritual Fruit Ministries visit Holy Cross<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx53nLQF3ZZoxeHhFsn3fGqp8LY2UZ0WlAJyrEadk8z80UDIpY5nJ2f4fbsmAl_NunwAVHuynwJj6avjDifBIEjap-rN8C2mZMrHXeBSIpYgE6N6QUjPcDzAhcab3K679ccBGaienm82W1/s1600/Spiritual+Fruit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx53nLQF3ZZoxeHhFsn3fGqp8LY2UZ0WlAJyrEadk8z80UDIpY5nJ2f4fbsmAl_NunwAVHuynwJj6avjDifBIEjap-rN8C2mZMrHXeBSIpYgE6N6QUjPcDzAhcab3K679ccBGaienm82W1/s320/Spiritual+Fruit.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter speaking to the senior students about the Jesus movie. </td></tr>
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We were thrilled when Peter and Helen Wall from Spiritual Fruit Ministries Belize walked into our office asking to show an incredible video about Jesus. Over two days they showed the video to all of our senior classes. Here is their report. Thank you so much Peter and Helen.</div>
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We, Peter and Helen Wall from Spiritual Fruit Ministries Belize, were
thrilled to be able to show the DVD "The Story of Jesus for Children" at
Holy Cross Anglican School. We were impressed with the support and
cooperation we received from Lydia Brown, the Vice Principal Olivia Tasher,
the teachers and students of the school. The children were not only very
polite but also totally absorbed in the topics of the DVD - the
miracles, parables of Jesus, His birth, death and resurrection.</div>
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Students were very receptive, sang songs
enthusiastically and many spontaneously prayed the prayer out loud when
Benjamin, a child in the movie, asked if children wanted to pray to
receive Jesus in their heart and life. Most students made decisions
to accept Jesus into their life as Lord and Saviour. When we returned
after lunch many children welcomed us in the adjoining play area by
swarming around us and hugging.</div>
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Lydia Brown, the volunteer coordinator, and the vice principal
were especially helpful in organizing things with us and the teachers.
After school on Wednesday we spent approximately 20 minutes with all of
the teachers in the computer lab showing teachers the website and the
lessons and resources available on the website <a href="http://www.spiritualfruitministriesbelize.org/" target="_blank">www.<wbr></wbr>spiritualfruitministriesbelize<wbr></wbr>.org</a>. </div>
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It was evident the need of many students
who appreciated the lunch program and did not leave one drop or speck of
food on their plates. Praise God for those who support this initiative.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1zCY4RscXHUzRQFwdqQvqVGd32cqQi26_eNRwbxQHw8D3UAMfir8TX8GyiEpbJA94ac2tzZevHHVinfFtXbUO7zfNE_0TrXxytBhcNi2kgYBoZsk0LQjGm6QCYy-5wFgmSDdjOYj_yts/s1600/_hut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1zCY4RscXHUzRQFwdqQvqVGd32cqQi26_eNRwbxQHw8D3UAMfir8TX8GyiEpbJA94ac2tzZevHHVinfFtXbUO7zfNE_0TrXxytBhcNi2kgYBoZsk0LQjGm6QCYy-5wFgmSDdjOYj_yts/s200/_hut.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the homes in San Mateo</td></tr>
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Wednesday, December 8 at 8:30 am we showed the DVD to
standard 3 and 4 in the cafeteria. Students were very receptive and
again pretty well all accepted the invitation to accept Jesus.</div>
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When
Benjamin prayed the prayer children automatically prayed out
loud. All invited Jesus into their heart and life wanting to be a better
person. During the discussion following the DVD one of the
girls stated: "Jesus has given me a joy in my heart". This little girl
and others had amazing smiles on their faces. Others also nodded in
agreement. Praise God for his blessings and the love, joy and peace He
bestows on us. In the afternoon we presented the DVD to a group of
standard 6 students. They too were very receptive.<br />
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After school we spent approximately 20 minutes with
teachers in the computer lab discussing the teaching resources and
activities to follow-up the DVD. Two copies of the DVD were left at the
school for teachers to use with the students.<br />
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Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity to share what Jesus has done for us.<br />
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Peter & Helen Wall</div>Holy Cross Volunteer Coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13732414695129785292noreply@blogger.com0San Pedro, Belize17.9213664 -87.961090517.8911499 -88.0005725 17.951582900000002 -87.921608499999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-70157024826291959422011-12-09T11:54:00.001-08:002011-12-09T18:06:17.584-08:00Nature Explorers Visit Holy Cross<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqzT8OfSODnqfJlCHLUNhmSzwyARhg5OPZbPbLp2STAd-4b5XUEGB9kws5W5JAR1yyAoDnA4FDUGOnsoLgr5LpQdqo_WDAgaJlZyMWTbumsPGBg_SfEkzozpugoLNkDi53Foh26XGPXc/s1600/Title.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 124px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684220476273136962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqzT8OfSODnqfJlCHLUNhmSzwyARhg5OPZbPbLp2STAd-4b5XUEGB9kws5W5JAR1yyAoDnA4FDUGOnsoLgr5LpQdqo_WDAgaJlZyMWTbumsPGBg_SfEkzozpugoLNkDi53Foh26XGPXc/s200/Title.JPG" /></a>The infant and middle school had so much fun this week when Amalia and her friend Emily from Nature Explorers International came to teach.<br /><br />Nature Explores is a one week nature education week designed to introduce children to the natural world and through interest and excitement. You can find out more about them <a href="http://www.natureexplorersinternational.com/">her</a><a href="http://www.natureexplorersinternational.com/">e.</a><br /><br />Day one kicked off with with seeds, where the humble bean took center stage. Most of our kids eat beans every day of their life, but for the first time many realized there were actually baby bean plants inside.<br /><br />Day two was invertebrates, with spiders, butterflies and starfish. Once again the kids simply loved doing the<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpE6aMANGywL94cR_jvauR8z6NrTM0FCWT30CfBZ2A9foM7bhfNi3aOTZIoSDBWDRl8EwPFmRN9I9P9XBvR5x-aNtTaYvAQmD8c2iaisxBU1BdbwmM-y_muwIddd2P1lCitZqloeSNuFQ/s1600/Invertibrates.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684222215270276818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpE6aMANGywL94cR_jvauR8z6NrTM0FCWT30CfBZ2A9foM7bhfNi3aOTZIoSDBWDRl8EwPFmRN9I9P9XBvR5x-aNtTaYvAQmD8c2iaisxBU1BdbwmM-y_muwIddd2P1lCitZqloeSNuFQ/s200/Invertibrates.JPG" /></a> craft projects and many a butterfly and starfish was presented for inspection on the way home from school and seen all around town. There was a spider in a jar to be inspected with great interested and several kids came back the next day talking excitedly about the spiders they had seen at home. Even I was seeing more spiders than usual that day!<br /><br /><br />Day three was vertebrates and focused on sea turtles. Here children studied the "Sea Turtle Wheel of Trouble" and learned about the various threats sea turtles faced. They read a story about a sea turtle that felt sick after eating a plastic bag and many children said they would stop throwing bags in the water and tell their friends to stop too (a real issue here).<br /><br />Day four looked at birds and included a field trip to the nearby swamp to observe the behaviors of birds - feeding, flying, flocking, preening and I cannot remember the rest. This time of year we see many migrating birds so the students had a lot to look at. Even pigeons on a roof top were suddenly transformed to fascinatingly interesting and drew shouts of excitement.<br /><br />The last day was mammals and the students had a lot of fun learning all about monkeys and their important role in spreading seeds as well as making fun monkey masks. Kids had so much fun with the art and craft and talked about the masks all day. Some of the local kids not in school even followed Amalia and Emily home to ask to make masks!<br /><br />The teachers also had a wonderful week with the guest teachers in the classroom. All enjoyed learning more about nature themselves and several even said they were inspired by the teaching techniques and look forward to incorporating them into their classrooms in the future.<br /><br />So a huge thank you to Nature Explorers for including Holy Cross Anglican School on your schedule. We wish you all the best for the rest of your time in Belize. If you'd like to see more photos, you can find them <a href="http://www.facebook.com/amaliaceleste#!/media/set/?set=a.10150499858089468.424905.719044467&type=3">here</a>, with more stories <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nei/nature-explorers-central-america">here.</a><br /><br />Know someone who does something similar - get them in touch with Holy Cross School!Holy Cross Anglican Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10786109970604574404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-1446405333643815882011-12-03T10:00:00.000-08:002011-12-09T11:48:00.001-08:00Annual Boat Parade<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxa2x75LV0MKm65AGPS7HyjMMvindbEVakHsMnGcaUDkFrRLj42AD0L257nsgEMGfA1SGIR1csv38oVwBYfVslSMKsd7XGFfNiiuY2kIRYojBqtt3baClJMQfnO4SNymo_a857OiuMS8/s1600/Holy+Cross+Boat.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxa2x75LV0MKm65AGPS7HyjMMvindbEVakHsMnGcaUDkFrRLj42AD0L257nsgEMGfA1SGIR1csv38oVwBYfVslSMKsd7XGFfNiiuY2kIRYojBqtt3baClJMQfnO4SNymo_a857OiuMS8/s200/Holy+Cross+Boat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684216684685237810" border="0" /></a>San Pedro has many celebrations and parades with one of the most colorful being the annual lighted boat parade. This has been running for 6 years now and Holy Cross, through the enthusiasm of Vernon Wilson, has a history of doing well.<br /><br />This year was no exception. Mr Freddy put all his creative talent into place, putting together a magnificent creation. The snowman even seemed to wave as the boat bobbed in the still waters.<br /><br />The hard work paid off, and the school took the special award for the Religious category, winning the school $800BZ - well done!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wq-8IxNFN_2VqE8ShALatD9H88-g83rCSJbRa15VXPCJvbEyDdLl9ZIDKMa5Z5YuBlxGzZJAyjoSmjXlBmmwERwaCYYe7T3gMIpwStahaH2I74St1rL6uHM9JXTAJlDfKcHVZKG8t8Q/s1600/Award.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wq-8IxNFN_2VqE8ShALatD9H88-g83rCSJbRa15VXPCJvbEyDdLl9ZIDKMa5Z5YuBlxGzZJAyjoSmjXlBmmwERwaCYYe7T3gMIpwStahaH2I74St1rL6uHM9JXTAJlDfKcHVZKG8t8Q/s200/Award.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684217352627276610" border="0" /></a>Here's Mr Freddy as Santa and Mr Carlos Coba, our Std 6 teacher claiming the well earned award from the beautiful Mrs San Pedro.<br /><br />Well done everyone!Holy Cross Anglican Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10786109970604574404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-55721756089397207442011-12-02T15:00:00.000-08:002011-12-15T16:41:07.829-08:00St John's Church mucks in<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nt1T2NH-0eNeRUzxweiqupTzasNkQxGJVVhUiOC9G9Kt4_yeL7g2WDigRIJD3C7T2xxmTd30OGHxNdQlQHKsvo16Bf90_KuC4lBEni08UMasRAZIuiC7WJLuxb4Gbq_blIrQ4VNPDTno/s1600/DSCN0096.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nt1T2NH-0eNeRUzxweiqupTzasNkQxGJVVhUiOC9G9Kt4_yeL7g2WDigRIJD3C7T2xxmTd30OGHxNdQlQHKsvo16Bf90_KuC4lBEni08UMasRAZIuiC7WJLuxb4Gbq_blIrQ4VNPDTno/s200/DSCN0096.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling the playground</td></tr>
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This week Holy Cross had the wonderful pleasure of hosting a small team of volunteers from St John's Episcopal Church in Lynchburg Virginia. <br />
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This team was a little different from our usual teams - they were one of our youngest groups, made up of a great group of 11 and 12 year olds accompanied by their parents and grandparents. Age didn't stop anyone as young and old alike pitched in to do whatever needed to be done. <br />
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The big job this week was continuing to expand the playground. Thanks to All Saints Forth Worth and the Universtiy of Sioux Falls we have a fantastic swing set, but to be fully used, the area must be filled with sand. Local sand diggers dug the sand from the lagoon (cold work this time of year), then our wonderful team spread it where it needed to go - how exciting to see the playground expanding! (We are still looking for donations for sand - do get in touch!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHYGDBDKJ3oSi_Tc8iJtPkFedONE9SwGgUfsHg5aUZLkRq3mLzy1qkK94kEFILNUWWqpTNdebgDB56HbTFMN1yMiveo7jsEIUv6hx8aiMaOB6q2_PRt8ifxoywapT_jQ3Q28SGSLAmfVs/s1600/DSCN0136.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHYGDBDKJ3oSi_Tc8iJtPkFedONE9SwGgUfsHg5aUZLkRq3mLzy1qkK94kEFILNUWWqpTNdebgDB56HbTFMN1yMiveo7jsEIUv6hx8aiMaOB6q2_PRt8ifxoywapT_jQ3Q28SGSLAmfVs/s200/DSCN0136.jpeg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping in Classes</td></tr>
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The younger members of the team also spent some time with our Std III classes - much to the delight of the local children. Both American and Belizeans thoroughly enjoyed the interactions, learning a lot from each other. <br />
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We had thought it might be a disruption, but istead the visitors were a great role model to the local kids on how to behave and how to turn out some great work. This was especially evident when the classes were preparing posters for World Aids Day. <br />
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Ann Vest, who headed up the team from St John's is a regular visitor to the school. Over the years she has brought out various grandchildren and their friends to spend time with them and also give them a great opportunity to briefly experience life in a different part of the world. What a great idea!<br />
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From everyone at Holy Cross, thank you so much for your generosity in time, spirit and donations to the children of Holy Cross. You have been a blessing to us all. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The team in their favorite place - the tree in the front of the Hotel Del Rio. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assisting in Ms Williams Std III class</td></tr>
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Holy Cross Volunteer Coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13732414695129785292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-40974322430401041882011-11-25T13:00:00.000-08:002011-12-16T04:45:01.094-08:00PTA Rises to the ChallengeOne of the frustrating realities of building a school in a lagoon is that any and every building project first starts with finding dry land. In San Mateo, this requires hiring a crew to dig sand from other parts of the lagoon at the cost of $12.50 - $25 a boat load (approx 3.5 cu yards). Frustrating and expensive are just two of the words we would use to describe this activity. And with 8.5 acres of land that ranges from 3 inches to 2 feet under water, unending is another. <br />
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Although sand is always a desperate need, in the last months it has come to the fore as the School needs to build a fenced in playground to keep our requirements of having a preschool. And just this last month, the PTA, at the request of the Principal, have stepped up to meet this challenge. Every Friday for the last month, the PTA have done fundraisers - selling cheese dip (an absolute hit with the kids) as well as organising a BBQ where 300 parents, teachers and members of the public purchased their BBQ chicken, superbly cooked by the talented Mrs Rosalia, or chef. <br />
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The hard work paid off as the PTA were able to raise just over $500 US after expenses. What a superb effort! And they plan to continuue. <br />
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We are very excited to see the parents and community getting involved with the school. <br />
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Overall, we estimate we need US $2,500 to fill the playground and build it up to a level where it drains adequately after rain. Thanks to the PTA and individual donations and donations from churches we are getting close - just $1,000 to go!<br />
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If you can help by donating and amount, large or small, please contact the school on <a href="mailto:volunteerbelize@gmail.com">volunteerbelize@gmail.com</a>. You can donate online at the <a href="http://www.hcefoundation.org/" target="_blank">Holy Cross Foundation</a> or send a check to the Foundation at 7550 Coorporate Way, Eden Prairie, MN 55344, attn Brian Ostenso, Chairman. <br />
Every little really helps!Holy Cross Volunteer Coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13732414695129785292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-68528241855392261402010-09-30T06:18:00.000-07:002010-09-30T06:26:51.023-07:00Dear Friends and Supporters, Please join me in a short walk down memory lane... <div><br /></div><div>Four years ago, almost to the day, the students of Holy Cross participated in their first ever Children's Rally in celebration of Belize's Independence. There were about 40 children in 2006 - they sang and marched with great enthusiasm and made this new school's presence known. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday was Children's Rally 2010 and I was overwhelmed with the changes in just four short years. With tears in my eyes, I looked down the streets of San Pedro and saw hundreds of Holy Cross students, dressed in red, white and blue, proudly waving the flag of Belize, marching with great enthusiasm and making a real impact in the life of San Mateo, Ambergris Caye and the nation of Belize. I could easily imagine future teachers, doctors, policemen, office workers, computer technicians, politicians and maybe even a prime minister in the assembled crowd of students. WOW!!!<br /><br />And just how did this giant leap forward come about? Through your efforts, that's how!! You have prayed, come on mission teams and built this school; sent school supplies, tons of books and shoes; donated money, supported the Feeding Program and underwritten scholarships; sent computers, reams of copy paper and cartridges; paid for toilets, land fill and electricity; brought down tools, dental equipment, toothbrushes and toothpaste. You have created Holy Cross Anglican School and turned a swampy garbage dump into a safe and loving place where children learn, grow, dream and blossom.<br /><br />I am so proud of what God and all of us working together have accomplished - smile. I pray that you will continue to generously support and bless this tiny corner of God's kingdom. In spite of everything we've done, there is always more to do.....our students arrive daily to school hungry, in need of shoes,school supplies and dental care; computers require constant upkeep, electricity and supplies; more land fill is urgently needed so we can start construction on the playground and much needed pre-school; books wear out, toilets need repair and tools break. And right now, the school must build a water garden - approximate cost of $20,000US - to complete the composting toilet facility!!! I pray that you will continue the good work that Christ has begun in and through you here at Holy Cross. Please take a moment today and send a donation to:<br /><br />Holy Cross Anglican School<br />San Pedro Town<br />Ambergris Caye, Belize<br /><br />or make a credit card payment at www.hcefoundation.org<br /><br />or mail to:<br /><br />Holy Cross Education Foundation<br />7550 Corporate Way<br />Eden Prairie, MN 55436-2045<br /><br />PS: Tropical Storm Karl passed by on Wednesday and all we got was tons of rain. Thanks be to God!!! School was surrounded by about a foot and a half of water (see attached photos). Could have been much worse but our hurricane season has just begun (September and October). Say prayers.<br /><br />Love and hugs from the staff and students of Holy Cross Anglican School - smile.<br /><br />Support Holy Cross Anglican School in San Pedro www.holycrossbelize.org<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Q2m8cSEnwJhmcNNJJVN4lOq6k2cTS6G_hqsbv0KcObIoeBiHXN0d2v66jAPJL7YaAZ6tjNI_f4rXe6Y35GGNpD202ty4cLWPK0hEVQspVZvwNS3nubb4EEJRmpd-n0BTwgFSigzW6So/s1600/Independence+Day+2010-2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Q2m8cSEnwJhmcNNJJVN4lOq6k2cTS6G_hqsbv0KcObIoeBiHXN0d2v66jAPJL7YaAZ6tjNI_f4rXe6Y35GGNpD202ty4cLWPK0hEVQspVZvwNS3nubb4EEJRmpd-n0BTwgFSigzW6So/s400/Independence+Day+2010-2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522697001819652802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDDgO03qvJ6E8PN9q944t4A3nxu1AHTRFQkOdwO1bBtlt3Y7YVmtRGEuXhYXvAO5MFJ98fHpbC55wfafhskTYTdoSwdF6Tcp2fKGm7V9yFeF6IecL7U74kvj46aKiMrKhn-bDun0cRTg/s1600/Independence+Day+2010-3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDDgO03qvJ6E8PN9q944t4A3nxu1AHTRFQkOdwO1bBtlt3Y7YVmtRGEuXhYXvAO5MFJ98fHpbC55wfafhskTYTdoSwdF6Tcp2fKGm7V9yFeF6IecL7U74kvj46aKiMrKhn-bDun0cRTg/s400/Independence+Day+2010-3.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522696998156770738" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOojfCxn7jnD5nADOweVPBGB2Rd53lRnlo14FwG-9JXpJgYnI8Satmkyd0_OHYkgKwEoOFNKsBNp2gb4C7f_953Hc2Q60VrhqEUNGv2HH_sJbHK9YcjhDB9epwqpGMKOO4Orv-yw5cJjs/s1600/Independence+Day+2010-7.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOojfCxn7jnD5nADOweVPBGB2Rd53lRnlo14FwG-9JXpJgYnI8Satmkyd0_OHYkgKwEoOFNKsBNp2gb4C7f_953Hc2Q60VrhqEUNGv2HH_sJbHK9YcjhDB9epwqpGMKOO4Orv-yw5cJjs/s400/Independence+Day+2010-7.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522696564594493490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj834k5GBf-fgc-pHeKUK2K2oTgOERf4QOlUoa3JXBZmw2fo-1gHlSGjuIRiN5VMaGmz-Y0dSj0QUVacKbAeZOWv3fjcqiPkN1lEdpSUr0RoqoYzax9SlWr9ChNQuQy7aFNCI0VMmSVcR4/s1600/Independence+Day+2010-8.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj834k5GBf-fgc-pHeKUK2K2oTgOERf4QOlUoa3JXBZmw2fo-1gHlSGjuIRiN5VMaGmz-Y0dSj0QUVacKbAeZOWv3fjcqiPkN1lEdpSUr0RoqoYzax9SlWr9ChNQuQy7aFNCI0VMmSVcR4/s400/Independence+Day+2010-8.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522696561149261138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvgEp9Svc_6JtRRke1XmwwhSw8C-dQM__KDLg5sJI0-OH1zrpyl1UoxCgLJw5Aq1Y1tUseQnMoOU2RGU66zYr7pDdfM6NxaXl9AVnQyZCJv701pfALOAN9A_2gakzjw6Qsu09kAFyy1Q/s1600/Independence+Day+2010-9.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvgEp9Svc_6JtRRke1XmwwhSw8C-dQM__KDLg5sJI0-OH1zrpyl1UoxCgLJw5Aq1Y1tUseQnMoOU2RGU66zYr7pDdfM6NxaXl9AVnQyZCJv701pfALOAN9A_2gakzjw6Qsu09kAFyy1Q/s400/Independence+Day+2010-9.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522696558347235106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xfk3xvAbU4EUVI-GXvK9Jbidiy4tjDgAX8ynkwgZhxiuIMoUY3ZSGwS8PZ8jTVMfWVRf7GEkQNkoKGfwN48LKlpfNZVqEyrhoPAe5eOFORfg22UtyposZeAuwT2VzRisb0gm3-wmuXk/s1600/P9143005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xfk3xvAbU4EUVI-GXvK9Jbidiy4tjDgAX8ynkwgZhxiuIMoUY3ZSGwS8PZ8jTVMfWVRf7GEkQNkoKGfwN48LKlpfNZVqEyrhoPAe5eOFORfg22UtyposZeAuwT2VzRisb0gm3-wmuXk/s400/P9143005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522696551873906306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy736NCFpWEHF2U3oc2qWIqp5ikjZquZ4oN4U3hRMz9iJAKNghwQ4fa-PjefSc1wPTTLmxC1zk4uazEHei-8sDqesvd-V_Cuoaq2JRdJnwRh8niSYJd6LlZxnO9_dQABL0nNuN1mbFADk/s1600/P9143009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy736NCFpWEHF2U3oc2qWIqp5ikjZquZ4oN4U3hRMz9iJAKNghwQ4fa-PjefSc1wPTTLmxC1zk4uazEHei-8sDqesvd-V_Cuoaq2JRdJnwRh8niSYJd6LlZxnO9_dQABL0nNuN1mbFADk/s400/P9143009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522696544671539922" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Holy Cross Anglican Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10786109970604574404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-78047838187983195782010-09-05T17:46:00.000-07:002010-09-05T17:57:23.603-07:00Happy Birthday Holuy Cross<div align="left">September 4, 2010<br /><br />Dear Friends, Holy Cross Anglican School is four years old today!!! These past four years have certainly flown by in a whirlwind of activity bringing us to this milestone we are proudly celebrating. And, what a celebration we had on Friday - please see attached photos. The students made birthday cards, we gathered together to sing 'Happy Birthday', shared wonderful cupcakes and then everyone received a very special present. Thanks to the incredible folks at Southcrest Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas each student (and teacher) received an age appropriate copy of the Bible for their very own - wow! Thank you Southcrest!!<br /><br />School officially started on Wednesday, September 1st and everything went smoothly as students and teachers got down to the important work of learning. The school was peaceful and the students orderly - nothing short of a miracle! I'm sure this was due in large part to the fact so many teachers returned along with Mrs. Grace Williams, Principal and Mrs. Olivia Tasher, Vice-Principal. The staff just keeps getting better and better thanks to the guidance of our General Manager, Mrs. Marlene Leslie. Not only were the staff and students 'looking good', but thanks to the many volunteers who labored long and hard this summer, Holy Cross was also looking 'mighty fine' - smile.<br /><br />Speaking of 'mighty fine'.....our new state-of -the-art composting toilet facility is AWESOME!!! Thanks be to God, we were able to get half of the facility up and running for the first day of school. We are currently awaiting the additional toilets which are sitting in Customs right now. Hopefully they will be delivered soon (say lots of prayers!). So far everything is working perfectly. Many thanks to the Episcopal Church Women for providing a $42,000US grant to get this project underway. We only recently found out that we'll need to build a water garden for the facility . I'm not exactly sure what that is (ask Vernon) but I do know it will cost an additional $20,000US. If you would like to contribute to the health and welfare of our children and the environment, we really need your donations!<br /><br />As we celebrate a new school year, the birthday of Holy Cross, fabulous bathrooms AND Belize Independence Day - on September 21st the nation will be 29 years old - we also celebrate our friends and supporters all over the world. You have each contributed in some way to turn a desperate need for a primary school into an amazing reality. Thank you for caring and for sharing your time, talents and treasure. Please continue your support for the Feeding Program, scholarships, dental clinic, school supplies and materials. All children deserve the chance to dream big dreams. With your support and love, dreams will continue to be born and come true at Holy Cross Anglican School. Blessings, Francis<br /><br />Tax deductible donations can be made through The Holy Cross Education Foundation www.hcefoundation.org<br />or by mail to: Holy Cross Education Foundation<br />7550 Corporate Way<br />Eden Prairie, MN 55436-2045<br /><br />Contributions may also be sent directly to the School:<br />Holy Cross Anglican SchoolSan Pedro TownAmbergris CayeBelize<br />Support Holy Cross Anglican School in San Pedro <a href="http://www.holycrossbelize.org/">http://www.holycrossbelize.org/</a><br /><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8XSm86LEYRqFO7xEeeKckKc2E6-V8HrR5RQkgJy1m0ONSHbjftQF9gEglqXJqEqx5AZjJumGcwDU63pF5thWVrFBIewltz1KoLpB3fILmxBkTlXSBRzdSxHltfaLb1yt6lBlao6WZEM/s1600/P9040111.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513596657817369474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8XSm86LEYRqFO7xEeeKckKc2E6-V8HrR5RQkgJy1m0ONSHbjftQF9gEglqXJqEqx5AZjJumGcwDU63pF5thWVrFBIewltz1KoLpB3fILmxBkTlXSBRzdSxHltfaLb1yt6lBlao6WZEM/s400/P9040111.JPG" /></a>New composting toilet mechanics </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg710zKztiik2bODZo1xUnier_60k3q31tqyKXPvF9F_yoHZcZkwVkhJOl5jdvf-SQr_k_9JVeBFpGKRS1CbzIHrpjVi_tIOiM5hNfY-sMRbOnW0A-cCcJR1UjKRqPdiqQubjF9WbsPB9Y/s1600/P9040102.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513596648641297426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg710zKztiik2bODZo1xUnier_60k3q31tqyKXPvF9F_yoHZcZkwVkhJOl5jdvf-SQr_k_9JVeBFpGKRS1CbzIHrpjVi_tIOiM5hNfY-sMRbOnW0A-cCcJR1UjKRqPdiqQubjF9WbsPB9Y/s400/P9040102.JPG" /></a> Washing hads in the new batroom building</p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnJjf3DEVkdZw6njZqnbANBlO5O727VOYyYmtnRzUXRrV9n2lWlddJlqmjksjVfGFDZvtkKkhzjRbuf4WHgVCGcjW-Zp2sF4VI0e1NisQz6uS3q3C8oJ-n1xGtDGD4rNPDTGYIswtWiE/s1600/P9030107.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513596644689535202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnJjf3DEVkdZw6njZqnbANBlO5O727VOYyYmtnRzUXRrV9n2lWlddJlqmjksjVfGFDZvtkKkhzjRbuf4WHgVCGcjW-Zp2sF4VI0e1NisQz6uS3q3C8oJ-n1xGtDGD4rNPDTGYIswtWiE/s400/P9030107.JPG" /></a> Holy Cross kids<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qnIlxhcFvK3tm5IGBwpu4C6bQcpmFiyv2CW9FJJn8ZGnaso50PvQocTRLTsByRxwPistCxxb59LsYsqgbTrvDYNDT88lYrGkq-pPTBkg_CAEvLY3e2bKxHVIVO5J8IrJXxzNGgmqBVs/s1600/P9030087.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513596643178812898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qnIlxhcFvK3tm5IGBwpu4C6bQcpmFiyv2CW9FJJn8ZGnaso50PvQocTRLTsByRxwPistCxxb59LsYsqgbTrvDYNDT88lYrGkq-pPTBkg_CAEvLY3e2bKxHVIVO5J8IrJXxzNGgmqBVs/s400/P9030087.JPG" /></a> Holy Cross Kids<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu43zExq3SJs0NzGQ5sXNX0ijF0axYVFZqQYBVhr2xw8b1MZVJN4WESu3rF3o5GGYq9D0JG5cVWUmJXUx_ioqe_T7he2SurPMs3pl8_qL27uNzzmRlvgrouo7hoynxZQUQsxuoppgnmZo/s1600/P9030084.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513596355489864722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu43zExq3SJs0NzGQ5sXNX0ijF0axYVFZqQYBVhr2xw8b1MZVJN4WESu3rF3o5GGYq9D0JG5cVWUmJXUx_ioqe_T7he2SurPMs3pl8_qL27uNzzmRlvgrouo7hoynxZQUQsxuoppgnmZo/s400/P9030084.JPG" /></a> Holy Cross Kids<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoSqOhOBtNeIZcfxVB0VlQr79sD3t1z3l1XOfGCot8eDD96-tdhzHx64heb1v9Hcnqyn4gM-dciX0s5bvbQQtJ94WAsUTsM0VyyNx1x13jExZB-St39tRxH48-uAcO1FgW_Lrg70DBg0/s1600/P9030084.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513596353955788866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoSqOhOBtNeIZcfxVB0VlQr79sD3t1z3l1XOfGCot8eDD96-tdhzHx64heb1v9Hcnqyn4gM-dciX0s5bvbQQtJ94WAsUTsM0VyyNx1x13jExZB-St39tRxH48-uAcO1FgW_Lrg70DBg0/s400/P9030084.JPG" /></a> Holy Cross Kids</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PN0o_tHq2heRK63t7euKwUoTPeyWx6LflLT_Lv_z4IAPBfQQB3eKfZHmHiphz8n0y5fTJtxWqjjCQVFfB5yuTdBuo2UvXnimnyHayuMrjDKYmUqHb5d4S9o3tY5ywFhyNDg9qVL-uAw/s1600/P9020103.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513596344741852258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PN0o_tHq2heRK63t7euKwUoTPeyWx6LflLT_Lv_z4IAPBfQQB3eKfZHmHiphz8n0y5fTJtxWqjjCQVFfB5yuTdBuo2UvXnimnyHayuMrjDKYmUqHb5d4S9o3tY5ywFhyNDg9qVL-uAw/s400/P9020103.JPG" /></a>Kids in the lunchroom<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHyc7c-ufZkDL-E35VA2PJnoQkWULnZx02-vlwby7FaInHC6uVyNVS5GCryhnsTmegUzg2lcCzG9oegeVXCv_T3hxfeNCuo08rwDU9bmxdy_rMTivyynxI7QrtWWmfj_-_Oql-V_73m8/s1600/P9010046.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513596337910912610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHyc7c-ufZkDL-E35VA2PJnoQkWULnZx02-vlwby7FaInHC6uVyNVS5GCryhnsTmegUzg2lcCzG9oegeVXCv_T3hxfeNCuo08rwDU9bmxdy_rMTivyynxI7QrtWWmfj_-_Oql-V_73m8/s400/P9010046.JPG" /></a> Holy Cross Kids<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFEqL3Aftr1vn9s_9e7TtXqfmPa-vkJ7kOihjT3Q6U2_yD-8ptJawfZz66zOnI7Z9G7l6qBYmUFzBelsCncfdQ6weZaTC8T6OEmz0OvDcYM5bC9IrpXgFZCm5yqX0bq3-X34VSd7FNJo/s1600/P9010030.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513596338280150162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFEqL3Aftr1vn9s_9e7TtXqfmPa-vkJ7kOihjT3Q6U2_yD-8ptJawfZz66zOnI7Z9G7l6qBYmUFzBelsCncfdQ6weZaTC8T6OEmz0OvDcYM5bC9IrpXgFZCm5yqX0bq3-X34VSd7FNJo/s400/P9010030.JPG" /></a><br />Hol Cross Kids<br /></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Holy Cross Anglican Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10786109970604574404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-54055009686516580522010-07-22T06:54:00.000-07:002010-07-22T07:01:59.900-07:00Global Giving Green Open challenge<p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">Hello friends and family,</p><p style="text-align: left;">I am writing to you to ask you to support Holy Cross Anglican School (HCAS) in the Global Giving Green Open challenge. To give you a little background, HCAS is a school in San Mateo, Ambergis Caye, off the coast of Belize. In Belize, even public education is not free. HCAS, which is funded through donation, provides pre-kindergarten through eighth grade education to 500 students. These 500 kids are the most disadvantaged on the island and would not have the opportunity of education without HCAS. Not only do these kids receive schooling at HCAS, but they also receive two meals per day; sometimes the only food they eat.</p><p style="text-align: left;">HCAS was selected as one of 20 organizations to participate in the Global Giving Green Open challenge. San Mateo is currently powered by diesel generators, making it extremely difficult and costly to consistently operate the volunteer built dental clinic and computer lab. Through GlobalGiving.org, we have the opportunity to install a combination of wind generators and solar panels. This will provide reliable, effective energy and help bolster Holy Cross Anglican School. HCAS is the only school on the Island with a computer lab this robust and large and opens its doors to adult education programming to serve the greater community. Both the dental clinic and computer lab are huge resources to San Mateo.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Through the Green Open challenge, HCAS has a HUGE opportunity to become a PERMANENT link on the <a href="http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/electricity-to-500-students-in-belize/photos/">GlobalGiving.org website</a>. All we need is 50 different donors and a total of $4,000 in donations. For only $10 dollars, you can provide enough electricity for one computer for one month. For $75, you can provide enough electricity to support the dental clinic for one month. We only have until July 30th to complete the challenge, so please act quickly if this is something you feel you can support.</p><p style="text-align: left;">HCAS is a school that I fully support and believe will impact and improve the lives of thousands of children and the greater economy of Belize. By providing renewable energy to HCAS, we can help sustain this incredible place. I sincerely thank you for your thoughts and any (tax-deductible) contributions you can make to HCAS.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Lauren</p><p></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGL7FETT5FkxYpqMRL0Fb7QTYmKBMmra_RoSqMLiZNevVu5Y3IHTa-0Jcb3TszaKHYKZ-78yiDifysvE5XaD0q8VZuXfV6PQXFveXA8r-QhohzgegGdzRMck474iXeoZ1ldXwHw72WC0U/s1600/ph_5710_19306.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGL7FETT5FkxYpqMRL0Fb7QTYmKBMmra_RoSqMLiZNevVu5Y3IHTa-0Jcb3TszaKHYKZ-78yiDifysvE5XaD0q8VZuXfV6PQXFveXA8r-QhohzgegGdzRMck474iXeoZ1ldXwHw72WC0U/s400/ph_5710_19306.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496729717636247714" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Holy Cross Anglican Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10786109970604574404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-50491307245281956472010-06-28T10:15:00.000-07:002010-06-28T10:19:34.219-07:00Holy Cross survived Tropical Storm Alex<div>Dear Friends, I'm happy to report that Holy Cross survived the first serious storm of the season, Alex, and is safe and sound - thanks be to God!! We're always a little on edge from June to November and certainly appreciate your prayers. As we heave a sigh of relief, we're back to work with two volunteer teams (St. Paul's School for Girls in Baltimore, MD and St. Dustan's in Dover, MA) continuing work on the new bathroom facility. We look forward to a busy and productive summer with mission groups, Vacation Bible Schools and plenty of construction!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Please take a few minutes to read the following expert from an article written by Reid Joyner (Diocese of North Carolina). He visited Belize in May as part of Episcopal Relief and Development's annual meeting. We were fortunate that he spent some time at Holy Cross. Many thanks to Reid and all of you who share the amazing story of Holy Cross Anglican School. Blessings, Francis</div><div><br /></div><div>Episcopal Relief & Development in Belize</div><div><br /></div><div>Episcopal Relief & Development’s network of diocesan and seminarian coordinators meets each spring to reconnect, share best practices and hear the latest about ERD’s programs and plans. For the first time our annual meeting, held over the Memorial Day weekend, occurred outside our borders in Belize City, Belize. The location was chosen because the Belizean diocese, supported by Episcopal Relief & Development, could “provide Diocesan Coordinators an opportunity to witness our partners’ life-saving work firsthand and to help them tell the story of our work more effectively,” in the words of Network Coordinator Luke Fodor. Field trips were planned to allow us to see the ERD-provided HIV/AIDS prevention curriculum in elementary schools and to see recipients of ERD-funded microfinance loans.</div><div><br /></div><div>Parishes in our diocese have participated for years in mission trips to Belize and in recent years to Holy Cross Anglican School in San Pedro. That connection led to my having the good fortune of being invited by the Rev. Jan Lamb, Deacon at St. Luke’s, Durham, and Holy Cross volunteer, to visit the school as her guest prior to the annual meeting’s start. </div><div><br /></div><div>And what good fortune it was. Holy Cross, located in San Mateo, an underserved area of San Pedro, is an elementary school educating just over 500 children from Kindergarten through 8th grade. During my short visit I sat in on 2nd grade and 6th grade classes where I saw evidence of the HIV/AIDS prevention curriculum and listened to oral testing for end-of-term exams; I experienced a donated computer lab; I walked to school with a beautiful 2nd grader named Aaliyah; I ate lunch with the children and sat in on their weekly chapel services (separate services for the youngest, middle and oldest children); and I walked with Jan through the San Mateo neighborhood.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I found was a school of happy children delighted to be in the school environment and eager to learn in spite of their challenging circumstances. Teachers were effective and students knew their subject matter. Younger students were variously attentive and older students were quickly responsive to the oral testing. In a positive way, the Holy Cross visit gave me a foundation against which to compare the field trip schools. A visit to the <a href="http://www.holycrossbelize.org">Holy Cross School web site</a> will be time well spent.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div>Holy Cross Anglican Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10786109970604574404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-27653075473784519672010-06-23T06:56:00.000-07:002010-06-25T07:14:55.644-07:00Perpetual Scholarship Fund<div>I’m Jimmy Hemphill. I’m coordinating an effort to write an article about Holy Cross School for the “Texas Episcopalian” (a monthly newspaper that goes to most of the homes in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas – approximately 85,000 members and 158 congregations).</div><div><br /></div><div>We are writing this article to help raise money for high school scholarships for Holy Cross graduates. Our church’s youth group successfully raised enough money to provide a scholarship for every qualified 2010 Holy Cross graduating student (high school costs about $500/year per student). We are also funding more than 10 students who are currently attending high school. We are going to need help from other churches to develop a donor base that will perpetually fund scholarships.</div><div><br /></div><div>My wife, an IPPY award winning poet, is writing the article. I’m trying to put together an electronic presentation, comprised of still images and commentary, to supplement the article.</div><div><br /></div><div>While we were in Belize to support the Holy Cross graduation and award the scholarships, we interviewed scholarship winners. We also interviewed the mother of the student my family supports, and we visited her family at their home in the swamp that surrounds Holy Cross. We have more than 6 hours of audio tape, including interviews with the Wilsons.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is my third trip to Holy Cross and we have lots of still images. I’m attaching a few thumbnails of the photos we took this year before the graduation – I haven’t had time to start editing the pictures we took at the graduation.</div><div><br /></div><div>If we could include some high quality video footage taken at Holy Cross, we could significantly improve our presentation and our ability to generate scholarships. If anyone has any to share please contact me at bookworm@kingwoodcable[dot]com<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Obviously we will only use the footage to generate scholarships.</div><div><br /></div><div>I would be delighted to talk to you about our project, or provide any other information you might need.</div><div><br /></div><div>We can make a difference at Holy Cross,</div><div>Jimmy Hemphill</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqUIbPFhywyTLISQEoxPBYNAzSxKAs4NW91bIACJr7SFgHDDx9h4m9z5FteqZgXHgDANXe0SROPjnwSRD2jX6xKxY5WywGcin0TOLJZSoz5Tc72Ng7RtwXBUjMlF-ZJxWq4OmO2Rb-dw/s1600/JMY_7934.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 223px; height: 336px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqUIbPFhywyTLISQEoxPBYNAzSxKAs4NW91bIACJr7SFgHDDx9h4m9z5FteqZgXHgDANXe0SROPjnwSRD2jX6xKxY5WywGcin0TOLJZSoz5Tc72Ng7RtwXBUjMlF-ZJxWq4OmO2Rb-dw/s400/JMY_7934.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486714349955522594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnVBE6alAFgblHPDFTpb4tjnQxJkrAaAg3b5HnXKv4Azr1_64hxRjxhtdXzBrTbb0ThxrIonsblECV0BnVVm0igg2B9oG5DSw3pdN2-w5-CkhvytIukkmJF1SIcOrnhPf2JSBOziRPjA/s1600/JMY_7179.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 223px; height: 336px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnVBE6alAFgblHPDFTpb4tjnQxJkrAaAg3b5HnXKv4Azr1_64hxRjxhtdXzBrTbb0ThxrIonsblECV0BnVVm0igg2B9oG5DSw3pdN2-w5-CkhvytIukkmJF1SIcOrnhPf2JSBOziRPjA/s400/JMY_7179.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486714342133280594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrbRuBYUCgOF3TwdyqF0J-49DdHlKbPnXQD-H-FJiqgZvWulf42YaFn7UZtIHjNuJWsCRPBiyaooFVZd1_1K7bD9dVyoGLj5x7IwHdSpTGWnKKsCC3FDB4dufE9DRlyFZPaiVEZvLopg/s1600/JMY_7118.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 223px; height: 336px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrbRuBYUCgOF3TwdyqF0J-49DdHlKbPnXQD-H-FJiqgZvWulf42YaFn7UZtIHjNuJWsCRPBiyaooFVZd1_1K7bD9dVyoGLj5x7IwHdSpTGWnKKsCC3FDB4dufE9DRlyFZPaiVEZvLopg/s400/JMY_7118.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486714336866522626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5reGT8R_Cfam7Xk5H-qjbqaPBfXlCpVRBCCaNJENjNBKGliLFEdhx4txkFIzMTpfmRjKrO8-xi_Axa9pM_ncMAY78BHVzYzTvGPoGTruxDfc0runUr4N4vMoa5pYy-2yVYUwtS1I1cT0/s1600/JMY_7084.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 223px; height: 336px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5reGT8R_Cfam7Xk5H-qjbqaPBfXlCpVRBCCaNJENjNBKGliLFEdhx4txkFIzMTpfmRjKrO8-xi_Axa9pM_ncMAY78BHVzYzTvGPoGTruxDfc0runUr4N4vMoa5pYy-2yVYUwtS1I1cT0/s400/JMY_7084.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486714334279987682" /></a>Holy Cross Anglican Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10786109970604574404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-59410177881230366192010-06-20T06:39:00.000-07:002010-06-25T07:01:31.199-07:00Holy Cross Graduation 2010WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!On Sunday, June 20, thirty-five students graduated from Holy Cross Anglican Primary School. Mrs. Carol Babb, former General Manager of the Anglican Schools and currently the Deputy Chief Education Officer, was the guest speaker. Mrs. Babb told the graduates that there were great possibilities for their future, but they must remember to be self-disciplined and determined, and they would have to make sacrifices in order to excel. Mrs. Grace Williams, Principal, and Mrs. Francis Wilson, Local Manager, also had praise for the graduates and words of wisdom. Rosa Lopez (Valedictorian), Zoila Canek and Ethel Villatoro were the top students in the 2009-2010 Standard VI class.<br /><br />Twenty-five students received scholarships that will allow them to attend high school. The majority of the scholarships were funded through a very generous donation from Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Kingwood, Texas. Representatives from the church were on hand to meet the graduates and to present the scholarships. <div><br /></div><div>The graduation ceremony included tributes to the Class of 2010 in poetry, songs and dance by the children in each division of Holy Cross. The traditional Torch Passing ceremony was also a part of the day. Prizes, a backpack full of school supplies, were awarded to the top two students in each class. At the conclusion of the festivities, children and their families were treated to cupcakes, also provided by the good folks from Good Shepherd Church. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHO76ujCxYHL8d9u7p693nbqmyHDBE1SfmLjyDGPxdeYObAphSBnyM_5iebzjFw9oTIBox_3GTkMBGsF2O6m6lMrrKB_VcDgLzwr7jSiPaCjFMMvmeYo4S1Ft2PfWj7-tGTA9wMi4lW5g/s1600/Grad5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHO76ujCxYHL8d9u7p693nbqmyHDBE1SfmLjyDGPxdeYObAphSBnyM_5iebzjFw9oTIBox_3GTkMBGsF2O6m6lMrrKB_VcDgLzwr7jSiPaCjFMMvmeYo4S1Ft2PfWj7-tGTA9wMi4lW5g/s400/Grad5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486707555611161954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEQ24vAQYUpiyIx1_GGOZNA568dXefbl-IYjXdttpPjs_d6nsQ1Z0G6ZhIKUr0ay3I6AwopfBho_sMKmhTP5t_ZAd72WawrXmOSbHhVjtKZ7utPGT-BBAiWMfbT7H5JNfLh0b8EoaWkU/s1600/Grad4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEQ24vAQYUpiyIx1_GGOZNA568dXefbl-IYjXdttpPjs_d6nsQ1Z0G6ZhIKUr0ay3I6AwopfBho_sMKmhTP5t_ZAd72WawrXmOSbHhVjtKZ7utPGT-BBAiWMfbT7H5JNfLh0b8EoaWkU/s400/Grad4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486707547900146690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLxrMYIQso5rgjUg0rCjN24KkxDmNfrKV1_tFtWaMJzuavglgR1okr5l_eOQnumQfucdUa5US43fq_9_ZiDrhHVK2qVKLFG_POP6ALvcE4J33AXg3uQZxWOBPiMgf5HAjpA4j6Be4Wrk/s1600/Grad3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLxrMYIQso5rgjUg0rCjN24KkxDmNfrKV1_tFtWaMJzuavglgR1okr5l_eOQnumQfucdUa5US43fq_9_ZiDrhHVK2qVKLFG_POP6ALvcE4J33AXg3uQZxWOBPiMgf5HAjpA4j6Be4Wrk/s400/Grad3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486707542855194898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVF45xacEqqCCut2h5wc4CSsDzPAHWHp0tNcaIK7OasGoY2ewy5-tTa-vz6w5MPgCvhPqY6RHm-neOVeYMxjdY_8TgP4bgaq4roOZSsc3gGm5lK4bNgVAAdhyMO5xTc8IgQouv-TH9KU/s1600/Grad2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVF45xacEqqCCut2h5wc4CSsDzPAHWHp0tNcaIK7OasGoY2ewy5-tTa-vz6w5MPgCvhPqY6RHm-neOVeYMxjdY_8TgP4bgaq4roOZSsc3gGm5lK4bNgVAAdhyMO5xTc8IgQouv-TH9KU/s400/Grad2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486707537555524162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2-PFUW3NPf38TQX9TRVP57m4gc5YEuZLhJvctySsDTd0QTgzGqBD_BazFNPkX4HDLK54fWQeRV-amIIha2CLfAfNkYMmoGD5riZfYxk_1DHjkXhJ-wdliR0XDUBnh8pNJR1rMkiS5xQ/s1600/Grad1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2-PFUW3NPf38TQX9TRVP57m4gc5YEuZLhJvctySsDTd0QTgzGqBD_BazFNPkX4HDLK54fWQeRV-amIIha2CLfAfNkYMmoGD5riZfYxk_1DHjkXhJ-wdliR0XDUBnh8pNJR1rMkiS5xQ/s400/Grad1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486707522531285058" /></a></div>Holy Cross Anglican Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10786109970604574404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130020777406012135.post-74595017535306911642010-06-14T07:09:00.000-07:002010-06-25T07:30:21.867-07:00Visit from Bob the Parrot and Joey Stevens<div>Dear Friends of Holy Cross, Wild and crazy things are always happening here at Holy Cross - smile! Today we had a surprise visit from Weatherman Joey Stevens from WSEE in Erie, Pennsylvania and his side kick, Bob the Parrott. For those of you who are not in Belize, WSEE does "One Caribbean Weather" everyday. Joey and the Parrott are in San Pedro as part of the San Pedro Lobsterfest celebration. Check out the WSEE website later this week - should be on there soon. Their weather runs all day, lots of chances to see the show. Needless to say, the children were quite excited and welcomed the break from exams and the end of year wind down. </div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to welcoming Joey and the Parrott, we also rejoiced as volunteer mission teams have recently come to work at the school (thanks be to God!). Folks from Southcrest Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas, All Saints Episcopal Church in Fort Worth, Texas and the youth group from St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Durham, North Carolina have shared their time, talents and treasure and helped make Holy Cross an even better place to learn and grow. Many thanks!</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Our Standard VI students are currently preparing for graduation which will be held this Sunday (June 20th) at 1pm at the Nunez Auditorium at San Pedro High School. We are so proud of our 36 soon-to-be graduates!! We are also overwhelmed with gratitude to the many folks at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Kingwood, Texas who have agreed to provide the financial assistance for 24 of our graduates to go onto high school - wow!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>And finally an update on our Corporate Matching fundraiser....... as of today, 35 donors have contributed $14,644.75 to the project which will support the Holy Cross Feeding Program and construction projects!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE make your donation today,</div><div><br /></div><div>EITHER on line at www.hcefoundation.org</div><div><br /></div><div>OR via check made payable to Holy Cross Education Foundation sent to: Holy Cross Education Foundation; 7550 Corporate Way; Eden, MN 55436-2045</div><div><br /></div><div> Thanks to several generous corporate donors, your contribution will be DOUBLED and many children will have a better chance to grow up healthy and well educated. Many thanks for your prayers and your support. May you be blessed as you are a blessing to Holy Cross Anglican School!! In Christ, Francis</div><div> </div><div>Support Holy Cross Anglican School in San Pedro www.holycrossbelize.org</div> <div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlJsQNUCSP7vMeG2knLtOKzh_FdUPuDbt6-sAclLLak9Ws8cFWVPTEZLjJU5ZVP9VlLmicLflYJg-3TOv9t4ZIPMf0GL332vTQgPvig0OxfLcyfVtUs8yYzOntObhbcJqCX6wppQBtS4/s1600/STP84056.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlJsQNUCSP7vMeG2knLtOKzh_FdUPuDbt6-sAclLLak9Ws8cFWVPTEZLjJU5ZVP9VlLmicLflYJg-3TOv9t4ZIPMf0GL332vTQgPvig0OxfLcyfVtUs8yYzOntObhbcJqCX6wppQBtS4/s400/STP84056.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486715921495464130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQgq1uBB9k2HlRDBRhCGFkDFPQwfrtZHvDzAsR6olVVaEgFuFxOqKgNVP_Jmy4KMgtzoP7ydqbG8mS8udZ9xM0RGY0_TngFotYjmXbdHtKvteucjNkDFv4AFIPGNObkVeEh1s1r3zwHI/s1600/STP84063.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQgq1uBB9k2HlRDBRhCGFkDFPQwfrtZHvDzAsR6olVVaEgFuFxOqKgNVP_Jmy4KMgtzoP7ydqbG8mS8udZ9xM0RGY0_TngFotYjmXbdHtKvteucjNkDFv4AFIPGNObkVeEh1s1r3zwHI/s400/STP84063.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486715918464043570" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEism74nBwNCjf80rGIam__TO7U3QNvM24YNAshG8eh1zivF29-iUX2Y6dEdb_V76B-92wWfzND_hYXbQ0L7uMhh08VMPuV9FNI4HVbYEU6llelvWMr-93ZqHKS9Iaa7uMS8QoMM27PeS2E/s1600/STP84067.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEism74nBwNCjf80rGIam__TO7U3QNvM24YNAshG8eh1zivF29-iUX2Y6dEdb_V76B-92wWfzND_hYXbQ0L7uMhh08VMPuV9FNI4HVbYEU6llelvWMr-93ZqHKS9Iaa7uMS8QoMM27PeS2E/s400/STP84067.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486715911001192642" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzCXDN9Tc-SQ740IaZ1fn-oi4bBn2y5FgzcsQUTRU-btDORin2i33-jNdWh64uDZ7neG48pb1nySVEQlrQFWp5GOeaDPtOuQsElmo3dgsCbloVB0DbvMpFUCft86VTtq4DZ8XIfyVVOI/s1600/STP84068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzCXDN9Tc-SQ740IaZ1fn-oi4bBn2y5FgzcsQUTRU-btDORin2i33-jNdWh64uDZ7neG48pb1nySVEQlrQFWp5GOeaDPtOuQsElmo3dgsCbloVB0DbvMpFUCft86VTtq4DZ8XIfyVVOI/s400/STP84068.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486715909827174626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWhWOKqquG7QdbkYrVwIVmj53ZbsYSkeaeLVScqV9AafQ2VXD5QKXSfx60DAviPfuNmOmL8O2VUHtBrjDfr8EBzaeQF19Znyk5btwsO44XHBTQVtdi8YuCXzCzhJfXrvrs1xOxGSrij8/s1600/STP84069.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWhWOKqquG7QdbkYrVwIVmj53ZbsYSkeaeLVScqV9AafQ2VXD5QKXSfx60DAviPfuNmOmL8O2VUHtBrjDfr8EBzaeQF19Znyk5btwsO44XHBTQVtdi8YuCXzCzhJfXrvrs1xOxGSrij8/s400/STP84069.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486715897973542434" /></a><br /><br /></div></div>Holy Cross Anglican Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10786109970604574404noreply@blogger.com0