Letter to the editor featured in this weeks San Pedro Sun.
It is long overdue time for an update of what is happening at Holy Cross Anglican School. I think as the director of Holy Cross School my decisions need to be made based on information I collect from the people of San Pedro as well as my personal observations. It is through the input of the people of San Pedro that I base my decisions on as far as the direction of what we at the school are doing and planning for the future of our school and the work we are doing with the Ministry of Education.
I think that it is important for people to be a part of the decision making process. That is one reason we require our upper grade students to read the news paper each week and do a report on what they read. The need to make decisions based on facts not hearsay. They will be the adults of the future.
It is also why I have been working with CNU college in USA and the Minister of Education in Belize to bring CNU's marine biology department and set up a study of mangroves and the micro biology associated with them. They will be at my request setting up a farm to grow mangroves for transplanting to other areas of the island to help replace what the developers are destroying by clear cutting of the mangroves. This project has been in the works for just over 2 years. It is scheduled to start this year. We have at the school started a transplanting project ourselves and have been monitoring the success of it for the last 2 years.
We will also be pioneering the transplanting of sea grasses in Belize to help replace the sea grasses which will be displaced by dredging for sand for piers, landings, and people running their boats around.
We are very involved with the minister of Education in setting up these programs as we as a college course for teachers using our new computer lab to help them be able to obtain their Associate Teachers Degrees without leaving the island or their teaching jobs.
There are plans to build a cat 5 hurricane shelter permanant school structure in the future. We also have plans to build a health post and child counselling center. (The counselling center will be opening in Sept). We have the only school in the country with a dental post for children (which is totally free to the children) and the only school in the country with a full time nurse on staff.
We have more plans for educational related projects and would be happy to share then with anyone who would like to come by the school and talk with us and help in what ever way you can.
We have 500 Students registered for this Sept. and have turned down over 200 this summer due to lack of space and finances. There is a great need for good affordable education on the island and we will strive our best at supplying it to our children.
On a personal note some background info on myself: I was one of the founders of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Virginia and we as a group started educating the people about the damage that was being done to the eco system in Chesapeake Bay. We worked with Virginia Marine institute and did extensive study and research on sea grasses and the transplanting of them to restore the health of the bay. The bay has gone through a wonderful transformation since we started the foundation.
I have been working in Belize with the fishing associations educating them in the use of circle hooks and catch and release of bill fish. I have been working with the Fishery Ministry in Belize City for the last 5 years on various projects associated with research and policy development as related to recreational fishing in Belize.
If anyone would like more information on any of the project we at Holy Cross or myself are involved in, I am usually available at the school 6 - 7 days a week. Please feel free to stop by talk and see what we are doing anytime. The school's phone # is 226-3456
Sincerely
Vernon Wilson
Director of Holy Cross Anglican School
Wow
40 new Dell computers
A must here - surge protectors
Imagine the possibilities
Lots of learing potential
Brand new - thanks Parish of St Matthews
Miss Grace and Miss Linda helping fit and collect money for new uniforms
Volunteers washing chairs
Dear Friends of Holy Cross, Sunday, June 22nd was truly a joyous day for Holy Cross Anglican School - our very first graduation - YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!
Twenty two Standard VI students (8th grade) took a tremendous step forward in their lives as each received their primary school diploma.
It took an incredible amount of hard work, tears, frayed nerves, meltdowns and prayers to create graduates from the challenging group we met in September 2007. Many of these students had been out of school for 'a while' or had been asked to leave their previous school for a 'variety of reasons'. Nurse Glenda (our school counselor) well remembers enrolling several of them with the police present!
Thanks be to God, the dedication of our school staff (especially Upper Division teachers Mrs. Joy Elliott, Mr. Carlos Coba and Miss Jasmine Elliott) and numerous amazing volunteers made the impossible a reality.
A group of young men and women who would never have made it to this point, graduated - well prepared to face the challenges of high school. Seventy seven per cent of our graduates passed the grueling national Primary School Exam and one hundred per cent are now enrolled in local high schools - a real life miracle!!
Each of you who has prayed for Holy Cross Anglican School, who has share your time, talents and treasures, who has sent financial donations, school supplies, tennis shoes or books is a vital part of this miracle. You made it possible for these young folks to have a future. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!!!!!!!
Please help continue the life-changing work underway at Holy Cross! 478 students are already enrolled for September 2008. Many will need assistance with uniforms, school supplies, textbooks, shoes and medical care.
All will benefit from the Feeding Program, daily vitamins, school nurse/counselor, new computer lab and library, two additional classrooms and bathroom facility. In addition our twenty two graduates need scholarship assistance for high school.
Quite an undertaking but with your support and God's grace, miracles will continue to abound!
Please Send donations to:
Holy Cross Anglican School
San Pedro Town
Ambergris Caye
Belize
Many, many thanks and blessings, Francis
June 6, 2008
Dear Friends, We are CELEBRATING at Holy Cross Anglican School.........
Yesterday we learned that John Willard of St. Luke's, Durham, NC received approval of a grant request on behalf of Holy Cross. Through his efforts, Holy Cross will receive $22,500US towards the construction of the Computer Lab/School Library - awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Today we found out that 77% of our Standard VI students passed the mandatory national Primary School Exam - WOW! The national average pass rate is 43%. Our students were the least likely to do so well as many had been out of school for a year or more or had been cast out by other schools. We are rejoicing!!!!!!!!!!!
Tomorrow you can be past of this glorious adventure through your donation to the Standard VI Scholarship Fund. We want our students to go on to high school but the cost per year is $1,000US per student. Please help!!!!!
Through your efforts, Holy Cross Anglican School has made it to this glorious day. Please help us go forward!!!!Checks can be made payable to: Holy Cross Anglican Schooland sent to:
Holy Cross Anglican School
San Pedro Town
Ambergris Caye
Belize
Many thanks and blessings, Francis
Info about Holy Cross
Holy Cross opened in September 2006 with 62 students and three teachers. By December we had added a Special Education Center with 12 children and one teacher and an additional classroom with teacher - our student body was approximately 100. At that time we had no administrative personnel - one of the teachers also acted as principal which was very difficult. In the Spring of 2007 we opened another classroom with teacher and student enrolment was 156:
September 2006 3 teachers (Infant I, Infant II, Standard I) 62 students
December 2006 5 teachers (2 Infant I, Infant II, Standard I, Sp Ed) 100 students
Spring 2007 7 teachers (2 Infant I, Infant II, 2 Standard I, Sp Ed) 156 students
In the Fall of 2007, Holy Cross opened with 435 students, 1 administrative principal, 1 administrative vice-principal and 16 teachers.
We have the following classes:
3 Infant I 72 students
3 Infant II 85
2 Standard I 54
2 Standard II 49
1 Standard III 35
1 Standard IV 43
1 Standard V 37
1 Standard VI 24
1 Special Education Center 10 students
Infant I is your Kindergarten
Infant II - 1st grade
Standard I - 2nd grade
Standard II - 3rd
Standard III - 4th
Standard IV - 5th
Standard V - 6th
Standard VI - 7th
Infant I, Infant II and Standard I are considered the Infant Division
Standard II and III are the Middle Division
Standard IV, V and VI are the Upper Division
School is mandatory for all children from Infant I through Standard VI - ages 5 through 14. After a student completes Standard VI they are not required to have any more schooling. If they want to continue onto High School they must pass a standardized test and have the money to pay tuition and fees, buy books, uniforms and school supplies. Average cost of one year of High School is approximately $750US to $1,000US - very expensive for Belizeans.
According to the Ministry of Education for every 4 children who enroll in Infant I, only one of the four will complete primary school. Of 4 children who complete primary school only one will go onto high school. Of the four who enter high school only one will graduate. Of the 4 who graduate only one will go onto to college.
Holy Cross Average Costs:
The Government pays all teachers salaries. Holy Cross pays for the following out of school funds which mostly come from donations:
School Nurse/Counsellor at $175US per week
Office Secretary/Bookkeeper at $200US per week
Kitchen Staff of 4 at $100US each for $400US per week
Security Guard at $120US per week
Construction staff of 4 for a total of $585per week
Purified Water for each classroom and cafeteria use: $175US per week
Transportation for Special Education Students $100US per week
Feeding Program - breakfast/snack/lunch $2,000US per week
Water $450US per MONTH Electricity $650US per month Internet $65US per month Telephone $100US per month
Medical care and medication for students - approximately $200US per month School supplies - most are donated - approximately $200US per month
November 21, 2007
Happy Turkey Day! Yes, we celebrate Thanksgiving here in Belize with a traditional turkey meal and all the trimmings - stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie - my mouth is already watering. But before we all start celebrating, I hope you'll spend a few minutes catching up with Holy Cross Anglican School and our 450 students.......
To tell the truth, for the last few months we’ve often felt like we were living in ancient Egypt at the time of the ten plagues. First there was Hurricane Dean, then Hurricane Felix, then the erosion of our precious landfill, then torrential rains, then days of the highest tides in recent memory, then textbooks didn’t arrive and didn’t arrive and didn’t arrive, then mud, - thick, sink to your knees mud, then LICE, on hundreds of little heads and a few adult heads as well – ugh!
Thanks be to God, in the midst of the ‘plagues’ were numerous joyful moments which served as much needed reminders of God’s presence with us. Many thanks and blessings to the volunteer dentists who filled lots of little teeth, pulled a few and applied 132 sealants….the visitors to San Pedro who tucked some much needed school supplies into their vacation suitcases…the medical group who distributed food sacks to residents of San Mateo…the volunteer who left her gently worn tennis shoes for a needy student…Cindy and Richard from the Diocese of Northern Ohio who paid their own expenses to volunteer at the School for three months…David and Ryan who baked fresh scones for the Halloween party…mission teams from Wyoming and Illinois who shared their time, talents and treasure…the Prime Minister of Belize, the Honorable Said Musa, who visited and made a $1,000US contribution for land fill…the teachers and students who made Culture Day a memorable event…the staff of Belizean workers headed by Mr. Freddy and Miss Rosalea who made sure everything broken was fixed and that three nutritious snacks/meals were served five days a week….to Madeline a teenager in North Carolina who raised $2,500 for the School and to many of YOU who continue to support Holy Cross Anglican School with your financial gifts and prayers.
Our most incredible moments occurred recently on Sunday, November 18, 2007 when Bishop Philip Wright welcomed 31 folks into the Kingdom of God at the first Anglican Baptism Service in San Pedro! Numerous students from Holy Cross along with several parents and younger siblings received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. Bishop Wright joyfully conducted the service, celebrated the Holy Eucharist and was amazed at how many children and adults he baptized.
This incredible service was brought about by the parents of Holy Cross students who continued to ask when their children could be baptized. What a glorious day for the Church of Christ and the Anglican Diocese of Belize! Since November 18 was also my birthday (don’t ask how old!), I considered the Baptism Service a miraculous gift from God and the best birthday present EVER!!!
Now that Thanksgiving is here, Christmas is just around the corner and gift giving is on everyone’s mind. I’m inviting you to honor your friends and relatives who already have everything they really need with a contribution in their name to Holy Cross Anglican School. Many of our students truly need so many things and your financial gifts are desperately needed to:
fund the School Feeding Program which provides a high protein snack and milk for breakfast, fresh fruit mid-morning and a full plate of food at lunch for over 400 students each school day. Cost is running only $1US per student per day but that adds up to over $2,000US PER WEEK;
provide transportation for our Special Education students which costs $75US per week;
pay the $200US weekly salary for our School nurse and counselor;
cover the cost of purified water in every classroom which is approximately $175US per week;
purchase tons of land fill which cost $110US for 7 cubic yards of sand;
assist with the cost of shoes, book bags, doctor visits and medicines;
pay for the thousand and one additional things – like electricity, Internet, toilet paper, copy expenses, research books, poster board, and on and on and on.
Please remember the children of Holy Cross in your Holiday gift giving!!! Checks may be made payable to:
Holy Cross Anglican School
And sent to:
Holy Cross Anglican School
San Pedro Town
Ambergris Caye, Belize
In the midst of this thankful season, I am reminded of the words of St. Paul in his Letter to the Philippians, “I give thanks to my God every time I think of you which is constantly in every prayer I offer…” You are the lifeblood of Holy Cross Anglican School - without your prayers and financial support there would be no school, no feeding program, no vitamins, no chance for a better tomorrow for many children in San Pedro. From the bottom of my heart, I thank God for each and everyone of you!!!
Blessings, Francis
Paul Tranter and Paul Bird from Johnston International Ltd. came by Holy Cross Anglican school recently for a tour of the compound. Johnson International Ltd., graciously donated use of their barge to recently transport 200 desks and chairs, audio visual equipment, a freezer and cafeteria tables. They have also pledged ongoing support for future shipments, which has and will save thousands of dollars in shipping costs.
Holy Cross is grateful for of all the local support they have received from people and businesses in the community such as the San Pedro Social Club, Alliance Bank, Elvies Kitchen, Sunset Grill and Harmouche Hardware to name just a few. However, most of the financial support for Holy Cross Anglican School comes from contributors in the United States, Canada and Great Britton.
Mission groups normally contribute $2500 usd to purchase construction materials for their projects at the school. They also support the local economy while they are here in San Pedro.
Word Ministries has donated school furniture in addition to financial support.
Numerous Churches and Dioceses have made generous contributions, including the Central Diocese of Newfoundland $10,000 Cdn), the Church of the Resurrection, Spokane Wash. ($5,000 US) and St Stephens Church, Edina Min. ($3,000 US).
The Bay Street Children’s Foundation in Toronto donated $3,000 Cdn.
Many individuals have also contributed generously to the school.
The Ambergris Caye Message Boarders have also been very generous bringing down school supplies and treats for the kids.
Without the ongoing support from friends in Belize and throughout the world, Holy Cross Anglican School would not have grown as rapidly and successfully. Holy Cross is very appreciative of all the help it has recieved.
School ground is a lake
Make shift sidewalks
Paul Paul Vernon
Getting ready for lunch
Touring the School
Tables brought over by Johnston International Ltd.
Richard tutoring a student
Cindy tutoring students
Desks brought over by Johnston International Ltd.
Special Ed class
Special Ed class
Paul Paul Vernon
Shoes drying out
Walking to the Office
Nurse Glenda
Cindy
Linda
Riding in a mini lake
Happy Independence and World Peace Day
September 21, 2007
Dear Friends, Happy Independence Day from Belize!! This small country is celebrating 26 years of nationhood today - September 21st, with parades, fireworks and proud displays of patriotism. Meanwhile we at Holy Cross Anglican School are rejoicing in our ONE year anniversary!!!! On September 4, 2006 Holy Cross opened with 3 classrooms, 62 students, no furniture, swamp land and an incredible dream - to provide the highest quality education at the lowest cost to the economically disadvantaged children of San Pedro.
On September 11, 2007 - by the grace of God and the incredible support of our friends locally and throughout the world - Holy Cross opened (after dodging two category 5 hurricanes) with - take a deep breath...462 students(!), 15 classrooms, a Special Education Department, Chapel/cafeteria, School Office/Infirmary, Dental Outpost, 16 teachers, a principal and a vice-principal, school nurse/councilor and an office manager/bookkeeper. I have seen this all happen and still can't believe its true!!
The School continues to provide a protein rich breakfast with milk, mid-morning fresh fruit snack and a full nutritious lunch, at no cost, to all our students. In addition, our youngest children (Infant I, II and Standard I) receive a multi-vitamin daily. Students who cannot afford back packs, shoes, uniforms, socks and/or underware receive these needed items and all basic school supplies are available free of cost. Our school Nurse, Miss Glenda, provides basic health care, screenings, loving hugs and wise council. She promptly refers (and usually accompanies) our students with more serious problems to the local Health Clinic, arranges home visits with social workers and even meets with local officials - all in an effort to promote a healthy, safe environment for our children.
A few days ago I saw my local doctor. She shared wonderful stories of how Holy Cross was literally changing lives in this community. "You will never know", she said, "how many people come into my office and tell me what a blessing Holy Cross is - the mom with four children who can now afford to send all of them to school; a single mother who can finally get a job because lunch is provided at the school; the folks who thank God that other people (that's YOU!) care enough to make this school possible." There were tears in my eyes and an even stronger determination in my heart!
Holy Cross Anglican School is indeed a beacon of hope to many families in San Pedro and the Light of Christ is shining brightly. At Family Church Services just last week, over 280 students and their parents jammed our little Chapel to worship together and offer prayers of thanksgiving. In the midst of a troubled and chaotic world, this 'not so little any more' school is impacting lives and offering the opportunities for better tomorrows.
All of us are praying that you will continue your financial and spiritual support so that Holy Cross can continue to care for and educate the little ones on this Island. Remember, the Government of Belize only pays for teacher salaries* - everything else (construction costs, Feeding Program, transportation for our handicapped students, land fill, uniforms, school supplies, school nurse, water, gas, electricity, telephone, field trips, medical expenses, bookkeeper/office manager, resource materials, and the list goes on...) - depends in great measure on YOUR donations and prayers of support!!!!!
[* The Government of Belize has undertaken to provide free textbooks to all students this year. Although a worthy idea, the plan has been fraught with difficulties from the very beginning. The most critical problem is that most schools, including Holy Cross, are still awaiting delivery of the books. They are 'trickling' in but not one of our classes has all the textbooks they need - pray for delivery of ALL our textbooks - quickly!!]
I thank God that you have taken your time to read this Update and I also thank God for your willingness to share your many blessings with His less fortunate children in Belize!
So, just why does Holy Cross so desperately need your support right now?
1) Construction costs for building 9 new classrooms, expansion of the School kitchen and cafeteria area ran almost $100,000US. With the help of volunteer mission teams this past summer and their financial contributions, the current construction debt is right at $60,000US. PLEASE HELP!
2) The School had to purchase 300 new student desks, 12 teacher desks, 9 large bookshelves, 10 tables and so many chairs I lost count. Total costs of furniture was approximately $7,000US. And then there were brooms, trash cans, dust pans, water holders, cups, plates, spoons, fans, poster board....PLEASE HELP!!
3) Our wonderful Feeding Program is also incredibly expensive. Our current cost estimate, based on the first few weeks of school is $2US per child per day. Not bad for two nutritious snacks and a full lunch, but with over 450 students eating everyday that amounts to $1,000US+ PER WEEK - PLEASE HELP!!!
4) Land fill, our continuing nightmare, is costing $70US per truckload (7 cubic yards of sand). We lost some of the headway we had made through erosion during the recent hurricanes. We literally need tons of land fill - first to fill in under the new classrooms (Ministry of Education is NOT happy with classrooms in the water!), then to build the access road through San Mateo to the School and finally to build our desperately needed playground. Just imagine 450+ students spending break times on wooden decks - PLEASE HELP!!!!
5) Salaries for our School Nurse and our School bookkeeper/office manager are NOT paid by the Government. We consider these two ladies vital members of staff who contribute greatly to the health and well-being of our students - to say nothing about the sanity of our teachers! Their combined salaries are $375US per week - PLEASE HELP!!!!!
6) Utilities (water, electricity, gas for cooking and telephone are running around $1,500US per month. You just wouldn't believe how expensive water is!!! PLEASE HELP!!!!!!
7) The School incurred almost $7,000US in unplanned for debt in the process of preparing for and then un-preparing for two category #5 hurricanes, Dean and Felix - PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!
And then Holy Cross needs additional bathrooms (approximate cost $30,000US), a computer room AND computers (at least $25,000US), a playground, a high speed copy machine, furnishing for our Infirmary, and a life time supply of aspirin for ME!!!!!!
No gift is too small to be greatly appreciated and we'd love to be adopted by some incredibly wealthy philanthropist(s). Where are Oprah and Bill Gates when we need them?!? We just keep praying and reciting the little poem that has become our informal School mission statement:
"Little drops of water, tiny grains of sand make the mighty ocean and the pleasant land"
I invite you to become or continue to be the 'drops of water and grains of sand' that create a better today and brighter tomorrow for the students of Holy Cross Anglican School.
Please send checks made payable to "Holy Cross Anglican School"
Holy Cross Anglican School
San Pedro Town
Ambergris Caye, Belize
Many thanks and blessings,
Francis
July
Ministry of Education came to review Our efforts at Holy Cross, the committee was impressed with what they saw.
Plans for the upcoming 2007-08 school year call for Holy Cross to become a full primary school offering classes from Infant I through Standard VI (K through 7). Our projected enrollment will more than likely double to approximately 400 students…over twice as many uniforms, textbooks, meals, school supplies, teachers, desks, socks, shoes, book bags
Construction of new classroom pod is well underway. This building will house the Infant Division Infant I, Infant II and Standard I (K through 2nd) and will be 'home' to 199 little ones - wow!
400 students are registered so far and we will have 13 teachers 1 Principal 1 vice principal 2 Special Ed teachers
We are working on a plan for teachers and staff first aid training, fire safety plan and hurricane evacuation
A professional / career day is in the works to teach children about different professions as well as a music and art appreciation days.
The school dental clinic is just about finished. Many, many thanks to Bud and Geri Rotter for their generous donation which purchased the necessary tools and equipment; Dr. Mark and Joan Johnson for spearheading and coordinating the entire effort; dentist Louie Lam and Dave Buelow for setting everything up and their wives Roxanne and Shirley for cleaning the office space. A special thank you also goes to Francis' wonderful husband, Vernon for calmly negotiating with Belizean Customs, dozens of people in Belize City and San Pedro for days actually weeks to get the equipment into the country - not an easy task.
Seminary student and volunteer Chris Lloyd has been at the School since May and will be here until mid-August. Chris has been an enormous help to staff, students and volunteer groups and has done every job thats needed doing - and believe me, there are LOTS of jobs that need doing at Holy Cross! His quiet presence and humility have been greatly appreciated.
Discussions are underway with Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia regarding their setting up and funding a teacher training program and a marine biology study/training facility adjacent to Holy Cross. This would be a fabulous resource for the entire nation of Belize.
August
For the teachers of Holy Cross it is back to school for the month of August as they have teacher training. The teachers are taking classes at the school and also in Belize city to upgrade their skills. Among the things they are learning are classroom management and advanced skills for Special Ed.
We now have 431 students enrolled for the new school year.
In September Holy Cross will be a full primary school offering classes for each grade level from kindergarten Infant I through seventh Standard VI in addition to our Special Education Unit. A quantum leap in just one year! Thanks be to God and you, many of the Island's poorest children will have the opportunity to receive an excellent basic education at the lowest (or in many instances no) cost.
New classroom building
New classroom pod well on the way to being done
School uniforms for September
September
Holy Cross Anglican Primary School officially opened on Monday, September 4th at 8:30am. There was not one stick of furniture in the school; it was all coming 'manana', for the past several weeks! Bishop Philip Wright joined Principal and Infant I teacher, Ms. Sharon Hazel, teachers, Miss Monica Standard I, Miss Germaine Infant II, Miss Laura ESL and a Canadian volunteer, Heather Leslie who is our school nurse for the next 6 weeks. Together they welcomed almost 80 students and their parents to the first day of school.
Bishop Wright blessed the temporary classrooms and the students and, school was officially open. Miraculously we made it through the week and not one child fell into the mucky water! Even more little ones showed up for school accompanied by grateful parents - 'gracias por la escuela!', 'thank you for taking my child', heard often.
This afternoon I listened to the Infant I children sing 'Jesus Loves Me' while gazing at the mounds of garbage (land fill?), mud and water surrounding our little classrooms, I knew that by the grace of God and with your help we will make it! Holy Cross Anglican Primary School will love and feed and nurture and educate as many children as possible!!! I pray that you will accompany us this in incredible adventure in ministry - smile!!
To read more of Ms. Francis letter go to http://www.sanpedrodaily.com/9-10-06.html
On September 12th, Nurse Heather and Francis took her (with Mom and baby sister) to Belize City. The pediatrician immediately admitted her to the hospital. After three days of blood work, x-rays, CAT scan and a dozen other tests, she was finally able to come home with ELEVEN different medications. She was diagnosed with TB, pneumonia, anemia, malnutrition and parasites - a very sick little girl.
Now after two weeks of medication - overseen by Nurse Heather - she is transformed. Happy, active, running around like a healthy 6 year old - wow! She will be on medication for the next year and require frequent monitoring but she is definitely on the mend - thanks be to God.
That’s the really good news but of course there are always accompanying challenges…medical bills are approaching $4,000US and will undoubtedly continue to add up. Francis is praying that some of you will be able to contribute to her recovery!!! If you can, please make checks payable to “Holy Cross Anglican School” with ‘medical’ in the memo section and send to:
Mrs. Francis Wilson
Anglican Diocese of Belize
PO Box 535
Belize City, Belize
Visits to the Dentist were made possible through the generosity of Dr. Mark and Joan Johnson. Mark and Joan come to San Pedro several times a year from their home in Minnesota and provide free dental care to the children on the Island. They work out of a dental office they equipped in the local Poly Clinic and are a truly a blessing. Thank you Dentist Mark and Hygienist Joan.
Our first Parent-Teacher Meeting held on September 28th. There was a huge turnout most of our students were represented by a parent, or an older sibling. Mayoress Elsa Paz was a surprise guest and welcome addition to our meeting. Afterwards she commented that all our current children would have been on the street and not in school, if Holy Cross had not opened.
A special thank you to Heather Leslie, our first school nurse. Heather comes from Yellowknife, Canada and will be with us until the middle of October. She has been our official school nurse since the first day of school but she has also painted walls, varnished furniture, taught classes, conducted Chapel, organized snacks, done home visits, dried tears, hugged children and loved us all. Thanks Nurse Heather and thanks to Rick her husband for sharing this wonderful lady with us!!
October
Hello from Holy Cross and happy Columbus Day or Pan American Day as we call it in Belize! Many of you have asked how the little girl who Nurse Heather identified the first week of school as in urgent need of medical care is doing. Francis is thrilled to report that she will be back in school this Tuesday
With your help, 100 children are now learning to read, write, add, subtract and prepare for a meaningful life - breaking the cycle of poverty. A special thanks goes out to Heather Leslie, our first school nurse. Heather comes from Yellowknife, Canada and will be with us until the middle of October. Although she has been our official school nurse since the first day of school, Heather has also painted walls, varnished furniture, taught classes, conducted Chapel, organized snacks, done home visits, dried tears, hugged children and loved us all.
Other Noteworthy moments
We celebrated our first Family Sunday and Harvest Festival (similar to Thanksgiving) on October 22nd. The Very Rev. Lloyd Neal, Dean of the Cathedral in Belize City joined over 120 parents, students and staff for a joyous worship service. Our students brought in thank you gifts to God of fruit, vegetables, canned goods, flour, etc - which were used the following week in our Feeding Program. Casa Pan Dulce Bakery donated a delicious cake and God gave us a beautiful day - it doesn’t get much better that that - smile.
On October 23rd our long awaited and prayed for DESKS finally arrived!! Teachers and students lined the walkway as they were carried into the school. What a wonderful addition to our classrooms. Everything improved a thousand per cent - teaching, learning, classroom management and lunch time. No more eating on the floor - yea!! Holy Cross is very grateful to Yalbac Lumber Company in Cayo for providing these desk at cost!
Thanks to the efforts of San Pedro resident and school volunteer Claire Kelly, our long awaited bathrooms were complete. We now have two small bathroom buildings. Girls and boys with doors and separate stalls, instead of one toilet for the entire school closed off by my old shower curtain. Local businesses donated some of the materials including 3 little urinals which are really cute and Miss Claire raised the rest of the money - thank you Claire.
We also bought our first piece of office equipment in October - a small copy machine. Our four teachers literally jumped up and down with joy.
As part of our Feeding Program at Holy Cross we want to give the children daily multivitamins. Of course they are very expensive (as is everything!) in Belize. If anyone you know is coming to Belize, please ask them to tuck a bottle or two in their suitcases. I'll arrange to get them - smile. Francis Wilson (610-3421)
To learn more please visit the following links...
http://sanpedrosun.net/old/06-362.html
http://sanpedrosun.net/old/06-383.html
http://www.sanpedrodaily.com/9-4-06.html
http://www.sanpedrodaily.com/9-8-06.html
http://www.sanpedrodaily.com/9-22-06.html
http://www.sanpedrodaily.com/8-21-06.html
http://www.sanpedrodaily.com/9-26-06.html
Bishop Wright and Ms. Sharon Hazel
Holy Cross Students
The show must go on - classes started without any decks
Nap time
Vernon taking kids to the Dentist
Joan teaching Holy Cross Kids proper dental care
Mark inspecting student's teeth - for many it was first visit to a dentist
Norse Heather takes this opportunity to measure and weigh all the students
Harvest celebrations
July - 2006
Holy Cross Anglican School - Ambergris Caye Belize
The Anglican Diocese of Belize has responded to the critical shortage of classroom space on Ambergris Caye with the commitment to build and manage a new primary school, Holy Cross Anglican School. It is our hope and prayer that every child in this community will soon be able to receive a first class education with the addition of this school. Classes for Infant I, Infant II and Standard I (K - 2nd grade) will start September 4th, 2006 in three temporary buildings. With the help of Volunteer Mission Teams, construction of the permanent school building will begin as soon as possible. The plan is to build a Chapel, 8 classrooms, a library/computer room, a kitchen and cafeteria, bathroom facilities, school office and principals house. In addition a Special Education unit will be built.
August - 2006
We have registered 6 more students and have a total enrollment of
51. 24 more students will qualify the school for three teachers paid for by the government.
Three temporary classrooms are under construction. The foundation pilings were sunk down to bedrock, what a huge undertaking.The land has been cleared, fill is arriving daily for the many low spots The land has been cleared, fill is arriving daily for the many low spots donated by the town government , local contractors and businesses and the school is "arising from the marsh".
With lots of prayers and community volunteers the exteriors will be completed by the first
of next week.Walls and Floors went in and the roofs are next in line. San Pedro Lions club donated time and helped build the school.
Financial donations have been coming in from the local community and our wonderful friends abroad. If all the checks that are 'in the mail' arrive we should have about $10,000US to get the three classes up and running. That is an incredible amount of generosity but of course much more is needed. ALL our students need textbooks, and uniforms and nourishing lunches and Bibles and school supplies and health and dental check ups - whether their parents can afford these expenses or not - and, unfortunately most cannot. You and the folks you know will make this happen.
And now for some incredible 'God moments' also known as miracles - no names are mentioned…..
1) A lady 'found us on the Internet' just prior to her trip to Belize and brought two suitcases of school supplies - including 20 dictionaries!
2) A nurse will spend 5 weeks of her 'sabbatical' time volunteering in the school - she arrives the day before classes start!
3) The man who sold us the three temporary classrooms at cost (another miracle!) sent 5 of his workers over to San Pedro, at no additional fee, to help in the construction process.
4) A church group who learned of this project through a family who camped in San Pedro last year is sending each child a school supply kit!
5) A church in Texas has sent incredible children's books for classroom libraries!
6) The San Pedro Lion's Club is going door to door to get their members out for the construction project. They have committed to 'do' the bathrooms and sidewalk!
7) Local businesses have donated paint, land fill and agreed to sell us many needed construction items at cost - incredible!
8) A San Pedro organization donated $5,000BZ (US $2,500) to the project!
9) The local Chamber of Commerce donated $500BZ (US $250) and has pledged manpower!
10) A local resident has agreed to provide teacher training (at no cost!) in the area of recognizing and working with special needs children.
11) A frequent San Pedro visitor has 'adopted' several students with full scholarships! We estimate the actual cost per student to be $600US per year. Government pays teacher salaries the rest is up the Anglican School Management (which has 21 schools and precious little
money) and folks like YOU!
And two miracles that are very close to Francis' heart….
1) Our night watchman (who speaks Spanish and English) has donated countless hours during the day to registering students - his personal gift to the school.
2) Our three children each sent a contribution (now that makes a mother proud!) - the youngest is 'financially challenged' but shared several books on teaching sign language…one of our new students is deaf!
And believe me, the Miracle List could go on and on and on! Please spread the Word and the word about Holy Cross Anglican School. Plan to visit soon…bring a volunteer group….send school supplies and/or money…pray for us daily!
Many thanks and blessings,
Francis
PS: Much more to come…….
http://www.ambergristoday.com/archives/15-6-06/index.html#story6
http://www.sanpedrodaily.com/6-12-06.html
http://sanpedrosun.net/old/06-422.html
Loading up the wood for buildings
Bobcat was so handy
Cutting fill
Bringing fill to building site
Break time
Marking off the classrooms
Catching a ride
Sinking posts to bedrock
Francis takes a dip at the mangrove mud spa
Building the roof
First 3 classrooms
September 4th is coming fast