Holy Cross Anglican School

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

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, Warm (actually hot!) summer wishes coming your way from Holy Cross Anglican School in Belize!! This summer has certainly been a busy time at the School filled with many celebrations, some unexpected challenges and, unfortunately, a few crisis. As we prepare for almost 500 students (wow!) to begin a new school year on September 1st, please keep us in your prayers and take a moment or two to catch up on the latest happenings at YOUR school here in San Pedro - smile!

We have CELEBRATED the arrival of hundreds of volunteers from churches all across the USA , including:

All Saint’s Episcopal, Fort Worth, TX
St. Andrew’s Episcopal, Fort Worth, TX
South Crest Baptist Church, Lubbock, TX
St. Mary’s Episcopal, El Dorado, Arkansas
St. Stephen’s Episcopal, Edina, MN (two teams!)
Good Shepherd Episcopal, Kingwood, TX
Ladoga Christian Church, Ladoga, IN
St. Andrew’s Episcopal, Newport News, VA (two teams!)
Assembly of God Church, Dallas, TX
St. Philip’s Episcopal, Frisco, TX
Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal, Virginia Beach, VA

We have CELEBRATED the offering of Vacation Bible School to our neighborhood children courtesy of the above volunteer groups. The happy sounds of excited children have floated across the school compound and many little folks have been kept off the streets for several hours each morning, learned about God and received a healthy mid-morning snack.

We have CELEBRATED the arrivals of: Jonathan and Lindsey, students from Dallas Christian College, who will be volunteering at the School until December; teachers Miss Laura and Miss Alex from California who taught Language Arts for our three week Summer School program; another great teacher, Miss Melissa, from Virginia who conducted teacher training and brought tons of supplies; Ms. Kelly and her daughter, Julia, from Canada who will spend the month of August helping set up classrooms and do bulletin boards; and many wonderful folks who have dropped by to visit and/or work a while at Holy Cross!

We have CELEBRATED with our recent graduates as they completed mandatory summer school - part of the enrollment process for San Pedro High School . They all did well and said it was ‘easy’ – smile.

We have CELEBRATED the arrival of forty new Dell computers, several printers, projector and all the pieces and parts necessary to put together a state of the art computer lab - all transported free of charge by Pastor Tim Tam with Word at Work Ministries, Amarillo, TX. Many thanks to several wonderful computer donors who wish to remain anonymous and the Parish of St. Matthew’s in Pacific Palisades, CA for making this incredible gift possible! Thirty two volunteers from St. Matthew’s will be here next week - including Mr. Eric who will oversee the instillation and set up of the computer lab.

We have CELEBRATED the arrival of a generous grant (already spent!) for the computer lab secured by St. Luke’s Episcopal, Durham, NC and Mr. John Willard – it saved us from bankruptcy!

We have CELEBRATED the arrival of precious school supplies, tennis shoes, BOOKS!, uniform shirts and pants, back packs, art supplies, polo shirts for our teachers, printer cartridges, kitchen equipment, sports equipment, office supplies, lice shampoo and essential financial contributions – thanks to everyone who shared their bounty with the children of Holy Cross!!

Celebrations seem to go hand in hand with challenges here at Holy Cross. Since we always try to focus on the good things that are happening, our list of challenges is shorter but none the less significant!

We were CHALLENGED when the School Office was broken into during a torrential rain storm in June. Although Mr. Freddy was right at the School, it was night time, the electricity was down and the storm was raging. We were out about $500 as the school camera, a cd player and petty cash were taken. Lesson learned…we changed locks on both doors to dead bolts and install additional lighting. (Not of much use when the electricity is off!)

We were (and continue to be) CHALLENGED by the needs of our twenty two recent graduates as they struggle to finance their first year of high school. It is difficult if not impossible to raise the money they need while trying to make ends meet here at Holy Cross. However, we know that God speaks to different hearts in different ways so some of you may feel called to assist with a scholarship. If so, send your contribution to Holy Cross and specify: Scholarship, High School.

We were CHALLENGED with security issues in the computer lab. Schools nationwide have been robbed as soon as computers were installed and we ourselves had just experienced a break in. Figuring that 40 new computers would be too enticing for thieves to ignore, we decided to put steel rods (rebar) welded together, into the walls, ceiling and floor and installed 2 inch thick wood doors covered with metal sheeting. We also decided to build a small apartment adjacent to the computer lab for the school warden – extra security. All this led to several current crises (PLEASE read on!!).

We are in the throes of a terrible financial CRISIS as the School owes the local hardware store almost $41,000US and the lumber yard almost $16,000US – a total of $57,000US!!! The addition of rebar in the computer lab and the building of the school warden's room cost us almost $25,000 - a totally unplanned for expense. The materials for the library, two new classrooms and another bathroom facility make up the additional debt of $33,000. Calls come everyday asking for payment – PLEASE HELP!!

We are in the throes of a terrible time-crunch CRISIS as the additional construction on the computer lab took two weeks out of the summer work schedule. That means the two classrooms and bathroom are just getting started (see attached photos) and the library needs tons of additional work. School opens on September 1st, so we've had to hire additional workers and everyone is doing overtime. That is exacerbating our financial crisis as we have higher labor costs and less available money to pay off debt – PLEASE HELP!!

We are in CRISIS as School opens in 27 days. That means the Feeding Program starts ($1,500US per week), sararies for the School bookkeeper, nurse and warden have to be paid ($500US per week), purified water is consumed in every classroom ( $125US per week), lots of toilets flush ($125US per week), lights, fans and now ac for the computer lab run up electric costs (best estimate is around $250US per week), telephone use increases ($50US per week), janitor services to clean classrooms twice a month ($50US per week). And then there are sick children needing medication, septic tanks to be pumped out, land fill to purchase, and a thousand other things. A total financial meltdown is upon us - PLEASE HELP!!

YOU are our indispensable partners in this ministry called Holy Cross Anglican School. We've come so far with your continuing support....you've built this school, fed disadvantaged children, provided a solid foundation for their dreams. As partners and friends, we want you to rejoice with us when we celebrate, help us rise to the challenges we encounter and assist in times of crisis. We’re in crisis – PLEASE HELP!!!

As always your PRAYERS are desperately needed and your financial donations keep the School moving forward. The Government of Belize only pays teacher salaries - everything else in your loving hands!!!

Please make your check payable to: Holy Cross Anglican School. And please, pray, pray, pray!!! Holy Cross Anglican School San Pedro Town Ambergris Caye , Belize Please make your check payable to: Holy Cross Anglican School. And please, pray, pray, pray!!! Holy Cross Anglican School San Pedro Town Ambergris Caye , Belize

Remember to check the school web site at: www.holycrossbelize.org Remember to check the school web site at: www.holycrossbelize.org

Many thanks and Blessings, Francis

Maureen and Tracy here on vacation tool time to visit San Mateo area and the school. They brought a big suiutcase full of usefull school supplies. On their tour, Maureen and Tracy got to see learn more about the school and the neighbourhood and enjoyed meeting some of the kids. While there we got to meet a nice group from the states.

Students and faculty from Gainesville State College in Georgia are visiting HC School and participating in a study abroad class entitled "Socio-cultural Perspectives on Diversity," which aims to teach future teachers how to ensure that all students from all backgrounds are respected and educated in a loving environment.

All 20 students are education majors at Gainesville State College. The students are being led by three faculty members, Dr. Carlise Womack Wynne, Dr. Diane Cook, and Mrs. Valley Rogers. The three professors are working in collaboration with the teachers and staff at Holy Cross to allow GSC students to observe in classrooms and offer teacher training seminars for both GSC and Holy Cross participants. Workshops include Developmental Psychology, Active Learning, and Classroom Management. This is the first visit in what will hopefully be a long collaboration between Gainesville and Holy Cross.

Francis and Vernon oriented the students on Sunday evening with a tour of the school and community. The students from Georgia are so fortunate to be allowed to come and learn and work with the faculty and staff at Holy Cross. Students have been able to work in various faculty and staff roles at the school. Holy Cross was a gracious and welcoming host to our volunteers and the experience that GSC students gained while in Belize was priceless. Gainesville State could not have asked for a more practical and beneficial host school.


Donations

Training session

Donation from Johnston United methodist Church

Sign by Shuffles

The teachers at Holy Cross have been learning first aid through the efforts of Cullen Walker. He has also been implementing a fire safety plan with a scale map of the school that will be laminated and placed in each classroom with a clearly specified exit route. The plan is to educate the children and teachers on fire safety.

Fire extinguishers will be placed near classroom doorways the goal is to have one for every classroom - due to limited numbers they will be placed in central areas first and marked on the map. Fire drills will also be held and sometimes certain routes will be blocked off so that teachers and students will learn how to take an alternate route and what to do in case of emergency.

The school is looking at getting safety patrol belts or vests for each class. The students will earn the honour to become a safety patrol and the goal is to help them learn life skills and responsibility through good behaviour.

The Holy Cross Saint’s football team won their first game against New Horizons school 3 – 0. There will be an ice-cream party in honour of Mr. Coba and the team.

Holy Cross Valentines fair is Friday Feb 15th - if you are in town pleace come out and celebrate.

Career day is Tuesday Feb 26th - we are still looking for more speakers.

Cinco De Mayo Fundraiser is set for May 3rd - details to come.

In an ongoing effort to improve the effectiveness and competence of teachers at Holy Cross Anglican School, the Anglican School Management sponsored a two day Language Arts Work Shop. Master Teacher, Mrs. Amari Hyde, from St. Peter’s Anglican School in Orange Walk spent last Thursday and Friday at Holy Cross modeling Language Arts lessons, reviewing Lesson Planning, teaching correct phonemic sounds and answering teacher questions.


Mrs. Amari Hyde and HC teachers

HC teachers

Education is not just for kids; recently Jo Lewis came from Atlanta to San Pedro to teach a two-day team-building workshop to the staff at Holy Cross Anglican School.

Jo’s background:
Transactional analyst
Clinical psychologist
Therapist
Couples counselling
Corporate coach and trainer
Coaching communication training for fortune 500 companies
Member of the ITAA

Jo’s goals in teaching this workshop were…
Increase abilities within the classroom so the teachers are more effective.
Facilitate teachers get to know themselves and each other building more of a community atmosphere.
Help new teachers transform into their positions.
Teach awareness of body language for both students and teachers.
Develop stronger people skills within the classroom.

Jo started off the workshop with an exercise where everyone paired up and interviewed each other, then they took turns introducing the person they had interviewed. Through watching this, Jo assessed everyone’s interpersonal skills and communication patterns so she could get a sense of what would be most helpful to the group.

I had the opportunity to talk to Jo during the lunch break and she commented “The staff at Holy Cross are a loving caring group and interested to help each other in doing the best they can for the students.”

Jo Lewis

Enjoying the work shop

Big turn out

I went to the school today to take pictures after hurricane Dean. I decided to photograph San Mateo first which is the area beside the school where many of the students live.

One one hand I was glad that I knew ahead of time the houses there were ok, on the other hand it made me sad to see the high water levels and imagine what it was like during the storm.

As I approached the bridge to make the loop around the area, I could not bring myself to cross it. That was a first for me, some of you reading this will know what that particular experience is like and after the storm the boards at the end seemed a bit more precarious than usual, although the 2 girls in my picture below had no second thoughts about it.

There has been much controversy over this neighbourhood. I feel it is important for people to see pictures so that we can generate awareness and be able to help the people living in San Mateo have a better neighbourhood. Holy Cross school is helping their kids get a good education and proper nutrition, and would like to see all the families in that area doing well.

The school survived Hurricane Dean, Miss Linda showed me a picture of the school with a big lake in front of it, thankfully the water has gone down. The classrooms are ok and there was no leaks or water damage. Some landfill was lost and 1/2 of a septic system that was to be installed in the Office.

The Hurricane did set everything back a week for construction and now it a bit of a race to get everything finished for Sept 11th the first day of school. Holy Cross is looking for any volunteers that would like to varnish desks and help prepare classrooms for the new school year.

For the next 3 days Miss Dianne from Quick Messenger Service is doing a communications work shop for the teachers at the school.

This School year is going to be busier and better than ever.

Happy boy riding his bike

Girls crossing the bridge

Yards are very wet

No basket ball for a while - we hope to get a playgroud done at the school

A boy and his bike

San Mateo Sidewalk

San Mateo suffered a lot of water after Hurricane Dean

Too much water

Destiny still has an uphill climb health wise

Fixing wires

Yards are not supposed to be wetlands

Houses are still standing

Dock and boat

Too much water

This is supposed to be the official entry way from San Mateo to the school

This sink hole needs to be filled to help improve living conditions in San Mateo

Sinkhole is estimated 20 ft deep

San Mateo sidewalk

Road through San Mateo

Bikes

Boarded up for Hurricane Dean

These folks need help

Toy car

yards are too wet

Boat motor

Boats by the bridge

New addition to the cafeteria - screened in porch to handle additional students for lunch

Registration time with Miss Linda

Inside new addition to cafateria

Hallway to new classrooms

Inside new classes

Sept 11 is coming fast Holy Cross needs volunteers to help get things ready

New Class

The school is growing so fast

Still boarded up