Wednesday, November 26 th 2008
Met with Ms. Cummins (Head Mistress) and Ms. Abrams (Deputy Head Mistress) and went through the procedure for the Prize Giving Ceremony on Thursday, November 27th 2008.
I met Mr. Bookie and had an opportunity to tour the compound, including the computer lab and the basket ball court. They did receive the 10 computers from Pfizer as well as the other donation of 10 CPUs and 3 keyboards.
Thursday, November 27 th 2008
Attended the Prize Giving Ceremony at which Enrico Woolford was the keynote speaker. Cathy Hughes and Nicholas McLean of the Board of Governors were also in attendance. 93% of the students (38/41) signed for receiving their prizes. The HM and Deputy HM promised to make every effort to reach the remaining 3 students. Once this has been accomplished, she will fax the completed form with all the signatures to me.
At the end of the ceremony, we were treated with drinks and snacks, some of which were made by the students in the cookery class.
Observations
The students were very excited about the prizes and this is a great incentive for them to work hard.
Mr. Bookie is doing a tremendous job in keeping the grounds well groomed and providing other maintenance support to the school.
The computer lab is in need of monitors and mice. One of the air condition units is out of order and needs to be repaired.
I've sent Ms. Abrams several emails and made at least two phone calls, reminding her that I needed to submit a report and was awaiting her fax with the signatures of all of the students.
The science labs are in need of equipment, which I believe is being undertaken by the Canadian Chapter.
The Home EC/Food and Nutrition Room seems well equipped and functioning.
The basketball court is in dire need of repairs/resurfacing.
The walk way leading to the building that houses the library and the computer lab gets water logged very easily and needs a proper drainage system in that area. Also, I'm told that the roof on that building has some leaks and needs to be repaired.
Other
You will see that not every student signed for receiving their envelope and that's because, they were not at the presentation ceremony. Both Ms. Cummins and Ms. Abrams (HM and Deputy HM respectively) promised that they will get the students to sign for the cash once they get back to school.
I've spoken to Ms. Abrams before the Christmas Holidays and again on January 15 th 2009 and reminded her that we were still awaiting some signatures. She mentioned that she was able to get 2 of the 3 remaining students' signatures. That leaves us with 1 outstanding.
Spoke with Ms. Cummins on Friday, January 16 th 2009 and she reconfirmed that only one student on the list is left to uplift his prize. They have tried reaching him by phone but were unsuccessful. The next step is to send him a mail. Once a positive outcome has been reached, they will let me know.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
P.S. I was treated with great respect and relished every moment!
In Serviam
Simone Mc Bean
