REPORT ON VISIT TO ST. ROSE’S HIGH SCHOOL, GEORGETOWN GUYANA
By Brenda Ince-Hing, Vice President October 9, 2007
While on a recent vacation in Guyana, I met with the Headmistress of St. Rose’s High School in Guyana, Ms. Ercellon Cummings-Archibald, at a pre-appointed date and time – October 9, 2007 at 10.30 a.m.
Some content of this report may seem redundant, having regard to the detailed report given by BOG Chair, Marilyne Trotz, during her recent visit to New York when she met with the Executive Board Members.
Introductions were made and I was well received by both the Headmistress and Deputy Headmistress, Ms. Audrey Abrams – the latter having been invited by the Headmistress to be present during our discussion and subsequent tour of the school facilities.
The meeting followed an Agenda that had been prepared and given to me - prior to my departure to Guyana - to facilitate the discussion. Topics included:-
Outstanding 2006 DSL receipts
Outstanding receipts from Nicholas McLean for the equipment purchased
by him for use by the custodian
List of prize recipients with contact information and signed documents
Ms. Cummings indicated that:-
The DSL 2006 receipts had previously been faxed to Mary Ferreira and she (Ms. Cummings) needed to know exactly which ones are missing
Prize recipient list was also sent to Mary and Ms. Cummings assured me that she would ensure that contact information and signatures are obtained as required, and forwarded to our organization.
With regard to the receipts from Nicholas McLean for equipment, I had a separate, subsequent telephone conversation with him - which I will outline later on in this report - when he indicated that the equipment had not yet been shipped from the supplier due to a backlog, and therefore he had no invoices at the time of our conversation to present to the New York Association for reimbursement.
I toured the facilities accompanied by Ms. Cummings and Ms. Abrams and was indeed gratified to see some of the results of all of our efforts, namely:-
GROUNDS AND STATUE - Well maintained. The custodian appears to be doing a good job. Unfortunately I was unable to meet him.
HOME ECONOMICS ROOM – A class was in session and the students appeared to be motivated and happy. Ms. Cummings however indicated that tables are needed to display the students’ finished products.
INDUSTRIAL ARTS/TECHNOLOGY ROOM – Equipment needs to be updated to bring students up-to-date with current technology. Immediate needs indicated are hand-saws, jig saw, measuring tapes and chisels.
TEACHER’S LOUNGE - Consists of individual “stations” or cubicles with partitions on both sides, a writing area and storage drawer at the bottom. There are also 2 tables, which are in need of tablecloths (60 x 84). They are also hoping to get a 72 x 72 mirror for the wall.
SICK BAY- Equipped with a cot, and first-aid supplies. A member of the teaching staff trained in first-aid is able to provide assistance to sick persons. Request for bed linens and a fan was made for this area.
COMPUTER LAB – The Printer is working. Only 9 of the 19 computers are working.
SCIENCE LABS – One Lab has been completed and work is nearing completion on the other lab. Work was in progress during my visit.
LIBRARY – The Librarian was at lunch and additional keys were not available for entry to the library. I had to be content viewing what I could through the grill door. The view was limited but I did manage to see a few shelves behind the Librarian’s desk that were stocked with books.
There remain numerous problematic areas as outlined below. Some of the problems may seem very basic to us but in a society such as Guyana which is overrun with numerous basic problems, surmounting them can often prove to be monumental task.
The Janitorial Staff is only permitted by the Ministry to work part-time and the staff sometimes have to wait 3 months for salaries to be paid.
The Headmistress and Deputy Headmistress have no DSL access from their respective offices – they have to go to the Computer Lab in the Marion Wing for internet access. A router is needed to alleviate this problem.
The roof of the “original” building is so bad that when rain falls umbrellas are needed to cross the platform into the Hall/Auditorium.
Currently there are no lights in the Hall, hence the reason for having the November 15 prize giving at 2.00 p.m. It is my understanding that this problem is being looked into and the hope is that lighting will be restored in the near future.
Basketball Court is in dire need of refurbishing.
I also had a separate telephone conversation with Nicholas McLean who explained about the delay in shipment of the Brush cutter, Blower and Edger for use by the custodian. He indicated that when the equipment arrives he and a group of his friends will get together with the custodian on a Sunday and instruct him in the proper use of the equipment to his
best advantage. Nicholas also plans to fabricate a “pulley” type trash receptacle on wheels. Nicholas is also trying to get donations of garbage receptacles from John Fernandes Ltd. to be placed at strategic points around the premises. Currently there are no garbage bins on the grounds and this creates a big problem for garbage disposal.
Subsequently, I learned from Marilyne Trotz that the Minister of Education had approved the proposed composition of the Board of Governors for another term. Marilyne also mentioned to me that Nicholas McLean suggested, as a means of raising funds, selling Ad space on the Façade of the Building.
I am indeed grateful and feel quite privileged to have had the opportunity to view first-hand the results of our efforts and to appreciate the problems and constraints under which the Faculty, Staff and Students operate. As you can see, and as we all know, the needs of our Alma Mater are many and it is only with aggressive fund raising activity that we can achieve our goals of assisting in the ongoing improvement of the quality of education, environment and lives of the students and staff at St. Rose’s High School in Georgetown, Guyana.
Brenda Hing
Vice President St. Rose’s Alumni Association USA (NYC)
By Mary Ferreira, Co-Chair, Project Planning Committee November, 2007
As you are well aware, I visited Guyana in November to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for the official opening of the Home Economics room, and the Biology, Chemistry and Physics Laboratories.
Maureen Webb from Toronto and the Minister of Education unveiled the plague. There were many speeches made by officials from the Board of Governors, the Minister of Education and myself. The refurbishment was a huge success and the quality of work by the local contractor is of extremely high caliber. Unfortunately, the labs lack basic science equipment such as test tubes, racks, test tube holders, pippets, beakers, etc. During my speech I appealed to the Government and the Toronto Chapter to provide some of these basic needs. The science teacher gave me a sample test tube and rack in order to send one case of test tubes and one case of racks as a starter. The cost of these supplies would amount to less that US$100.00. I am in the process of sending the information to the Canadian chapter for assistance.
The grounds are in superb condition and Nicholas McLean has handed over the lawn equipment to the custodian. He also held a training session for a few hours so that the custodian could utilize the equipment to its full potential.
Newsweek and Smithsonian magazines were delivered to Ms. Cummings, Principal, along with the letters for those students receiving monetary awards. The Board of Governors (BOG) indicated that monies for this purpose were still not released by the bank and suggested that we find an alternative method for transferring money next year. Membership forms for joining the New York Chapter were given to the principal for distribution to any student headed to the United States.
The Headmistress needs a router in order to connect to the Internet. The cost would be around US$200.00. The line that Mr. Waterton used when he was principal was funded through personal means. Ms. Cummings is still not sure which DSL receipts we need so I will be asking the Treasurer to go through our past records and identify the missing ones.
The Science students will be using "Science in Daily Life - Book 1" this coming year. A pledge by the New York Chapter to furnish the first form with new science text books could be realized with assistance from the London Chapter. The details were given to the President, Carol Jonas-Cholmondeley at the last EB meeting.
A visit to the computer lab revealed that only six of the 18 computers are in working condition. While in Guyana, I called the IT officer at the Ministry of Education to remind him to send the loaner that he promised the school. Ms. Cummings informed me subsequently that she had received the loaner from the Ministry. I also completed the paper work for the Pfizer programme. I was in touch with Mr. Chait Phagoo on 7th December. He informed me that Ms. Cummings should send an amended letter indicating that only six computers are working and he will submit this additional information to Pfizer but he did not guarantee any extra computers. At the moment, his partnership with Pfizer will result in 10-15 computers being allotted to St. Rose's around the end of January 2008. Mr. Phagoo travels to Guyana to clear each shipment and to ensure that the computers are delivered to the respective beneficiary schools. The IT teacher, Ms. Lynette Fraser, said that she needs a total of 33 working computers; one for the instructor and 32 for the students. That is the size of each class. She is now teaching students the theory until the bulk of computers from the Pfizer programme arrive.
The additional money from he sale of magazines was used to repair the piano in time for prize giving. The event was a success and the students were very happy to receive their awards. Ms. Cummings will send the final list with signatures as soon as it is available. She indicated that the money we send is more than adequate for this purpose.
A visit to the sick bay indicated that the fan has been installed. The bay needs two twin sheet sets which I will donate and some medical supplies such as plasters, Limacol, bandages, cleaning pads, and pain tablets.
Lynette Jagdeo accompanied me on this trip and took numerous photographs which have been posted on the web site. She also gave the web address to interested students.
The building is in good shape and the auditorium is fully refurbished. The basketball court is in dire need of refurbishing.
The library needs repairing - the roof is rotten and the bookshelves are not adequate for the contents of the library. The librarian needs dictionaries, Atlases and recipe books. It would be a good idea to equip the library with computers for research purposes.
Students need help with French and Physics - these subjects were at the lower rung of the grading system in terms of CXC and CAPE exams.
I thank the association for sponsoring my travel and Cathy Hughes for her hospitality while in Guyana. It was a pleasure to see Ms. Marilyne Trotz in action and the other board members especially, Enrico Woolford, Nicholas McLean and Kenrick Thomas.
We should all be very proud of accomplishing all the work done at St. Rose's over the last few years.
Mary Ferreira, Co-chair, Project Planning Committee 9th December, 2007
St. Rose's High boasts new Science,
Home Economics Labs
November, 2007
St. Rose's High School now boasts new Science and Home Economics laboratories. Minister of Education Shaik Baksh, who attended the opening of the facilities on November 15, 2007, stressed the importance of fully equipped science and technology labs in schools. He pointed out that this area has been neglected for a number of years but noted that the Ministry is currently working on a policy document on science and technology education to promote in schools across the country.
The laboratories were refurbished through financial assistance from the Alumni Associations of New York and Toronto, which held fund-raising activities in their respective countries.
The work was effected by K.P Thomas and Sons, Inc. The Home Economic Laboratory was refurbished at a cost of $6.4M and was completed on August 30, 2007, while the Biology, Physics and Chemistry Laboratories were refurbished at a cost of $7M and was completed on October 5, this year.
The Ministry has worked in partnership with the school throughout the venture. Minister Baksh also pointed out that there is a shortage of trained science teachers and that the Ministry is embarking on several initiatives to change this since many students do not get to sit the examinations for those subjects. The Ministry is currently training 300 teachers through an 18-month distance education programme at the end of which the teachers would be provided with a certificate. The Ministry is also working to rehire retired teachers to lend assistance in critical areas including science.
The plaque was unveiled by Minister Baksh and representative of the Toronto Alumni Association, Maureen Webb. Others present at the ceremony included Vice Chairperson of the Board of Governors of the school, Mrs. Cathy Hughes, Member of the Board of Governors and Chairman of the Building and Works Committee, Dr. Nicholas McLean, and Representative of the New York Alumni Association, Mary Ferreira.
Immediately after the opening of the laboratories, the school also hosted its annual prize giving and graduation exercise, at which Magistrate Oneige Waldron-Allicock delivered the feature address with prizes, certificates and diplomas being distributed to the lower school, graduating students and special awards for the Best Graduating Students at CSEC, CAPE, GCE and the Visually Impaired Unit.
Address delivered by Cathy Hughes, VP, Board of Governors November, 2007
Master of Ceremony, colleague members of the Board, officials of the Ministry of Education, representatives of the Executive Boards of the Alumni Associations of New York and Toronto, head teacher and staff, Ursuline Sisters, parents and guardians, students, invited guests, ladies and gentlemen.
It gives me great pleasure to greet you here this afternoon in our historic hall, the only one of its kind in Guyana with a sloping floor, wide space without encumbering pillars and columns, with wonderful acoustics and completely constructed from timber – a true architectural piece of work. If ghosts could talk, they would tell you of the wonderful memories those of us who are old enough to remember have of this hall – it was where reading of marks took place; it was where we had gymnastic classes; it was where we practised table tennis and produced some of guyana’s champion women’s players and later badminton; it was where we had singing classes that trained us so that we often won prizes in the nation’s music festivals. But most importantly, it was where we staged theatrical productions that earned the school an enviable reputation. We look forward to the auditorium being restored fully in time for it to be used for Carifesta events just ten months away.
Last year we had to hold our speech night at St. Stanislaus college because the hall was not in useable condition, nor was the porch – the main entrance to the hall and the stairwell leading thereto, which were all in a terrible state of disrepair. The Board wrote to the Honourable Minister of Education requesting that the repairs be done in time for this evening’s event. I wish to publicly acknowledge our gratitude to the Minister who responded with alacrity, resulting in the hall being available this evening. But there is still much more work to be done to the hall and to complete phases 1 and 2 of the repairs to the school.
As all are aware, the board is entitled to an annual subvention to cover budgeted expenses. However, this subvention has proven to be woefully inadequate. Consequently, the Board has to raise supplementary financing to manage the school.
This brings me to the theme underlying the Board’s philosophy: partnership, in which Government, the Board, our Alumni Associations here and in the diaspora, staff, students, parents and well-wishers in the community must join forces to improve the conditions prevailing in our schools and to create the kind of environment in which learning can effectively take place.
Based on the mediocre performance of our students at the CSEC, CAPE and GCE in the science subjects, the Board appraised the conditions in which these subjects were taught. It didn’t take rocket science to identify that one of the major problems had to do with the state of the laboratories which needed to be refurbished and brought in to the twenty-first century. We appealed immediately to our Alumni Associations in New York and Toronto for financial assistance. In their abundant generosity, they agreed without hesitation to provide the necessary funding. You witnessed earlier this afternoon the fruits of that major project. As Chairman of the Board, I wish to thank our alumni in New York and Toronto for always being there for us.
Over the summer vacation, I had the pleasure of attending executive committee meetings of the Boards of New York and Toronto and I was truly touched by the enthusiasm and the commitment of our past students. In New York, they attend meetings traveling long distances, from all the five boroughs of New York and in fact from the entire tri state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. In that sprawling city of Toronto and its environs, they gather after a hard day’s work and driving many miles, to meet and plan how to help their old school.
They organise all kinds of fund-raising activities – tea parties, games evenings, bus rides, dances, tea parties and brunches. In Toronto, they join with Queen’s College, the Bishop's High School and St. Stanislaus college to organise annually the well known caribbean festival known as Caribana. All of these activities are done to mobilise resources to help their alma mater. We are most grateful beneficiaries. To them we also owe supplies of books and magazines for our library, with the surplus being put on sale to raise funds. They also gave us a lawn mower and a brush cutter .
All this in addition to the 26 computers and the copy printers, including a state of the art Reisograph machine which they gave us a few years ago. In addition, in response to our call for assistance to keep the school’s environment in good condition, they have enabled us financially to engage the services of a custodian who maintains our grounds.
Our alumni associations have proven to be reliable partners in our efforts. However, in order for our efforts to bear fruit, we need to rely not only on Government to make its contribution, including and particularly infra structural works to the school, but also on parents and guardians to make their contribution within the limits of their capability, in cash and in-kind and to instill in their children the right attitudes towards the school which is molding their children. Most importantly, however, you students must always remember that all that is being done is done in order to give you a quality education that will allow you to develop your full potential and to assume your role as good citizens of Guyana and the region. I am appealing to you to cherish and respect your school and to maintain the premises in a pristine condition. That will be your way of acknowledging your appreciation of all that is being done for you. As a good partner, you also need to embark on fund-raising projects such as cake sales, jumble sales, car washing and other wholesome activities which your fertile minds can think of, so that you can help to defray the costs the school has to bear and for which there is never enough money. We need parents and guardians to encourage their charges to become involved in these activities.
I have focused fundamentally on our priority project over the past year namely the Science and Home Economic Labs. Let me just say briefly something about our plans for the current academic year. It is good to have beautiful new labs, but they are mere shells unless they are adequately tooled. Our major project for this year is to provide the laboratories with the equipment and supplies necessary for them to be used efficiently. We are in the process of compiling such a list. Again, we will be appealing to all to help us in this effort. We must also focus on the Computer Lab as the engine room of information technology with all its possibilities of shrinking space through the internet and other applications. I have just learnt that through the good offices of the Alumni Association of New York, the pharmaceutical company, Pfizer has promised us 12 computers to replace some that are no longer serviceable and for installation in the labs. We also have to pay attention to our Industrial Arts Room which is in dire need of refurbishment. We must also seek to fix our Library in recognition of the fact that reading for pleasure and gathering research must be part of self-discipline.
The question of the occupancy of the premises by St. Agnes primary school has to be addressed with urgency. Historically, St. Agnes has always been considered part of the family. But its population has grown to the unmanageable number of more than 650 pupils. Besides presenting a fire hazard, the extreme overcrowding has resulted in the inability of the administration of the School to effectively exercise control. This has had adverse effects on the premises of our School. We exhort the Ministry of Education to sit with us and the Management of St. Agnes’ to resolve this issue.
Like Martin Luther King, we, the Members of the Board, have a dream and a lot of good will and commitment. Help us to make that dream a reality.
In closing, on behalf of the Board,I wish to extend congratulations to Ms. Ercelen Cummings-Archibald on her recent confirmation as Headmistress. I urge you to continue to give her all your support.
I wish to express profound appreciation to all the teachers and ancillary staff who have worked hard all year and especially to make this evening a success, as well as to the Members of the Board, particularly Mr. Kenrick Thomas, Mrs. Cathy Hughes, Dr. Nicholas Mc Lean and Ms. Rosamunde Addo. I also wish on behalf of the Board to offer congratulations to all our graduates, some of whom will be leaving or have already left the portals of this school. Some of you are going on to higher study; others have entered the work force. Your sojourn here was a prelude to the real world in which you must now make your mark. I urge you to take with you the lessons that you have learnt in this prestigious school - discipline, courtesy, the search for excellence and service, the latter embodied in our school motto “Serviam”.
