Catholic Board of Education E-Magazine - Spring 2018

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
E-MAGAZINE
Spring 2018
MANY PARTS, ONE BODY
WORKING TOWARDS THE COMMON GOOD

OUR MISSION
The Catholic Board of Education (CBE) is dedicated to the formation of productive citizens who are
firmly rooted in the principles of the Gospel. Catholic Education is more than information and facts. It
is a process of learning and formation. It views the person as a whole with intellectual, physical and
spiritual dimensions. Student learning is not solely focused on securing a place at a good college or
getting a great job, but learning to be responsible, socially minded citizens. All instruction within CBE
schools is rooted in the spiritual and moral precepts of the Church. Consistent with its Catholic identity,
all CBE schools are committed to helping students of all religions reach their full potential in a dynamic,
Christ-centered learning community.
Catholic Education Board of Education
Board Members
The Most Reverend Archbishop
Patrick Pinder, STD, C.M.G.
(Archbishop of Nassau)
Mr. Lambert Longley
(Chairman)
Mrs. Sharlyn Smith
(Vice Chair)
Deacon Danny Price
Mrs. Gail Wisdom
Mrs. Wendy Craigg
Mr. Winston Rolle
Mr. Jamaal Gomez
Mr. Ansel Watson
Mrs. Remelda Moxey
Mrs. Christine Robinson

4 Message from the Director of Catholic
Education
SCHOOL STORIES
5 CBE Family of Schools
STUDENT STORIES
18 St. Francis & Joseph Succeeds in Getting
Children Excited About Reading
19 2018 Archdiocesan Track & Field Meet
20 Catholic Schools in Pictures
8 Catholic Board of Education Student
Highlights
ALUMNI STORIES
12 Aquinas College Team Gears up for World
Scholar‟s Cup Barcelona Global Round
14 Best Friends Win Inaugural ALIV Interschool
Poster Contest
24 Blast From The Past
25 Aquinas College Class of 1998 Celebrates
20 Years
26 Alumni Updates

MESSAGE FROM
THE DIRECTOR OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION
“As we prepare to close, we express gratitude to
our administrators, faculty, counselors, nurses,
aides and support teams for their efforts in
ensuring that our communities are continuously
inspired to learn, serve, lead and succeed. “
Dear Friends,
The season of Easter is ending, Spring has begun
and we will soon close another uplifting year in
Catholic Education. Our Easter was filled with the
usual festivities focused on The Risen Christ and embracing the opportunities for
us to renew our spirit and start our Christian journey afresh. Spring has brought
with it the levity and animation that is necessary to help us see this year’s tasks
to the end. The festivals, academic accomplishments, sporting activities and
service acts over these past months are testaments of our commitment to
develop well-rounded scholars.
As we prepare to close, we express gratitude to our administrators, faculty,
counselors, nurses, aides and support teams for their efforts in ensuring that our
communities are continuously inspired to learn, serve, lead and succeed. We
are also indebted to hardworking parents, guardians, P.T.A.s, alumni and
benefactors for demonstrating that we are many parts, but one body working
towards the common good.
We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us and shall therefore finish
strong.
Blessings,
Claudette A. Rolle

BAHAMAS CATHOLIC BOARD OF EDUCATION
OUR FAMILY OF SCHOOLS

CATHOLIC BOARD OF EDUCATION STUDENT
HIGHLIGHTS
Catholic Board of Education (CBE) students continued to light the way during the second term
of the 2017 – 2018 school year. Several of our students achieved national success in the areas
of academics, sports, music and the arts. The Catholic Board of Education congratulates these
students for their outstanding success.
AQUINAS COLLEGE
Second Place, 2018 Ministry of Education
Business Studies Accounting Brain Bowl Team
Competition - Trayias Bowe, Kevinique Stubbs
and Brianna James , Grade 12
Second Place, 2018 Rotary Club UNESCO
MUNS Competition - Danae Morrison and
Cierra Sweeting, Grade 10
Second Place, 2018 BAISS Soccer
Competition - Senior Girls Soccer Team
Fourth Place, 2018 National High School
Soccer Competition - Senior Girls Soccer
Team
Third Place, 2018 Teacher Cadet Poster
Competition - Azia McKenzie, Grade 11
Three Gold Medals, International Archery
Competition (Dominican Republic) - Samuel
Albury, Grade 8
Second Place, Ministry of Education Science
and Technology School of Cosmetology
Student Beauty Trades Competition, Barbering
- Arvin Dawkins, Grade 12
Winners, 2018 National World Scholar‟s Cup
Competition Global World Scholar‟s
Competition Qualifiers (Barcelona, Spain) -
Team members: T'Ron Strapp, D'Ron Strapp,
Canaan Cooper, Antonio Thompson, Dariq
Chase, Tamia Moss, Jasmine Hanna, Malik
Knowles, Arianna Milsap, Zaryia Curry,
Jacovia McKenzie and Danae Morrison (Team
members are in grades 8 - 10)
Finalists, 2018 National High School Poetry
Competition - Dariq Chase, Grade 9 and
Jennyah Delancey, Grade 10
Winner, 2018 Water and Sewerage Essay
Competition - Jennyah Delancey Grade 10
Second Place, 2018 Water and Sewerage Essay
Competition - Areatha McDonald, Grade 11
Winner, Zonta Club Essay Competition -
Jenniyah Delancey, Grade 10
Second Place, Zonta Club Essay Competition -
K'Gia Turnquest, Grade 11
Finalists, Junior Division, 2018 Templeton
World Charity Foundation and Ministry of
Education 'Laws of Life" Essay Competition -
Dana Morrison, Vallyah Rolle & Canaan
Cooper
District Governor, Key Club International-
Janay Jones, Grade 11
Third Place, Future Teachers Song
Competition - Brenique Taylor, Grade 12
First Place, Ministry of Education Science and
Technology School of Cosmetology Student
Beauty Trades Competition, Facial Make-up -
Paige Rahming, Grade 11
Finalists, Senior Division 2018 Templeton
World Charity Foundation and Ministry of
Education 'Laws of Life" Essay Competition -
Sierra Ferguson, Daijah Johnson, Malik
Knowles & Danae Morrison

CATHOLIC BOARD OF EDUCATION STUDENT
HIGHLIGHTS
ST. FRANCIS de SALES SCHOOL
First Place, The Career and Technical
Education Section of the Department of
Education, Abaco District Poster Competition -
Ireneo Ajero Jr., Grade 9
First Place, The Career and Technical
Education Section of the Department of
Education, Abaco District Video Clip
Competition - Kathleen Mendoza, Grade 11
Second Place, The Career and Technical
Education Section of the Department of
Education, Abaco District Cup Cake Wars
Competition - Stephanie Francois, Grade 11
and Brendea Thompson, Grade 11
First Place, 2018 Junkanoo Love Rush Parade
First Place, Abaco District Primary School
Mathematics & Science Competition - Carter
Spicer, Maleek Martin, David Andrews and
Aidan Clarke ( Substitute ), Grade 6
Second Place, The Rotary Club of Abaco
Annual Hugh Cottis Speech Competition,
Primary School Category - Omari Mills,
Grade 4
Second Place, The Rotary Club of Abaco
Annual Hugh Cottis Speech Competition,
Junior High School Category - Vernanda
Destine, Grade 9
Second Place, Abaco District Spelling Bee -
Asiah Newbold, Grade 8
2017 Award for Highest BJC Spanish
Examination Score in The Bahamas - Kathleen
Mendoza, Grade 11

CATHOLIC BOARD OF EDUCATION STUDENT
HIGHLIGHTS
MARY, STAR OF THE SEA CATHOLIC
ACADEMY
Winner, West Grand Bahama Speech
Competition - Dasean Hield, Grade 11
Recipients, American Women‟s Club (AWC)
Scholarship - Cortez Rolle, Dasean Hield,
Richgena Sturrup, Richard Turner, Donovan
Clarke, Yana Swain & Keianna Bastian,
Grade 11
Winner, Title of Fashionetta Queen, Annual
Twenty Pearls Program (a Character
Development Program) - Charde Adderley,
Grade 12
Silver, SECME (Science, Engineering,
Communication, Mathematics, and Enrichment)
Competition, Senior High, Bridge
Building Category - Martin Sampson, Ricky
Outten & Danae Malcolm, Grade 10
Bronze, SECME (Science, Engineering,
Communication, Mathematics, and
Enrichment) Competition, Junior High, Rocket
Launch Category - D‟Leah Malcolm, Vince
Briones & Matthew Deveaux, Grade 8
Bronze, SECME (Science, Engineering,
Communication, Mathematics, and
Enrichment) Competition, Senior High, Rocket
Launch Category - Edilzabeth Newball, Kuvate
Newbold & Danae Malcolm, Grade 10

CATHOLIC BOARD OF EDUCATION STUDENT
HIGHLIGHTS
ST. CECILIA’S SCHOOL
ST. THOMAS MORE SCHOOL
Winners, Aliv Believe in Best Art Competition
- Caliea Taylor and Rihanna Evans, Grade 3
Second Place, Kiwanis Kids Speech
Competition - London Rolle, Grade 3
XAVIER’S LOWER SCHOOL
First Place, Marine Education Poster Contest
2018 “A Whale of a Choice!”, Grades 3 - 5
Category - Logan Stubbs, Grade 3
Second Place, Marine Education Poster Contest
2018 “A Whale of a Choice!”, K-2 Category -
Aidan Dorsett, Grade 2
Youngest swimmer selected, 2018 CARIFTA
Swim Championships Team - Leylah Knowles,
Grade 6
Bronze, U14 Water Polo Team - Team
Member Aaron Robins, Grade 6
STS. FRANCIS & JOSEPH SCHOOL
Rotaract Service Above Self Award - Zaria
Stapleton, Grade 6
First Place, Marine Education Poster Contest
2018 “A Whale of a Choice!”, 6-8 Category -
Kevaughn Wood, Grade 6
Third Place, Marine Education Poster Contest
2018 “A Whale of a Choice!”, 6-8 Category -
Benedict Goncalves, Grade 6

Aquinas College Team Qualifies for
World Scholar’s Cup Barcelona Global Round
Students from Aquinas College will soon pack their bags for Barcelona, Spain to
compete in the World Scholar’s Cup Global Round. The Aquinas College team,
comprised of twelve (12) students, recently qualified to advance to the Global Round
after a spectacular showing at the World Scholar’s Cup Bahamas Round. The top
teams from the Global Rounds will earn invitations to the annual Tournament of
Champions at Yale University. Global Rounds will take place in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia; Barcelona, Spain; and Melbourne, Australia.
The selection of the students for the Aquinas team was based on academic ability
(not necessarily the highest GPA but a thirst for knowledge and eagerness to learn),
discipline, oral speaking skills and willingness to work as a team. The students spent a
month preparing for The Bahamas Round familiarizing themselves on subjects from
various content areas including history, art & music, science, social studies and
literature.
The Bahamas Round was held over two days in April at St. Andrew’s School. Students
from grades 8 to 10 represented Aquinas College at the Regional World Scholar’s Cup
Round. Aquinas College team members included T'Ron Strapp, D'Ron Strapp, Canaan
Cooper, Antonio Thompson, Dariq Chase, Tamia Moss, Jasmine Hanna, Malik Knowles,
Arianna Milsap, Zaryia Curry, Jacovia McKenzie and Danae Morrison.
One hundred and seventy (170) participants representing seven schools competed in
this year’s Bahamas Round. Participating schools included St. Andrews, Lyford Cay
International School, Windsor Preparatory Academy, Meridian, New Providence
Classical School, St. John’s College and C.C. Sweeting. Teams competed in four
major events; the Team Debate, Scholar’s Bowl Collaborative Writing and Scholar’s
Challenge. Their appearance at the Global Round was Aquinas College’s first time
competing in The World Scholar’s Cup.
Founded by Daniel Berdichevsky the inaugural World Scholar’s Cup took place in
Korea in 2007. The first “global” round followed a few weeks later, bringing together
students from Korea, Singapore, and the United States. For the past eleven years the
Cup has celebrated the joy of learning, providing a tournament as rewarding for the
team that came in last as for the team that came in first. It seeks to motivate students
from around the world not just to demonstrate their existing strengths but to discover
new ones.
“Qualifying for the global rounds has shown me that I am indeed a scholar”, expressed
Aquinas Team member Dariq Chase. He continued: “We are as capable as anyone.
We will be traveling to Spain, I don’t believe that I will be afforded an opportunity like
this again. For me this is a huge accomplishment.”

“From it’s small beginning--a “world finals” more aptly described as a
“world starts”--the World Scholar’s Cup has grown to reach tens of
thousands of students in dozens of countries.”
The World Scholars Cup

NEW MURAL AT ST. CECILIA’S SCHOOL REFLECTS
SCHOOL’S COMMITMENT TO ARTS IN EDUCATION
Best friends win inaugural ALIV Interschool Contest.
Driving along Palm Tree Avenue one cannot help but notice the new St. Cecilia‟s School mural. The
mural adds a fresh burst of colour not only to the school but to the Coconut Grove community. The
„Believe in Best‟ mural was recently unveiled at a special awards ceremony and stands as a testament to
both the power of art and the importance of community engagement in the educational process.
The genesis of the mural began with Aliv‟s „Believe in Best‟ Art Competition. Gravette Brown, Chief
Aliv Commercial Officer explained the impetus for the establishment of the competition: - “Aliv
established this competition to showcase excellence and the importance of education and arts education.
The competition also demonstrates the transformative impact arts and technology can have on the lives
of students.” The National Art Gallery and The Paint Place partnered with Aliv to ensure that this
important initiative became a reality. St. Cecilia‟s School was chosen as the site for the debut of the
competition.
The competition challenged students, working in groups of no more than four, to tap into their creativity
and design a picture depicting what St. Cecilia‟s as a school community believes in. Submissions were
judged based on originality, color scheme and design. The winning piece was designed by Caliea Taylor
and Rihanna Evans, grade 3 students and best friends. Their artwork depicted a belief in art. Upon
selection of the winning submission the transformation of the girl‟s art onto the broader canvas of a mural
began.
Avenii Johnson an artist on loan from The National Art Gallery led the mural project with his essential
skills and services. The process of transforming the creative vision of the two young students into a mural
began with the priming and painting of the wall. The next step involved Johnson projecting the artwork
on the wall and tracing it. The actual painting followed and was truly an inspiring and uplifting
community event. Lead by Johnson, the winning students Caliea and Rihanna, painted the mural on a
bright, sunny Saturday supported by teachers, parents, and alumni along with representatives from Aliv,
The Paint Place and the National Art Gallery. Participants painted in earnest powered by Aliv who
provided food, drinks, music and painting manpower. Representatives from the National Art Gallery and
The Paint Place, who provided the paint for the mural, were also on hand to provide encouragement.

Johnson worked arduously on Saturday night and from sun up to sun down on Sunday to complete the
intricate, playful and inspiring piece. The mural stands as an example of what community teamwork can
produce and as a showpiece for the work of the two young girls. The mural is also a testament to the
positive impact that organizations can have on local communities by investing in and leveraging
community partnerships.
On behalf of the Catholic Board of Education, Claudette A. Rolle, Director of Catholic Education,
expressed her gratitude to Aliv and their partners, The National Art Gallery and The Paint Place. “We
are grateful to Aliv and its partners for choosing to launch this initiative in a catholic school. In our
system, art is an important component in teaching and learning because it supports our emphasis on
producing students who are not only academically capable, but also well rounded. To have a
professional artist and the St. Cecilia‟s School community engage in bringing to life an artistic
expression that was designed by two of its own scholars was phenomenal.”
Gravette Brown expressed how impressed Aliv is with St. Cecilia‟s School, "This school is very, very
important to Aliv.” She continued: - “We are inspired by what you do here. We are inspired that this
little school in the Grove is turning out excellence. I have visited over 20 schools across the Bahamas; I
have to say that this is the best little school in The Bahamas."
During the awards ceremony Caliea and Rihanna were presented with prizes from Aliv, The National
Art Gallery and The Paint Place. The Paint Place awarded the winners with a premium art set which
included materials, sketchbooks and an easel to encourage the young artists to keep creating. Aliv also
made a special presentation to the St. Cecilia‟s School Art Department. Upon presenting the winners
with a scholarship to The National Art Gallery Summer Camp, Malika Pryor, Community Development
Officer, National Art Gallery reminded the students gathered: “Art is a wonderful tool for learning and
exploring. It helps you to think better, differently and more creatively. Art is wonderful!” Pryor
explained to students how art can uplift others pointing out that when persons pass by the mural they
may have been having a bad day but when they see the mural it can make them feel happy. Grasping the
importance of art and the long lasting effects of art one of the winners of the „Believe in Best Art
Competition‟ mused innocently, “I love to paint and I am so excited to attend the National Art Summer
Camp. I hope this mural stays up a very, very, very long time so that when my children attend St.
Cecilia‟s they can see it.”

STS. FRANCIS & JOSEPH SCHOOL SUCCEEDS IN GETTING
CHILDREN EXCITED ABOUT READING
One of the perennial issues teachers face is how to
get their students excited about reading. Solving this
vexing puzzle extends beyond getting students to
plod through chapters of their textbooks during
school hours. Real success lies in students picking
up a book, apart from homework, when they get
home.
In an effort to encourage students to read for pleasure
and become lifelong readers, Sts. Francis & Joseph
School initiated a „Reading Challenge‟. The
„Reading Challenge‟ was launched 8 January 2018.
Students participating in the challenge were required
to read daily and record the number of books they
read. To make the challenge more exciting, participants were required not only to read but to complete
at least 5 out of 20 challenges while doing so. These challenges included reading to a stuffed animal,
reading to the nuns at St. Martin's Monastery and reading to an administrator.
Of course getting children to read more is just one piece of the puzzle, the other is ensuring all students
are proficient readers. According to the U.S. Department of Education's 2015 National Center for
Education Statistics only one third of elementary students in the U.S. scored proficient on a national
assessment of reading skills. The problem of low levels of reading is not unique to our community. To
counter this issue Sts. Francis and Joseph School has a dynamic Corrective Reading Programme for
students who are not reading at their proficiency level.
Observing the challenge participants and winners skipping up the steps, beaming with pride to receive
their awards at the ceremony it was evident that the students had been inspired to open a book. “Reading
helps expand your imagination and vocabulary”, quipped Quiniska Price, 6 th grade student and Reading
Challenge participant. “I like reading to learn new words and journey to new places.”
“The „Reading Challenge‟ is an important initiative because it fosters a love for recreational reading”,
said Latoya Hanna, Reading Specialist, Sts.
Francis & Joseph School. She added: - “I would
like to thank Menchie‟s Frozen Yogurt,
McDonald's Restaurant, Bank of the Bahamas and
Fourth Terrace Diagnostic Center for their
support. Research has shown that students who are
avid readers usually perform better academically
when compared to students who do not read daily.
Therefore, it is imperative that students read daily
to ensure their academic success.”

STS. FRANCIS & JOSEPH SCHOOL CLINCHES SIXTH CONSECUTIVE
BAHAMAS CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS TRACK & FIELD MEET
WIN
Young athletes from Sts. Francis & Joseph School bested competitors from three other CBE primary
schools to win the 2018 Bahamas Catholic Primary Schools Track & Field Meet. The 2018 Meet was
held over the course of two days, kicking off with field events on Thursday 3 May. It was a sweep for
Sts. Francis & Joseph School as in addition to winning the overall aggregate, the school also won the
primary and junior categories.
The annual Meet offers CBE primary school
students the opportunity to exhibit their skills,
dexterity and endurance in track and field events.
Catholic Board of Education (CBE) schools are
dedicated to the education of the whole child
through development of the intellectual, physical
and spiritual dimensions of every CBE student.
Athletics is an integral part of the total education
program of CBE schools. Catholic Board of
Education primary schools have a long and
successful history in school sports and
athletic development. Many Catholic primary school
alumni have attained athletic success at high school,
national and international levels.
As with all CBE sporting competitions, the 2018 Bahamas Catholic Primary Schools Track & Field
Meet fostered school spirit, healthy competition and provided a fun environment for students, parents,
teachers and administrators. St. Thomas More School placed second overall at the Bahamas Catholic
Primary Schools Track & Field Meet. Xavier‟s Lower School was 3 rd and St. Cecilia‟s School finished
4 th .
Primary Division
1st Sts. Francis & Joseph School 580 points
2nd St. Thomas More School 487 points
3rd Xavier‟s Lower School 367 points
4th St. Cecilia's School 330 points
Junior Division
1st Sts. Francis & Joseph School 330 points
2nd St. Thomas More School 317 points
3rd Xavier‟s Lower School 223 points
4th St. Cecilia's School 179 points
Overall Standings
1st Sts. Francis & Joseph School 910 points
2nd St. Thomas More School 804 points
3rd Xavier's Lower School 590 points
4th St. Cecilia's School 509 points

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN PICTURES

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN PICTURES

BLAST FROM THE PAST:
CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS TRACK & FIELD MEET

AQUINAS COLLEGE CLASS OF 1998 CELEBRATES ITS
20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
The Aquinas College Class of 1998 kicked off its 20 year anniversary celebrations last year
with an Aquinas College Alumni Souse Out & Bake Sale. The celebrations continued this year
with a Bingo Night in February and a Steak Out in April. Both events were held at Aquinas
College. Upcoming events include an „Aces Linkup‟ and the second annual Alumni Souse Out
& Bake Sale. „Aces Linkup‟ is being pegged as a social gathering for members of the Aquinas
College family, including teachers, alumni and friends. The event will seek to encourage these
groups to come together to demonstrate their love and support for Aquinas College.
“Celebrating 20 years of growth, independence and challenges is a huge milestone”, exclaimed
Class of 1998 member Denise Johnson. She added:- “It took 20 years for us to truly appreciate
the values instilled in us during high school.”
The Class of 1998 also wants to establish an Aquinas College Alumni Association through
which all alumni can come together, reconnect with classmates and give back to Aquinas
College. Part proceeds from all Class of 1998 events will go towards the Aquinas College
Development Fund.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
UPCOMING CLASS ANNIVERSARIES
10th Class of 2008
20th Class of 1998
30th Class of 1988
40th Class of 1978
50th Class of 1968
60th Class of 1958

RECONNECT WITH YOUR CATHOLIC SCHOOL!
Please spread the word and encourage other Catholic school alumni to join the
Catholic Schools Bahamas Network (CSBN).
The Catholic Schools Bahamas Network (CSBN) has been established to engage
people who share CBE’s vision and plan for its schools and to invite them, as stewards,
to share their gifts and bring that vision to fruition. Members receive regular updates
on exciting new developments at our Catholic schools; get the opportunity
to reconnect with classmates and cherished, former teachers and share in the many
uplifting stories of CBE schools.
For more information email jalbury@cec.edu.bs.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
E-MAGAZINE
PHOTO CREDITS
Aquinas College - Mr. Jose Cecil Magno
Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Academy - Miss Sydney Collie
St. Francis de Sales School - Mr. Elmer Bongon
St. Cecilia’s School - Ms. Marie Rodgers
Sts. Francis & Joseph School - Mr. Emmanuel Caragan
St. Thomas More School - Ms. Nicolosena Davis &
Mrs. Alexandria Richardson
Special thank you to Mr. Elmer Bongon, Ms. Marie Rodgers, Ms. Nicolassena Davis-Carter,
Miss Shannals Johnson, Miss Sydney Collie and Mrs. Valerie Rolle for sharing the stories
of our CBE schools.

© 2018