The Sunshine School
PO Box 90 BQ
Bequia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
West Indies
Tel: 784-457-3794
sunshine@vincysurf.com
|
OUR PEOPLE
|
|
STUDENTS
Twenty eight students currently attend school regularly – 8 girls and 20 boys ranging in age from seven to nineteen. These children exhibit learning issues caused by any variety of physical, behavioral or mental challenges. Students are referred to the Sunshine School by parents or guardians who have a basic desire to see their child’s special learning needs met, or by teachers, health personnel or interested individuals in the community. At the discretion of the school Principal, based on evaluation and compatibility within the school structure and available space, students are enrolled into the school. Parental involvement is strongly encouraged and an extremely important aspect of integrating the students into the main stream.
Students take part in annual activities organized by The School for Children with Special Needs, in Kingstown (www.specialneedssvg.org), and by the Association for Persons with Disabilities in St. Vincent( nspwd@vincysurf.com).
Several students have been transferred (back) to the Primary system in recent years and have been performing well. There are several former students currently attending secondary school and performing on par with their peers, while some other students have successfully completed the program and are well integrated into the community. At the end of last school year three students entered high school and one entered junior high school.
Traditionally our students have won several prizes in the Regatta T-shirt design competition. One year we won first, second and fourth prizes! This year one of our students has won the first prize while another received a special prize.
STAFF
Principal: Camille Jacobs who has been with the school since 1988, and has been full time since 1993, is a critical asset to the success of the school. Mrs. Jacobs completed a Masters in Counseling through the University of The West Indies recently and continually seeks out further learning opportunities for herself and the staff of the school. Her involvement with the school is endless from maintaining a seat on the Board of Directors to her role as School Principal, overseeing every detail from academics to operations, to remaining a strong advocate for the students. Her loving support in each of these functions is shown through by the positive growth and evolution of The Sunshine School.
Iyandal Williams started on the YES (Youth Empowerment Service) program and was so impressive that she was requested for a second year. Her performance continued to improve and in 2006, she was maintained as a permanent member of staff. She now teaches group 1 (approximately grade K – 1) students. She maintains a quiet and calm demeanor while providing kind support and encouragement to her students. In 2008 she successfully completed a six month training program in pre-school education.
Helen Ashton teaches group 3 (approximately grade levels 3 – 5) and has been a staff member since 1996. Her spontaneity and humor with the children never ceases to amaze us. She is a true gem and a solid building block for the school.
Two new teachers (Ronickca Gordon and Ashanka Quashie) started last September and are on probation for a six month period. They are being trained and monitored as they teach the students and support the school’s programmes.
Levan Hazel has been a member of staff since 2000 and assists in the workshop two days per week. In addition to teaching students in the shop he acts as maintenance man when needed.
Delnora Andrews is our school cook, preparing delicious and nutritious lunches and also teaching students how to prepare meals and to take care of the kitchen.
Chermon Pollard – “Miss Liz” is employed by the government’s “Home Care for the Elderly” program and helps to clean two days per week.
Since its inception in 2002 the Sunshine School has participated in the government sponsored YES program (Youth Empowerment Service) where young people are sent to various business places and institutions for work experience/job placements. They are taught work ethics and the specific skills related to the particular place of work. Each year between one and three young persons have been placed with us. Currently Tracy Frederick is with us for the second year. She supports Lyandal in her class.
VOLUNTEERS
The Sunshine School encourages volunteers, both living on and visiting Bequia, to join the efforts of helping our students learn. We have had the good fortune of several people who have made a significant impact over the years.
One person in particular who stands out is Bill Livingston. “Uncle Bill” to everyone, returns annually for four to six months and has helped “the workshop” evolve, soliciting donations from home for equipment and supplies for the shop. He works daily with students, teaching them proper use of the wood working tools and various techniques to create functional and whimsical items.
Ron Cutajar “Mr. Ron” has recently joined the volunteer staff and has been in the workshop once per week for the final term of the last school year. He enjoys working with the students and they love working with both Ron and Bill in the workshop!
Eriko Ouchi, a Japanese volunteer, completed a two-year assignment from 2006 to 2008. She worked as a counselor but helped in several other areas including sewing and crafts. Prior to that, another Japanese volunteer, Nobi Nakaoka was with us from 2004 - 2005.
Cristina Felber from Switzerland volunteered to teach “full time” at the school for one year (2009 to 2010). She was a valuable asset to the school and contributed to the growth of the children. She was not just a volunteer she was an unpaid member of staff.
In addition, numerous volunteers show up at various times for shorter periods - some to help teach individual students, to help with a project, a fundraiser or simply to show support to the school by attending an assembly or special function.
To each and every volunteer and supporter, we offer our sincerest “thank you”!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Since the inception of The Sunshine School, there has been a Board of Directors consisting of volunteers residing on Bequia. Potential members are screened and selected based on their ability and willingness to participate. Maintaining proper Officer positions and dedicated seats, the Board holds elections every two years and recently restructured the roles of each position to better distribute the responsibilities undertaken by the Board. Monthly meetings are held throughout the year with agendas covering School Business, development and fundraising.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Although rarely called upon, there is an executive committee which is also comprised of volunteer members, should a need arise for decisions beyond the discretion of The Board of Directors.
PTA
There is a vibrant and functioning PTA. The group meets monthly during the school term to discuss issues relating to students’ performance, improving programmes as well as fundraising activities.
DONORS
Thank you to each and every individual and organization that has donated to our cause. Every donation, large or small, monetary or material, time volunteered or items sent anonymously is key to the success of the school. |
|
