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Student Affairs I
PHILOSOPHY OF SERVICE
The general rationale from which the Section’s mission is derived is that responsibility for the concerns of all students be taken into consideration.
Such responsibility includes addressing all matters in collaboration with all partners in education to secure for every child the greatest advantages emotionally, physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. In pursuit of the student’s welfare, our ultimate goal is development of the whole child.
To provide services that will improve the scholastic performance of students, and to equip them to enhance their chances through collaboration with relevant agencies.
SERVICES OFFERED BY THIS SECTION
Prior to graduation high school students are required to participate in an On-The-Job Training Programme. To this end, the Student Affairs Section is pleased to have facilitated the placement of twenty-five (25) students in the private sector. It is our view that this kind of experience provides the opportunity for students to expand their horizons in the professional world. Therefore, this section will endeavour to increase job opportunities annually.
BAHAMAS NATIONAL PARENT-TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
Officers of the Student Affairs Section work in harmony with the President of the National Parent-Teachers Association. Monthly meetings are held with the President and Executive Officers.
This office assists the National President in organizing meetings to include all local chapters. The objective of the meetings are as follows :
(i) To discuss problems facing the students.
(ii) To determine ways to address these problems.
(iii) To increase parental involvement in life of schools
(iv) To provide helpful suggestions to principals for the smooth operation of schools.
THE HUMANE SOCIETY
Many civic organizations and service clubs request the assistance of
this section to schedule visits to various schools to address students on
relevant issues. The Humane Society and Student Affairs work closely together. The officers share the belief that the child who is cruel to animals is one who will also be cruel to human beings.
CLEAN CAMPUS
This is a joint effort between the National Pride Association and The
Ministryof Education. The Student Affairs Section is responsible for
>the judging of school campuses and the organization of award ceremonies. The custodial staff from various schools along with Environmental Health judge the interior and exterior of each school. As government schools display keen interest in competition, the ceremonies are organized on a timely basis. The National Pride Association officials refer to this competition as its most successful Programme. The awards presentation is usually held at one of the winning schools.
ANNUAL NATIONAL DEBATING CHAMPIONSHIP
The Bahamas National Debating Competition is open to all high schools students of grades ten through twelve from both Independent and Government Schools within The Bahamian Educational System.
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To build self-esteem and self-confidence in students;
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To help students to understand current issues and events;
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To improve opportunities for students to share ideas and improve their communication skills.
THE RED CROSS SOCIETY
Meals on Wheels, School Milk Scheme, Day Rehabilitation
Programmes, Disaster and Emergency Relief, First Aid Training and Service, Junior Red Cross, Centre For The Deaf, After-School Programmes, Prison visits and assistance to refugees.
The Student Affairs Section works very closely with the Red Cross and has been a member of the committee for many years. The main activity of the committee is the planning of fund-raising activities.
i. Involve all students in sharing ideas to make our schools the best they can be.
j. Facilitate a cooperative spirit among school students.
k. Expose all students to democracy in action.
l. Help other citizens and groups in the community.
ONE BAHAMAS
The One Bahamas celebrations were initiated in November 1992.The goal was to inculcate in all Bahamian citizens a sense of pride in and respect for the Bahamian culture and national symbols. Dr Olga A.Clarke, Assistant Director of Education, is Chairperson of the Flag Raising Committee. Her office liaises with the organizing body of Ministry Officials, Principals and students of government and private schools. The involvement of this office helps to bring about a memorable ceremony in Rawson Square.
ESSAY COMPETITIONS
Various local and international organizations such as the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association sponsor essay competitions in the Bahamas Government Schools, one of which is Conde’ Nast Competition. This office disseminates the information and ensures the quality of the essays.
The completed scripts are forwarded to Language Arts Education
HOTEL ADOPT-A-SCHOOL
The main objective of the Hotel Programme is to attract and direct the brightest and best students from our school system to rewarding careers in the hotel industry and encourage them to pursue higher learning. We also aim to create positive attitudes towards the industry and give students an understanding of the role hotels play in the economy. Features of the HOTEL Adopt-A-School Programme include the following: Hospitality Lectures, Adopt-A-General Manager, Speakers Rally, Careers Fair, Inter-School Debates, Pre-Summer Job Readiness, Summer Employment, Teacher Attachment, Hotel Operation Course and Mentoring Programme, Speech Competition, Chef In The House, Basketball Tournaments and a Work Experience Programme. The Ministry of Tourism organizes and assists in the funding of some of the projects through its HOTEL (Hospitality Opportunities Through Experiental Learning) Adopt-A-School Programme. This Programme was implemented in the senior high schools and has been well supported by principals since its relaunch in 1999.
Student Affairs Part Two Continued »
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