On Monday September 4th, 2023, the First and Second Form students of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School were happily welcomed back with separate assemblies. This was the first day of school and the first day of the new post-Shift System Schedule. The School day will now run from 7.45 a.m. to 2.25 p.m. for all students.
The First Formers appeared very comfortable in their new environment with more of the anxious nervousness showing on the faces of the parents who accompanied some of them.
These students and their parents were welcomed by the Head of Year, Mrs. Sarah Francis, and other members of the school’s management Team including Deputy Principals Ms. Cherise Gumbs and Mr. Perry Richardson and Principal, Mrs. Rita Celestine-Carty. They were exhorted by all to display the Virtues of Flexibility and Patience as they go through the school year.
They were also treated to two motivational and inspirational calypso renditions. Mr. Decent presented his song “Make a Difference”. The Calypso Monarch Roxxy reassured the students in most convincing fashion with her song, “You’re a Winner!”
The First Formers were then introduced to their Form Tutors for the year and were escorted to the different Form Rooms to continue their Orientation to their new school.
The returning Second Formers students were attentive and very interactive during their Form Class sessions that preceded their Assembly. They shared new experiences they had over the summer and they showed a pleasant attitude for the year ahead.
During the Assembly, the Virtues of Patience and Flexibility were also discussed with these students, and they were reminded of the Theme of their Year Group, which is “Rising to Overcome Challenges” by Ms. Sharnette Shaw, the Head of Year 2.
Mr. David Christmas, as the Featured Speaker, exhorted the students to be patient and flexible in life. Encouraging words were also offered by the Deputy Principals and Principal.
Ms. Cherise Gumbs, the Deputy Principal, Pastoral shared information about the new Peer Support Group of Second Formers. This Group was created to help First Formers adjust and navigate high school and would be trained towards this end.
Photos were taken of all the form classes and the Assemblies by Mr. Jevohn Martin of JM Designs.
As the new school year begins, the ALHCS is happy to share its Vision Statement of existing as a positive, warm, predictable and safe school environment where educators and students are respectful, responsible and resilient, where learning is truly valued and creativity and innovation are the norm with all stakeholders. All are asked to support the School as it seeks to convert this Vision into reality.
