The Academics Division of the Anguilla Community College (ACC) jumpstarted the academic year 2020/2021 with a two-day planning Retreat on Thursday 23 and Friday 24 July, 2020
The Retreat, which was held under the theme Reflecting, Rejuvenating, Projecting, was aimed at building the team’s capacity to plan and deliver more effectively towards fulfilment of the College’s mission while, at the same time, exercising self-care. To this end, Heads of Department and the Dean, Dr. Michelle Queeley, engaged in a number of professional and personal development sessions.
Country Manager of FLOW Anguilla engaging the Department Heads in discussion in Strategic Planning 
Academic Division – Course projections and budget planning 
Academic Division with presenter, Ms Heather Richardson 
Academic Team with presenter, Dr Olufunmike Banks-Devonish
Dean Queeley, who recently took up her post stated that, “Within two weeks of taking up my post as Dean, I saw the need for us to step back and reflect on where we are, and the role that the Academic Division plays in pushing the College agenda for community development and empowerment through education. I felt that if we are to function at optimum, the key drivers of the College agenda must be in top shape spiritually, mentally, and physically. So really, in order to project or plan effectively we have to reflect and rejuvenate. This is the general idea from which our theme emerged. The Department Heads shared this belief and so they readily opened up to the idea of a Retreat ahead of September. I could tell from the level of participation and feedback from everyone, over the two days, that they were excited and satisfied with the outcome.”
Day One of the Retreat began with a short devotional session by Dr. Wycherley Gumbs. As the day was dedicated mainly to Strategic Planning, the team benefited from an extensive session on “Goal setting and Disruptive Planning” by Mr. Desron Bynoe, Country Manager of Flow Anguilla. Members then undertook a SWOT Analysis of the Academics Division, a practical goal-setting exercise using a work plan as their guiding instrument, and ended on a note of course projections and budgeting for the year 2021.
Day Two was dedicated mainly to personal development with strong emphasis on taking care of the mind, body and soul. Sessions included “Taking Care of your Mental Health” by psychologist in the Ministry of Social Development, Dr. Olufunmike Banks-Devonish; “Managing your Personal Finances for Success” by Ms. Heather Richardson, Senior Project Officer at the Anguilla Development Board; and “Natural Hair and Skin Care” by Mrs. Anthia Gumbs, local business woman specializing in natural skin care products.
The team looks forward to continue serving the Anguillian community – and forecasts a very rewarding Academic year, 2020-2021.
- Press Release
