PHILIPSBURG–Methodist Agogic Centre – Comprehensive Secondary Education (MAC-CSE) has put contingency plans in place for the first week of the new school year, as the institution is still undergoing extension works to cater to its fifth form. Four additional classrooms were needed, as the school is now in its fifth year, and some delay was experienced. The work is expected to be completed in a few weeks’ time. MAC-CSE School Manager Velda James said some contingency plans have been made for the first week of the reopening of school as a result of the extension works. “It is important that students’ education be given priority,” she stressed. The following changes will be in effect for the week of August 14-18 from 7:30am to 1:30pm: On Monday, August 14, only Forms 4 and 5 students should report to school. On Tuesday-Friday, August 15-18), all students except Form 3 must report to the school. Form 3 must report to the John A. Gumbs Campus in Betty’s Estate instead.
James said further details will be given to students as they report to school. A meeting for all parents of new students attending MAC-CSE will be held at the school campus at 7:00pm Wednesday, August 16.
Foundation Methodist Agogic Centere Executive Director Rose Hughes-Coram said the major construction at the high school is because four additional classrooms were needed. “The start of the construction was held up due to documentation. Therefore, we are in the process of putting a plan of action together in order to accommodate all the students during the first week,” she said.
James said this year marks a big milestone for MAC-CSE, as the school will be working feverishly to ensure that its fifth form students perform creditably in the Caribbean Examinations Council – Caribbean Secondary Certificate (CXC-CSEC) examinations of 2018. She said the staffing is almost complete, with some Immigration matters to be settled for two teachers, and there is still need for a part-time teacher for French. “Nonetheless, all efforts will be made to ensure the smooth running and functioning of the school,” she said.
Hughes-Coram expressed similar sentiments. “Our focus for the new school year is to continue to strengthen our base as we expand with a full-fledged high school. Focus for the MAC-CSE will be the fifth formers, preparing them for the CXC exams, as well as preparing all our students for the year ahead.
“We will have two major productions this year; a Dutch theatrical production and a Music Festival. We instil in our students that great things are expected of them as we continue to strive for excellence. Our schools will be enhancing their school-wide themes this year. It is the intention to make our schools ‘wow’ schools,” Hughes-Coram said.
She said that with the exception of MAC-CSE, all schools under the Foundation are ready for the new school year. The schools under the foundation are the Early Stimulation Centre, Rev. John A. Gumbs Campus, Browlia F. Maillard Campus and MAC-CSE.
Hughes-Coram said the Browlia F. Maillard Campus was the focus this year. “The entire school was painted inside and out. Minor repairs were conducted at the Rev. John A. Gumbs Campus. New office spaces were created and updated.
“At the Early Stimulation Centre all teachers are in place. At the elementary section: Browlia F. Maillard and John A. Gumbs campuses – two Cycle I teachers are still needed, but substitutes are in place; therefore, those classes are covered.
“Parents are integral to the success of their children. I urge all parents to get involved in their children’s education. Come in, meet your child’s teacher, form a bond with that teacher. For our children to be successful, home and school must work together,” Hughes-Coram said.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/68424-mac-cse-undergoing-extension-contingency-plans-for-first-week
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