Although small in number, the Northveiw Christian Academy has found means of adding to the school’s curriculum and introducing its students to innovative methods of learning.
For the past three years, the staff of the school has engaged parents and students in an Open Day exercise. Its fourth Open Day since its launch in 2014, was held on Thursday, June 15 at the school, located at 2 Wharf Street, St Ann’s Bay. Teachers and a few parents were out early for the preparation to make the day the best.
Several displays were erected, each class having the task of preparing an area. This was to showcase the work that each class has been doing throughout this school year. Teachers and their students went through what, office administrator, Pansia Mullings calls a “long year of preparation” as the class projects are gathered and put on display.
Displays were from the categories such as mathematics, social studies, science, languages, and craft. Emphasis was placed on science as this, for the school, is seen as an asset. According to teacher, Phyllis Bailey, the school is the only “preparatory school in this area to have a well established science lab”. Mrs Bailey says having a science lab is very beneficial for students at the primary level and implores other institutions to work towards having one.
In addition to science, students are introduced to environmental practices from as early as Kindergarten and are taught how to make useful items from recycled materials.
Mrs Mullings, says that at Northveiw, students are engaged in a lot of art and craft and hands-on activities and that they incorporated some of their artistic talent in creating the projects which were put up. “We thought that that was the best forum to show off the school,” she said.
Mrs Mulling says that the parents are very receptive to the school’s initiative.
Visits to the different booths showed that the students were not only polite, but that they were well aware of the different topics. This Mrs Mullings says is “based on the fact that the students have done the work themselves, and have benefitted.”
During the session parents could be seen viewing the work of the students and were pleased by what they saw. Two parents shared with The North Coast Times, their journey with the school and their thoughts about the school’s Open Day activities.
Sarah Sweeny, who has a grandchild attending the school, says this is her seventh year being involved with the institution. “I think it is a good thing to give parents the opportunity to see what the students are doing and what they create…there are very good teachers here and if you want your child to have a good foundation, Northview is the place.”
In supporting what Ms Sweeney said, another parent Ricardo Henry said “the open day is fascinating”. He credits the teachers for their great work “tolerance, patience and caring” spirit. He says the students are well nurtured in a Christian like environment and that to him is “amazing”.
In future, the school wishes to improve their displays and hopes to have outside entities set up booths which would cater for parents and children.
ANOTHER ACCOMPLISHMENT
The Northveiw Christian Academy is at this time acknowledging the great work of its sole GSAT candidate, 12-year-old Javauni Small.
Javauni was placed at Knox College in Manchester. He said “I was inspired by my parents, Annmarie Small and Ian Small…I feel great knowing that I did well in my GSAT”.
Northview Christian Academy accommodates students from kindergarten one through to grade six and is now registering students for the next school year.
Grade three teacher, Fay Sterling says “Northview should be a school of choice for any child as we are of a very high standard… We not only focus on students who are academically inclined”. She added that “if we get slow learners, we work assiduously to get them on par… this is a school that any parent can send their child to and see benefits”.
Extra-curricular activities are offered and students are groomed spiritually. Clubs include 4H, brownies and dance club.
Chairman of the board, Rev Carlton Mullings told The Times “we have room for growth and we are putting in the necessary work,” with that, Mr Mulling also hopes the history and legacy of the school will continue.
