An official publication of Bishop Gibson High School for Girls

THE BEACON DECEMBER 2021 | ISSUE NO. 1

Message from the Principal

Greetings to the Bishop Gibson High School Family!

As your Principal, I am honored to introduce you to the school’s first publication of "The
Beacon." This publication aims to give a summary of the school’s accomplishments for the
Christmas Term. I hope you will find it interesting to read as you reflect and give God thanks for
our many successes amidst our challenges. A special thank you to the Publication Team, led by
Mrs. Sherika McLeod-Johnson.

At the commencement of the academic year 2021-2022, we were hopeful that we would be able to
engage our students in face to face classes. However, due to the upsurge in COVID-19 cases we
were forced to continue to engage our students virtually. For the term, we were faced with a
myriad of challenges as a number of our students were unable to join online classes.

In spite of our challenges, students and staff members displayed high level of resilience and
determination to succeed. As such, we were able to achieve a number of our goals. We are thankful
to our Board of Management, staff, parents, alumnae and friends of this prestigious institution
for their support and commitment.

I would like to extend heartiest commendations to all staff members, students and parents who
on a daily basis strive to uphold the school’s motto "Per Ardua Ad Astra" –"Through difficulties
we attain the highest." I would like to use this opportunity to encourage all persons to get
vaccinated so that we can resume face to face classes in January 2022.

We look forward to a productive and memorable Easter Term. I wish for everyone a blessed and
holy Christmas! In addition, I wish you all a happy, prosperous and safe 2022.

Donna Legister-Hendricks (Mrs.)

Principal, Bishop Gibson High School for Girls

PAGE 1
 Message from the Vice-Principal
Per ardua ad astra! - Through difficulties we attain the highest... and this school year has been no
different, but with Christ in the vessel we can smile at the storm.
Our students continue to prepare for the external examinations at: CSEC, CAPE, NCTVET and City
& Guilds with the support from the school board, staff, parents and guardians .

For 2022, registration is as follows:

CSEC-194 students
CAPE- 50 students
City and Guilds - 18 students - Customer Service, Level 1
NCTVET - 19 students- General Cosmetology, Level 1

Thanks to MOEYI, PATH, NCB Foundation, parents and guardians, alumnae and other
stakeholders for their financial contribution towards the examination fees for our students.
The administrative, ancillary and academic staff are behind you one hundred percent.
To our students: Go soar! Excellence is in your reach and you can do all things through Christ!

Love always and here to serve,

Karlene McBean (Mrs.)
Vice-Principal, Bishop Gibson High School for Girls

Important Dates
November 30, 2021 - December 14, 2021 - End of Term Examinations

December 16, 2021 - Christmas Carol Service

December 17, 2021 - End of Christmas Term

January 4, 2022 - School Re-opens Online (Start of Easter Term)

Congratulations!
Miss Katie Croswell has completed her Level 4 Executive Secretary Course.

Miss Abigail Senior has graduated with a Law Degree.

PAGE 2
GENERAL STAFF MEETING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
SESSION
AUGUST 31, 2021
SEPTEMBER 9, 2021
On August 31, 2021, plans for the new academic
year 2021-2022 were laid and shared with all All staff members were invited to an empowerment
staff members. Teachers were reminded of their session with guest speaker Dr. Marsha Smalling,
core duties and responsibilities. Plans for student Principal of Glenmuir High School. She encouraged
engagement in the week to follow were also all staff to cultivate habits of excellence despite
explained. hardships and failures.

NEW TEACHERS' MEETING FUNERAL SERVICE FOR PAUL

BAKER
SEPTEMBER 6, 2021
SEPTEMBER 10, 2021
New members of the academic staff were invited
The school family was on hand to give their support
to a new teachers' meeting on September 6, 2021
to academic staff member, Mrs. Denise Baker who
at 10 am. The theme was " Believing, Reaching,
lost her husband, Mr. Paul Baker, on August 15,
Achieving". Our Principal, Mrs. Legister-Hendricks
2021. May his soul rest in peace.
introduced teachers to the school's vison and
mission statements, expectations and mentorship
programme. The guest speaker for the session was
Mrs. Esther Roberts who spoke passionately about
going forward with commitment. Presentations
were geared at school climate and culture,
RenWeb, record keeping and classroom
WORD OF THE WEEK
management.

SEPTEMBER 2021

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
SESSION
SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
Catercorner
Members of the academic staff attended a
professional development session on September 7,
2021 aimed at the effective use of the Google
classroom. Facilitators were Miss Nichola Edwards
and Mrs. Jody Titus-Maxwell. They shared under
CORE VALUE FOR SEPTEMBER:
COMMITMENT
the theme, "From Workshop to Workplace".

PAGE 3
LAUNCH OF SCHOOL CLUBS
AND SOCIETIES HFLE DAY

OCTOBER 7, 2021 OCTOBER 29, 2021

Bishop Gibson High School for Girls has teachers CARICOM recognizes October 29, 2021 as HFLE
and students engaged in a total of twenty seven Day. Mrs. S. McLeod-Johnson along with support
clubs. of Mrs. D. McConnell and a few HFLE students used
A new club was also introduced this term on some time in general devotion to share with the
October 27, 2021 by Miss Ronnie Smikle from school population the importance of HFLE and
CAFFE. It is the Democracy Club lead by Mrs. T. highlighted the theme "Don't Be The Same, Be
Johnson. Better".

VIRTUAL PRESENTAION ON
FIRE PREVENTION AND
SAFETY
OCTOBER 7, 2021

On October 7, 2021, the Safety and Security

Team at Bishop Gibson High School had an
information-rich and fun-filled afternoon
on fire prevention and safety. Guest
presenters from the Mandeville Fire
Department were Sergeant Kashwayne
Ledgister and Corporal Kerron Bramwell.
WORDS OF THE WEEK

NATIONAL HEROES' DAY OCTOBER 2021

CELEBRATION
OCTOBER 13, 2021

On October 13, 2021, the History, Social Studies, - Succour

Music, and Religious Education Department at

Bishop Gibson High School had an informative

- Writhe
and entertaining Heroes' Day celebration.

FUNERAL SERVICE FOR LOUIS

MCBEAN
OCTOBER 26, 2021 CORE VALUE FOR OCTOBER:
Many members of the school community
PERSEVERANCE
attended the live stream of the service of
thanksgiving for Mr. Louis McBean, late
husband of Vice-Principal Mrs. Karlene
McBean. May his soul rest in peace.

PAGE 4
 MATH WIZZ
NOVEMBER 1, 2021

On November 1, 2021, the Mathematics Department at Bishop Gibson High School for Girls launched The
Math Wizz. Tinana Anson of form 2A emerged as winner of the promotional video for the program. Each
week, three new mathematics question are revealed and students are given the opportunity to answer the
questions and win prizes. We congratulate Victoria Larmond, Tinana Anson, Sheldona Scale, Amoya
Morris, and Alliyah Dacosta who have all been winners.

MENTORSHIP SESSION
NOVEMBER 3, 2021

On November 3, 2021, the new academic staff members were

empowered in a mentorship session dubbed "Encourage and
Engage". The guest presenter was Mrs. Ingrid Peart-Wilmot, Chief
Mentoring Officer at the Jamaica Teaching Council.

STAFF CARE SESSION

NOVEMBER 10, 2021

The Guidance Department at Bishop Gibson High School hosted a staff care session under the theme
"Building Resilience". Members of the school family were empowered with healthy ways to cope with loss.

LOWER SIXTH FORM ORIENTATION

AND EMPOWERMENT SESSION
NOVEMBER 12, 2021

Incoming lower sixth form students of Bishop Gibson High School were welcomed in a special orientation
and empowerment session. The guest presenter was Mrs. Janice Dacres-Jones who is a past student and
who also serves as the alumnae representative on the Board of Management.

GENERAL PTA MEETING

NOVEMBER 16, 2021

At this special PTA Meeting, the election of the PTA representatives was done. For the year 2021-2022,
President of the PTA is Mrs. Shelly-Ann Bruce Reid, and the Vice-Presidents are Mr. Donnat Bulgin and
Mrs. Patricia Simmonds. The Secretary is Mrs. Naquida Smith-Forbes and the Assistant Secretary is Mrs.
Nadia Teape. The Treasurer is Miss Rosemarie Nelson and Assistant Treasurer is Mrs. Sheryl Pasco-Blake.
Serving as PRO is Miss Wendy Mitchell and Assistant PRO is Mr. Dave McFarlane. We are grateful for their
willingness to serve amd wish for them a year of success.

PAGE 5
VACCINATION BLITZ
NOVEMBER 24, 2021

It was a historic day on November 24, 2021 when Bishop Gibson High School for Girls was the site of a
vaccination blitz for students, parents, teachers, and the wider community. This was possible with the
help of the JN Foundation and other partnering schools and entities.

PARENTS EMPOWERMENT DAY

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Bishop Gibson High School for Girls and Christiana High School in partnership celebrated and honoured
parents with an evening under the theme, "Positive Parenting: Impacting Generations". The parents
remained empowered, entertained and received prizes and surprises. Guest speaker Rev. Dr. Donald
Roberts shared inspiring words of wisdom to the parents.

WORDS OF THE WEEK

NOVEMBER 2021

CORE VALUE FOR

NOVEMBER: INTEGRITY Gait

Facetious
PAGE 6
PRESENTATION OF PREFECT BODY TO
ACADEMIC STAFF
DECEMBER 6, 2021

Academic staff members had the privilege of meeting members of the school's prefect body and were able
to learn more about their commitment to make positive contributions to their noble institution.

JTC PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

DECEMBER 8, 2021

On December 8, 2021, academic staff members were invited to participate in a professional

development session hosted by the Jamaica Teaching Council. The main speaker was Mrs. Ingrid
Peart-Wilmot, Chief Mentoring Officer. The topic was "The New Appraisal Instrument for Teachers".
Principals, Vice-Principals, and teachers from Bishop Gibson High, deCarteret College, Belair High
School, May Day High School, Christiana High School, Roger Clarke High School, Cross Keys High
School, and Manchester High School were in attendance.

VACCINATION BLITZ
DECEMBER 15, 2021
Over one hundred and eighty individuals
were on site at the Bishop High School for
Girls to receive either the first dose or the
second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. We
thank our organizers led by Principal,
Mrs. Donna Legister-Hendricks,
sponsors, partners, the medical team
from the Ministry of Health and Wellness,
and the volunteers for a smooth day.

WORDS OF THE WEEK

DECEMBER 2021

Doppelganger
CORE VALUE FOR
DECEMBER:

DISCIPLINE Haitus
PAGE 7
 Celebrating our Students!
BADMINTON STARS
MANCHESTER 4-H
CLUBS JUNIOR
LEADER

Destiny Frater, Brianna Webster, Gabrielle Bailey, and Jade Ranger

CSEC TOP CAPE TOP

ACHIEVERS ACHIEVERS
2021 2021

JAGCE AND JN REGION 5

AWARDEES STUDENT COUNCIL

Alliyah McIntosh and Jenever Dunkley

"If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you."

PAGE 8