ST PETERS--St. Maarten Academy’s academic campus will open its gates for all students registered at Forms 1 to 5 today, Monday. Only sixth form students in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) programme will not commence classes on Monday. They begin on September 5.
As the new school year begins, Principal Tallulah Baly-Vanterpool has high expectations for all – students, teachers and parents alike. Just last week Thursday at the orientation for new students, she reiterated the principles taught to her by her father, the late educator Camille Baly.
“Know who you are, do your best and do the right thing even if no one is around to see you do it,” Baly-Vanterpool stated. This has been her mantra since taking over the helm of the institution in 2014.
At Thursday’s orientation, all parents and new students of Forms 1 and 2 met their mentors and other subject teachers and received vital information and materials to help with the smooth transition into the school.
Traditionally, orientation is held the Thursday evening before school starts, but this year the Management and staff thought it better to move the event to an earlier time to give parents and students a better view of the school environment.
All parents are also being reminded that their responsibility does not end when their children have enrolled in high school. In fact, they must be more engaged to ensure their children's success. “I encourage you [parents – Ed.] to walk the talk of education and to be a champion for your child,” the principal said.
On Monday, students must be in full school uniform, as dictated by the school’s dress code found online in the Handbook for Parents and Students. Additionally, they must have all their materials as classes will begin on day one. Boys are reminded that they must wear their hair low (business cuts only and no designs in the hair) and girls must sport only natural hair colours. Make-up, long nails or acrylic nails, colour hairstyles, cuts/designs in eyebrows, designer haircuts, visible tattoos and wristbands will not be permitted.
St. Maarten Academy expects every student to show a sense of pride for self and school, have a positive attitude towards schooling, proper respect for the staff and a willingness to help develop the institution. The staff will continue to assist students with any matter related to school life or personal development. All students, especially those who are new, should consult staff members about any challenges they may experience.
School will begin at 7:30am with an assembly, where students will be welcomed by the principal and introduced to new staff members. School ends at 1:30pm on the first day for all students.
The Foundation of Academic and Vocational Education (FAVE), under which St. Maarten Academy falls, together with the Management, teachers and other staff, wish all a successful, stress-free and solution-oriented school year.
