The St Catherine High School Alumni Association has made significant strides during the 2012-2013 academic year, in its mission to improve the quality of students. One such area of success has come through the work of the Association’s Mentorship Programme.
The programme, now in its fourth academic year, has grown both in membership and in the scope of its work. Since its inception in 2009, the programme has expanded from a small cohort of about 10 mentors to over 30 registered mentors at last count that has passed through the program at some point or another. This has seen the work of the school’s alumni touching the lives of hundreds more students than when it first began.
Additionally, the programme has also expanded the range of services it offers. Initially targeting Grade 7 students with visits from past students who share their time, experience, knowledge and skills in motivating the students to be the best they can be. However, Programme Coordinator, Dwight Ross, notes that today, other grades have been incorporated into the programme with a wider range of services and activities included. “We’re really proud of the work we’ve been able to accomplish over the four years. Today, we’re able to provide quality mentorship to the entire Junior Campus, from grades seven to nine and now expanded to the grade tens for 2012/2013…the grade tens are those who have progressed from grade nine.”
Mr. Ross also notes that a number of activities are in the pipeline to be executed this academic year. “They include, a School History Quiz and the semi-annual Certificate Awards, which this year will include the new grade sevens and the current grade tens.” Also provided will be support for other grade-related activities carried out by the Grade Coordinators and teachers. “We felt this was important, given the need to build a strong sense of school spirit and pride.” Ross also revealed that another activity which is on the priority list is the engaging of the Grade nines through group presentations and forums. There will be one on ‘Choosing Good Role Models’ for the boys and another entitled ‘Second Chance’ for the girls.
Meanwhile, President of the Alumni Association, Dr. O’Neal Mundle, has revealed that a significant milestone in the Mentorship Programme was reached during the academic year. A proud President disclosed that in November 2012, sixty students were awarded their certificates this year in the semi-annual Certificate Awards. This marked the end of the official phase of a program originally intended for only junior school.
“The presentation ceremony climaxed a remarkable four years of a new program that has exceeded all expectations. The program has seen continuous improvement in the performance of the student cohort each term as they strive to be members of the prestigious “Seventies and Eighties Platinum Clubs” and the new Conquers Club for the seniors” Dr. Mundle said.
Among the many successes of the programme:
- Most boys in 70s (15)
- Most girls in 80s (4)
- Most boys topping their classes (Four boys topped their classes, with all grades over 70s)
- Only three students who topped their classes were not in 70s but they were in high 60s
- Top ten students were all girls with highest being 86.07 and lowest (77.5)
- Top three boys among the top 15 students in the cohort with the highest in 11th place and top boy, with 77.29 and third place 75.57
- The overall averages of the awardees is 74.69
The certificate awards scheduled to take place in the early part of April will involve the current grade sevens, which, according to the numbers have exceeded most if not all previous records as it relates to students attaining 70’s. for the first time, all the students who toped their classes have attained the coveted seventies.
Meanwhile, Dwight Ross is encouraging more Past Students to become involved in shaping the next generation by getting involved with the programme. He insisted that, while gains have been made, so much more could be achieved if all hands are on deck. “The numbers speak for themselves. Students who have been mentored have topped their classes. This goes to show that, if we get greater support from the body of alumni, so much more can be achieved.”