Tuesday, December 9, 2008


When there's a community event in town you can count on George Town Primary School's students to participate. This weekend, our young dancers and singers stole the show at the 4th annual BDAL Community Christmas Parade. The short program included various musical, dance, and literary pieces. It featured talented students from select schools and private dance studios. Based on the audience's response, our dance group, coached by Year 6 teacher/librarian Ms. Willean Hill, outshone the competition. Their performance entitled "Different Colours, One People" added the right touch of international flavour to the event. Our choir, with Year 5 teacher Ms. Julie Bain at its head, could easily have been mistaken for veteran professionals. In the spirit of Christmas, they performed a magical piece called "Sending out Love".

Monday, December 8, 2008

Friday, November 28, 2008

Spelling Bee

Leading the Competition, GTPS' Star Spellers

George Town Primary have taken command of the annual Cayman Islands Primary Spelling Bee Competition scoring 43 points to date. Tied for second place are Savannah Primary and Grace Christian Academy, with 34 points each. In third place, John A. Cumber sits alone with 31 points. The 18 school Spelling Bee Competition has been postponed until January, 2009 as a result of Hurricane Paloma. Coached by our Year 6 Star Teachers, Ms. Hill and Ms. Swaby, our Star Spellers look forward to the restart of the competition.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Pirates Week Dancers

George Town Primary School students have been working hard all term to perfect their dance routines for the upcoming Pirates Week festivities. Approximately 50 students, dressed in colourful costumes, will perform three separate dance routines on Saturday, November 8, between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. at Harbour Drive, George Town. Come out and support our students and George Town Primary dance teacher, Soraya, as they perform.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Haiti Backpack Drive

In order to help alleviate the plight suffered by some of Haiti's children as a result of Hurricane Gustav, George Town Primary School students filled more than 100 Digicel bags with clothing, personal hygiene items, books, crayons and coloured markers. Led by teacher Tunisia Barnes, our students found the collection drive both motivating and satisfying, a true learning experience.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

China Connection

George Town Primary School Year 6 students are exploring Chinese culture. Ms. Lin local resident from China visited the school Friday to meet with students who will be a part of Club Mandarin a G.T.P.S. afterschool programme.

As part of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme students receive foreign language instruction in Spanish and other languages. Club Mandarin is being taught by Ms. Lin and teacher, Tasha Miller to interested students. (Submitted by Tasha Miller, Teacher at George Town Primary School)


Thursday, September 18, 2008

Our talented Artists

Among the many works of art on display at the Ritz-Carlton Gallery you will find a number of paintings completed by our very young and talented George Town Primary School artists.











Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Cayman's Future Artists

On Saturday, September 13, 2008, a number of our young George Town Primary School artists attended the opening of the Fourth Annual Children's Art Show at the Ritz-Carlton Gallery. The evening included a cozy ride in an oversized limousine, fabulous artwork, and an appetizing dinner.




Saturday, July 26, 2008

Rotary Sunrise Book Donation

Visiting Rotary District Governor, Rupert Ross, presents books on behalf of Rotary Sunrise to Marie Martin, Principal of George Town Primary School.

Rotary District Governor, Rupert Ross, visited George Town Primary school and presented books on behalf of Rotary Sunrise to our Principal, Marie Martin. Staff and students alike were delighted by the new consignment of books as much of George Town Primary's School Library was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in September 2004. Thank you Mr. Ross and Rotary Sunrise for your generous donation.
GTPS summer school students making new signs for their school library and books.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Year 5 Cuba Trip

Leaving for Cuba (Owen Roberts International Airport)

George Town Primary's annual school trip saw our Year 5 students visit the beautiful island of Cuba and its capital city, Havana. Surrounded by history everywhere you turn, filled with friendly people and beautiful sights, Cuba is the most populous island in the Caribbean and one of our closest neighbours. Included among the many places visited by our students are the Plaza de la Revolucion, the National Capitol Building, the Malecon, a schoolhouse, the outskirts of Havana, the Havana Cathedral, and the Castle of the 3 Kings of Morro (Havana Fort).

A typical Cuban classroom.

Built in 1929 to house the island's Senate and House of Representatives, and with a dome that dominates the Havana skyline, this building looks rather similar to the Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. Inside there is a statue of Athena, the biggest indoor bronze effigy in the world. There is also an enormous and historic gallery called the Salón de los Pasos Perdidos (The Hall of Lost Steps); a 28-carat diamond that marks the exact centre of the city; and the headquarters of the Cuban Natural History Museum, housing the country's largest natural history collection.

Friday, June 13, 2008

As part of the 2008 National Children's Festival of the Arts (NCFA) our young George Town Primary artists' talent was exhibited at Pedro St. James, the birthplace of Caymanian Democracy. A number of our children received awards and gift certificates for their outstanding effort in the Brighter Future Competition.

Brittany P.

Olukemi J.

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Gold in Drama

The best of student arts in the Cayman Islands are once again being showcased as part of the National Children's Festival of the Arts (NCFA). This Friday (May 30), a group of young George Town Primary year 5 students, coached by Ms. Hill and Mr. Murdoch, struck Gold at the Harquail Theatre, in the Finals of the Festival's Drama Category. In front of a large and enthusiastic audience, our students performed an interpretation of an Anansi Story flawlessly. Anansi stories originated in Ghana, Africa. The word Anansi is Akan and means spider. Anansi is one of the most important characters of West African lore.

Cricket is Back!

Our George Town Primary School Cricket Team scored a decisive and impressive win over Red Bay Primary at the Smith Road Oval. The victory is noteworthy considering that Red Bay Primary were semi-finalists last season and tied last year's champions, Prospect Primary, in their first game of this season. It is an even more impressive achievement when one considers that our team is comprised of year four and five students only, as there is no year six at the school this year, and therefore competes with teams that are not only older but also more experienced. Despite the fact that our team did not have a practice playing field all year, coach Horace Parker has been able to inspire our young players to play with confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Muffins for Mothers - Mother's Day 2008

On Mother's Day, May 9, 2008, George Town Primary School recognized its wonderful mothers by inviting them to visit our school for muffins and coffee. The PTA-sponsored event proved to be a huge success, with over 190 people in attendance. Each family had their photo taken and printed into a beautiful Mother's Day Card by members of the George Town Primary Media Club.

Monday, May 12, 2008

GTPS visits James B. Sanderlin Elementary School

Six George Town Primary and two John A. Cumber Primary teachers visited James B. Sanderlin Elementary School in St. Petersburg, Florida this past month. The purpose of the visit was to develop a greater understanding of the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and to provide an opportunity for both teachers and administrators to analyse the curriculum framework, examine assessment procedures, and explore the learning environment of an International Baccalaureate school. Observations took place over a period of 3 days in which professionals made numerous inquiries of the school’s management, teaching, learning and evaluation procedures. The visit provided an opportunity for educators to exchange ideas and gain knowledge of a transdisciplinary programme for primary school students.


International-Mindedness



Learning about the Reading Programme & Library Services



Ready or Not, Here we Come

Beautifying our Community

Members of our School's PTA along with an Official and Member of our Majesty's Prison, Northward

As part of our school's drive to Beautify our Community, members of Her Majesty's Prison, Northward, in Grand Cayman built and delivered new wooden garbage receptacles to be used at our school. Along with our monthly Community Garbage Clean-Ups, this newest PTA-sponsored-project will enhance not only our school but also the community in which we live.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Ogier's Computer Donation

Year 4 Parker firing up the donated computers
Ogier Cayman Islands, a leading global offshore law firm, recently donated 26 Hewlett Packard computers to our school. Thank you Ogier for your kind donation.
Year 4 Parker with Ogier Representatives and School Staff

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Cayfest Photography Winners

Artist Gordon Solomon (former GTPS student) standing with Zachery W. & Donte S.

For a second straight year, our young George Town Primary Photographers won the top three spots in the children's section of the Cayfest Photography Contest. Cayfest, the Cayman Islands National Festival of the Arts celebrates our heritage and includes displays of performing, visual, literary and culinary arts. Part of visual arts, photography is a fun event which draws the interest of many of our students.

George Town Primary is very proud of this year's winners Zachery W. (1st place & honourable mentions), Brittany P. (2nd place and honourable mentions), Cassandra J. (third place) and Donte S. (honourable mentions). Well done!

Henry Mutoo (of the National Cultural Foundation) standing with Zachery W., Donte S., Brittany P., and Cassandra J.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

British Caymanian Staff bring Easter Gifts

George Town Primary students in Year 2 and 4 were visited by staff from British Caymanian and presented with Easter gifts. The recent visit to our school is part of an ongoing tradition by the staff of British Caymanian to impart gifts to our students each holiday season. Thank you British Caymanian.

Thank you Chief Inspector of Schools, Mrs. Helena McVeigh

On behalf of the George Town Primary School, its staff, students and parents we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Mrs. Helena McVeigh, Chief Inspector of Schools, for her commitment, dedication, and contributions to our school. We wish Mrs. McVeigh all the best on her return to the UK.

World Water Day

George Town Primary students celebrated World Water Day (March 22) by drawing pictures and writing essays. Students wrote about the importance of water, the impact of water on the environment, water safety, water conservation, and the challenges that people from all around the world face in obtaining uncontaminated water. Students expressed their gratitude to live in a country where safe water is readily available and abudant.

Friday, March 21, 2008

We are currently on Break

Easter Break has arrived. Many students will be camping this weekend on our beautiful sandy beaches. Some of our international and local staff will be travelling abroad while others are staying put, getting some much needed rest. Happy Easter to all.

Monday, March 17, 2008

GTPS International Night


George Town Primary School celebrated International Night on Tuesday, March 11, 2008. Seventeen various countries were represented to reflect the student body's background. As part of their month-long project, students transformed their classrooms to give an accurate representation of their country. Parents, grandparents, friends, and visitors were then provided with a tour of the various classrooms and treated to native music, dance, food, drama and Powerpoint presentations. Inside the school's main hall, over 350 guests enjoyed more of the same, including a large sampling of international cuisine. The educational evening left students, parents, teachers, and guests alike with a feeling of goodwill and satisfaction.





Friday, March 14, 2008

GTPS celebrates Commonwealth Day

George Town Primary School celebrated Commonwealth Day this week. Using art, drama, dance, the core subjects (math & language) and ICT, our students learned about the various commonwealth countries and explored international relationships, a key concept in our new curriculum.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

2008 Cayman Islands National Educational Conference

l-r Ms. E. Foster-Allen & Ms. W. Hill
GTPS staff recently attended the 2008 Cayman Islands National Educational Conference at Mary Miller Hall in Red Bay. There, we were joined by government education officials, all educators from the public primary and secondary schools, as well as representatives of our island's private schools.

Educators had the opportunity to attend a pre-conference gala event, a variety of workshops, a vendor's marketplace, as well as presentations by government education officials and ministers.

Ms. Elaine Foster-Allen, Principal of Shortwood Teacher's College in Jamaica delivered the conference's keynote address. Ms. Foster-Allen was enthusiastically met by all educators, but particularly by our own librarian, Ms. Willean Hill, having previously worked together in London, England many years ago.

Aiming High - GTPS Netball

Coach Swaby & the GTPS Rally Team

Winning has become a yearly tradition when it comes to the George Town Primary netball teams. Under the skillful guidance of coach Casy Swaby, the GTPS Girls B Netball Team completed their regular season by winning the 2nd place League Trophy. Congratulations girls on another successful season!

Our girls in action against East End Primary School