George Town Primary School

School Improvements

2009-08-20T09:35:00.004-04:00

CESEP Presentation: George Town Primary School Principal Marie Martin presents a copy of Culture, Education and Drug Free Sport: A Child’s Perspective to Ministry of Education Chief Officer Mary Rodrigues (left).

George Town Primary School was one of a number of learning institutions getting a facelift. As the Ministry of Education prepares for the start of the new school year, management staff members are making their final readiness checks. Ministry of Education, Training and Employment Facilities Manager, Tommy Ebanks, explained that a programme of maintenance and minor capital works was scheduled for each school during the summer, following consultation with principals and sign off by the Chief Education Officer. His team is now conducting a final round of readiness checks.

Mr Ebanks and the Ministry’s Chief Officer Mary Rodrigues recently met with George Town Primary Principal, Marie Martin. They inspected several improvements made to the site over the summer. The work included a new modular staff room; a freshly-paved play area and relocated playground; covered walkways from the bus park to the school, and covered walkways and ramps connecting all modular units to the main school. The school’s buildings are also being repainted. Additional priorities were also identified for completion before the school year begins. A private office will be created for the principal with an adjoining reception area and conference room, once the staff room is relocated. A small classroom will be converted to serve as a dedicated sick bay which will also double as a counselling room. And an additional sanded playground area will be added at the back, on the old school site. “I am quite pleased with the improvements and the school is well maintained and kept clean,” Ms Martin said. “At George Town Primary we don’t use challenges as excuses to avoid moving forward. It’s not the facilities that make for success; it’s our human resources, our staff, who make the difference.” The leadership and staff of George Town Primary have been commended on many occasions for the quality of education and care they provide, particularly following the school’s most recent inspection report.

Construction of a new George Town Primary School began last year, but was later terminated by the previous government due to limited funds. Given the current economic climate, those funding challenges remain. However, Mrs Rodrigues noted that despite this situation, the Ministry is committed to making wise investments with the funds available. “We want to ensure that all students are being educated in a safe environment that is conducive to learning. And an effective maintenance programme is a critical part of that goal,” she said. “An audit on school facilities, completed in June this year, will be converted into customised maintenance plans that address the specific needs of each school. However, as we have many aging facilities, a long-term plan for the development of new school facilities will need to be undertaken in the near future.” (Source: Cayman Net News, Aug. 20, 2009)

Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour

2009-08-19T15:33:00.003-04:00

Governor Stuart Jack has named our very own principal, Ms. Marie Martin, to receive the Cayman Islands Certificate and Badge of Honour (Cert. Hon.) in recognition of Ms. Martin's outstanding contributions to Education and the Community. Ms. Martin's career began over 31 years ago at Spot Bay Primary School. As current principal of George Town Primary, despite the many challenges that the school continues to face as a result of Hurricane Ivan (2004), Ms. Martin continues to lead the teachers and students to great success in academics, sports, the Arts, and the Community. Congratulations Ms. Martin for earning this prestigious honour!

Cayman Islands Better Futures Project Winners!

2009-08-03T01:26:00.013-04:00

The 13 winning entries, selected from a total of 61 pieces submitted, for the 2010 "If I had One Wish" Calendar were recently announced. Featured in the calendar will be the work of 5 of our very gifted Year 3 George Town Primary Artists. In no particular order, our 5 winning entries:

If I had one wish I would wish to be a pop star. I like singing and dancing alot. I am now training to be a tap and ballet dancer. (Charlotte Marnoch, Year 3)

If I had one wish I would wish to be a professional drummer. I can go all around the world and play music and entertain a lot of people. (Teodoro Padua, Year 3)

If I had one wish I would be a veterinarian. I can help animals all around the world. I can also make the world a safe place for the animals. (Teodora Padua, Year 3)

If I had one wish I wish to be a teacher. I want to see what it was like when my teacher was teaching me. I would also want to educate children and make a difference in their lives. (Sasha Richardson, Year 3)

If I had one wish I wish to be an artist. An artist can make people happy through paintings. I can also use art to express myself. (Josette Facey, Year 3)

3 Time Disney Challenge Winners!!!

2009-07-23T01:03:00.009-04:00

They say that three times is a charm, in our case, it's one more reason to strive for win number four. Inspired by our very talented and versatile Year 6 teachers, Mrs. Latasha Miller and Ms. Wilean Hill, our Year 6 class was declared the Winner of the Disney Environmentality Challenge 2009 by the Department of Tourism. Launched in 2003, the Environmentality Challenge is a partnership between the Disney Cruise Line and Cayman departments of tourism, environment and education.

The Year 6 project, titled Environmental Stewardship Programme, was greeted with great accolades and fanfare by the Department of Education, our various sister schools, parents, students, and the community at large. The project, meant to educate the school, community and visitors to make a difference to the environment was supported by brochures in English, Mandarin and Spanish, with tips on how to reduce, reuse and recycle, as well as with a beach cleanup.

As a result, thirty of our students were welcomed aboard the Disney Magic Cruise Ship for a trophy presentation, an individual medal, a meeting with captain Tom Forberg, and a wonderful lunch. In addition, each student received a disposable camera to record their visit of the ship.

We are first in all that we do!

Kiwanis Club's Generous Donation

2009-07-22T00:56:00.003-04:00

In a recent visit to George Town Primary School, Kiwanis Club President, Karen Barnett, handed two cheques to our Deputy Principal, Ms. Bodden-Wilson. As a result of the severe economic downturn and the resulting financial difficulties encountered by some of our parents, Ms. Bodden-Wilson sought assistance from the Kiwanis Club to sponsor our popular Breakfast and After School Programmes. The $2000 Breakfast Programme cheque will help provide a healthy breakfast for children who normally come to school without one. The $1800 cheque for the After School Programme will allow us to continue to provide after-school activities to many of our children. Thank you Kiwanis Club for your very generous donation.

Literacy Time at George Town Primary School

2009-03-20T23:33:00.003-04:00

In implementing the Cayman Islands Literacy Strategy (CILS), schools are utilising a variety of methodolgies and resources to make literacy activities fun and exciting for the students. Across the system, teachers are using role play and ICT as part of the literacy activities and at George Town Primary in particular, Ms. Musson's students are doing just that as shown in the pictures above and below. (copied from http://buildingexcellencetogether.blogspot.com/)

Commonwealth Day

2009-03-14T01:31:00.008-04:00

In typical George Town fashion, our primary and junior students celebrated Commonwealth Day with great fanfare. Teachers, visitors, and parents alike were treated to informative presentations, skits, dances, musical interpretations and other cultural events. The day ended with a public parade of the Commonwealth Countries and their flags.

Champions once Again!

2009-02-22T00:42:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to our Under 9 CUC Consolation Cup Football Champions and 2nd place Under 11 CUC Cup Football Winners. Down 2 - 0 after the first half, our Under 9 boys came back, against all odds, to beat a dejected Cayman International School squad 3 - 2 in overtime. In the Under 11 Cup, Cayman International School won a well-deserved victory, beating our tenacious team 4 - 2.

2008-12-09T22:57:00.010-05:00

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".

International Night 2008

2008-12-08T00:44:00.001-05:00

Mangrove Kids

2008-12-08T00:18:00.000-05:00

Spelling Bee

2008-11-28T20:41:00.004-05:00

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.

Pirates Week Dancers

2008-10-26T22:53:00.002-04:00

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.

Haiti Backpack Drive

2008-10-03T03:58:00.005-04:00

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.

China Connection

2008-10-02T02:06:00.003-04:00

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)

copied from http://buildingexcellencetogether.blogspot.com/

Our talented Artists

2008-09-18T20:07:00.010-04:00

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.

Cayman's Future Artists

2008-09-16T02:03:00.009-04:00

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.

Rotary Sunrise Book Donation

2008-07-26T10:35:00.005-04:00

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.

Year 5 Cuba Trip

2008-07-12T12:47:00.008-04:00

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.

2008-06-13T14:51:00.008-04:00

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.

Gold in Drama

2008-05-31T21:07:00.006-04:00

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!

2008-05-31T20:31:00.005-04:00

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.

Muffins for Mothers - Mother's Day 2008

2008-05-24T20:50:00.008-04:00

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.

GTPS visits James B. Sanderlin Elementary School

2008-05-12T14:14:00.011-04:00

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

2008-05-12T01:09:00.004-04:00

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.

Ogier's Computer Donation

2008-04-07T11:07:00.012-04:00

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

Cayfest Photography Winners

2008-04-06T01:06:00.008-04:00

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.

British Caymanian Staff bring Easter Gifts

2008-04-02T01:49:00.005-04:00

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

2008-04-02T01:20:00.004-04:00

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

2008-04-02T00:59:00.004-04:00

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.

We are currently on Break

2008-03-21T00:53:00.007-04:00

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.

GTPS International Night

2008-03-17T16:10:00.030-04:00

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.

GTPS celebrates Commonwealth Day

2008-03-14T11:49:00.004-04:00

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.

2008 Cayman Islands National Educational Conference

2008-03-04T13:42:00.008-05:00

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

2008-03-04T10:05:00.013-05:00

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

Former GTPS student is Finalist in Walker's Tse Literacy Competition

2008-02-28T15:41:00.004-05:00

From a field of over twelve hundred entries, Appolina Bent's, recent GTPS graduate, placed as one of the top five. Congratulations Appolina, we are very proud of your continued success!
pictured left to right: Ms. Ingrid Pierce (Partner - Walkers), Mrs. Mariko Jack, His Excellency Mr. Stuart Jack, Helen Tse, Finalist (Leading Edge student and Ministry Intern) Appolina Bent, Mr. Gareth Long.

Montserrat CEO visits GTPS

2008-02-27T11:46:00.006-05:00

Ms. Kathleen Greenaway, Montserrat Chief Education Officer, with Ms. Marie Martin, George Town Primary School Principal, and student Christina Kozaily

Montserrat's Chief Education Officer, Ms. Kathleen Greenaway, visited George Town Primary School on Monday, February 25, 2008. The one hour tour provided Ms. Greenaway with the opportunity to interact with most teachers and students at our school. She was particularly impressed by the use of technology, team-teaching and active learning occuring across all grade levels.

GTPS Butterfield Youth Competition Art Winners

2008-02-27T00:10:00.011-05:00

Butterfield's Monique Bush and Katherine Roffey standing with 3rd Place Winners Jesper Barazzo & Vania Cornwall, and 1st Place Winner Dominic Perez

Three GTPS students who participated in the Butterfield Youth Art Competition entitled Cayman by Sea, Land or Sky were rewarded handsomely for their talent and effort. First place winner, Dominic Perez (Year 3), was presented with a $500 cheque for his outstanding work. Vania Cornwall and Jesper Barazzo, Year 5 students, received $50 for their well-deserved third place finishes.

1st Place Winner of the Butterfield Youth Art Competition, Dominic Perez

Yr. 3 McFarlane Recycling Project

2008-02-22T10:42:00.010-05:00

Recycling demonstrates environmental stewardship to students and reinforces environmental science in the curriculum. Students in Year 3 McFarlane demonstrated how they can integrate their recycling project in Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Art. They also embarked on a paper making project.

GTPS Students visit Camana Bay's Books & Books

2008-02-22T00:35:00.003-05:00

A number of George Town Primary students visited Books & Books, Grand Cayman's newest bookstore. They were particularly impressed by the colourful children's section and the large amount of material available to read.

IB Training

2008-02-22T00:11:00.007-05:00

GTPS teachers and support staff participated in the Level 1 IB (International Baccalaureate) Training Programme for the Primary Years at Red Bay Primary School. The two day training sessions were praised by the staff as relevant, informative, and practical. The International Baccalaureate was founded in 1968 and works with about 2,222 schools in 125 countries.

GTPS supports the Cayman Islands Cancer Society

2008-02-21T09:11:00.005-05:00

As part of its monthly Friday Dress-Down Day, George Town Primary School raised $330 and donated it to a worthy cause, the Cayman Islands Cancer Society.

Tiny but Mighty

2008-02-21T08:53:00.001-05:00

Against many odds, despite our small school population and the fact that we did not have a football field on which to practice all season long, we are once again Champions!

Congratulations to all GTPS footballers for winning the 2008 CUC Consolation Cup , beating Cayman International School by a score of 2-1.

Principal's Corner

2008-02-19T10:03:00.007-05:00

Take a look Inside George Town Primary School! We are an outstanding school with over 200 students and approximately 30 staff members. Each member of our staff is committed to do his or her best to help ensure that each child has the best possible learning environment. Meeting the individual needs of every student in all aspects of their development is central to our mission at George Town Primary School. We believe that we can best accomplish this through mutual respect, open communication, and teamwork, both among our staff, and with our parents and students.

Parents undoubtedly make the most significant impact on the lives of their children. Educators, too, have a tremendous influence on students. Therefore, nothing is more powerful than parents and teachers working together toward common goals for our precious children. As you flip through the pages of this publication you will find that student learning experiences goes beyond the text book. Students frequently go outside the classroom to authenticate learning experiences. Students are involved in Information Technology, Foreign Languages, Sports, Arts, Public Speaking, and much more. At George Town Primary we have an open communication policy; therefore communication between staff and parents is ongoing. There is always someone to talk to about your child's progress. We strongly encourage parents to get involved and find out what resources are available for your child at George Town Primary.

Click on the following Links for additional Information

Mother of the Year

Tips for Motivating Your Child To Suceed In School

A Welcomed Donation