Education
Enid Capron Primary School Celebrates Reading Month 2022
#TurksandCaicos, March 11, 2022 – The Enid Capron Primary School celebrated its annual Reading Month this February under the theme: “Read Something New in 2022”. Our activities included: An Opening Ceremony, Word of the Week Competition, Teacher and Student Swap Reading Time, a Storytelling Competition, Kindergarten
Pyjama Day and Speech Competition. Head of the Reading Committee, Ms. Nelene Swan, stated in her remarks: “February was a month filled with a number of exciting Reading initiatives to encourage our students to read more. It gave them the opportunity to see how reading can enhance their vocabulary and also take them anywhere in the world through pictures and stories. Overall, it was a great experience for the students and built a greater partnership with the Teachers and Parents.” Prizes included cash, story books and school supplies.
Enid Capron Primary School- Reading Month 2022
Speech Competition
The Annual Speech Competition was a highlight of the Reading Month celebrations. For this competition, E.C.P.S. students from Grades 4 to 6 were asked to write a 500-word essay then read it to a panel of judges and an audience on the topic: “Exploring Our Learning Options: The Hybrid Approach”.
“EXPLORING OUR LEARNING OPTIONS: THE HYBRID APPROACH”
Calvin Sejour- E.C.P.S. Speech Competition 2022: 1st Place Winner
Good morning. I am Calvin Sejour and this Tuesday morning; I will speak to you about the hybrid approach to learning. The hybrid approach comes along with the rise of education technology; schools have adopted teaching methods that diverge from the typical classroom environment. Distance learning is being used on a worldwide scale, and many educational institutions are starting to implement hybrid learning models.
However, hybrid learning is more than just tossing half of your syllabus into a virtual classroom. Instead, it is a comprehensive approach to combining the best parts of face-to-face and online learning to create the ideal learning experience. Hybrid learning is an educational model where some students attend class in person, while others join the class virtually from home. Educators teach remote and in-person students at the same time using tools like video conferencing hardware and software.
Both face-to-face and online learning have their benefits and weaknesses. The goal of hybrid learning is to combine the two formats to create a singular learning experience without any weak spots. Many schools transition to hybrid learning for flexibility: a flexible learning schedule, flexibility in teaching modes, flexibility in how students engage with their learning materials, and flexibility in collaboration and communication between peers and their instructor. For students who aren’t able to attend classes in person, the hybrid learning environment allows them to learn remotely from home.
How do some teachers feel about hybrid learning?
Most teachers saw it as the worst of all options, and hated it almost instantly. Nearly two years into the pandemic, hybrid classes have been largely locked back into the pandemic toolbox and most schools are open for full-time in-person classes. But a quieter war over hybrid teaching is still underway.
Hybrid courses are a specific mode of learning that may not suit every student. Some students procrastinate more than others; some are satisfied with barely passing a course. If you are this type of person, you may find that a hybrid course is much more time consuming and difficult for you.
Thank you.
“EXPLORING OUR LEARNING OPTIONS: THE HYBRID APPROACH”
Hello. My name is Ava Welch, a fifth-grade student at the Enid Capron Primary School.
Ava Welsh- E.C.P.S Speech Competition 2022: 2nd Place Winner
Hybrid learning is an educational approach to learning in which students appear at school, which is face-to- face learning and engages in classes online. In using my class for an example, we are split into two groups. The first group has two days, and the second group has three days. This changes every two weeks. This allows for the students to go to all classes, for example Music class which is every other week.
Websites state that hybrid learning describes an educational model in which students spend at least half of their time learning online and the rest of their time learning in physical classrooms. In my words I would just say Hybrid learning is something that happened when covid 19 started, half of a class went to school, and the other half stayed at home online.
I do not think hybrid learning is the best approach because you have some children who may have trouble navigating the online process. There are also children who are unsupervised because their parents must work, so the kids sometimes play games and do not pay attention in class. The teachers have two days a week with 1 set of students and then 3 days with the other set of students face to face. To keep the kids on the same level the teacher may have to repeat his/her lessons over again leaving less time for the whole class to learn new things.
It is my opinion that some students take advantage of online classes. One reason is because they can turn off their microphones and cameras and do whatever they desire, for example, on the days when we were fully online, some of my classmates use to lay on their comfortable beds while everyone else would sit on their wooden chairs.
People can also take advantage of face-to-face education, because they can just chat with friends and not pay any attention in class and those kids who do that will get left behind in class or work. As for me, whether online, face to face or hybrid learning, I make sure to pay attention.
Hybrid learning is something that I would recommend when covid-19 numbers are high. Overall, I do not recommend hybrid learning because I believe it is hard for students and teachers alike. ‘
Do any of you know Samajeo Williams? Well, if not, he is the Director of the National Public Health Labotory in the Turks and Caicos Islands and also, he is my amazing dad! Right now, Covid-19 numbers are low so I would not recommend hybrid learning. Face to face learning is always the best way for kids to learn.
Thank you.
“EXPLORING OUR LEARNING OPTIONS: THE HYBRID APPROACH”
A pleasant Tuesday morning to you all. My name is Deliesha Toussaint. Today, I will be talking about the Hybrid Approach and other approaches to learning. I will also share with you the one that is my favourite.
Deliesha Toussaint- E.C.P.S. Speech Competition 2022: 3rd Place Winner
What is the Hybrid approach? It is a combination of two different methodologies or systems that has the aim to create a new and better model to learning.
However, hybrid learning is more than just tossing half of your syllabus into a virtual classroom. Instead, it is a comprehensive approach to combining the best parts of face-to-face and online learning to create the ideal learning experience In some cases, hybrid classes include learning elements, like online exercises and pre-recorded video instruction, to support face-to-face classroom sessions. When planned well, hybrid courses combine the best aspects of in-person and online learning while making education more attainable for many students.
Face-to-face learning can be good especially since wifi at our homes can be slow. When the Wi-Fi is slow, the teacher thinks I am playing games but I am not. However, when we are at school for face-to-face learning we play around.
I prefer online learning. One reason I like virtual learning is that there is no fighting.
\Also, with online learning, we can sleep and the teacher will never know!
On the other hand, learning online can be very distracting. Some of us come to learn but some come to play. We do not study; we do not do our class assignments either.
Students at my school say that they like virtual school because:
- there is no fighting
- they get away with doing things without the teacher finding out about it
- they get more time to eat
I want my school to remain doing face-to-face learning even though I support the hybrid approach.
I thank you.
Photo Captions:
Header: Winning Class of the Storytelling Competition: Grade 2Fulford
1st insert: Speech Competition Finalists
Education
Special Education Needs Services (SENS) Department Hosts Successful Speech Camp in Grand Turk
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 16th November 2024 – The Special Education Needs and Services (SENS) Department is proud to announce the successful completion of its Speech Camp, held in Grand Turk from Nov. 4th – 8th, 2024. This initiative aimed to provide targeted speech therapy support to children with communication challenges, equipping them with essential skills for personal and
academic success.
The camp, facilitated in collaboration with Therapy Abroad, offered group-based activities focusing on speech and language development. Children engaged in interactive sessions designed to improve articulation, comprehension, and social communication. The department also hosted a parent-training session aimed at providing parents with strategies to reinforce these skills at home, fostering ongoing progress beyond the sessions.
The Coordinator of Assessments, Mrs. Lashaunda Skippings, who oversaw all the logistics of the camp, emphasized its importance: “This Speech Camp was a carefully planned initiative aimed at addressing the growing demand for speech therapy in Grand Turk. The success of the camp reflects the dedication of our team and partners in providing quality services. We are grateful to the parents and children for their active participation and look forward to building on this momentum in future programs.”
The Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture, Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, expressed pride in the department’s ongoing efforts “The
government is committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, has access to the resources they need to thrive. The Speech Camp in Grand Turk is a testament to our continued investment in the well-being and development of all our children. I commend the SENS Department and its partners for their outstanding work in continuing to bring this initiative to life.”
As part of its commitment to expanding services to meet the growing needs of the community, the SENS Department will welcome two speech therapy interns in January. They will serve Grand Turk and South Caicos on six-month rotations, further enhancing accessibility to critical interventions in these communities. The Director of SENS, Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, highlighted the department’s broader mission: “This Speech Camp is just one of several targeted initiatives we will run several times per year. From behavioral intervention to
neurodevelopmental assessments, our camps are designed to address the specific needs of our children and provide families with tools to support them. We are proud of the impact these programs have and remain committed to expanding our services across the islands.”
The SENS Department encourages all parents to register their children with the department. Registration ensures that your child can be included in future camps, therapy, and assessment initiatives, providing them with vital opportunities for growth and development. For more information, please contact sens@gov.tc and follow our social media pages @sens_tci.
Education
Achievement Unlocked: Six members of the Statistical Authority earn Graduate Degrees in Development Statistics
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR
AND HEAD OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 1st November 2024 – In a remarkable display of dedication and academic excellence, six members of the Statistical Authority (Formerly the Statistics Department) have successfully graduated with Masters Degrees in Development (MSc) Statistics from the University of the West Indies. Notably, this impressive cohort includes the Director, Mr. Shirlen
Forbes, and the two Deputy Directors, Miss Sabrina Williams and Miss Wendera Seymour, along with Miss Alex Bennett – Senior Statistician, Mrs. Kia Swann – Statistician and Miss Cierra Garland – Statistician, underscoring the authority’s commitment to continuous professional growth and capacity building.
The MSc in Development Statistics program, which these graduates completed, is designed to train official statisticians. It equips students with the capacity to undertake quantitative analyses that inform social and economic decision-making initiatives, particularly in the realm of development policy. The program offers two areas of specialization: Social and Demographic Statistics and Survey Research.
The graduation ceremony was a proud moment, celebrating the hard work and determination of these individuals who are poised to make a significant and positive impact on development policies and practices in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service H. E. Anya Williams, who attended the graduation ceremony, congratulated the graduates, stating, “On Friday, October 25, 2024, joined by the Permanent Secretary of Finance Mrs. Athenee Harvey-Basden and newly appointed Chair of the Statistics Authority Pastor Bradley Handfield, I was proud to witness the commencement ceremony of our Statistics Authority graduates to celebrate the hard work and determination of these individuals who are poised to make a significant impact on development policies and practices in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their achievement is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and resilience. Completing a Master’s program with a full-time job is no small feat. For that, I commend the entire cohort of graduates. I would especially like to recognize the leadership and dedication of Director Forbes, who has, throughout his career, including as an educator, always advocated for learning and for the higher development of the Turks and Caicos Islands. He has always made it a priority to mentor and empower his staff.”, added the H.E. Anya Williams.
“H.E. Anya Williams further explained, “This graduation represents much more than an individual achievement; it signifies a collective advancement for the Statistical Authority and our Public Service. As education and training are critical components of our success, I am pleased that the Office of the Deputy Governor was able to provide partial assistance to this important initiative. I encourage our recent graduates to continue striving for excellence as they take on new challenges in their careers and make meaningful contributions to society. We are extremely proud of you and look forward to cheering you on in your future successes!”
Meanwhile, Mr. Shirlen Forbes, Director of the Statistical Authority, expressed immense pride in his team upon their graduation. He stated, “I am incredibly proud of my colleagues who have demonstrated immense commitment, perseverance, and determination in achieving this significant milestone. Their hard work speaks volumes about the calibre of individuals we have within the authority. This accomplishment enhances their professional qualifications and elevates our capacity to provide accurate and insightful data that drives meaningful policy decisions and supports sustainable development in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Undoubtedly, they will utilize their enhanced skills—particularly in areas like Social and Demographic Statistics and Survey Research—to tackle the challenges ahead and contribute positively to our mission.”
The six graduates received funding from the Professional Development Fund through the Office of the Deputy Governor. This highlights the vital support provided to enhance professional growth within the Public Service.
We share in the pride of the graduates on this outstanding achievement! Your success is a testament to the strength and potential of our organization.
Education
Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education and Director of Education, Mr. Edgar Howell attending the 48th COHSOD Education Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
YOUTH, SPORTS, AND CULTURE
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 25th October 2024 – The Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, is representing the Turks and Caicos Islands at the 48th meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) focused on Education,
taking place on October 24-25, 2024, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
The COHSOD Education Meeting brings together ministers of education, policy makers, and stakeholders from various Caribbean nations to discuss critical issues affecting education across the region. This year’s agenda includes enhancing educational frameworks, promoting inclusive education, and integrating technology into learning environments.
Minister Taylor is committed to advancing educational initiatives that align with the goals of equitable and quality education for all. During the meeting, she aims to discuss the Turks and Caicos Islands’ successful strategies and explore collaborative opportunities with fellow ministers to address common challenges in education.
“I am cherishing the opportunity to engage with my counterparts and exchange ideas that will enable us to better serve our students,” said
Minister Taylor. “Together, we can create innovative solutions that will strengthen our educational systems across the Caribbean.”
The meeting provides an important platform for advocating policies that foster collaboration and implementation of effective educational practices. Updates from the meeting will be shared following the conclusion of the event. This meeting follows the Transforming Education Symposium held in Grand Cayman earlier this month.
For more information, please contact the Policy and Planning Unit in the Ministry of Education – (649)338-3134
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