THE RETURN OF MARIAN - My experience of the First week at School.

After almost two months spent in utter laziness (except for those unfortunate third and fourth formers who were afflicted by school in July), the seven hundred or so of us Marianners somewhat grudgingly wended our way back to school, early AND late on September 1. Amidst some confusion amongst (at the VERY least) two students I happen to know-accompanied by random strolling in to classes that no longer belonged to students in question, continuously writing 4F instead of 5F, 3S instead of 4S etc., vituperating over the injustice of having to use upstairs washrooms ONLY and desperately trying to convince teachers that they WOULD mind having to mark home-work in the first week back in school-school re-opened. Marian was BACK, and it was as if we?d never left.
Sr Marie welcomed us back with good wishes and emphasised those good wishes with a few cross words (which we accept because familiarity breeds comfort, and since we?re quite familiar with her words, Marian wouldn?t be MARIAN if it weren?t for Sister?s alternatingly loving and Gentle reminders!!!!).
On the third day (no allusion really deliberately intended there), the prefects were officially arrayed for the general school body to see. We saw them.
After a week of feeling summer had never really happened, and of constant reminders that Marian would be celebrating her 10th birthday, (N.B. Marian Academy will be ten years old on the 14th September!) the first week was ushered out with our traditional Start-of-term Mass. Fr Simon Bishop, a Tanzanian priest of Irish and Scottish descent, who spoke with an English accent, helped us celebrate.
Thus the first week has been overcome and we shall prevail- only about three or so months to go!

By
Sarina Kawall

Marian Academy's 7th Graduation

June28th, 2008 was a day of mixed emotions for the 7th Graduating Class of Marian Academy. The Graduands, to be sure felt proud to have reached this milestone in their lives, but were also deeply regretful to be leaving such a fine institution.
The Graduation ceremony took place in the school's auditorium, where quite a number of people had gathered to view the ceremony.
The ceremony commenced with the entry of the Graduating class, accompanied by their form teachers, Mr. Lloyd King and Ms. Michelle Crawford. When the graduands were on the stage, all rose to sing the first and last verses of the National Anthem after which Tristana Roberts performed a dance entitled "A Journey's Thought".
Everyone was welcomed by the Principal of the school, Sister Marie Harper, O.S.U. The Opening Prayer was said by His Lordship, Bishop Francis Alleyne. There was a Scripture Reading by Rondell Enmore, taken from James 3:13-18, which was followed by a recorder rendition, entitled "Ave Maria". Gospel Reading was read by Rosanna Ferreira, which was taken from Matthew 5:13-16.A song entitled "When you Believe" was then performed by Hillary Bose and Letitcha Greaves.
Sister Marie introduced the Guest Speaker, Ronald Roberts, Ronald Roberts, former student of Marian Academy, who then gave a very inspirational speech to the Graduating Class, in which he mentioned how he proved discouraging teachers wrong, how far determination and hard work can get one, and, in general, gave much advice to the Graduands.
His Lordship, Bishop Francis Alleyne blessed the Graduation Rings and Certificates, which were then presented to each graduand by Sister Mary-Peter Ngui. After the Presentation of the rings and certificates, Valedictorian, Tysheon McGreggor reflected on his life at The Marian. He mentioned the many things Marian Academy has to offer, and expressed his sincere gratitude to those who helped him along the way. The Valedictorian's Reflection was followed by the Head Prefect, Mikhail Roberts' Reflection.
The Graduand's Prayer was then recited by all of the Graduands, after which the Deputy Head Prefect, Ashley Grant gave the Vote of Thanks.All of the graduands were the blessed by the Bishop, and the School Song was sung by all.
The ceremony was concluded by the Graduands leaving the stage, holding lit candles, whilst the Closing Song, "Go Light Your World" played.
At the end of the song, the Marian Academy Graduating Class of 2008 threw their Graduation Caps into the air.

By: Alexis Maharaj

Inter-house Football Competition

The Football Season kicked off here at Marian Academy a little behind time. The Inter-house Football Competition was organised by Bro.Banda SJ,the football culb co-ordinator.The tournament was scheduled to kick off on Saturday, 31st May, 2008, at 9:00 hrs however, instead it began on June 2nd at 3:30hrs. Tournament coordinators stated that the aim of these matches was to promote unity among the houses and healthy competition among youths.The teachers were just as enthusiastic about this event as the students were.The winning team was Our Lady of Guadeloupe, with Our Lady of Coromoto, Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady of Fatima placing second, third and fourth respectively.The best players was awarded to Ruel Ritch and Marzana Fiedtkou. Ravel Bhudu, Fernando Fernandez and Laurel Crawford all received honourable mention for goalie. Mr.Maharaj handed over the Maharaj 2008 cup to the winning team.■

Environmental Club in observance of World Environment Week

Guyana Environmental Week was observed from the 1st – 8th June, 2008 under the theme “Kick the Carbon habit! Promoting Energy Conservation in Guyana” This theme was adopted from the International 2008 World Environment Day theme: “CO2, Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy”.
On Sunday, 1st June, 2008, 63 members of the Marian Family, inclusive of the principal, teachers, students and parents, participated in the annual E.P.A. “Green Walk” that is organized by the Environmental Protection Agency under a banner that was prepared by the school’s Environmental Club. This event is geared to act as the principle vehicle to stimulate national awareness of the issue of “Energy Conservation”.
On Thursday, 5th June, 2008, World Environment Day was observed. Twelve members of the Environmental Club participated in tree planting activity in the National Park. The Rotoract Club of Georgetown organized this activity. The tree was seen as a symbol for environmental protection and international co-operation in the fields of education, cultural diversity, tolerance and peace.
The following day, members of the Environmental Club participated in a clean-up campaign within the school’s environs.
On Thursday, 12th June, 2007, the Marian Academy Environmental Club was successfully in organizing a ceremony in observance of the theme for World Environment Day. This ceremony was geared to empower the students to be active agents for sustainable and equitable management of our environment. This occasion was witnessed by the following special invitees:
(a) Mrs. Denise Simmons (Coordinator of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences)
(b) Ms. Sumedeo Mahedo (certified botanist-Guyana Forestry Commission)
(c) Mr. Carlton Joao (Sales and Marketing Executive of Banks D.I.H.),
(d) Ms. Niki Mendes (Vice-President of the Parent Teachers Association)
During this ceremony, the coordinator of the Environmental Club, Mr. Pompey, presented Mr. Joao of Banks D.I.H. with with approximately 60 lbs of used Misty and Tropical Mist bottles. These bottles were accumulated from a recycling initiative that was launched by the club in observance of International Recycling Day.

By

Mr.Andre Pompey

Career Day 2008 at Marian Academy

On the 20th May, the third and fourth formers of Marian Academy had their annual Career Day in the school’s auditorium. This was the third former’s first experience of Career Day and the fourth former’s second. There were many speakers which enlightened the already inquisitive students.

The first speaker was Dr. Joseph; who spoke on medicine. Dr. Joseph is also a member of Parliament. The second speaker was a representative of the Government Technical Institute, who was also accompanied by Mr. Yearwood, the school’s part-time Technical Drawings teacher. Third speakers were the school’s very own Sister Juanita and Brother Banda. They both spoke on Vocation. They shared their stories and how they experienced their callings. Mr. Derek Frank; the third speaker explained to the students the basics of management and many useful tips. The fourth and the fifth speakers enlightened the students on teaching. Dr. Hunte, focused on the importance of knowledge of Information Technology and the need for it’s use. The fourth speaker, Mrs. Thomas was a representative of The Cyril Potter College of Education. She spoke on how normal people dedicated their lives to educating today’s children.

At the end of the seminar the students were given evaluation sheets to fill out. Most of them, at the end, had a better idea of what career or field they would like to choose.

Allana Bose.

Marian Academy hosts EPA forum

The Environment Protection Agency, EPA held a forum in the school’s auditorium. A few students were selected by the Mr. Pompey, the school’s science teacher, to represent the school. Also students from other schools were invited to be a part of this auspicious event. There were presentations on important issues affecting our environment and steps as to how we can help save it. Nearing the end of the event students were given a crossword puzzle to decipher. Marian Academy did well in this most of them acquring full points!!!!

Allana Bose

Open Day 2008

On May 23rd, 2008, Marian Academy once again held its annual Open Day event. Parents were given the opportunity to see what their children have done during the school year.Students from both primary and secondary got a chance to portray the knowledge they have with enthusiasm and joy as they explained and illustrated their work, through posters and models. Students showed great interest in the Open Day and were seen zealously interacting with parents, enlightening them with the things they have learnt.The second formers enhanced their History corners by displaying magnificent models of sugar plantations. Third formers impressed parents with their Information Technology skills by presenting slideshows depicting the dangers of deforestation and pollution.Several scrumptious dishes were prepared in the Food and Nutrition corners by the students themselves.However, the highlight of the secondary department was the intriguing working models of a waterfall and a river presented by the fourth form students. These ingenious presentations attracted lots of parents as well as fellow students, who wrote positive remarks about them in the guest book

By Jana Edgill
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Open Day Primary

On the 23 rd May Marian Academy had there open day.In the primary section the primary 1[one] topic was Science,this was based on the solar system.On Social Studies they had the ethnic groups of Guyana.On Math the had solids on display.This was very well done by primary 1[one].
Primary 1[two] There topic was Science,Social Studies,Math and English.This class had assignments on display for onlookers to look through.This class was very well done.
Primary 2[one] There topic was Science,Social Studies,Math and English.There were assignments on display for onlookers.On Science there mixtures for onlookers.On Math there were solids and on Social Studies there was transportation. This class worked very hard on there open day.
Primary 2[two] There topic was Science,Social Studies,Math and English.They had different topics in Math for example decimals and averages.There were many other topics on display.This class did there research for there open day.
Primary 3[one] There topic was Science,Social Studies,Math and English.On Science there was thermometers and circuits on display.On Social Studies there was the different ethnic groups.This class worked very well.
Primary 3[two] There topic was Science,Social Studies,Math and English.They had thermometers on display.On Social Studies they had the different ethnic groups.Very well done.
Primary4[one] There topic was Science.They had some projects on display this was the filter bed the eclipse of the moon and sun they had circuits and charts on harmful drugs.This class worked very hard.
Primary4[two] There topic was Science,Social Studies and Math.On Science they had thermometers and circuits.On Social Studies the different ethnic groups.They worked very hard on there open day.
The primary art room.On the blackboard there were Mashramani masks on display.Some children displayed some head dresses and dolls had on some Mashramani clothing on.There were sculptures of spongebob,Gary,Plankton,Kraby Patty, jellyfish and a Marian child done with the technique of paper mache .the primaries worked very hard on this.

By Bernard Mc David and Markel Mangra.