Marian’s Tenth Anniversary Mass- A Knowledge of Miracle

This was a school that very, very nearly was not… Very, very nearly was not… To those who know the story, and the strange coincidences in history that went into its making for the last 161 years, to walk into that 14 September 2008 Mass which celebrated a decade of actual real existence, was to walk in with a sense of awe, an amazed wonder at miracle. It was proof that humans can be miracle-makers for others.
The cathedral was packed; good-tempered; cheerful; congratulatory.I whispered to another mother, whose child had also been there from the beginning in 1998: “Can you believe this!” She replied she remembered thinking as she walked in on the very first day, “Can we do this- what if we fail…”
But this was a school desired and gifted by a patient God, Himself a Father, and by the Mother of His Son.
I thought of that little boat, coincidentally - coincidentally?- named the Glenmuire (Glen of Mary), with six Ursuline nuns and two young postulants, whose aim was the education of young girls, which still set sail for British Guiana in 1847 from Ireland. Their involvement in education lasted until 1976, and then there was a twenty-two year break. But it were as if that little boat doggedly weathered out the storm- and then stubbornly continued sailing with its mission, right down the ages to dock at another glen, the Marian Academy.
Long dead, those eight women, sometimes near starvation and with cardboard and paper slippers to cover their feet, could not have guessed that 161 years later, a mother would still have been thinking of them and praying for them with gratitude, in a cathedral hung with banners and flowers, as three young girls from a school a mere ten years old sang the Ave Maria.

By Roxana Kawall

We Miss You Ms.Ried

It is with deep regret that we annouce the death of Ms. Grace Reid: 1st June 1948- 11th September 2008.

We mourn the passing of this most faithful and dedicated teacher. Ms. Reid served us at Marian Academy teaching English and Mathematics for only three years but in that short period of time, she became our mentor and more importantly a strong mother figure to many students. We all came to love her very much. This year she turned sixty and the Secondary teachers decided to throw her a surprise lunch. When she realised what we had done, we all came in for a good tongue lashing which was taken in true humour. Ms. Reid never liked a fuss so it was only natural that as her pain increased, she dared any of us to treat her as an invalid. No one even tried!! We will remember her words of encouragement, her true professionalism, dedication and the love she showed to her students.

We will miss her deeply and we all join in wishing her God's speed into His Kingdom for her rewards.

Our deepest condolences go out to her son Colis and the rest of her family. May she rest peacefully in God's arms.

The Marian Academy Family

First day of high school

On Monday, September first, a new school year at Marian Academy began. There were many anxious new students waiting to see what their first day at a new school would be like. The new first formers were the most excited, as they were entering into another segment of their life known as “HIGH SCHOOL.”

It was a little odd having different teachers for every subject instead of one permanent teacher. The students were introduced to new subjects such as French, Food and Nutrition, History and a few more. For the pupils who came from the Primary department, there were many new pupils to interact with. By the end of the first day, the first formers were exhausted but anxious to see what their next day of high school would be like.

By
Mariah Low & Arianne Chand

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