The first Catholic Secondary school in the north of the island will be opened this week.
The new school, The St John’s Academy, will open its doors in the town of Portsmouth on Thursday.
Although an actual physical structure of the school has not been constructed, it is expected to operate at the John’s Primary School from 1 pm on school days.
Parish Priest, Fr. Herman Sharplis, said while the academic development of students is priority, religion will also play a central role.
“All of the Catholic secondary schools are based in Roseau and we have only one primary school in Portsmouth,” Fr. Sharplis told DNO. “There has always been discussion to open a Catholic secondary school in the north and that discussion has become a reality. On Thursday we will have a mass at 11am at the Catholic church in Portsmouth to officially open the school.”
He said because the school’s population is only 40 there will only be three classes, 1st, 2nd and 3rd forms to start off.
“We are also hoping that the numbers will increase as the school advances because we want to assure the people in the North that this school is going to be different, a school with the mandate to give an overall development and formation for young people and although it is a private school, it is open to everyone and each student will pay $1,000 per term,” the parish priest said.
Dr. Juliana Magloire has been assigned Principal of the new St John’s Academy with an undisclosed number of staff.
The Catholic Church is already operating three other schools in Roseau: St Martin’s Secondary School, Convent High School and the St Mary’s Academy.
government need to step up and give us a colledge
That’s a good idea but no matter which school a child goes if he or she put her mind heart and soul into her studies and work hard they’ll do well. Good luck to the new school
ook
amen
Congratulations Juliana!! You and I are products of Convent High School. I think having a High School in Portsmouth is a great idea. I remember the days when we woke up at 4 a.m to catch the Robinson bus or the Tavenier truck to Roseau to get to school for the semester. These kids will not have to travel anymore since the school will be in their backyards.
Well well well.who vex boss.it was time for d north to get something good.our education there is at a very high level and all our teachers there have their degree.so haterz get yours.and whoever say we are taking only Catholic students why don’t you get your facts right before you belch bubbles? The school have more none Catholics than Catholics and we welcome them.and who say we rich? Zore Bel la.budget all u money properly and life will be a dream.our first priority should not b to bling and on street getting streetucation but
first priority is children and their sound education.
It’s only those parents who wished they had the opportunity to attend Convent High School, who go around bashing the school…
Then as soon as the grade 6 assessment results are given; scholarship, bursary or pass they running across to Bath Road to look for space!!!
They then return to criticizing CHS when their “last page” child isn’t accepted into the school because the principal and teachers are fully aware that they will not be able to handle the work capacity…
I am a proud catholic and even prouder graduate of CHS and grateful for the education I received under Mrs. Dorothy Leevy, having attended the school as one of the top scholars back in the day.
I am happy to hear that the secondary students of the North will receive the same type of quality education that is offered at the Catholic schools in town. More than 100 years of tradition and educational excellence will be supporting the St. John’s Academy!!!
While I applaud this move by my church, I think that the SMA and CHS as well established catholic schools should have been given the mandate to manage that brother/sister school and save on the administrative expenses of that school.
These three catholic high schools should have already been converted to a preparatory college with the best teachers from the three High Schools upgraded as senior lecturers and heads of subject disciplines and the three facilities that are used be converted to campuses and via video conference technology all the students of the catholic high schools would receive the same high quality lecture simultaneously while the junior teachers would be responsible for the tutorials and marking of assignments. Final term exams would be graded by at least two or even three teachers with the students writing their student ID and not their names on the exam papers.
The church is the body of people and we should be resolute enough to point out to our Bishop and Parish Priests that we need to take Dominica to the next level in catholic education and while at that we consolidate our resources and spend wisely – pay particular attention to the financial analysis of revenue per student, expenses per student, teacher’s salary per student. Let’s face it, teachers are human; they will always compare themselves. We should not intentionally or unintentionally destroy the motivation of catholic teachers who already do not have retirement benefits and insurance to speak of.
The time has come for the catholic church in Dominica to seriously consider within the next three years the restructuring of all its High Schools as campuses and consolidate its administrative expenses and have a centralized records department of its students information.
Very forward looking. Economy of scale is necessary in our moderate economic situation.
All the reason why this school is needed in the north.that is where you get the best education and decipline on island,in a Catholic School.I am not influence by realigon anymore,but it sure dosen’t hurt to get a catholic school education.In relation to the cost of living mark up,it’s not that much expensive compare to the price of electricty,alcohol and all the junk we feed our kids with.Catholic school accepts all denomination;They must remember they have to follow the RULE of the CATHOLIC SCHOOL.
Yes.all.I know they not forcing anybody to say hail Mary. Neither make d sign of d cross.or to be Catholic.all I know is the children just have to respect the religion.amen
i am a product of the convent high school proud of the education, work ethics and discipline that i have achieve, i am from the north, had to go to school in Roseau which was not easy at that time ,goodluck to all Dominicans stop being too negative that is why we cannot prosper as a nation,
Education is affordable in Dominica, in Antigua alone , Secondary Schools pay over 1500 a Term. If you have three children then you have to send the others to Government School.
Lord save your people. My children, siblings and I have all been scholars of catholic high school education. We can all attest to the high level of education and good discipline. Thanks for giving the people of the North that opportunity.
An added advantage of this school is that students will also be doing the SATs in 5th form. This gives students who will be going to study in the USA an advantage.
True dat
even if it is a catholic school I think it should be open for students of all religions..go move and good luck, lots of young minds waiting to be developed
it is indeed open to all.. as a matter of fact the first students to register were of non-catholic parents. It pays to find out before we make comments
Did anybody say it was not opened to all denominations? Just know that if you are a pentecostal and you attend that school, you may have to do say the rosary.
FYI…even pastors sending their children there. It’s not about religion, it is about the quality of education.
Catholic Schools are tops..DISCIPLINE
For real
Do you all credit? I want to send my child but I do not have all of the $1000.00. I would like to pay it by instalment. Is that okay? My child is exceedingly bright. I would like her to get that top education. I am Catholic. No child should be left behind.
good idea..but still a $1000 per term. when i went to st martin high school i did not pay that much..
we are not in St.Martin it’s Dominica and most private school we have to pay for education I know that the cost seems a lot but I hope that they will set up a plan where parents can make payment arrangements because education if the key.
The school is a PRIVATE catholic school. In order words, unlike the other Catholic schools on island, Government will not be paying the teachers. They are receiving no assistance from government.
The Convent high School must stop discriminate against student who want to do their cxc and stop looking for prestige , give everybody a fair chance
NO, if ur daughter with a scholargoat say mammy and daddy Convent I want to go. You will say “no daughter, convent high school too like prestige??”
where da coming out nuh fada
The other demonimation dont fight to go to catholic schools , catholic school like prestige so they like bright student and dont want to respect their religion
What religion??? The Catholic school is for CATHOLICS (the school still welcomes other denominations). But u have to adhere to the schools in the CATHOLIC school. If you feel like the environment will turn ur daughter, Tell the child go somewhere else with her scholarship.
And all you an radio blah blahing that Skeritt supporters alone benefitting?
Too much division, strife, and paternalism in this place.
Great. Excellent move!
This is projected to be another top institution on the island, our children in the north are going to be what educated children ought to be,so haters if alu doh want alu children to be educated in catholic schools keep them in government schools where tax payers money paying alu teachers, ok and leave us alone; is our 1000 dollars we paying eh eh
So do you think that it is the church’s money payign the catholic school? Our tax money paying them, get corrected please.
I sure hope that if Government is paying teachers salaries (tax payers money} that ALL denominations will be allowed an opportunity!!
read .open to all
for your information, “ALL” denominations already make up a sizeable percentage of the catholic schools, while catholic persons cannot find space for their kids
YOu cannot blame the parent ,the school must be blame for taking too much non catholic in the school ,at the same those same parents are tax payers that the government to pay teachers
True that! All of them are catholic when they entering the school. Once theyre in, thats it for being a Catholic and its “Oh, Im a Buddist now wi”
Dr Juliana Magloire has taught me lessons that shaped my life today, she will do great things for the north and the rest of the country.
I would like somebody to explain to my why non catholics fight to have their children educated at catholics school, just asking.
They not “fighting” for anything. It is there right as tax-payers and citizens of Dominica to go to any school!!
The majority of tax payers are alos Catholic! It has to be fair for us too!
You all are not answering the question. Its not about who pays taxes, its about belief. If the Catholic church is not right spiritually why would you want your child to be taught by the same people. And yes they are fighting because they go all the way to the Min of Education to get their children in. Any protestants here can explain this to me? What makes the Catholic church great educators and diciplinarians but but worshippers?
This can be a good idea if the school is offering an education system that is totally different from that which we have at every secondary school on the island.
Nevertheless I am a former student of Juliana Magloire and I know what this woman is capable off. She is a doer , perfectionist and an innovator. Good luck to Juliana
I am happy to heat
I am happy to hear about the school. Can we have a little more info- is the school co-ed or for boys or girls?
3000 dollars sounds a lot but I.guess they will execute and produce good results
I believe it says $1000 per term.
meant for the whole year genius
Anonymous what is 1000 x 3? There are 3 terms in a school year.
It is a co-ed school
LISHAV what you mean another Convent?
Much blessings to the Church and this new venture…I support it 100% !!
So mannny non catholics WANT their children to attend Catholic schools…I’m always left in awe at some none-catholics who don’t support the teachings of the Church but want there children to receive a Catholic education….
Much success Fr. Sharplis!!
At least in the cathoic schools you can see where your money is going to.
I telling u.what they say they say
That is great news! Looking forward to sending my son next year.
I’m happy for this news. More options for students and parents. The Church has always given top quality education in Dominica. I know; I am a product of such.
Good move catholic school always do the best.
Gaye! Hurray!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry.I meant hay!!!
another convent?? alas poor children
hahahah. Haterz gonna hate. If being part of ‘another Convent’ is a bad thing, leave us in our ‘poverty’ papa!
….and DNO allows a comment like that to go through!!!
You mean Convent High School? An institution that has been educating young women for over 150 years? Whose 5th form students have been receiving top grades every year? Are you retarded?
My friend retarded is not the word.I wish i could pin point what exactly is driving us to write some of the silly comments we post on DNO.
I heard more than that from the mother of the receipient of the LIME scholarship – maybe she thought her child would not be accepted there. Today convent not enough for her.