Photo: St. Martin De Porres Primary School
by Kristen Ku
BELIZE CITY, Mon. Sept. 4, 2023
Today, primary schools throughout the country ceremoniously opened their doors, signaling the beginning of a new academic year. For many students, it was a time of reunion, a return to familiar schoolyards and friends. For others, the day marked the commencement of a shift in their educational journey.
Belize’s September is not just about its vibrant festivities; it’s also a period of preparations after a refreshing 2 month summer break. Today, that anticipation culminated as roughly 60,000 eager pupils embarked on their academic pursuits.
St. Martin De Porres Primary School in the Lake Independence Area witnessed the excitement and nostalgia of many students and staff.
“I got a little bit sentimental this morning when I saw my previous students coming by and were asking, ‘Where’s my class?’, and I had to guide them. And seeing these new faces, I get emotional,” joked Mrs. Maria Garcia, a dedicated Infant 1 teacher.
She described the day as both chaotic and with somber moments, where children were running all around while some were crying because of the new environment. Now a seasoned educator in her fifth year teaching infants, Garcia is teaching 22 students this term.
The enthusiasm was mirrored by Adejah James, a Std. 5 teacher, who shared her optimism for the academic months ahead. “I’m excited to see new faces, and my students are very cooperative already with me, and they also show that they are willing to learn and they wanted to be at school. They say they were tired of staying at home,” she shared.
With Belize’s educational system still transitioning and adapting to its new curriculum, James emphasized her strategic planning to ensure a successful year. “We’re trying to fine-tune our lesson plans as we speak, but if there’s a will there’s a way. We’re going to get through it one step at a time. What I’m looking forward to this year is more cooperation from parents and a lot of understanding,” she affirmed.
Tiffany Palacio Quilter, a parent and supporter of the school, had a firsthand view of the day’s significance for her two children. She was just as excited as her kids were to be back in school where they were able to reunite with friends and teachers.
She especially noted the difference coming out of the two-year hiatus of COVID-19.
“Being on the compound it gives them a feeling that ‘you know what, I am here to learn.’ Being at home they have TV that they watch, they get up when they feel like, and they do it on their pace. Because it is a piece of paper, they can just fill in answers and then go about their day. But when they come to school they know that once they’re here it’s time to work, it’s time to be serious,” she said.
Going into this year, Quilter is excited to see her eldest at the school graduate, and see her youngest grow from being timid to more confident, and trusts the teachers will help them get there.
Elsewhere, high schools in Belize, including the prestigious Belize High School (BHS), were already in the academic groove, having commenced their sessions two weeks prior.
BHS Principal, Mrs. Jamie Usher elaborated on their dynamic start to the year, highlighting record participation in their Robotics camp, and the implementation of early diagnostic tests.
“Returning from summer break and reopening classes has been a whirlwind of activity here at BHS! This summer, our largest enrollment for our annual Robotics camp was a huge motivator- the participants were fantastic. Now that the school year has begun, we started with our annual diagnostic PSAT and SAT testing to help our students with a snapshot of where they are academically and can give them an idea of how they’re on track to prepare for college and beyond,” shared Usher.
Usher’s pride in her students was evident as she recounted their summer achievements, notably in sporting arenas, with Dasialynn Thurton, Rhea Tsai, and Auryanna Shepherd, all earning National Medals in Volleyball and Powerlifting.
Additionally, going into this school year, she was excited about the international representation of the school, representing Belize in Singapore this October at the FIRST Global Challenge as well as student-led community initiatives.
Here’s to a fruitful school year for all educators and students!