Tristan da Cunha Education News

Head Teacher Peter Foster Leaving Tristan

Report and photos by Clare Ryan

Presentation to Head Teacher Peter Foster at school assembly	Staff leaving do at the school for Peter Foster

Monday 17th June 2019 saw a special assembly at St Mary’s School. After two years as Head Teacher and English teacher, Mr Peter (Foster) will be leaving on the Edinburgh to return to the UK. During assembly, Nathan presented him with a card from the children. Miss Julia (Hagan) presented him with a card and gift from the school staff as a thank you for his contribution to St Mary's. During his time here, Mr Peter has taught IGCSE classes in English Language, English Literature, Geography and Environmental Management. His non-exam teaching commitments have included ICT and games. Speaking about his time on Tristan, Mr Peter thanked his colleagues for their support and hard work. He praised the children and wished them well in their continuing education. Mr Peter is a keen meteorologist and will miss the ever-changing Tristan weather! Miss Julia will take over as Head of Department until Miss Renée (Green)'s return, at which point they will become co-heads. We thank Mr Peter for all his work at St Mary's School and wish him well for the future.

School Sponsored Walks

Report and photos from Clare Ryan

After hearing about the devastating impact of Cyclone Idai, the staff and children at St Mary's School decide to start a fundraising campaign to help those affected by the disaster. Each class made a fundraising tin that has been left in various places in the village (the shop, post office, factory, admin building and hospital) for people to deposit money into. A sponsored walk was also planned and took place on Friday 12th April 2019.

The children in Playgroup and Class 1 walked around the settlement and covered a distance of about 1 mile. They were accompanied by teachers Miss Clare, Miss Sheila and Miss Sandra. On completion of the walk, they paid a visit to the Residency where Miss Marina provided them with a refreshment. Older children from Classes 2-5 spent the afternoon walking to the patches and back. Accompanied by staff, Mr Peter, Miss Rachel, Mr Richard and Miss Clare, the children walked at a good pace and were rewarded on arrival at the patches by refreshments from Miss Marina. The weather held out for the duration of both walks and all children should be pleased with their efforts.

With the money from tins, and all the children's sponsorship money now collected, St Mary's School raised a staggering £889.45! We are amazed by the total and thank the children for their effort! We also thank everyone who sponsored the children on their walks. Tristan is a very generous place!

End of 2019 Term 1 St Mary's School

Report and photos from Clare Ryan

Prize winners from each class

Friday 3rd May 2019 was the end of Term 1 for pupils and staff at St Mary's School. As usual, we celebrate the end of term by recognising specific achievements made by the pupils. During each term, pupils are awarded award points for good work, a good attitude, and generally working hard. The pupil(s) from each class who achieved the most points won a prize! Prize winners this term were Tyler, Savanna, April, Lucas, Amber, Shannon, Tristan and Chantelle. Pupils who had been filling plastic bottles with waste plastic were also recognised by Miss Marina and Mr Richard who have been coordinating the plastic bottle project in school. Children received prizes in recognition of their bottle stuffing efforts!

The Endeavour Cup was awarded to Ryan for working hard, particularly in Maths, and striving to make good progress. Ryan is on Nightingale at the moment, so the cup was accepted by his younger brother (above). The assembly ended by wishing Chloe and Nathan good luck for their IGCSE exams that started on Thursday and continue over the next month or so. Thanks were also made to Miss Marina who has helped cover during Mr Peter's absence.

Students receiving prizes for filling plastic bottles with waste plastic.