Stella Maris School Hosts Open Day
As another COVID school year winds down, a News Five team headed over to Stella Maris School for an open day hosted by its faculty and staff, as well as students of the institution. On display were items made by the talented children, with guidance from their teachers. It was a truly festive occasion as students from other schools were invited to take a look at what their peers are doing over at Stella Maris. News Five’s Duane Moody reports.
Duane Moody, Reporting
Stella Maris School today hosted its end of year open day where students who attend the institution showcased the results of the hard work they’ve put in during this academic year. From food to carpentry, sewing and more – students have been exploring their skills and talent.
Francela Cantun
Francela Cantun, Principal, Stella Maris School
“We are showcasing all of the products that the children have been making since they came in face-to-face. We have been involved in a lot of skills. We have sewing carpentry, jewelry art. We have cooking/baking; the children have been making powder buns since yesterday. So we have a variety of things that the children have been working on.”
Each booth has something for everyone. Randel Samuels Senior is the woodwork teacher at Stella Maris. He says that the students have been taught how to make curtain rods and candle holders, as well as napkin holders and garden beds using pallets.
Rondel Samuels Sr
Rondel Samuels Sr., Woodwork Teacher, Stella Maris School
“The woodwork room has been challenging due to the COVID protocols and the hand washing and mask wearing. The students have been adapting to it, but for the most part it has been welcoming. The students have been adapting well with the woodwork room as we recently opened it a couple years back. It has been challenging, but they have been adapting to coming to woodwork on a daily basis at Stella Maris School.”
With the sewing department, Tiwanie Laurie is learning from her grandmother at home, but also from her teacher, Kaylie Ford, how to make a number of items.
Tiwanie Laurie
Tiwanie Laurie, Student, Stella Maris School
“We make curtains, cushions and table cloth and hair bonnet.”
Duane Moody
“How has the experience been for you in making these things?”
Tiwanie Laurie
“I good, I good. I done get used to it because when I deh home, my granny teach me a lot so I know a lot.”
Kaylie Ford
Kaylie Ford, Sewing Teacher, Stella Maris School
“These are all that we have been doing in the sewing room. Despite the students’ unique talent, they all came together and we made different items to sell today for our open day.”
Everything is for sale and reasonably priced. Principal Cantun says the students have been taught skills so that they can transition easily into a workplace.
Francelia Cantun
“They are promoting it. You see the litter girl with the tray with the juices; come and get a healthy juice. They are learning money, they are learning to give change – it is an integrated approach where they are learning and developing to be able to be self-employed and gainfully employed in the future.”
Duane Moody for News Five.
