ST. MARY’S CATHOLICSCHOOL
SANNIQUELLIE, LIBERIA.
SCHOOL GENERAL UPDATE (AUGUST, 2012)
1. ADMINISTRATION
(a)The Catholic Diocese of Gbarnga appointed the New School Business manager, Mr. Amos Sando who took over the finance of the School in April, 2012.
(b) The New School Board was installed in March, 2012 and Sr. Annie Wallace, FMM is serving now as Acting Chairperson of the School Board.
(c)Due to some reshuffles made by diocese the current principal, Mr. Larlesseh Berdeh is expected to hand over to the vice principal Mr. Jericho W. Dorwazia on the 10thAugust, 2012 who will serve as Acting Principal while waiting for the new principal.
(d)There will be a two days workshop for the teachers on the 16th and 17th august, 2012.
2. STUDENTS ENROLLEMENT
(a)During the academic year (2011 -2012) we had 614 students from Elementary, Junior and Senior high.
(b)We had 34 Students who sat for grade twelve WAEC and only 17 passed.
(c)The two Entrance exams were already administered and the third one will be the second week of August for those coming newly to the school.
(d)The new uniform for girls will be trousers from 4th to 12th grades.
3. INFRASTRUCTURE
(a) Library:The students are still making good use of the books that were shipped to the School by AFSSGA. The books are well classified and well placed in the shelves.
(b) Wire Fence: The wire fence that was put around the Elementary School in 2010 has been partly removed to pave way for the installation of electric poles in Sanniquellie.
(c) Arm Chair project: The Arm chair project was finished at the beginning of the academic year 2011- 2012. The School therefore has enough desks and chairs though each year there is need to repair those that get broken.
(d) Toilet Project: The flash toilet project was completed at the beginning of the year and was put to use. The only problem is that some commodes or toilet pans are already cracking and the next option will be to install the ground floor type of commode that can not easily crack or break.
(e) Latrines: The latrines at the Elementary side were in bad condition and the school released money to get them fixed during this long vacation. The new doors were already purchased
(f) Computer Room:Computer classes are on going with a good and committed teacher. Only four computers seem to be working well. The other six have broken down. The school bought one more fan to add to the two that are already in the computer room. Some latest software programswere also bought for the computers.
(g) On going projects by Students:The grade twelve class (2011 -2012) undertook the project of constructing a hut at the Elementary side. It is nearly finished.
3. FINANCE
(a) Budget: The budget for the school for each month is averagely $ 300,000LD (4, 285 USD) out of which $ 181, 200 LD (2, 590 USD) is spent on salaries.
(b) Income & Expenditure: The school manager is still compiling a report.
(c) AFSSGA Scholarship: Fifteen students (from different classes) benefitted from AFSSGA scholarship during the 2011-2012 academic year.
(d) School Fees:The school Board is still deliberating on the new figures for academic year 2012 -2013.
4. DISCIPLINE
(a) Since the death of Mr. Patrick Bamakpa no reliable replacement has been found and cases of rudeness of students are on the increase.
5. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
(a) School Masses are very irregular due to poor organization.
(b) Religious Education materials are not uniform.
CHALLENGES FOR THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR
- Lack of enough supply of books that are based on Liberian Curriculum.
- Lack of sufficient number of teachers.
- Lack of Physical Education in school ( No school T. Shirt for P.E)
- Dwindling number of students passing WAEC in grade twelve.
- Difficulty in maintaining school infrastructure due to low income
- Irregular payment of school fees for students from poor families.
- Lack of materials for Home Economics classes.
- Lack of enough good computers.
- Lack of school fundraising adventures which leads to sole dependence on fees.
- Lack of internet facility.
Compiled by:Fr. Don Phiri
(Priest in Charge/ School Advisor)
Submitted to: Mrs. Serina Trueh.
(President of AFSSGA)
Date: August, 1, 2012.