ANCHOR IN THE NEWS

A PROUD PUBLICATION OF SAN PEDRO HIGH SCHOOL

San Pedro High School observes Children's Day

Children's Day was observed in many parts of the world including Belize. Last Friday, March 5, the day was celebrated everywhere with activities and programs and the children at many schools went on trips or were treated to refreshments and snacks.

At San Pedro High School, the children were entertained to a ceremony organized by the Student Council. Master of Ceremonies Mr. Apolinar Tzul, Student Council Moderator, began by saying that "today your Student Council recognizes the many positive contributions that children can make to make San Pedro and Belize a better place to live."

Following his remarks, Student Council President Miss Ingrid Sanchez was called to give the welcoming remarks. This was followed by an address delivered by Miss San Pedro High School Miss Dilcia Trejo.

The third speaker for the morning was Mrs. Natalie Sedacey, a member of staff, who spoke warmly about the affection that a mother has for her children.

Mr. Barrington Castillo also played an instrumental song on the keyboard as a tribute to the Children of San Pedro High School. Miss Evelyn Sanchez, Vice President, then introduced the Guest Speaker, Deputy Mayor Mr. Eiden Salazar. Following his eloquent speech to the students Mr. Salazar was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by Student Council Treasurer Miss Cruz Flores.

The Vote of Thanks was given by Council Secretary Mr. Orlando Iglesias while the closing remarks were delivered by Principal Angel Nuñez. The day culminated with a

basketball and volleyball marathon and music supplied

by the San Pedro High School Band.

Christians haste your vows to pay Offer ye your praises meet At the Paschal victim's feet.

A song from my childhood, a song from the past, recalls the days when I used to listen to the Nazarene Choir as they song their joyful Easter songs, loud and clear. My home was right next to the Nazarene Church and, as I was getting ready to go to my church, the Roman Catholic, I couldn't help but listen and learn these songs. Oh, how I wish I could hear them singing again! In my final year of primary, Easter was sacred and solemn. I would line up for confession on Holy Thursday so as to prepare myself for the night's vigil and to be ready to receive the Lord on Holy Saturday. Holy Saturday mass, with the Paschal candle burning in the foreground and with the faithful watching the blessing of the waters, impressed me profoundly. I would guard my bottle of holy water jealously during the year. Of course, there was the merry making on Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday with the traditional San Ignacio Fair. As a child, I wouldn't dare question this affair. After all, the older folks knew best. If Easter called for a fiesta with the ubiquitous Ferris Wheel, marimba, tamales, and rice and beans, let it be.

Good Friday meant a long procession. I remember my mother desperately searching for flower to decorate her Station of the Cross. Luckily Easter was the time of orchids, and my brother would save her day with bunches of Shower of Gold. My mother would finish her altar in the nick of time. The procession would wind its way through the stony streets of San Ignacio. For some reason, that I never found out, Santa Elena was always excluded from the procession.

The older folks had the right notion of Easter. They knew that with the death and resurrection, Christ had fulfilled the Scriptures: "Destroy this temple and I will rebuild it in three days." The ultimate sacrifice had been offered. "Greater love than this no man has had, than to give his life for his friends. Yes! Christ paid the full price and with His mother and friends, we mourn His death. But the Gate of Heaven that were now shut because of Adam's fall were now opened. And we rejoice. His death and resurrection has wiped away our "stain" and made us as "white as snow."

A safe and blessed Easter to all!

ANCHOR IN THE NEWS

A proud publication of San Pedro High School

Editor: Mr. Apolinar Tzul

Asst. Editor: Miss Conchita Valdez

Members: Esra Al-Dabbagh

Martin Dawson

Jennifer Fiore

Findley Halliday

Jenine Haylock

Ida Martinez

Daryani Perez

Yuri Tun

Adriana Vasquez

Contributors:

Mr. Angel Nuñez

Mrs. Natalie Sedacey

Mr. Emil Vasquez

Mr. Luis Frutos

Mr. Gustavo Ellis

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

We have recently celebrated Children's Day with the theme: Children - what we make of them today is what we reap tomorrow. As we reflect on education we find out that that is the very function of a school - to try to make children better persons so that they may have a good future.

School is all about learning important information, acquiring skills, learning to read and make conclusions, discipline, responsibility, moral values, social values, reasoning, making decisions. It is the teachers' duty to bring all of this in the classroom. Students usually do not know this. For them school is about work and many of them hate work because at home they have not been taught to work.

It is good for students to know and reflect on these things though. He is not in school only to learn figures and words and information. He is here to prepare for the future. He is there to mature and become a better person. It is at school where he can acquire all the disciplines and values that he will need in the future if he is to become a better person and enjoy a better life. A better life is not about earning money. It is about being able to live well with people. Once can be extremely smart but can't work with people because he is selfish or lazy, or simply has poor attitudes and weak personality.

Who says the teaching profession is an easy one? It is one of the most difficult ones, if we take our jobs seriously. Teaching is serious business and at times frustrating because some parents just do not cooperate and the students consequently. But for the most part it is a very rewarding profession. It is a noble one.

Dear Editor,

Recently, I have been afflicted by what I truly consider as "a physical challenge." The experience has been rather frightening and truthfully, it has also challenged me emotionally.

Being in the hospital for nearly four complete days and recovering at home for a remainder of three days gave me the opportunity to strengthen my endurance and embrace my faith in God.

My mother was at my side catering to all my needs and my family all lent their moral support. It is at the time of need when one realizes the abundance of love of a parent. I'm lucky to have the love of my mother and family and I am grateful to them for their support.

Though it was hard to leave my mother, I returned to San Pedro in an effort to rebuild what was broken inside of me. Returning to my duties while still recovering has been easier than I had anticipated. I would like to thank wholeheartedly the staff and administration and the student body for their kindness and concern during my ordeal.

When I spoke to my mother, she was pleased to hear contentment in my voice after I told her how it felt to leave one home and come to another. On her behalf, as well, a sincere thank you all.

COMMERCIAL CLASS OF FORM 4 TO GO ON OFFICE PRACTICE

BY: IDA MARTINEZ

In about two weeks starting on Monday, March 22, the Seniors in the commercial class will be going out on their Office Practice for a period of two weeks.

Students will be assigned to business firms that have been contacted and they will be required to perform mainly office tasks. Seniors are very excited and, some, nervous but they wish to experience this opportunity.

This practice will help the commercial students in many different ways. For instance, it will acquaint them with the basic aspects involved in a business and they will also be gaining the experience and skills for future office employment opportunities. This will be an on site experience for the students and I'm sure they will do a great job because they have received a well-rounded preparation by their commercial teachers.

Editor's Note: ANCHOR IN THE NEWS spoke to Office Procedures Teacher Mrs. Dorie Blanco who said that business firms and companies have responded favorably in accepting the interns. She would like to extend her thanks to the business firms in advance on behalf of the school for supporting the programme for the seniors.

By: Mrs. Natalie Sedacey

The Art Club is celebrating life, life in human form. The club members which are a small but dedicated group have been attempting to draw figures. Their first feature was a Sahorah Bride. Using pastel colors as the medium, students attempted to capture color and form. The next item was a drawing of an old woman sitting on her dirt floor making clay pots. The students first examined her face to complete her portrait. Then, they moved to draw her working hands forming a clay bowl. The next item, a watercolor painting, was of a robust African woman sitting poised in front of a colorful display of tropical fruit. With this painting, students learned that time and perseverance is sometimes necessary to complete the final product. Our next project, which is in the process of being completed, is taken off a stained glass concept. A warrior, typical of the first people, is being painted in an array of bright colors. It will be a medley of colors, typical of Picasso, but with more order and more defined lines and shapes. Look for a small display of these art works on Open Day, Friday, March 12, 1999.

The students are working diligently to complete all their projects for this date. So, friends, parents, teachers, come and enjoy these works of art.

n

Dilcia Trejo - Miss San Pedro High

by: Miss Ida Martinez

On Saturday, February 27, 1999, Miss San Pedro High Pageant was held at the Central Park. There were three contestants. Miss Dilcia Trejo represented Form 4, Miss Sheena Torres represented Form 1b and Miss Camille Smith represented the class of Form 3. The contestants were both excited and nervous.

There were games such as fish pond and tombola and raffles. Dances were also performed by different dance groups. Varieties of food and drinks were on sale.

The three contestants had to solicit sponsorship and the one with the most votes to capture the coveted title. Dilcia Trejo emerged with the highest number of popular votes and she was presented with the title of Miss San Pedro High. Miss Dilcia Trejo won and was crowned by Miss Chiquitita.

EMAIL ADDRESS:

BY: Jenine Haylock & Daryani Perez

On Friday 19, 1999, Miss Avilez underwent surgery at the Belize City Hospital. It all started on February 18, when while selling at the school's saloon, Miss Avilez began complaining of major abdominal pains. Later, she began feeling a cold sweat all over her body and started seeing doubles. She went to a doctor where she was recommended to the Belize City Hospital for an emergency. She was taken to the hospital where she was told that she needed to undergo surgery. On Friday, she was operated and stayed at the hospital until Sunday evening where she was taken home. On Wednesday evening she returned to San Pedro and, on Thursday, she was back in the classroom. Her surgery was as a result of complications in her ovary. Her biggest challenge now is to carry on while she is convalescing. We wish her God's blessings and a very speedy recovery.

Library receives major improvements

by: Esra Al-Dabbagh

I interviewed Mrs. Sedacey about the project for the library. She informed me that it is the vision of Mr. Nuñez. He foresees a light, airy, fresh, clean environment, with windows, glass panes and computers.

Currently they have been rearranging shelves, throwing away out-dated books, painting and saving references for various subjects such as Science, History (World-Belize), Literature, English, etc.

There will also be a shelf for light recreational reading. They hope to have it ready with freshly printed shelves, chairs and linoleum by March 12 for Open Day.

SPORTS UPDATE!

Environmental Club Report

My advise for this Easter

by: Findley Halliday

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A SHORT REPORT ON OPEN DAY

By: Martin Dawson

On Friday, March 12, 1999 San Pedro High School has prepared a special day called "Open Day". Open Day is a day when parents and guardians as well as primary school students with their parents can come and check what their children are doing at school. San Pedro High School teachers and students have prepared a special program on that day so that the parents and guardians can learn, enjoy and see what skills their children have learnt or can do. Each class from Form 1 - 4 has something special to display this Friday for classes such as Typing. Computers, Literature and the Commercial Classes, Biology, Chemistry, Spanish, Principles of Business and Social Studies. I can inform that we would be doing several activities on that day. The class of Form 4 will be participating in presentations such as in the subjects of Office Procedures, Literature, Typing and Computers. I think Open Day will really benefit the teachers, students and the parents. The program will begin at 1pm and will close at 4pm. There won't be regular classes on Open Day but students are all expected to be present.

EDITOR'S NOTE: According to a release from the office, there will be a general assembly on the basketball court starting at 2:30pm. Presentations will be made by students representing the various clubs'. Teachers, parents and visitors are encouraged to learn as much as possible from this one day event.