Laptops, tablets allowed, cell phones still prohibited
CUL DE SAC:--- St. Maarten Academy's academic campus opens on Monday (August 11, 2014) for all students and, in keeping with the school's vision to develop the character and intellect of all students to the fullest extent possible through a dynamic medium, will this year officially allow students to use their personal laptops, and tablets in the classroom. However, cellular phones are still not permitted on campus.
The announcement was made by the school's new principal, drs. Tallulah Baly-Vanterpool. The Management and staff will begin the 2014-15 academic year with the virtue of excellence and wishes all to incorporate it in their daily lives.
"Know who you are, do your best, and do the right thing even if no one is around to see you do it," Mrs. Baly said Thursday evening at the orientation for new students.
The St. Maarten Academy expects every student to show a sense of pride for self and school, a positive attitude towards schooling, proper respect for the staff and a willingness to help develop the institution. The staff will continue to assist students with any matter related to school life or personal development. All students, especially those who are new, should consult staff members about any challenges they may experience.
All students are being asked to be in full school uniform, as dictated by the school's dress code found online in the Handbook for Parents and Students. Any student who is not in uniform will not be allowed in school.
All students are reminded that they should wear white polo shirt with the school's insignia engraved tucked into their pants or skirts. Skirts must cover the knees, while pants must not be tight fitting. Only plain white undershirt or gym shirt is allowed; and only white, navy blue, or black closed toe shoes or sneakers with socks are allowed.
Mrs. Baly-Vanterpool would like to remind all parents that jewelry is not allowed (for both boys and girls). Students can, however, wear a wrist watch and only girls are allowed one pair of stud earrings. Furthermore, boys must wear their hair short, while girls must sport only natural hair colours. Make-up, long nails or acrylic nails, colour hairstyles, cuts/designs in eyebrows, designer haircuts, visible tattoos, and wristbands will not be permitted.
Parents are also being encouraged to ensure that students are fully prepared for school with all their materials. The School Board will again be distributing Hype agendas free of charge to all first form students this school year.
"Parents, we can't do it without you," Mrs. Baly-Vanterpool said. School will begin at 7:30am and end at 1:30pm for all students on Monday, August 11, 2014. There will be a special welcome back assembly after homeroom, and the schedule will become operational thereafter.
The Foundation of Academic and Vocational Education (FAVE), under which St. Maarten Academy falls, together with the Management, Teachers and other staff, wish all an excellent and successful school year.