Newsletter from St. Stephen's Monkey River, from Sue Harris

We have so much news for you that it is hard to know where to start. But first, I would like to reassure everybody that we are not suffering from the flooding that our brothers and sisters in northern and western Belize are having to endure. We had a lot of rain, the village got very wet and we were paddling everywhere, the road was cut off for a week, but we are fine.

On to school matters. We suffered quite a blow very early this term when Mr. Karl Burke, our Principal, and Mr. Joey Herrera, a new young teacher, decided that after all Monkey River was not for them. This was a great shock, and left us overnight with just three teachers, one of whom was expecting a baby very soon.

Then our substitute teacher due to take over for Teacher Kasia's maternity leave accepted another job in Mexico – so we were very stuck.

However, God moves in a mysterious way, and out of the blue on the same day that all this news hit, I received a phone call from a teacher looking for a position. So we were very happy to recruit Mr. Arthur Taylor, who will be with us until Christmas, and will hopefully return next academic year. He and his wife, Melissa, are living in the newly converted Teacher's Accommodation – thanks to the many of you who contributed to enable us to finish this project – especially to major contributors Lifeline Belize.

Our second major stroke of luck was a change in employment regulations which took place in September. This enabled us to offer the Principal's position to Mr. Walter Garbutt. Walter is a Monkey River native and a hugely respected figure in the village and indeed the country. He has worked at all levels in the education system, and is delighted to be able to return to Monkey River, where his career began. He also loves to fish! He has taken on the teaching of Standard 6 as well as running the school.

Good things sometimes come in twos, and with Principal Walter comes his wife, Teacher Kathleen, who is teaching Infant 2/Standard 1. Kathleen is a qualified teacher working on the final in service element of her training. Mr. and Mrs. Garbutt are living in the Principal's Accommodation, once again, we would not have this wonderful facility without all of your help – and in particular the Maine Group of course, and the late Miss Eleanor Sandlin.

Just some of the good things that these teachers have brought are practical subjects for both boys and girls – working in the grounds and sewing have started, cooking and gardening are to come. The children enjoy these activities very much.

As you can see for the pictures, school looks really good after the painting which took place in the summer. We now have pin boards, which are much easier to use, and tables and choirs instead of chairs with a tiny attached writing desk. This enables us to do more creative work, it also enables children to work collaboratively which is very helpful as the stronger ones can help the weaker.

We also have some terrific science kits which will enable us to teach science in a practical way. We'll begin using these very soon. All the above items and more are thanks to a wonderful grant from the Oak Foundation, which has revolutionised the way the school looks, feels and works.

We have begun a school choir – the St. Stephen's Creole Gospel Choir. Our motto is, "We will make a joyful noise unto the Lord." This is my pet project, designed to build the children's confidence and of course, their love of music and praise. Our first public performance will be at our Harvest Celebration on November 9th, and you are all invited! I will be getting a digital recorder very soon, so will be able to send you sound clips.

Finally, Teacher Kasia had a little girl – a brother for Jaden, one of our Standard 6 students.

With best wishes to all of you, and thank you for your continued support, which means so much for the life chances of our children. I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Sue Harris

P.S. We will be launching a special major appeal soon which I hope you will be able to support – details coming shortly.