Saturday, December 14, 2024

The Wilsons retire from Holy Cross School

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Holy Cross Anglican School was inaugurated in 2006 under the Motto: “Serving God, Serving His Children”. The School’s Mission Statement: To provide the highest quality primary education to the children of San Pedro. The doors were officially opened on Monday, September 4, 2006. At the time, temporary classrooms were used. The school had three classrooms for Infant I, II and Standard I children, 86 students and four teachers and provided breakfast, snacks and lunch for the children.

The first Special Education Unit in San Pedro officially opened on Wednesday, December 6, 2006. By September 11, 2007, Holy Cross opened with 462 students, 15 classrooms, a Special Education Department, Chapel/Cafeteria, School Office/Infirmary, Dental Outpost, 16 teachers, a principal, Mrs. Grace Williams, a vice-principal, Mrs. Sharon Hazel, school nurse, councilor and an office manager/bookkeeper.

On April 11, 2008, the first wall of the new computer lab was raised and officially inaugurated was on September 12, 2008. June 22, 2008, Holy Cross graduated 22 students – the very first graduation class.

By 2010, the school had an enrollment of 485 students, 17 classrooms, 19 teachers which includes a full-time computer teacher and a computer lab technician. These accomplishments were done under the careful leadership of Vernon and Francis Wilson. With so much accomplished, it is with much sadness that the school and community bids farewell to both. Francis and Vernon retired from Holy Cross in March of 2011 and have moved to Panama, where they hope to continue their missionary work.

In a farewell letter issued on July 18th, the Wilson’s write, “It truly takes a family to raise and educate a child and Holy Cross is blessed to have such a large, local and extended, always active, family. Because of your prayers and financial support, and with the leadership of Principal, Miss Grace and Vice-Principal, Miss Tasher (who are doing an incredible job), I know things will continue to get better and better! […] When we started Holy Cross way back in 2006, one of our main goals was to work ourselves out of a job. This past March we were finally successful – smile! After five years of pouring our hearts and souls into that miraculous school, there was a great management team and staff in place and the school campus was ‘looking good’. With profound joy and a true sense of accomplishment, we knew that the time was right for us to leave. Holy Cross is ready (with your continuing support!) to stand on its own two feet as an Anglican School worthy of pride and respect. Of course, we plan to continue our association with Holy Cross through the Foundation Board and frequent visits – always (God willing!) at graduation – smile.”

What the Wilsons have accomplished in our community is truly impressive and our students have been very fortunate to benefit from their commitment and dedication. The San Pedro Sun extends a huge THANK YOU to the Wilsons for all they have done and wish them a wonderful retirement in Panama.

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