Anti-bullying was the focus of a visiting team of volunteers from Holy Sacrament Episcopal Church in Pembrook Pines, Florida who conducted Vacation Bible School at six of the eight schools in the Southfield Cure, St. Elizabeth from June 9 to 13, 2025.
The Friends Reaching Friends team was led by Fr. Earl Henry, Mrs. Sharon Rodgers, and Miss Fiona Morrell. Participating schools included St. Mary’s Primary and Infant, St. Alban’s Primary and Infant, Top Hill Primary, Mayfield Primary and Infant, Morningside Primary and Infant; and Tryall Infant School.
Activities included daily devotions led by Fr. Earl, outdoor sporting events and interactive teaching sessions. The children also designed their own T-shirts to demonstrate a stand against bullying. At the end of each session, the volunteers presented small gifts to the students, teachers and caregivers.
Another highlight of the visit was the construction of classroom partitions at St. Alban’s Primary and Infant School. The partitions can be moved, when necessary, to create space for large functions.
The week ended with a Dinner and Recognition Service at which the Friends Reaching Friends team honoured the Principals of the participating schools. These included: Mrs. Cavene Headlam (Top Hill Primary School); Mrs. Loren Newbold Gayle (Mayfield Primary and Infant School); Mr. Andre James (St. Alban’s Primary and Infant School); Miss Semone Johnson (Tryall Infant School); Miss Nahalia Lynch (Morningside Primary and Infant School); and Mrs. Nichole Morgan (St. Mary’s Primary and Infant School). Gifts were presented to each Principal, as well as, Mr. Maurice Reynolds, the local contractor who assisted with the construction of the partitions at St. Alban’s Primary.
Team leader, Fr. Henry, received a collage from Rector, the Rev. Olando Gayle, on behalf of the Southfield Cure. The Principals presented the Friends Reaching Friends team with a gift basket of Jamaican and Southfield Cure Souvenirs; and they also received a Thank You gift from the Principal of St. Alban’s for the partitions constructed at the school.
Contributed by: The Rev. Olando Gayle
Rector, Southfield Cure
