Danielle soars to new heights in Jamaica

Danielle S. (pictured with Mr. Kevin Lindsay, Social Studies Specialist) recently took home four awards for the 2023/24 academic year at Christel House Jamaica. This Grade 6 student and Sub-Prefect was recognized as a Top Student in Mathematics, a Top Student in Language Arts and Top Girl. But she’s most proud of making the Principal’s Honor Roll. Why did that recognition mean more? “I didn’t get that one last year,” she says with a smile. The Principal’s Honor Roll recognizes students who maintain an average of 95% or above, every term.

Danielle describes herself as hardworking, disciplined and focused, and says that although she was always smart, “at my old school, I wasn’t disciplined. I was more quiet. I wasn’t a role model.” At Christel House, she is stepping forward into leadership, instead of withdrawing when she was teased for being bright. Now, her goal is to be a Prefect, because “I get to be a role model for other kids.”

Being at Christel House has given Danielle access to a wide variety of activities and helped her realize she has many strengths. “When I was at my old school, I didn’t really participate in many things, but here, I am in netball, drama, art. It really opens my eyes to see I am talented and good at a lot of things.” And while art and netball are her favorite activities outside of the classroom, Danielle says she has always loved Math. She likes the challenge. “It’s a subject you really have to think about before you submit an answer.”

Danielle says Christel House has impacted her family too. “It takes a lot off my mother’s shoulders.” And after Danielle was featured on Jamaica TV during the recent CHJ High School Groundbreaking Ceremony, her mother was happy and proud to field many calls from friends and family that saw her daughter giving a speech at the ceremony.

Danielle started at Christel House Jamaica in Grade 2, when the school opened in 2020, but admits she missed her first day. “I didn’t come on the first day because I was so excited, I got sick. I had a headache, and so my mother said I could not go.” Her best memory from that time was when her class teacher, Ms. Myers, planned a virtual trip to South Africa. The class took a virtual plane ride and toured South Africa, all online.

Her next big challenge is the Grade 6 Primary Exit Profile (PEP). “When I see an opportunity, I just go for it… I want to do really well in my PEP exams.” She was the top student in PEP 4 and did exceptionally well in PEP 5. We have no doubt she will shine in PEP 6, exceeding even her own expectations.