HOPE ACADEMY
- Hope Academy
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NEWSLETTER #2 OCTOBER 2025
Principal’s Message From Mrs. Sherna Leslie Barrett
Dear Hope Academy Families,
Our hearts are with the people of Jamaica as they seek to recover from the devastating impact of the recent natural disaster. For many of us, Jamaica is not just a place, it is home. To witness such destruction from afar is heartbreaking. The longing to be there, to help physically, to comfort loved ones face-to-face, is deep and real.
We are especially mindful of our teachers and staff who are still uncertain about the state of their homes and communities. Thank you for your support, compassion, and patience as they navigate this difficult time. Your kindness makes a difference.
Though we may be separated by distance, we are not powerless. We will rally together as a school community to support relief efforts, offer comfort, and stand in solidarity with those affected. Please be on the lookout for our efforts and ideas,whether through donation drives or simply holding space for grief and hope, we will act.
One love
Ms. Sherna.
Hope Academy Shines a Light
on Mental Health
🧠💖 Every Mind Matters: A Month of Awareness and Empowerment
This October, Hope Academy turned compassion into action by dedicating the entire month to raising awareness around bullying prevention and mental health. Through a vibrant tapestry of presentations, interactive workshops, and student-led discussions, our school community came together to explore what it truly means to care for ourselves and for one another.
✨ Students engaged in powerful conversations about self-worth, resilience, and the impact of kindness. They learned practical strategies for managing stress, supporting peers, and recognizing the signs of emotional struggle, because mental health isn’t just a topic; it’s a shared responsibility.
💬 From heartfelt reflections to creative expressions, our learners embraced the opportunity to speak up, listen deeply, and stand united against bullying. These moments of vulnerability and strength reminded us that behind every smile is a story, and every story deserves to be heard.
🌴 At Hope Academy, we believe that nurturing emotional well-being is just as vital as academic success. By equipping our students with tools for empathy, self-care, and courage, we’re building a culture where every voice matters and every mind is valued.
Together, we’re creating a safe, supportive space where hope shines and healing begins.
KINDERGARTEN 1
🌳🍁 Little Hands, Big Impressions!
Our K1 students brought the beauty of Fall to life with a heartwarming hand-painting activity that turned tiny palms into leafy masterpieces! 🎨🖐️
Using rich autumn colors, reds, oranges, yellows, and browns, they carefully stamped their handprints to form the vibrant leaves of a classroom tree. Each print added a burst of personality and joy, transforming a simple canvas into a celebration of creativity, community, and seasonal wonder.
🍂 As the tree grew with every touch, so did our students’ excitement and pride. It’s a beautiful reminder that learning through art isn’t just fun, it’s foundational.
SECONDARY MUSIC
🎶 Keys, Beats & Everyday Sounds: A Musical Journey Begins
At Hope Academy, our secondary music students are striking all the right chords—literally and figuratively as they embark on two exciting musical adventures this term.
🎹 In Grade 6, students have begun their piano journey with Piano Marvel, an interactive platform that blends technique, theory, and fun. With each keystroke, they’re building confidence, coordination, and a lifelong love for music.
🎧 Meanwhile, our Grade 10 students are diving into the world of music production using Ableton Live, a powerful tool embraced by modern artists for its flexibility and creative possibilities. Through hands-on exploration of Session View and Arrangement View, students are learning to record, design, and compose using the sounds of their everyday lives. From music concrète to hip hop, electronic to pop, they’re discovering how artists have sampled the world around them for decades, and now, they’re adding their own voices to that legacy.
✨ Whether it’s the quiet focus of piano practice or the bold experimentation of beat-making, our students are learning that music is more than notes; it’s expression, innovation, and connection.
ART CLASS
🌍 Exploring Art Around the World – Quarter 1 Highlights
This quarter, our young artists have embarked on a creative journey across continents and cultures! From the mystique of Ancient Egypt to the lush rainforests of the Amazon, iconic architecture in London, and the wonders of autumn, students have explored global inspirations while developing essential artistic skills.
✨ Grade-Level Highlights
🎨 Kindergarten – Animal Dot Art Inspired by Aboriginal traditions, our youngest artists practiced the down/up dot painting technique to create vibrant animal artworks.
🦎 Grade 1 – Rainforest Chameleon Students explored color blending using markers to bring these camouflaged creatures to life, learning about texture and layering.
🐊 Grade 2 – Rainforest Caiman Alligator Through printmaking with markers, students discovered how to create bold, textured impressions inspired by the Amazon’s wildlife.
🌉 Grade 8 – London Tower Bridge With a focus on observational drawing and precise measurements, students created symmetrical architectural renderings enhanced by colored pencil shading for a 3D effect.
🐪 Grade 9 – Ancient Egyptian Animals: Exploring the symbolism of revered animals, students used oil pastels and acrylic paint pens to draw from observation and experiment with mixed media techniques.
🌟 Looking Ahead
As we move into Quarter 2, students will continue to explore new cultures, techniques, and mediums. Stay tuned for more creative adventures and masterpieces!
– Ms. Kerry 🎨✨
NUTRITION CLASS
🍌 Fueling Minds & Bodies, One Boonana at a Time!
In nutrition class this week, Ms. Caleigh’s middle school Vertical Learning group served up a delicious lesson in teamwork and healthy habits. Together, our young chefs rolled up their sleeves and whipped up high-protein boonanas, a fun, nutritious snack packed with energy and flavor! 🧑🍳💪
As they sliced, dipped, and collaborated in the kitchen, students explored the importance of smart snacking, balanced nutrition, and the joy of working together toward a common goal. It was more than just a tasty treat; it was a hands-on experience in fueling both body and brain.
We’re so proud of their creativity, cooperation, and commitment to wellness. Here’s to more moments that nourish from the inside out!
STUDENT EMPOWERMENT
💼 Igniting Ambition, Empowering Futures
Hope Academy students have been stepping boldly into the world of leadership, innovation, and financial literacy this month—with three powerful experiences that sparked inspiration across grade levels.
✨ Our Grade 12 students dove into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship at the Small Business Expo, pitching products, networking with local innovators, and discovering what it truly means to be E.N.T.R.E.P.R.E.N.E.U.R.S—one bold step at a time.
🌍 Meanwhile, Grade 10/11 students welcomed Jayda from Junior Achievers for an engaging, hands-on introduction to global leadership and economic empowerment.
📈 And our Student Leadership Council took part in the Youth Empowerment Symposium, exploring the theme Money Matters. From budgeting basics to long-term planning, they gained valuable insights into financial responsibility and how smart choices today can shape a successful tomorrow.
We’re proud to see our students grow, learn, and lead with purpose. The future is bright, and they’re ready to shine.
SCHOOL LIFE
AUTUMN CIVVY DAY
🍂 Autumn Style with Heart: Civvy Day for a Cause
Hope Academy’s Student Council recently hosted a cozy and colorful Civvy Day, inviting students to swap their uniforms for festive Fall fashion! From flannel shirts to warm-toned accessories, our halls were filled with seasonal flair and student creativity.
But this day was about more than just style was about support. 💛 Proceeds from the event were proudly donated to the Alex Panton Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and emotional well-being among young people in the Cayman Islands.
We’re incredibly proud of our Student Council for leading with purpose and heart, and grateful to our school community for showing that kindness never goes out of season.
Halloween - Dress Down Day
PE DEPARTMENT
🏅Hope Academy Moves Together: Sports, Skills & Smiles
🏊♂️ Making a Splash! Students from Grades 4–8 have been diving into swimming this quarter, building confidence, coordination, and a love for the water. It’s been a joy watching them grow stronger with every stroke!
🏓 Pickleball Power! Our Pickleball Club is officially in motion! Students from Grades 4–8 meet twice a week to rally, serve, and smash their way through friendly matches. It’s fast-paced fun with a fantastic community vibe.
⚽ Footsteps on the Field: After a spirited game, our players from the Footsteps team show what sportsmanship is all about. Their dedication and energy on the pitch are truly inspiring!
UPCOMING DATES
📚 Mark Your Calendars: November Highlights at Hope Academy 🗓️
📸 November 3–4: Picture Day. Say cheese! Students will be taking their school portraits.
🧠💬 November 17–20: Stand Up to Bullying Week Led by our Student Council, this powerful initiative will feature activities and conversations that promote kindness, inclusion, and emotional safety across our campus.
👕 November 20: Civvy Day for a Cause. To close out Stand Up to Bullying Week, students are invited to wear pink, blue, or orange in solidarity. Let’s show our colors and stand together!
👨👩🏫 November 20, 3:00–6:00 PM: Parent-Teacher Conferences. A valuable opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate student growth. We look forward to welcoming families for meaningful conversations.