HOPE ACADEMY

Hope Academy
3 days ago
3 min read

NEWSLETTER #5 January 2026

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Dear Hope Academy Families,

Happy New Year to you and your loved ones. As we step into a new term, I am filled with gratitude for the partnership, trust, and shared purpose that define our school community. Your encouragement at home, your presence at school events, and your unwavering belief in your children’s potential make all the difference.

This year, we continue our commitment to nurturing confident, compassionate, and curious learners. Together, with your support and our dedicated staff, we will guide our students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Thank you for walking this journey with us. I look forward to a year filled with progress, joy, and meaningful moments for every child.

Sherna Leslie. Acting Principal

BOYZ2MEN

Boyz Who Cook

On Wednesday, January 28th, members of the Hope Academy Boyz2Men chapter participated in their first Grilling/Barbecue session at the Lions Community Centre. The group of 10 Boyz are part of the National Young Chef Program, a non-profit organization in the Cayman Islands.

The presenters at this session were Mr. Shawn Spooner and Mr. James “Jomo” Myles of the World Junior Barbecue League. Two students from the Clifton Hunter High School were also present to share their experiences as part of last year’s team in the World Junior Barbecue League, which is held annually in Memphis, Tennessee, in the United States of America.

The group was taught the rudiments of lighting a fire, preparing the grill, and seasoning the meat for grilling/barbecuing. For the session, the Boyz were taught how to prepare BBQ pork ribs and chicken thighs.

The Boyz truly enjoyed the session with the presenters and expressed their heartfelt thanks to them as they look forward to furthering their exposure and participation in various food festivals throughout the Cayman Islands and the upcoming Annual World Junior Barbecue League championship later in the United States.

Norman A. Howell MEd

B2M Coordinator (Hope Academy)

VERTICAL LEARNING

👩‍🍳 Cooking Class 👨‍🍳

Our young chefs whipped up delicious, all‑natural energy clusters using simple, whole‑food ingredients like rolled oats, chia seeds, and honey. It was a hands‑on lesson in healthy snacking, teamwork, and the joy of creating something tasty from scratch.

Ms. Caleigh

✨ Robotics Class Gears Up for Competition ✨

Our Robotics students have been hard at work building the school’s official competition robots and an entire competition field to go with them. Today’s class was buzzing with creativity, teamwork, and plenty of excitement as they practiced, tested, and fine‑tuned their builds. Their enthusiasm lit up the room, and they’re well on their way to an amazing showing at the upcoming robotics competition. We’re so proud of their dedication and can’t wait to cheer them on! ✨

Mr. Jerome

PE DEPARTMENT

Our students have been off to an exciting start this month! Grades 4–7 and 11/12 have been having an absolute blast at the Rugby Club, building skills, teamwork, and confidence on the field. The energy has been high, the sportsmanship even higher, and it’s been wonderful seeing students push themselves while having fun.

Be on the lookout for more details about our upcoming Hope Academy House Football Tournament — a spirited event you won’t want to miss!

Jake Kelly Teacher - Athletics and Activities

ENGLISH (ELA) CLASS

Ms Caleigh’s Cafe 👩‍🍳

Ms. Caleigh’s Grade 11 students stepped into her charming, café‑themed classroom for a Book Tasting that blended literature with a dash of whimsy. With curated “menus” showcasing a variety of books and genres, students sampled story flavors, savored intriguing plot teasers, and enjoyed a few delightful treats along the way.

Their literary adventure led them to choose The Hunger Games as their novel study for the year. Together, they’ll journey through the contrasts of utopian and dystopian societies, unpack rich character development, analyze gripping plot twists, and collaborate on creative, thought‑provoking activities that bring the world of Panem to life.

A sparkling start to a year filled with imagination, insight, and unforgettable reading moments ✨