Although Danielle S. took home four awards for the 2023/24 academic year, this Grade 6 student and Sub-Prefect who was recognized as a Top Student in Mathematics, a Top Student in Language Arts and Top Girl, is most proud of making the Principal’s Honour Roll. Why? “I didn’t get that one last year,” she says. That and because it means she is working consistently. The Principal’s Honour 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 is 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 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 am good at a lot of things.” And while art and netball are her favourite activities outside of class, Danielle says she has always loved Math. “It’s a subject you really have to think about before you submit an answer,” and she likes the challenge.
Danielle says Christel House has impacted her family too. “It takes a lot off my mothers’ shoulders.” And after she was featured on TVJ during the High School Groundbreaking Ceremony, her mother was happy and proud to receive the many calls.
Danielle started at Christel House Jamaica in Grade 2, when we opened in 2020, but “I didn’t come on the first day because I was so excited, I got sick. I had a headache, and I vomited 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. Their class took a plane ride and toured South Africa, all on YouTube.
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 our 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.