Author: James Hope College

Dear Parents and Friends,

I trust all is well and I hope our students are enjoying their summer break after a 2-week virtual classes.

It is the dawn of a new era as the Board of Governors of James Hope college has decided to relocate the school from Agbor, Delta State to the Lekki axis of Lagos in Lagos state considering the state of the nation.

The relocation takes effect from next academic session in September/October 2021.

Read the Principal full message HERE.

Thank you.

Dear Parents and Friends,

I trust that all is well, and students are engaged with online learning.

This is the final newsletter for the 2020/21 academic year and what a year it has been. We slowly crept from under the Covid pandemic blanket, to face an altered reality. This new reality forces us to explore every opportunity to maximise benefits from a newly created time-poor environment. Thus, the qualities of resilience, agility and creativity is of enormous benefit.

On behalf of the staff and Board of JHC, I want to thank our parents and friends for the unwavering support and faith – without you, we would not be where we are, but our journey is not yet complete!

Student reports and invoices will be sent out shortly and to note, we are still waiting on the release of the official WAEC examination timetable.

In conclusion, “I truly believe that everything that we do and everyone that we meet is put in our path for a purpose. There are no accidents; we’re all teachers – if we’re willing to pay attention to the lessons we learn, trust our positive instincts and not be afraid to take risks or wait for some miracle to come knocking at our door.”; and to share a truth and make you smile, “We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don’t know.”

Enjoy the time with your family and loved ones – stay safe until we meet again.

Yours truly
Abraham. P. Swart
Principal

REMINDERS

JHC ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2021/22

Please note that with the fluid covid situation changes might be made at short notice.

HOLIDAY READING PROJECT
Please find attached the Reading Project and recommended list of books.

TIPS to ENSURE that LEARNING STAY STRONG
Parents are encouraged to READ and KEEP this attachment for current and future use.

Date	Event
TBC	Year 12 Graduation to be Confirmed
TBC	Annual Prize Giving & End of Academic Year
29th August, 2021	New Year 12’s return to college
12th September 2021	Orientation for new year 7’s
13th September 2021	School resumption for ALL other students

For more information or clarification on any matter, please feel free to contact me at, 0708 396 4440 or  abraham.swart@jameshopecollege.edu.ng

Kindly download the newsletter here

Dear Parents and Friends,

I trust that all is well.

An enormous ‘THANK YOU’, for the gigantic effort of our parents in getting students home earlier this week, logistically it was a perfect feat. I always believe that things happen for a reason and to look for the silver lining in every cloud. In the end, all things will be revealed in time. I express a deep appreciation for our parents’ unflinching support, the staff (and their families) who sacrifice time to ensure that students do their best, and of course, our founders, Mr. and Mrs. Ovia, who always have our interests at heart.

Importantly, virtual lessons will continue for Years 7 -11 as per schedule here – this will continue until Friday, 9th of July 2021.

The WAEC exam timetable is still an elusive matter, but we shall share once it has been made available from the official source. In addition, the JHC Academic calendar 2021/22 will still hold as shared last week.

In conclusion, “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.”; also, “A good laugh is sunshine in the house.”; and finally, “By working faithfully eight hours a day you may eventually get to be boss and work fourteen hours a day.”

Be safe until we meet again.

Yours truly
Abraham. P. Swart
Principal

REMINDERS JHC ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2021/22

Please note that with the fluid covid situation changes might be made at short notice.

VIRTUAL LESSONS SCHEDULE YEARS 7-11

See schedule here

FUTURE EVENTS

Date	Event
TBC	Year 12 Graduation to be Confirmed
1st July 2021	Annual Prize Giving & End of Academic Year
29th August, 2021	New Year 12’s return to college
12th September 2021	Orientation for new year 7’s
13th September 2021	School resumption for ALL other students

For more information or clarification on any matter, please feel free to contact me at, 0708 396 4440 or  abraham.swart@jameshopecollege.edu.ng

Kindly download the newsletter here and Lesson schedule here

Dear Parents and Friends,

I trust that this newsletter finds you in good spirits.

This week all students are busy with examinations, from Year 7 – 12.

The Year 12 students will complete the IGCSE examinations on Friday, 11th of June and will vacate the campus by Sunday, 13th June latest. The time at home will be used to prepare and write the JAMB examinations. Furthermore, our staff will engage them via digital means to continue to prepare for the WAEC examinations – to note, we are still waiting on the official WAEC rescheduled examination timetable. Once this is available then they will be requested to return to College

I have attached a copy of the JHC 2021/22 Academic calendar. Parents are requested to peruse and plan around this. Importantly, current Year 11’s, or the new Year 12’s will return to College on Sunday, 29th August 2021; New Year 7’s on Sunday, 12th September; and, the rest of the College on Monday, 13th September 2021.

We had a bit of normality returning to our College on Friday, 28th May 2021 with the Interhouse Athletics day. Thank you to the staff and students who made this a fantastic day – please enjoy the write-up.

In conclusion, on the topic of friendship, “There is a magnet in your heart that will attract true friends. That magnet is unselfishness, thinking of others first; when you learn to live for others, they will live for you.”; also, “Friends and good manners will carry you where money won’t go.”; and not forgetting that “Lots of people want to ride with you in
the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”

Be safe until we meet again.

Yours truly
Abraham. P. Swart
Principal

JHC INTERHOUSE ATHLETICS DAY, 28th MAY 2021

On 28th May 2021, James Hope College organised an entertaining athletics day as an extended
celebration of Children’s Day. Many had not envisaged a behind closed doors Interhouse Sports
Day would still take place in the aftermath of the Coronavirus.

Despite this, the students still participated with the same drive and passion required to make the
event successful. Ranging from field events to modified track events, and several interludes given
by the renowned school orchestra, all the students, had an exciting day.

The Athletics meet commenced with a concise outlay of the events of the day following the
competition oath by the female sports prefect. After, the struggle for the most athletic house was
kicked off with the field events: broad jump, long jump, shot put and discus. Teacher and student
officials, as well as student house captains coordinated the various competitors for the track events
(team and individual races). The atmosphere bubbled with excitement as Kwame Nkrumah
(Yellow house) emerged as the winner.

In conclusion, in a period where this sports day looked highly unlikely, it was its major success that
will make it stand out for years to come. It was evident that the students were wild with elation
after the series of captivating events. Apart from keeping students in shape, the athletics day kept
them entertained. The school is surely replete with promising athletes.

REMINDERS

JHC ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2021/22

Please note that with the fluid covid situation changes might be made at short notice.

LOCATION of APPROVED COVID -19 Testing LABORATORIES
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has a list of approved Covid testing laboratories on its web site. Please follow this link, https://covid19.ncdc.gov.ng/laboratory/ , and for fee-paying laboratories, https://covid19.ncdc.gov.ng/privatelabs/

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Here follows the travel information for the Air Peace bookings (www.flyairpeace.com):

	Asaba -Abuja-Asaba	Asaba-Lagos-Asaba
Departure: 2 July 2021	8.50am	11.30am
Return: To be confirmed	TBC	TBC

As per practice, all tickets should be forwarded to lekkyes.dadwang@jameshopecollege.edu.ng, and sunday.oloyede@jameshopecollege.edu.ng at least two weeks before the departure date. Also note that the above timings are subject to change by the airline.

FUTURE EVENTS

Date	Event
TBC	Year 12 Graduation to be Confirmed
1st July 2021	Annual Prize Giving & End of Academic Year
29th August, 2021	New Year 12’s return to college
12th September 2021	Orientation for new year 7’s
13th September 2021	School resumption for ALL other students

For more information or clarification on any matter, please feel free to contact me at, 0708 396 4440 or  abraham.swart@jameshopecollege.edu.ng

Kindly download the newsletter here and 2021/22 Academic Calendar here

Dear Parents and Friends,

I trust that this newsletter finds you in good spirits and in good health!

The Year 12 students started the IGCSE examinations this week Tuesday, the first part, to give an accounting of their six-year journey on the path of knowledge and application of knowledge whilst at JHC. The second part, of course will be in the form of the WAEC examinations to be sat later.

The virtual meeting held last week Saturday with parents of Year 12, 11 and 10 students was well attended, and I thank the parents for making the effort. More importantly, the contributions were relevant and appreciated. Here follows the essence of topics discussed:

1. Safety & Security – This is a burning issue in our country and the Board, Management and staff are vigilant, ensuring that good practices are followed and cognisant that the situation remains fluid, thus the need to adapt accordingly.
2. JAMB – It is recommended, as in the past, that parents register their children. However, the College will assist as far as practically possible. Furthermore, there were concerns that the JAMB examination schedule might run concurrent with the IGCSE exams. Notwithstanding, the College will address this matter should it happen and will be judicious to remain within the confines of professional and proprietary boundaries in doing this.
3. Career Counselling – Student subject choices matter, as it determines career choices. JHC has arranged time to do this and Mr. Ikuyinminu and myself, qualified Career & Guidance counsellors, are leading this. The recurring concern is that a few parents attempt to force their children to select subjects which the students are unable to gain a pass mark due to a lack of ability, application and motivation, or a combination of these. Consequently, any student who underperforms over a period, in several examinations will not be registered (external examinations) for the respective examination – this is done in good conscience.

Be safe until we meet again.

Yours truly
Abraham. P. Swart
Principal

Reminders

REVISED JHC ACADEMIC CALENDAR

Please note that this is available on the JHC website.

VIRTUAL MEETING – YEARS 7, 8 & 9 PARENTS

This will be on Saturday, 15th of May 2021 circa, 10:00 am. Details will be sent via email in early next week.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Here follows the travel information for the Air Peace bookings (www.flyairpeace.com):

For more information or clarification on any matter, please feel free to contact me at, 0708 396 4440 or abraham.swart@jameshopecollege.edu.ng

Kindly download the newsletter here

Dear Parents and Friends,

Benjamin Franklin said, ‘Lost time is never found again.’, and Adam Hochschild stated, “Work is hard. Distractions are plentiful. And time is short.”; these quotes, gained from practical experience, are true in the case of our students who have prepared and are preparing for examinations – past, current, and future.

But more so for our Year 9 and 12 students who will be ‘weighed & measured’ in a few weeks’ time when they face the BECE, Checkpoint, IGCSE, and WAEC examinations, respectively – the encouragement is to “make hay while the sun shines“.

The Covid-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on our behaviour and consequently the way we organise our lives and business operations. JHC is no stranger to this and as such had to adapt accordingly, as such the School Management wish to announce the following adjustments to our term 3 activities:

• No half-term break in term 3 – Years 9 & 12 engaged in examinations, and as a covid-19 prevention strategy, it is better to have all students on campus, instead of sending them home for a few days and risk contracting the coronavirus.
• Proposed dates for the Year 12 Graduation, 26 June 2021, and the JHC Annual Prize Giving, 1st July 2021. For a certainty, these will be virtual events of some sort, but we will share more information later.
• JHC end of Academic year, 1 July 2021 – this is a week earlier because of the sacrifice of the half-term break. Parents will be able to collect their children after 12 pm on the 1st of July and all students will vacate on Friday, 2nd of July 2021.
• School resumption for the new Year 12’s to be Sunday, 29th August 2021 to facilitate IGCSE exam preparations. New Year 7 orientation on Sunday, 5th September 2021, and the rest of the College on Monday, 6th of September 2021.

Please note that changes will be made if the current circumstances change. Stay healthy and safe until we meet again.

Yours Truly
Abraham P Stewart
Principal

Reminders

JHC ACADEMIC CALENDAR REVISED: A revised academic calendar will be shared shortly to reflect any changes.

Covid-19 Test Reminder

As an enhanced measure to protect all campus dwellers in the Covid-19 pandemic era, the Board has decided that all students will need to have negative COVID-19 tests before the resumption of College with immediate effect, after every term break. This means that when students return for the start of the third term in April 2021, they will need a negative test. We are aware that this will add extra pressure to the finances, but it is necessary, and it will be reviewed regularly.

General Matters

The registration for the external examinations BECE, Check Point, IGCSE and WAEC is happening currently. Please be prepared to pay these invoices which will be sent out soon.

Travel Information

Here follows the travel information for the Air Peace bookings (www.flyairpeace.com):

	Asaba-Abuja-Asaba	Asaba-Lagos-Asaba
Departure: 26th March 2021	2:40 pm	5:30 pm
Return: 14th April 2021	10:10 am	7:30 am

As a practice, all tickets should be forwarded to lekkyes, and sunday.oloyede at least two weeks before the departure date. Also, note that the above timings are subject to change by the airline.

Future Events

Date	Event
26th March 2021	End of Term
14th April 2021	Start of Term 3
26th Junes 2021	Year 12 Graduation
1st July 2021	Annual Prize Giving & End of Academic Year
29th August 2021	New Year 12’s return to College
5th September 2021	Orientation for new Year 7’s
6th September 2021	School resumption for ALL other Students

For more information or clarification on any matter, please feel free to contact me at, 0708 396 4440 or abraham.swart@jameshopecollege.edu.ng

Dear Parents and Friends,

I trust that all is well and that you and your families are enjoying good health. As usual, it is a busy term with the 2021/2022 Admission season in full swing with interviews, and document verification. I also want to thank our parents for speaking so positively about JHC as we have had numerous prospective parents mentioning that you are the reason for applying for admission for their child(ren).

In addition, what is happening on campus at the moment, are the preparation and sitting for examinations, as well as ensuring that co-curricular activities are fully utilized and enjoyed. The Years 9 and 12 students will face BECE, Checkpoint, IGCSE, and WAEC examinations
respectively upon resumption – they should not be taking it easy in the Easter break but need to review and study.

As part of my routine, I regularly pop into classes to observe teaching and learning, this is also a practice by the senior and middle management. I am happy to report that our teachers are engaging the learners, challenging them, and increasingly utilizing technology to get the best out of each student. My informal chats with students also indicate that they are enjoying their lessons but as usual there is always room for improvement.

In conclusion, “The most important lesson that I have learned is to trust God in every circumstance. Lots of times we go through different trials and following God’s plan seems like it does not make any sense at all. But never forget that God is always in control and he will never leave us.”

Stay healthy and safe until we meet again.

Yours truly,
Abraham. P. Swart
Principal

From the Languages Department @JHC
An Insight of Boarding/Residential living.

Boarding Schools: The Highs and Lows

Home and school are two different divides of life that most people believe should never mix up. However, attending a boarding school – one such as James Hope College – is an experience every child should get to enjoy.

Living on the school campus has numerous advantages. Firstly, children develop a sense of independence since they have to rely on themselves for things like taking care of their belongings and completing their tasks on time. Also, they learn crucial life skills which include good interpersonal relationships, time management, and self-discipline – the very skillset attending a boarding school requires. On the more fun side of things, students get to mingle with other students from backgrounds varying from theirs, which gives them a chance to see the world from a more diverse point of view. Additionally, a boarding school is basically like living with your friends!

Conversely, going to a boarding school has its fair share of less-than-favorable moments. For instance, students do not get to see their parents (and perhaps siblings) as often as they would like, which may sometimes leave them feeling lonely and homesick. Secondly, and most annoyingly, the workload can be absolutely devastating! Much unlike day school, you may have to turn in assignments at odd times like during dinner or after prep – merely hours after you received them. Likewise, you do not always get what you desire, especially at mealtimes. As earlier stated, being in a boarding school requires discipline, which sometimes means having to put up with what you do not like.

Overall, boarding schools prove to be quite beneficial because they encourage youngsters to acquire the necessary skills needed to lead a successful life. Indeed, there is no denying how rewarding the entire boarding experience is for a child both in academic and behavioural
excellence.

Adaudo Oganah (Year 10)

Life at JHC

We stroll in straight lines
As the sweltering sun shines
On the roads of James Hope College

We eat seasoned meat
As we discuss in our seats
In the dining hall of James Hope College

We play a myriad of sports
And have performances of all sorts
In the multi-purpose hall of James Hope College

We write and write and write
We burn the candlelight to reach greater heights
In the block of James Hope College

On high cosy beds we lay
On our lonely sick days
In the clinic of James Hope College

We talk and we fight
But we study at night
In the hostel of James Hope College

Round and round we run
Trying to have so much fun
On the fields of James Hope College

We glance at the greenery
As we take in the scenery
Of the environs of James Hope College

Written by Edisana Andikara (Year 10)

Reminders

JHC ACADEMIC CALENDAR REVISED: A revised academic calendar will be shared shortly to reflect any changes. Please notice that the College will resume on Wednesday, 14th of April 2021 for the start of term three.

Health Reminder

As an enhanced measure to protect all campus dwellers in the Covid-19 pandemic era, the Board has decided that all students will need to have negative COVID-19 tests before the resumption of College with immediate effect, after every term break. This means that when students return for the start of the third term in April 2021, they will need a negative test. We are aware that this will add extra pressure to the finances, but it is necessary, and it will be reviewed regularly.

General Matters

The registration for the external examinations BECE, Check Point, IGCSE and WAEC is happening currently. Please be prepared to pay these invoices which will be set out soon.

Travel Information

Here follows the travel information for the Air Peace bookings (www.flyairpeace.com):

	Asaba-Abuja-Asaba	Asaba-Lagos-Asaba
Departure: 26th March 2021	2:40 pm	5:30 pm
Return: 14th April 2021	10:10 am	7:30 am

As a practice, all tickets should be forwarded to lekkyes, and sunday.oloyede at least two weeks before the departure date. Also, note that the above timings are subject to change by the airline.

Future Events

Date	Event
13th March 2021	JHC Supplementary EE 2021/2022…details to follow soon
26th March 2021	End of Term
14th April 2021	Start of Term 3

For more information or clarification on any matter, please feel free to contact me at, 0708 396 4440 or abraham.swart@jameshopecollege.edu.ng

Dear Parents and Friends,

We are living in challenging times and perhaps it is not the first time that you have heard this sentiment being expressed, or you might have even said this yourself. The economy not doing well, the pressure at the workplace, difficulties at home, and people trying to make sense of life – this is not only common to Nigeria, but it is a pattern all over the world!

At College, we attempt to inject some ‘normality’ and stick to tried and tested routines in terms of academic routines, social activities, etc. Furthermore, it is also with pride and a very wide smile that I can share that your children are doing themselves proud with the Novel Review
done at our assemblies. It is a round table sharing of lessons learned from the novels that students have been reading over the holiday break. Thus far we have had students representative from all year groups sharing their reflections. To say ‘WOW’ is an understatement in certain circumstances as the use of language, ability to describe in detail, depth of review, etc. has been phenomenal and exquisite. It is instances like these that make us proud to have these students here and as parents, you should be proud too.

IMPORTANT: As an enhanced measure to protect all campus dwellers in the Covid-19 pandemic era, the Board has decided that all students will need to have negative COVID-19 tests before the resumption of College with immediate effect, after every term break. This means that when students return for the start of the third term in April 2021, they will need a negative test. We are aware that this will add extra pressure to the finances, but it is necessary, and it will be reviewed regularly.

In conclusion, ‘The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life.’
Stay healthy and safe until we meet again.

Yours truly,
Abraham. P. Swart
Principal

Reminders

JHC ACADEMIC CALENDAR REVISED: A revised academic calendar will be shared shortly to reflect any changes.

General Matters

The registration for the external examinations BECE, Check Point, IGCSE and WAEC is happening currently. Please be prepared to pay these invoices which will be set out soon.

Travel Update

Here follows the travel information for the Air Peace bookings (www.flyairpeace.com):

	Abuja – Asaba	Lagos – Asaba
Departure: 17th January 2021	11:45am	8:40am
Return: to be announced	to be announced	to be announced

As a practice, all tickets should be forwarded to lekkyes, and sunday.oloyede at least two weeks before the departure date. Also, note that the above timings are subject to change by the airline.

Future Events

Date	Event
13th March 2021	JHC Supplementary EE 2021/2022…details to follow soon
26th March 2021	End of Term
11th April 2021	Start of Term 3

For more information or clarification on any matter, please feel free to contact me at, 0708 396 4440 or abraham.swart@jameshopecollege.edu.ng