Category: News

Dear Parents and Friends,

As we are running down to the final few days of this academic year which proved to be another year of all round strong performance, I wish to thank our College community (parents, students, staff, our Founders – Mr, and Mrs. Ovia and the JHC Board of Governors) for the support given. But never forgetting our Almighty Creator for blessing us abundantly because without His love none of our achievements would have been possible.

Mrs. Titi Ninalowo (Business Studies) and Mr. Charles Matthews (ICT studies) will be leaving us to pursue other interests. We extend our thanks for the services rendered and we wish them all the best for the future – and yes, they will be missed by both students and staff. We have already appointed their successors who will be joining us in August 2019.

As per usual I have included the Summer Holiday Reading Project for the upcoming vacation. Furthermore, book lists have been included as a guide to what Year 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 students can read.

Parents are reminded to ensure that the JHC blazer is properly dry-cleaned
alterations to girls’ skirts should only be to the waist and not the length , as for the boys , only the length and waist of the trousers if required.

In conclusion, ‘ A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.’

Here is wishing you a happy holiday break with your children and I look forward seeing you on Thursday, 11 July 2019 at the JHC Annual Prize-Giving which starts at 10.00 am sharp .

Yours truly

Abraham P. Swart
Principal

Dear Parents and Friends,

I trust that you are well. After an eventful and very fulfilling few days we are fast heading towards the conclusion of the academic year.

Firstly, CONGRATULATIONS to all the Year 12 students who graduated last Saturday…it was a magnificent event attended by our founders, Mr and Mrs. Ovia, Board members and other notable guests. Our graduates were impeccably dressed and looked befitting in their academic gowns for this august ceremony. The awards were abundant and wonderful surprises were in the offing such as, all graduates were offered full scholarships by the Jim Ovia Foundation to study at any Nigerian university. This was greeted with rapturous applause – it will certainly be a day to be remembered for aeons! More news to follow soon…

Secondly, the second JHC Careers Fair was a success with overseas and local university and foundation schools fairly represented. Year 9, 10 and 11 parents and students thoroughly enjoyed the plentiful information on offer as well as insightful interactive discussions with the special guests. Once again, we are grateful to all involved, let’s make next year even better!

A gentle reminder that our Annual Prize-Giving will be held next week Thursday, 11 July 2019 and we will start at 10.00 am sharp.

In conclusion, ‘The power of youth is the common wealth for the entire world. The faces of young people are the faces of our past, our present and our future. No segment in the society can match with the power, idealism, enthusiasm and courage of the young people.’

Here is wishing you a happy terrific Tuesday until we meet again.

Yours truly

Abraham P. Swart

Principal

Dear Parents and Friends,

I trust that this letter finds you well.

Firstly, a reminder to all Parents of Years 9, 10 and 11 students to attend the 2^nd Annual JHC Careers Fair on Saturday, 22^nd of June 2019. The programme will start at 10.30 am sharp, and guest speakers will share insights about certain careers; also, information booths (14 to date) from both national and international Foundation Schools and Universities will be in attendance.    

Secondly, the College received the CAIE (Cambridge) Checkpoint results yesterday for the Year 9 students. The results for English, Mathematics and the Sciences were fantastic with Purity Onoyemeakpo scoring three perfect sixes!  We congratulate all the students and staff for the excellent set of results. However, this is no time to ‘rest on our oars’ but to labour and toil more, with a single-minded focus in preparation for the next two examinations, IGCSE and WAEC.

Thirdly, Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 students have completed the International Progressive Tests (online) in the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Sciences.  These give an indication of progress to date for each student as per curriculum, provides a predicted IGCSE grade and give both parents and teachers advice and guidance for further improvement. I can state that most are on target with only a handful that need to ‘pull up their socks’ and to do more. However, I am confident that they will do us proud. These reports will be in the Report Envelope when students return home in three weeks’ time.

In conclusion, ‘Through hard work, perseverance and a faith in God, you can live your dreams.’.

Here is wishing you a joyful Thursday and may your blessings be bountiful.

Yours truly

Abraham P. Swart

Principal

Dear Parents and Friends,

Greetings from a cool Agbor as we are blessed daily with rain showers which aids with keeping the College’s fields verdant.Upon resumption of this half-term, the College are in full assessment mode – the first week to continue to prepare the Year 9’s for the BECE exams, and the next three weeks the actual examinations for all students. The BECE exams started on Monday and the rest of the College start on Wednesday.

As per practice the Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 students will sit the online Progressive tests for English,Mathematics and Science at the end of June.

These are international tests and assists with benchmarking performance, identify gaps in learning as well as strengths, guides teachers to plan lessons to the individual student, etc.

It is part of the College rigour to continually monitor students’ progress, this is done after every assessment by teachers, then the Head of Departments, followed by the Vice-Principal Academics and finally, the Principal. At the end of each term we take stock of where each student should be in relation to his or her abilities.

I can categorically state that each student has bucket loads of ability and deserve to be here. However, a handful are performing below their ability despite encouragement, additional out of class support and soliciting the support of their parents. Continual lack of application and indulging in behaviours that detracts from being serious about their studies will eventually lead to them having to leave JHC. This is not what we prefer but unfortunately it is the reality.

In conclusion, ‘Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.’ Whatever the season or weather, we must learn to embrace and appreciate it, for in everything there is opportunity.
Here is wishing you a happy Wednesday and may you continually have God’s smile of approval.

Yours truly
Abraham P. Swart
Principal

Kindly Click to view : Provisional JHC Academic Calendar 2019 2020 April 2019

Dear Parents and Friends,

I trust that this newsletter finds you in good spirits. It was quite strange to start the term in the middle of the week as we have always been accustomed to a weekend start.

The Year 12’s are in full WAEC examination mode and they are encouraged daily to persevere and to do their best. The last examination will be on Tuesday, 28^th May but some will finish early on the 22^nd May 2019. Any Year 12 students who have completed all registered examinations can leave once they are done, either the same day or the following morning. Parents are requested to make these arrangements as no Year 12’s will be allowed to stay on longer as they have completed their programme of studies. We look forward meeting up with all Year 12’s at the JHC Year 12 Graduation on 29^th of June 2019.

Please note that, all students, Year 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, will have a half-term break in this term. It is expected that the Year 9’s will write the BECE examinations in mid-June. However, we will confirm if changes are required. As the Year 12’s will all be vacated by the 28^th May, we will adjust the Year 11’s timetable to be given extra lessons in the freed-up Year 12 lessons.

At present, I am perusing in detail each student’s report and progress. – my heart beats with joy with the progress of the majority but then I am also concerned with the lack of progress of a handful. I wish to reiterate that the lack of progress is not because of a lack of ability but mostly due to a lack of application and consistency.

At JHC we develop students into scholars and part of that journey is an expectation to be diligent and practice what is learned, and for each one to battle the adversities of passivity, mediocrity and indifference. As per routine, I will be inviting parents of students who are not applying themselves, to meet with me to discuss the way forward.

Here is wishing you a glorious day and I look forward seeing you on Saturday, 11^th of May for the Academic Review (Years 7, 8 & 10).

Yours truly

Abraham P. Swart

Principal

Dear Parents and Friends,

I hope that all is well. As we are now in receipt of the official WAEC EXAMINATION TIMETABLE for the 2019 cycle, and as promised I have attached a JHC WAEC Timetable May-June 2019 for your perusal and to update you on the decision regarding our Year 12 students.

To note, the first examination starts on Wednesday, 17th of April 2019 which is followed by Data Processing on Tuesday, 23rd of April 2019. To avoid the risk of Year 12’s not returning to College in time and missing the examination, the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) has decided that ALL Year 12’s will stay on campus and not return home as previously decided.

The decision only affects the Year 12 students and the Year 11 students are expected to vacate on Thursday, 18th April and return with the rest of the school on Wednesday, 24th of April 2019. Here follows the travel information for the Air Peace bookings (www.flyairpeace.com):

Benin-Abuja-Benin Benin-Lagos-Benin Departure – Friday, 12th April for Years 7, 8, 9 & 10 Departure – Thursday, 18th April for Years 11 11:55 am 12.10 pm Return: Wednesday, 24th April 2019 10:25 am 10:45 am

As a 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.

In conclusion, ‘Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you’.

I wish you a good evening until we meet again.

Yours truly

Abraham P. Swart

Principal

Dear Parents and Friends,

I trust that you are healthy, happy and content. In two weeks’ time, this term will be at its end,  and after the Easter break, the rush of examination activities will befall us with all intensity. So, I would encourage those students who have the privilege to enjoy a break to make the most of it.

Since beginning times, almost every history and culture has celebrated the beauty of poetry. Epics such as the Iliad and Odyssey, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and Beowulf celebrated man’s struggles, while Shakespearean sonnets captured the exquisiteness of poetry. Edgar Allen Poe credits poetry for being the “rhythmical creation of beauty in words.” Not forgetting our own Wole Soyinka, Ben Okri, Chinua Achebe, Jimi Solanke, Mabel Segun, etc. With such accolades, one cannot ignore the importance and enrichment that poetry brings to any curriculum, in any language.

However, poetry is so much more than meter and rhyme for the versatility of this medium lends itself to any lesson, any grade level, and every student.

As such, we celebrate poetry at James Hope College, and I want to share some poems written by our own budding poets in this newsletter. A generic title, ‘The Last Page’ was given and students had to write about this using their own words. Please enjoy this as we enjoyed it when it was presented at a recent assembly – these creations are insightful, touching and comes from innovative minds and vivid imaginations.

In conclusion, ‘What can a pencil do for all of us? Amazing things. It can write transcendent poetry, uplifting music, or life-changing equations; it can sketch the future, give life to untold beauty, and communicate the full-force of our love and aspirations’.

Here is wishing you a splendid evening.

Yours truly

Abraham P. Swart

Principal

Dear Parents and Friends,

I am happy to report that all is well as we are underway with the second half of term two after an unintended extra week of holiday due to unforeseen circumstances.

In view of the aforesaid, it has become necessary to adjust the JHC Academic calendar in order to make up for teaching, learning and examination preparations. I have attached the revised calendar for your perusal to plan accordingly. In essence,

1. JHC will break for Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 on Friday, 12th April 2019 and resume on Wednesday, 24th April 2019.

2. Years 11 and 12 will continue for another week and will have a short break for Easter from Thursday, 18th April – Wednesday, 24th April 2019 – this is to allow them to spend Easter with their families. However, as the official WAEC timetable has not yet been released, it is possible that the Year 12’s might need to return before the 24th of April if there is a WAEC examination on Tuesday, 23rd or Wednesday, 24th of April. Once we have more details then we will communicate accordingly.

3. The JHC Annual Sports day will be deferred until next academic year.

4. The Year 12 Graduation ceremony will be held on Saturday, 29th June 2019.

5. The current Year 11’s will return to College two weeks (Sunday, 25th August 2019) before the start of the new academic year for final IGCSE examination preparations.

In conclusion, ‘Infuse your life with action. Don’t wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope. Make your own love. And whatever your beliefs, honour your Creator, not by passively waiting for grace to come down from upon high, but by doing what you can to make grace happen… yourself, right now, right down here on Earth’. Here is wishing you a wonderful day until we meet again.

Yours truly

Abraham P. Swart

Principal