Category: News

PRINCIPAL’s NEWSLETTER 

16th February 2019

Dear Parents and Friends,

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled the Presidential and the National Assembly Elections to Saturday, 23rd February 2019 while that of the Governorship, States House of Assembly and Federal Capital Territory Elections will hold on Saturday, 9th March 2019. Therefore, the Board of Governors of James Hope College has granted an extension of the resumption date of all students to Monday,11th March 2019.

We would like to use this medium to inform our parents and friends that the Inter-house Athletic day has also been postponed and a new date will be announced when we have a clearer picture after 11th March 2019.

We are aware that our Year 12 students are preparing for the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) at the moment. Therefore, all teaching staff have been asked to send additional reading materials to them in order to cover for the extended time they will spend at home. We implore parents/guardians to assist in ensuring that these students sit down to complete the tasks set for them by their teachers.

We wish to thank our parents for their understanding at all times and if we have further information or changes to any of the above, it will be shared as soon as possible

Yours truly,

Clement Ikuyinminu

Vice-Principal (Academic Affairs)

For: Principal

Dear Parents and Friends,

I trust that this newsletter finds you well and in good spirits, if not then I would remind you not to forget to SMILE, despite the situation we find ourselves in. Like laughter, smiling is part of the universal language which indicates positivity, acceptance, kindness and happiness; after all, ‘Because of our smiles, life becomes more beautiful’.

This term is already halfway and in a few days our students and staff will break for a respite. The respite or holidays is an opportunity for all students to reflect on the recently concluded assessments and refocus their energies to make the most of the next sessions. The College cannot stress the importance of parental support in its efforts to mould and shape the students and your children, in becoming well-rounded and knowledgeable future leaders.

As such, we need to always be cognisant about what we say and do around our children as anything negative can undermine our collective efforts and make our character-building endeavours nugatory. We have had instances over the last few months where some parents question College policies and processes and encourage their child not to comply with protocol and expectations. If in doubt about certain things, then you are encouraged to contact the College for clarification.

Furthermore, parents are encouraged to read the newsletters fully and regularly as they contain the most up-to-date information about JHC – these are sent out (via email) every two weeks and immediately posted on our website.

Parents are also reminded to update us about addresses and contact details when changes occur. It is not good to lament that you did not get any school communication when you have not updated your email address! On another note, I believe that we have the most beautiful campus in the world, manicured green spaces and world-class facilities, and maintaining it to this impeccable manner is a priority.

However, we have found that during the upliftment and dropping-off of students at the end and start of terms, the drivers, who parents are using (whether in a mini-van, bus or SUV or car) ignore the yellow garbage bins (carefully placed around the campus) and simply dump (litter) their rubbish (food packaging, drink bottles, sweet wrappers, etc.) where they park. This is unacceptable and we ask you for your cooperation in this matter.

In conclusion, ‘For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone’. Here is wishing you a great week until we meet again.

Yours truly

Abraham P. Swart

Principal

[highlight dark=”no”]DOWNLOAD THE FULL COPY Of JHC Parents Newsletter 5 February 2019 (1)[/highlight]

PRINCIPAL’s NEWSLETTER 

21st January 2019

James Hope College is rapidly growing in stature, buoyed by excellent results in external examinations, both local and international. Furthermore, an external quality assurance inspection, the BSO report, verified and confirmed the high quality of teaching and learning as well as the high standard of our facilities.

Now I am proud to announce, as advertised in the national newspapers (copy of the advertisement can be found at www.jameshopecollege.edu.ng), the excellent results our pioneer students achieved in the recently concluded (October/November 2018) Cambridge (CIEA) IGCSE examinations. The students and staff certainly did not rest upon their laurels/oars…CONGRATULATIONS! But also, a note of gratitude to our parents who supported and believed in us…THANK YOU! Once again, we recognise and are grateful for the benevolence of our founders, Mr Jim Ovia and Mrs Kay Ovia!

Further analysis of the results reveals that our students even surpassed the 5 A* – C (including English and Mathematics) subjects benchmark in comparison to UK Schools for 2018 (UK Student Performance Analysis).

In conclusion, Malachi 3v10: ‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it’. We are certainly blessed in abundance, accordingly, let us not forget to give praise to our Creator and give what is owing to him.

Good health until we meet again.

Yours truly

Abraham P. Swart

Principal

PRINCIPAL’s NEWSLETTER 

8th January 2019

Dear Parents and Friends,

College has resumed for term two and after a few days the cobwebs of the holidays will be wiped off as we get into the routines of our work and studies.

James Hope College is proud to announce that we are now an officially accredited British School Overseas (BSO.) Following a detailed inspection carried out in November by a team of three British inspectors we can now formally reveal the results of the report, which shows how JHC fully meets all the standards for British Schools Overseas accreditation as laid out by the Department for Education of the UK Government.

The full details of the inspection can be read in the attached report, but everyone found it to be a positive experience despite the rigour and hard work involved. During the inspection visit, over 50 lessons were observed by the inspectors. School documentation and policies were analysed and data reviewed. Students’ workbooks were scrutinised, discussions were held with the senior staff, the management team, a range of teachers and students.

The summary statement says, “JHC meets all the standards for a British school overseas and has many good and some outstanding features. Academic attainment is high. The behaviour of the students is exemplary. The vision of the board and the leadership provided by the Principal are excellent. The care and support offered to students, including in boarding is very high quality. The unique curriculum and the breadth of subjects offered are strengths.”- BSO report November 2018.

Of course, the main purpose of the report was not simply to validate the work that the school is currently doing but also to look at areas for future improvement and these have already formed an action plan to move the school forward. JHC is not only fully committed to achieving its mission but also to be the leading school in the country and beyond, so all the feedback and suggestions listed in the report were welcomed.

All in all, we are obviously extremely pleased with the report. It is a clear recognition of the hard work, commitment and dedication of all the staff here and the school community as a whole – not forgetting the magnanimity of our founders, Mr. and Mrs Ovia. However, we are certainly not resting on our oars/laurels and this will give us further impetus and enthusiasm for the many developments and future improvements that are already under-way.

In conclusion, ‘Progress has always been driven by a sense of adventure and unconventional thinking’. Keep well until we meet again.

Yours faithfully

Abraham P. Swart

Principal

Dear Parents and Friends,

Greetings from a lovely and cool Agbor! At JHC it is as busy as a beehive with one more week till the conclusion of the IGCSE examinations, internal examinations to start next week for the rest of the students, the BSO inspection, etc.

Next week Saturday, 17th November 2018 will be Academic Review for parents of Year 9, 11 and 12 students. Affected parents are urged to attend as critical information will be shared. More importantly, staff reviewing with parents the performance of students affords a one-on-one opportunity to share areas of strength as well as areas for improvement to progress to the next level in their learning. I have attached a pdf document which may assist with helping parents to make the most of this precious time.

The JHC Entrance Exams 2019/20 are currently advertised in national newspapers and on the website. If you have family or friends who have children of the correct age to start College, then please share this information with them. To note, the Open Day for prospective parents is Saturday, 24th November 2018.

Renowned author, Maya Angelou said, ‘My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style’ – upon reflection we may ask, ‘What is my mission, or do I just plod on from one day to the next?’. And James Faust reminds us of the importance of accepting the contradictions of life but that there is a higher purpose to what we go through, ‘If there were no night, we would not appreciate the day, nor could we see the stars and the vastness of the heavens. We must partake of the bitter with the sweet. There is a divine purpose in the adversities we encounter every day. They prepare, they purge, they purify, and thus they bless.’

Enjoy the week ahead and as the French speakers would say, ‘au revoir’ – until we meet again.

Yours faithfully

Abraham P. Swart

Principal

Please note that early application is recommended. Offer of places are subject to availability and the Admissions Procedures of the school.

You can download a copy of the application form by clicking JHC Entrance Examination Application Form 28 SEPT 2018

PRINCIPAL’s NEWSLETTER

26th October 2018

 Dear Parents and Friends,

Time certainly flies when you enjoy yourself. No doubt, the students currently on half-term break will be wanting an extra few days holiday. However, the reality is that we have an extremely busy second half-term ahead and all of us, including students, will have to do their part. Thus, we are looking forward welcoming them this coming Sunday, bright-eyed and eager to continue to do their best.

A reminder to all parents to check that your children have all the correct uniform items and correct gear, in other words, no clothing items which are not approved or electronic devices, etc. before their arrival on campus.

The Year 12 students have been engaged in the IGCSE examinations and will be completing the last examination in less than three weeks’ time. Once again, a vote of thanks to the staff who stayed back to ensure that these pioneers are well cared for, academically and physically. Here is a summary of the programme for the next half-term.

In conclusion, here are some wise counsel for a positive day and life: ‘Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.’ Enjoy the weekend until we meet again.

Yours faithfully

Abraham P. Swart

[highlight dark=”no”]JHC Parents Newsletter 26 October 2018[/highlig

James Hope College clinches the victory trophy at the 2018 Nigerian Society of Engineers Quiz Competition on Wednesday, 26 September 2018 ahead of six other competing schools that made the Grand Finale. The Quiz started out with over 20 schools enrolled in the competition but after four competing rounds featuring questions from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and General knowledge, Chimere Ezeiruaku and Oghenefega Ejovi Terese of James Hope College emerged victors.

The competition took place at the Ministry of Works, Delta State with about 14 student representatives in attendance. At the end of the session-engaging competition, JHC emerged overall winner of the competition. Members of staff and students of the College shared their excitement upon reception of the news.

Photo excerpts:

Dear Parents and Friends,

I trust that this letter finds you in good spirits. Our thoughts, prayers and well wishes to the Year 12’s who are starting the IGCSE examinations today .

A BIG thank you to all the parents who turned out for the Parents Visiting day last week Saturday – what a fantastic gathering, joyous noise and cheerful chattering filled the campus; after all, this is what gives any school its life, the people who fills and passes through it. It was good to see all and have informal conversations about a range of matters. The Great Hall was filled at both levels and the picnic tables are a great addition with some opting to have their meals outside.

‘The secret to success is constancy to purpose’ , or to paraphrase, ‘being consistent is the foundation of being successful’ . How true this is whether you are a student, teacher, entrepreneur or a parent. When it comes to striving for success, consistency can be monotonous. It’s not something that exactly ignites passion and drive. But it’s the one thing that separates those who hit their goals week in and week out, and those that don’t. Consistency is silent, it’s completely under the radar and it’s the key differentiator between success and failure. The following have been identified as the benefits of consistency in one’s life and work:

1. Accountability – This is probably the most obvious factor and easily overlooked. It’s innately human to deflect responsibility and point blame elsewhere when we haven’t got the outcome we wanted. By creating consistency around work/school goals and targets, and implementing practices that keep you on course, you inevitably create accountability for not only yourself but your team.

2. Clarity – Further to accountability, clarity is another inevitable outcome of consistency. Consistency will give you clarity, allowing you to focus with a fierce, undeterrable nature. Also, to prioritise by categorising urgent and non-urgent tasks and this helps to stay focused and consistent.

3. Motivation – We feel much better when you are on top of your work for the day or week – one feels unstoppable, fierce and motivated. One’s effort and productivity increase significantly, and you are constantly motivated to just keep going, and do better every time.

4. Confidence – When you are clear minded & motivated, it’s only normal that your confidence is raised. You’ll find yourself a lot more assertive, self-assured and confident in the decisions you are making.

The above is all interrelated. Consistency truly is key when it comes to success in all areas of life – school, work, business and socially.

Enjoy the week ahead until we meet again.

Yours faithfully

Abraham P. Swart

Principal

Dear Parents and Friends,

‘No subject of study is more important than reading…all other intellectual powers depend on it.’ – as such, reading is one of the vital activities encouraged at JHC. At the recent Monday assemblies’ students had the opportunity to share the importance of what they have read over the summer holidays.

This is an interactive activity that doesn’t merely ask for a recall of information but answers to questions requiring deep reading. Thus far, those invited on stage, from Year 7 to Year 12 students, have risen to the challenge. The above is one way to inspire confidence and boost authentic literacy.

This include students reading about a subject, writing about it and speaking competently and independently about it. At each step, the learning deepens, until the student demonstrates mastery and ownership of the knowledge, at which point they can confidently express it to others. On another matter, previously the Year 9 students were congratulated for doing well in the Cambridge Checkpoint examinations.

Currently, we now praise them for an outstanding BECE result, the best-ever for JHC…CONGRATULATIONS! For more details please read the information ‘FROM THE DESK of the VICE PRINCIPAL (Academic)’. Furthermore, carefully consider the information summarised under ‘FUTURE EVENTS’ as your attendance and support will be required.

In conclusion, ‘A tree is known by its fruit; a person by their deeds. A good deed is never lost; he or she who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he/she who plants kindness gathers love’; also, ‘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.’, and, ‘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’. Enjoy the week ahead and I look forward seeing you on Saturday, 6th of October for the Parents Visiting Day.

Yours faithfully

Abraham P. Swart

Principal