Latest News and Events

Congratulations to the SGY Class of 2010!

Proud family and friends joined the 56 graduates of the SGY Class of 2010 at their Commencement Ceremony at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity on Thursday, June 3rd.  Certificates were handed out by SGY Head Mr. Jon Beard and SGY Deputy Head Mrs. Nicole Chichon De Silva. It was the first SGY Graduation for Headmaster Mr. E. G. ‘Ted’ Staunton. Senior Vice President (Bermuda & International Product Line Manager, Healthcare) for Allied World Assurance Company, Ltd., 1993 Saltus graduate, and mother of Jonah in the Foundation year -- Mrs. Kirsten (Butterworth) Faria -- was the guest speaker. She gave sound advice to the graduates – who are the generation of the Internet -- and presented each with a copy of Dr. Seuss’s Oh, The Places You’ll Go!  (For text of speech click here)

Subject Prizes were awarded:  Accounts--Jaryn Martin; Art --Michael Grant; Biology, Chemistry Economics & English  Language--Simon Clinton; Business Studies--Christina Smith; Design Technology--Brittany Ricca; Drama--Kelsey Wotton; English  Literature-Calyx Tucker; Environmental Science--Jamila Weeks; Geography--Stephanie Robinson; History--Jacari Brimmer-Landy & Arthur Begeman; ICT & Mathematics --Larsen Burchall & Alexander White; Media Studies--Terryn Fray; Music--Michael Grant; Photography--Yukio Swan; Physics--James Anfossi; Psychology-- Paige Fisher; Sociology--Christina Smith; Spanish--Calyx Tucker; Visual Studies--Reilly Kuebler, Taryn Swainson & Catalina Sposato; Western Civilization--Arthur Begeman.

Special Awards were presented:  SGY Attainment Award (outstanding scholarship) -- Simon Clinton; Endeavour Award (consistent effort and determined approach) -- Brittany Ricca;  The Michelle L. Outerbridge Award for Debate (contribution to Debate), The Institute of Chartered Accountants Outstanding Student Award (scholastic achievement, leadership qualities, School spirit and community involvement) and  The Francis J. ‘Goose’ Gosling Memorial Scholarship (active participation in all aspects of School life) -- Jacari Brimmer-Landy; The SGY Award (noteworthy participation in the life of SGY and of the School in general) -- Christina Smith; The SGY Science Award (most promising student in the area of Science) -- Simon Clinton; SGY Male & Female Sports Awards (contributed most to the School sports programme both on and off the field) -- Terryn Fray and Catalina Sposato; The Davidge Family Award (all round achievement — academic, sport and School community participation) -- Hayley Evans; The Ruth Henderson Performing Arts Award (for contribution to the performing arts) -- Kezia Furbert and Calyx Tucker; The SGY Computer Science Award (most promising student in ICT) -- Alexander White; The PriceWaterhouseCoopers Award (most promising student in Economics, Business and Accounts) -- Christina Smith; The Deloitte & Touche Award (outstanding service, integrity, commitment to fellow students and respect for others) -- Stephanie Robinson; The Jennie Beard Cavendish Award (the male and  female students who since S1 have consistently shown School spirit) -- John Barnes and Paige Fisher; The Ernst and Young Award (demonstrates integrity, respect and teaming, along with energy, enthusiasm and courage to lead) -- Paige Fisher; HSBC Bermuda -- Recruit Extraordinary People Award (the graduate with top scholastic achievement and a strong interest in the financial services) -- Jaryn Martin; the new Peter Wittich Award to Foster Good Bermuda/U.S. Relations (bursary to the top student attending a U.S. University) -- Nolan Moniz;  SGY University Scholarship provided by the Trustees (overall contribution to School life) -- Christina Smith and Calyx Tucker.

The majority of the SGY ’10 graduates are headed overseas to universities in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, while three will be attending Bermuda College:

Congratulations one and all!

On Track for the 2012 Paralympics in London

SGY1 Jessica’s Goal: To Compete in Wheelchair Track at the 2012 Paralympics in London

SGY1 Jessica Lewis writes on her experience competing in Wheelchair Track in the Desert Challenge in Phoenix, Arizona, leading up to qualifying for the 2011 Worlds in January in New Zealand at which she hopes to qualify for her ultimate goal -- the 2012 Paralympics in London.

"I went to Phoenix in May to compete in Wheelchair Track at the Desert Challenge. This is an international paralympic meet. Before I was able to compete in these games, I had to be internationally classified in my disability category. I am a T53 which means I don’t have core muscles and have bad balance. We needed to go through this so that we knew who we would be able to race against. In these races I would race T53 women. This classification allows the race to be fair. I competed in the 100m and the 200m races, and came 2nd overall in both. My time for the 200m race was 39.34 seconds and 22.44 seconds for the 100m race. These times have qualified me for the Miramar track meet in Florida in June. I have to go to this meet in order to qualify for the World Championships in January 2011 in New Zealand. At the Worlds, I will be able to qualify for my ultimate goal:  the 2012 Paralympics in London.”

Saltus PTA Committee for 2010-2011 PTA Committee for 2010-2011 Announced at AGM on May 19th

Incoming President, Jennifer Titterton, introduced the new Saltus Association PTA Committee for 2010-2011 and thanked outgoing President Carolyn Armstrong for her dedication and hard work over the past two years.

Bottom left to right:  Jennie Kelly, Darlene Davis (Vice President), Jennifer Titterton (President), Shelley Ray, Ardleigh Young (Vice President). Top left to right: Debbie Buryj, Maria Pichery, Amanda Skinner, Debbie Narraway (Communications), Lisa Baumgartner, Tina Burns (Treasurer).  Missing from photo: Laura Morris (Secretary).

Saltus students raise funds for Open Airways to “Help Bermuda Breathe”

Upper and Lower Primary students had a Grub Day in support of Open Airways at the end of April. Liz Boden is seen with Upper Primary students and the presentation cheque for $1,136.30. Ms. Boden explained that “Open Airways is a small charity dedicated to improving the lives and well-being of over 9,000 people in Bermuda, whose lives are affected by asthma and other long-term breathing difficulties.”  The Saltus Wind Band performed at their “Hour of Air” event in Par-la-Ville Park on April 27th. At an Upper Primary assembly, students tried breathing only through a straw for the length of a song played by Mrs. Fox to experience what it is like for those with breathing difficulties; while Lower Primary students had fun blowing bubbles and engaged in other activities.

Liz Boden of Open Airways reports that “This is the first time we have ever asked the community to help us raise funds. Like many other charities fundraising is particularly challenging during these challenging economic times. Funds raised will be used to help us continue all of our educational programmes. We aim to Help Bermuda Breathe.  Open Airways funds are used to educate health care professionals, the community, the individual and their families.  We also we run the island-wide school asthma education programme, and provide free equipment to everyone to ensure effective control of asthma symptoms. We lead the world in having reduced asthma hospital admissions by 82% since our work began. Do look at our website to see more about our work www.openairways.com.”

For the Saltus perspective, School Nurse, Mrs. Lindsay Manderson, reports: “in total we have 352 asthmatics at Saltus and Primary students get a free pillow annually and free spacer device when needed.  Open Airways also give an annual assembly on asthma for students. Last year Open Airways sent the Berkeley Institute nurse and myself to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston for a course in exercise induced asthma.”

Open Airways gives an annual prize for excellence in asthma care and last year gave it to Lindsay Manderson. According to Liz Boden, “Lindsay recorded days missed from school due to asthma and everyone was shocked to see some children missed as many as 21 days for asthma in one school year. Following asthma education with the child, their family and the teachers, days off school have been reduced to only one or two a year!”

S7s and S8s Create Colourful Mural for “Bermuda, My Home” Competition

Developers of the former Waterloo House, the Green family and Berco Ltd., proposed a competition for Middle School students to design and paint one of the large boards fencing in the Pitts Bay Road construction site.  The theme of the competition, which was organised by Masterworks Museum and sponsored by Berco Ltd., was “Bermuda, My Home.”

Secondary Art Head Fiona Murdoch, assisted by S7 Art Teacher Corrina Rego, supervised the dozen students involved in this project: S7s Liam Peniston, Skye Kermode, Elizabeth Parsons, Anna Petty, Jessica Petty, Cathal Rynne; and S8s Zoe Simmons, Nathaniel Martin, Taja'mes Branch, Scarlett Brash, Daniel Perez, Zureena Rubaine.  Zoe Simmons designed the wonderful mural which was painted over two days as their hard work on the first day was washed away by sudden showers before the paint dried!  At the prize presentation, the Saltus students received a certificate of participation and a cheque for $500 for the School.

Rowers Medal in Overseas Meet

wersMedal in Overseas Meet

Just prior to the Spring break, S11 Jacinto Brown, SGY1 Erik Pearson and S9 Stephanie Wright traveled to the Spring 2010 Lanier Sprints on Lake Lanier (Georgia) with the Bermuda Rowing Association’s ten person Junior Rowing Team.  Jacinto earned a Bronze medal in his singles race, while Jacinto and Erik together earned Gold medals by coming first in their doubles race. Jacinto started learning how to row through Lower Primary Music teacher Deanna Friesen’s Rowing Club training on the rowing machines in the Saltus gym, while Erik and Stephanie started with the rowing programme  at White’s Island.

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Secondary "Rag Week" raises almost $4,000 for Charity

The annual Saltus Secondary Department “Rag Week” (an acronym for “Raise And Give”) involves a variety of events over several days during which funds are raised for charity. Each year local and overseas charities are chosen by the students voting through their School Council representatives.

“Rag Week” started during the 1999-2000 academic year and, over the years, up to and including this year, students have raised nearly $40,000 for a variety of charities.  Local charities have included:  B.A.S.E. (Bermuda Autism Support & Education), Bermuda Cancer & Health Centre, Fight for Life Foundation (set up to honour alumna Lori Mello ’00 who succumbed to cancer in June 2007), PALS, St. John Ambulance, and the Women’s Resource Centre. Overseas charities have included: A.H.E.A.D. (“to reduce and eliminate disease and premature death plus cultivate and advance healthy living and foster sustainable environmental activities in rural Africa”), Mahalapye Orphanage and Day Care Centre (Botswana), the Cheshire Home (Ndola, Zambia), Forever Angels (an orphanage in Tanzania), Save the Children, and UNICEF. In addition, every year funds are allocated to Children International in support of a child.

Secondary History Head Mrs. Lyndsay Millar, History teacher Ms. Vicki Crabb and Secondary staff oversaw the student groups who energetically organized events and recruited student participants. This year students voted for the Bermuda National Trust for the local charity and chose the international Red Cross for the overseas one. There was also an allocation for the support of Maikel Amaguaña Macias, the child sponsored through Children International.

Rag Week took place March 22nd to 25th, 2010. Activities included: Saltus Idol, a sponsored Read-a-Thon, Line of Coins, Scavenger Hunt, Wacky Sports, Sports-themed Grub Day, Bake Sale, and Cake Decorating Competition.  The total collected from all events was $3,933.76 with $500 to Children International for Maikel Macias, $1,716.88 to the International Red Cross and $1,716.88 to the Bermuda National Trust.

Executive Director Jennifer Gray accepted the cheque for the Bermuda National Trust and Helen Wicks (Office Manager for the Bermuda Red Cross) accepted the cheque on behalf of the International Red Cross. Saltus Secondary History Head Mrs. Lyndsay Millar, Head Boy Jacari Brimmer-Landy, SGY2 Stephanie Robinson (Student Council Secretary), SGY1 Kalaina Johnson, S10 Peter Cooper, S7 Kelsey White and S7 Raeesah Shakir presented the cheques.

Saltus Students Explore History in Washington DC and Virginia

At the start of the Easter break, thirty-nine excited S6 students, accompanied by six teachers, headed to Washington DC and Virginia on the annual History Trip, reports Upper Primary teacher Mrs. Rosie Doughty who was one of the chaperones.  This trip followed in the footsteps of the one Upper Primary PE Coordinator Mr. Martin Allen designed and successfully ran for over 10 years.

Arriving in Washington, students took in many of the famous sights there including the White House, historical monuments, and several of the Smithsonian museums.  After touring the sights in Washington, they headed south to Virginia visiting the living history museums at Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg.  This gave them an opportunity to see and understand more about the Bermuda/Jamestown connection studied in S5 as well as early American history, including the War of Independence and the Slave Trade, studied in S6.  Last but definitely not least on the itinerary was a visit to Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. 

While on the trip, the students were chaperoned by Mrs. Susan Furr, Mr. Malcolm Durrant, Mrs. Marlette Darrell, Mrs. Jan Shaw, Ms. Michelle Squire and Mrs. Rosie Doughty. Thanks to Mrs. Beverley Barton for her administrative support. 

During the trip, the students were well behaved and exemplified Saltus Pride, receiving many compliments from those they met along the way.  It was an extremely busy six days but they had a lot of fun, learned a lot, and also learned how to be responsible for themselves and their belongings while away from home. 

Exceptional Math Scores

Mr. Sandy White, Secondary Department Deputy Head for Upper Years and Examinations Officer, reports that among our current AS results in Math for A Level - Module 1, three SGY1 students had exceptional scores: Daniel Andrade and Megan Lindsay-Bayley both scored 98, with Erik Pearson, just one point behind, with a score of 97. Erik also had a perfect score in the Math section of the SAT exam. Well done!

Pictured from left: Daniel Andrade, Megan Lindsay-Bayley and Erik Pearson

Congratulations to Saltus Teen Awardees

From the left: Terryn Fray (Sports), Jessica Lewis (Incentive), and Jacari Brimmer-Landy (Outstanding Teen 2010 and leadership).

At the Bermuda Teen Services “Bermuda Outstanding Awards,” Saltus Head Boy Jacari Brimmer-Landy was judged Overall Outstanding Teen 2010 as well as winning the award for Leadership, Terryn Fray (SGY2) won the Sports award, and Jessica Lewis (SGY1) won the Incentive award.

Saltus Teen Award nominees included: Community Service -- Jamila Weeks; Spiritual Leadership -- Kezia Furbert; Leadership -- Jacari Brimmer-Landy (winner in this category) and Paige Fisher; Performing Arts -- Reilly Kuebler and Kelsey Wotton; Sport -- Terryn Fray (winner of this category), James Anfossi, Catalina Sposato, Hayley Evans and Dante Leverock; Most Progress -- Larsen Burchall; Incentive: Jessica Lewis (winner of this category); Academic Achievement -- Jaryn Martin, Nolan Moniz, Jacari Brimmer-Landy, Simon Clinton, Alex White and Christina Smith; Overall Outstanding Teen: Jacari Brimmer-Landy (winner in this category) and Paige Fisher.

Ten Saltus Students selected for the Bermuda Ladies

Under 17 Team at the first Pan-American Youth Hockey Championships

Dafydd Hermann-Smith, Technical Director of the U17 Team and Secondary Head of Economics and Business Studies, reports:  “The Bermuda Hockey Federation has announced the team selected to travel to represent Bermuda at the first ever Pan-American Youth Championships to be held in Montevideo, Uruguay, in March of 2010. This is a qualifying tournament for the 2010 Singapore Youth Olympics.” Congratulations to the following Saltus students who have been selected for this team:  SGY1s Megan Lindsey-Bayley, Emily Chadderton and Ryanne Bardgett; S11s Rhea Gibbons, Christine Decker and Raven Pearman; S10s Latonia Fray, Iman Smith, and Lorendae Symonds; and S9 Lorina-Le Harvey. They will be joined by Saltus alumna Alex Francis. They will be accompanied by three Saltus alumnae: Managers Juliette Oatley (’00) and Stephanie Adderley (’04) plus Coach Lakae Dill (’02). The team has been drawn in Pool B with USA, Chile and the host country Uruguay. In the other Pool are Argentina, Canada, Mexico and Paraguay.

The initial training squad consisted of some 34 players and started training last March. Since then the girls have trained every Monday night, have played against touring schools and colleges during the summer, and underwent a three day training camp during the Christmas holidays. Since October they have also had an extra night of physical training. All play for the Swifts Hockey club in the Bermuda Hockey Federation’s weekly leagues and have participated in some 21 league matches so far this season in addition to training on Monday and Friday evenings.

In addition to these demands, the girls have also been active fundraising towards the $60,000 plus cost of the tournament.

Ryanne Bardgett has already represented Bermuda at Senior International level during the Pan-American Cup held here in Bermuda last February and along with Emily Chadderton represented Bermuda at Under 21 level in October 2008 at the Pan-American Junior Championships in Mexico City.

The team leaves Bermuda on March 9th and arrives in Montevideo 25 hours later. The young Bermuda team will play its first match on March 13th against the USA.  The next day the team plays Uruguay with its third and final pool game versus Chile on March 16th. This will be followed by two classification matches on March 18th and March 20th, probably against Mexico and Paraguay. The team returns to Bermuda on March 23rd.

Saltus Students Raise over $10,000 for Bermuda Red Cross

Saltus students and staff from all three departments responded to the needs of earthquake victims in Haiti with a Grub Day on January 15th for the Bermuda Red Cross Haitian Earthquake Appeal. The response was amazing! When all the donations were counted the incredible total was just over $10,000! ($10,027.33 to be exact.)

This fantastic total included some individual efforts over the weekend. Seven-year old Jack Monaghan in S3 held a bake sale with his father selling goodies (which Jack helped bake) to Southampton golfers raising $500 for the Haitian Relief fund. Jack came up with this idea and was out there from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; he was helped by younger sister Sydney (S1), and friends Alexis Richard (S1) and Robert Bart (FY). Another Saltus Upper Primary student, S5 Tucker Paris, helped pick and sell grapefruit on the weekend (with his father matching what he raised) collecting $120 for Haitian Relief, and, as there are still more grapefruit available, he is sure to raise additional funds. Lower Primary student Morgan Rossiter (S2) dug deep and gave $20 from her “piggy bank” for her contribution to Friday’s Grub Day.

For the remainder of January, the Saltus Upper Primary Department has launched a “Helping Hands for Haiti” initiative with parents sponsoring their children to “…do a chore or keep a New Year’s resolution and earn a dollar.”   All sponsorship money for this project is due in to the School by January 29th.

At the cheque presentation, Bermuda Red Cross Director Mrs. Ann Spencer-Arscott described what international Red Cross humanitarian workers are doing in Haiti: “They are on the ground carrying out a variety of activities:  search and rescue operations; providing first aid care to survivors; distribution of water, family and medical kits plus tent and shelter kits; psychological-social care; communications and logistical support; and the building of latrines.  Various Red Cross Societies from around the world have brought in Emergency Relief Units which are mini field hospitals from which they can treat people.” In terms of what will be required over the long term:  “The assessment made by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent has determined that US$ 103 million will be needed to assist 300,000 people over a three year period.  In the first 6 to 9 months the activities outlined above will be carried out, and then moving forward the goal is to provide assistance to the victims of disaster in rebuilding their homes and livelihoods.”

Presenting the Saltus cheque to Mrs. Ann Spencer-Arscott, Director of the Bermuda Red Cross, were: Secondary Year  11 students Kelsey Pichery and Brandon Morris; Upper Primary students Head Girl Megan Zimmerer (S6) and Head Boy Thomas Allkins(S6), Jack Monaghan (bake sale) and Tucker Paris (sold grapefruit); along with Lower Primary S2 students Morgan Rossiter and Matthew Ingelman.

Saltus “Carols for All” Collection aids the Sunshine League

In December, Saltus Grammar School’s Music Department staged their annual “Carols for All” at St. John’s Church. Student and staff musicians and singers put everyone in the holiday spirit with their performances.  As usual, there is no charge to attend this event; however, a collection is taken each year for a charity.  This year the designated charity was the Sunshine League Children’s Home. A cheque for $1,714.00 was presented to Denise Carey, Executive Director of the Sunshine League.

Annual Alumni Soccer match decided by penalty kicks

The annual Old Boys versus Saltus 1st XI match took place on December 15th on the Saltus field. The Old Boys took the lead when V.J. Minors (’97) scored from a thunder bolt that flew into the top left corner of the goal. The 1st XI fought back and equalized just before half time from a Nicholas Parker (SGY2) header that deflected in off of Simon Clinton (SGY2). The second half featured end to end action with both teams creating numerous opportunities to score.  Unfortunately, no one was able to capitalize on their chances and the match ended in a 1-1 tie. In the resulting penalty kicks, the Old Boys prevailed 4-3. The match was played in a great spirit and enjoyed by all.

Senior Varsity Football Team has Successful Tour to Toronto

 Coach Jon Beard reports on the Senior Varsity football team’s Toronto tour over the half-term break:

“Our 1st XI (Senior Varsity) football team completed a successful tour to Toronto at the end of October with a convincing 4-0 win against Appleby College. Alex White grabbed two first half goals to put the team in a commanding position. Second half goals from Dante Leverock (penalty) and Terryn Fray rounded the game out. 

The team started on a faltering note on the morning of Friday, October 30th, with a 2-3 loss to Holy Trinity. Although enjoying the lion's share of the game a combination of defensive lapses and poor finishing conspired to result in defeat. Daniel Andrade and Dante Leverock were the goal scorers. 

The team then played Upper Canada College on the Friday afternoon. A goal-fest saw the Pembroke side edge their opponents 4-3. Goals scorers were: Michael Armstrong, Dante Leverock, Daniel Andrade, and Rakeem DeShields. 

Saturday morning, October 31st, was cold and wet and saw Saltus pitted against Oakville FC. A very well contested game in which the Bermuda side played a tight defensive formation and finished with Saltus tipping the balance to win 1-0 with Terryn Fray knocking in the winner.

The weather remained the same for the afternoon game against Concord FC (St. Catherines). The game was played at the large field of Ridley College; and the Saltus boys did well to overcome tired legs to grab a 1-1 draw against physically stronger opponents. Dante Leverock rifled home the tying goal late in the first half. After a grueling two days of play the final performance against Appleby was even more notable.”

SGY Head and Coach, Jon Beard, along with Saltus PE Head, Tim Figureido, accompanied the team. The Saltus team had finished the league season in Bermuda undefeated. 

Photo of Saltus Senior Varsity football team (in red) at Holy Trinity School, Courtice , Ontario

A Record 18 Saltus Advanced Placement Scholars!

We congratulate the 18 Saltus students who have earned Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams. The College Board's Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) provides academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on AP Exams. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students' performance on AP Exams: Bermuda National AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, AP Scholar with Honour, and AP Scholar. Research consistently shows that AP students who score a 3 or higher on AP Exams typically experience greater academic success in college and higher graduation rates than than students who do not participate in AP.

For a copy of the media announcement with photographs please click here: AP Scholars Advertisement who do not participate in

Saltus Students in a “Dream” Performance

Ms. Christianna Hiles co-directed the Saltus entry in the 2009 Shakespeare Schools Festival with Ms. Jacqueline Riordan and reports on the production which was performed at The Berkeley Institute on October 19th: “We managed to pull together a performance by Secondary students of the abridged version of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ during the first month of the new school year. Staff and students worked diligently every week to learn lines, create effects and work out vibrant costuming. Despite a few unexpected ‘announcements’ on the night, mid show, the performance was a success! Sharon Bean (Nick Bottom), Arielle DeSilva (Puck) and Kelsey Wotton (Helena) were all awarded prizes for their stellar performances. Congratulations to all who participated!”

International Independent Schools Public Speaking Competition 2009

Report by, Eoin McMahon

Arriving at the airport one would have hardly guessed that the group of 6 Saltus students and their 3 BHS counterparts were heading to a competition that brings together the top schools from all across North America and even schools as far away as ‘The English School’ of Cyprus and ‘Eton’ in England. This atmosphere soon changed as we boarded the plane; before long printed copies of speeches were out, recordings of monologues were playing in people’s ears and frantic final adjustments were being made as everyone strove to achieve the perfect performance.  A few short hours later after a brisk walk through an airport, a flight on a worryingly small plane and an eventful car ride, where at least one of our number fell asleep, we arrived.

We were greeted in the dark by an organiser who directed us towards the  grand columned buildings of Deerfield Academy. It was there that we met our host families, Mr. And Mrs. Pennock for the boys and Mr. and Mrs. Hagamen for the girls. They loaded us into their cars and the boys and girls parted for the night leaving Miss Hiles to the Red Roof Inn.

The next day it was competition time, at a gathering of the students and coaches the names of all competitors were read out, with some attempts at pronunciation resulting in some rather comical names being read, much to the amusement of anyone who knew how the names were really pronounced. Over the next few days these would be the people that we would compete against daily in our three events.

The Saltus contingent was split into two teams with Jacari Brimmer-Landy, Arielle DeSilva and Eoin McMahon making up the first team and Kacee Morton Simons, Alex Jack and Jasmine Cooke assembled to form the second team. During our preparations Miss Hiles would coheres and cajole us into spending part of almost every day with her practicing for the various events.

The events, we as a group, competed in ranged from cross-examination debating to radio newscast. Following three days of competition everyone was reasonably pleased with their results. Saltus students even made it into two finals! Jacari Brimmer-Landy and Eoin McMahon beat out all but one other Cross-Ex debate team and finished second overall and Eoin McMahon also competed in the After Dinner Speaking finals coming in 6th place. As an added bonus every single Saltus student placed  in the top 25 for their events and a number of Saltus students appeared near the top of the overall rankings. A very successful trip and a great experience all around, some of us even made some friends that we’ll have for the rest of our lives, although who’d have expected that they’d be from Quebec!

Saltus Students Come to Aid of Neighboring Kiddie Academy

Saltus students from all three departments participated in a Grub Day recently to help the children at Kiddie Academy affected by two break-ins during which their facility sustained  extensive damage.

A cheque for $2,391.40 from the Grub Day was presented to Mrs. Sharon DeSilva, owner/director of Kiddie Academy. Mrs. DeSilva has close ties to the Saltus family as she is the mother of SGY1 student Arielle DeSilva and the late Lori Mello (SGY ’00) who lost her battle with cancer in 2007.

On hand to present the cheque to Mrs. DeSilva were: Lower Primary students  Kiara McCulloch and Marcus Scotland who attended Kiddie Academy (they were delighted to see “Miss Sharon” again), Upper Primary students Thomas Allkins and Megan Zimmerer, Secondary students Nicholas Bergquist and Michaela Ratteray and Headmaster Mr. Ted Staunton.

Darrell Triumphs at Secondary Inter-house Swim Meet

There was spirited competition among those swimming for their Houses at the Secondary Department’s Inter-house Swim Meet on September 30th. The Inter-house Swim Meet results were as follows:  1st Darrell with 192 points, 2nd Watlington with 141 points, 3rd Butterfield with 134 points, and 4th Saltus with 130 points. Headmaster Ted Staunton presented the trophy to beaming Darrell House Captains and Vice Captains.

Saltus Offers Kaplan SAT Prep Course for Second Year

Saltus has developed a relationship with the American company, Kaplan Inc., which runs courses to prepare university bound students for the Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SATs). Last year for the first time, we offered the week-long course on the Saltus campus. 

We were pleased to welcome back Kaplan tutor Chris Sanderson this past August. Prior to Labour Day, Chris ran a one week SAT prep course attended by 20 students from years S10 to SGY 2. Although the majority of those attending were from Saltus, they were joined by a number of students from other local schools.

Mr. Sanderson was impressed by the effort and application of all the attendees, and was pleased to report an increase in the testing score of all those who participated. Participating students have been given a number of helpful texts as well as skills to prepare them for future SATs and are now gearing themselves up for SATs in October and November.

Saltus Grammar School is celebrating its best GCSE results in recent years.

In commenting upon the results, new Headmaster, Ted Staunton, noted that “2009 saw the highest ever number of students in any GCSE cohort writing examinations. Of those, 79% attained at least 5 passes at the A*-C grade range, and 29 gained A*-C passes in 9 or more subjects. We congratulate the hard work of both the students and the dedicated faculty.”

With a student population over 1,060, Saltus naturally caters for a wide range of abilities; nevertheless, the School sets the same high standards and expectations for every student. Deputy Headmaster, Malcolm Durrant, explained that, at the GCSE level, all students, from those who are identified as extremely strong academically to those who have received additional support for much of their school career, are entered for examination in their opted subjects. The total number of subjects in which a student might be entered in any one year is nine, although some students may exceed that number if entered for examinations earlier in their school career. “Our particular congratulations,” Mr. Durrant added. “go to Matthew Hogan with six A* grades and four A grades, to Daniel Andrade with four A* grades, four A grades and one B grade, to Ryan Benevides with three A* grades, four A grades and two B grades, and to Eoin McMahon with three A* grades, four A grades and two B grades.”

Matthew Hogan	Daniel Andrade	Ryan Benevides	Eoin McMahon

Letter to Parents concerning the H1N1 virus

September 8, 2009

Dear Parents,

In welcoming staff, parents and students back to school at the start of what will undoubtedly be a busy
year, we trust that all have returned fit and rested after the summer vacation.
Much has been reported in the media of late about the H1N1 virus and the potential impact upon the
island of an outbreak of pandemic flu. Current reports indicate that the 2009 H1N1 virus continues to
circulate worldwide. However, at the moment, the number of confirmed cases appears to be fewer than
originally predicted and documented cases of the virus suggest that the vast majority of patients
experience mild symptoms, similar to the more familiar seasonal flu.
We write to assure you that we have been monitoring, and will continue to keep abreast of, the news
from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control, as well as the Bermuda Department of
Health, regarding the projected occurrence of the H1N1 virus this fall. Should an outbreak occur, our
goal is to reduce the spread of influenza and to keep Saltus open. The School has developed a flu
preparedness plan, which will be modified as and when appropriate, and, with co-operation and
assistance from all sections of our community, we will endeavour to minimize the impact which any
outbreak might have.
Most importantly, we ask you to be vigilant in monitoring your child for symptoms of the flu. If your
child experiences any of the symptoms detailed on the ‘Advice for Parents’ document which
accompanies this letter, please keep him/her from school for at least 24 hours after he/she no longer
has a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. The staff will also be alert to
evidence of flu symptoms among our student population and we will call you if it is considered
necessary for your child to be sent home. It is important, therefore, that you ensure that your contact
information remains current and that you pick up your child promptly if called.
As a school, we will be taking additional precautions to limit the spread of any H1N1 outbreak. We will
continue to review the situation regularly and, on the advice of public health authorities, we will take
additional measures, and issue further updates, if required. Again, we stress that our goal is to keep the
School open and functioning smoothly during this flu season. Your help is essential to our ability to do
so.
Yours sincerely,
Malcolm Durrant
Deputy Headmaster

Saltus remembers Alumni who perished in 9/11 terror attack eight years ago

Saltus Head Boy Jacari Brimmer-Landy and Head Girl Paige Fisher this morning placed two wreaths at the foot of a commemorative palm tree outside the Secondary School Library. The ceremony in remembrance of two Alumnus, Boyd Gatton and Robert Higley who perished in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11th 2001. The Ceremony was attended by class mates of Boyd and Robert together with representatives of the secondary school students. Reverend Nicholas Dill gave the prayer of remembrance and the reading from the 46th Psalm.

Headmaster Ted Staunton in his opening remarks said, “On the morning of September 11, 2001 the world changed forever. The events of 9-11, I believe this will be the defining event of this generation, just as the Kennedy assassination was to my generation and the bombing of Pearl Harbor was to my parent’s generation. Up until 9-11, generation “X” has had it relatively easy. However, just as every generation who has come before us, we will and must rise to the occasion. Society was shaken to its very foundation and we can either lie down, or continue to fight for freedom and the right to live in a peaceful society”.

For the School, there will always be the historical and cultural significance of this day and I am sure that generations of students here will reflect on the events for many years to come. There is also a personal dimension for our school for we lost two former students on that dreadful day eight years ago.

 Saltus alumnus Boyd Gatton was working on the 97th floor of the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001, when it was attacked. Boyd was employed by the Fiduciary Trust Company as the Operations Manager, he was 38 years old. According to an article published by The New York Times, in December 2001 “He spent his free time practicing tai chi in the park near his home in Jersey City, doing carpentry work, reading and indulging his nieces when they visited from Bermuda with his two sisters”.

Robert Higley at the time of his death was on the 92nd floor of the South Tower. He was employed by Aon Risk Management Services having joined the firm just three months prior in June 2001. He is survived by his wife Vycki, by a young daughter Amanda and another daughter Robyn, born two months after Robert perished.

“We place the wreaths at the base of the memorial palm tree today as a small symbol of the School’s continuing desire to keep Robert and Boyd’s memory alive and to remember them as part of the Saltus Grammar School family. We never know when our time will be up, so it’s important to live each day fully; as if it is our last, and live our lives with integrity and to bring happiness into our world and into the world of others”.

Lower Primary Students Create Huge Prize Winning Bermuda Heritage Quilt

Near the end of last term, as part of celebrations for Bermuda’s 400th Anniversary, our Lower Primary S1 and S2 students helped create a wildly colourful Bermuda heritage quilt measuring 13 feet square.  Each child was given a felt square to take home and decorate with their parents – the only stipulation was that it have a Bermuda theme. The children brought their squares back to School and Deputy Lower Primary Head, Mrs. Tracy Renaud, painstakingly glued the 151 felt pieces to a larger backing.

This quilt was entered in the 400th Anniversary “Bermuda 2009 Open Call Competition” at the Bermuda Society of Arts.  The quilt was awarded the Youth Prize for the Visual Arts category winning $1,000 from the Bermuda 2009 Charitable Trust along with a matching grant of $1,000 from the Bermuda Arts Council to go towards classes or 'apprentice' hours for students in the field of Visual Arts.  These funds will be managed by the Bermuda Arts Council at the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.

The exhibit, which included our quilt, was on display at the Bermuda Society of Arts in City Hall from August 14th to September 1st.  The quilt has since been returned to the Lower Primary Department and can be seen in the new hall.

Saltus Stockers beat Rogue Traders in KPMG Challenge

Saltus Float takes 2nd Place in May 24th Parade

Happy Birthday from Saltus, Bermuda!

Left to right: Jennifer Pettit (Upper Primary Teacher), Mario Foote (Facilities), Tanisha Edwards (Upper Primary Teacher) and Sheridan Ming (Facilities). Thank you to all who contributed in any way!

Alton Roberts receives the Denton Hurdle Award 2009

Alton Roberts SGY 2

Students Sail on Tall Ships

Left to right: Emily Chadderton, Rachel Doughty, Simon Benevides and Brendan Amos embark on the voyage of a lifetime.

Daniel Pell aboard 'Jolie Brise'

New Bursary announced in memory of William 'Bill' Jack

An exciting new bursary was announced at a special ceremony held during the Saltus Founders Day celebrations. Alumni, students, faculty, family and friends gathered on the Saltus field to celebrate the life of former Trustee William (Bill) Jack. Bills’ wife and children assisted in the planting of an 8’ Southern Hackberry tree.

Following the tree planting, Saltus Trustee, Robin Hamill announced the availability of The William (Bill) A. Jack Bursary, funded by Deloitte Bermuda. The new bursary will cover the cost of tuition for a student with demonstrated financial need for each year of the two-year Saltus Graduate Years programme. 

Photograph (left to right)........

Mr. Robin Hamill, Trustee, Mrs. Carol Jack, Mr. Roger Titterton, Senior Partner at Deloitte Bermuda

Founder's Day Address 2009

Click here to access The Headmaster's Founder's Day Address

Headmaster's Final Graduation Address

Our Headmaster, Nigel Kermode, was delighted to have been invited by the senior class to be the guest speaker at the graduation ceremony for SGY 2 this year. The ceremony took place in the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, on Thursday, June 4. The full text of the Headmaster's Final Address to the graduates may be accessed using the following link: Graduation Address 2009

Saltus saddened by the passing of Ernest E. Stempel

It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Ernie Stempel on Monday. He will be tremendously missed in the Saltus Community. Ernie was an ardent supporter of education. He had a particular love for reading and books and it came as no surprise that he personally took an interest in the establishment of a new Upper Primary library at Saltus that bears his name. His love of books extended to his daughter, Diana, who had a leadership role in establishing our library volunteer programme. Over the years, The Stempel Foundation has provided books to all three departments in the School and supported numerous projects including the music, PE, foreign language and ICT programmes.

It's not just a pie in the face!

Rag Week staff coordinator, Vicki Crabb, is 'flanned by Nick Bergquist!

Miss Crabb!

Nick Bergquist at work!

Dollars for Hours

Student Volunteers help National Trust by assisting in the clearing of the Gladys Morrell Nature Reserve and raise funds for the School

The February 7th group of students included:  Eoin McMahon, Nick Park, Alex Jack, Sharon Bean, Scott Robbins, Jasmine Cooke, Emily Chadderton, Nathan Stamper, Alex McLeod, Dion Easton, Somer Zuiker, Conor Mullen, Kyle Fisher and Emilie Bacon.

The group of students on February 21st included: Sharon Bean (second trip), Aaron Logie, Jordan Wilkin, Rakeem DeShields, Daniel Andrade, Michael Mello, Matthew Ross, Matthew Witkowski, John Barnes, Sondai Smith, Thomas North, Theo King, Matthew Hogan and Julesa Robinson

Email Policies Revised March 2009

Please click on the appropriate link below:

The Saltus Parent Email Policy

The Saltus Student Email Policy

Saltus bids farewell to a special colleague...

A funeral service for the late Jennie Beard beloved wife of Jon Beard, Head of The Graduate Years, was held at St. John's Church, Pembroke on Friday February 6th, 2009 at 2.30 p.m. A private interment followed at St Mark's Church, Devonshire. In lieu of flowers donations in Jennie's memory may be made to: The Jennie Beard Award c/o Saltus Grammar School, PO Box HM 2224, Hamilton, HM JX (or via on-line banking - please specify "The Jennie Beard Award"). Donations should be addressed to: Berta Barreto-Hogan, Development Officer

Raffle benefits PALS, Children International & Saltus Library

Left to Right :

Denghie Fisher (Librarian), Mrs. Ann Smith Gordon (PALS), Morgan Hopkins, Ashton Bell, (Council Representatives), Mrs. Diana Bergquist (Parent Volunteer)

SGY Students build and test drive their own go-kart in Design Tech... and survive!

Saltus Students Witness Historic Inauguration

Bermuda Birthday Cake

Students Support Women's Pan Am Hockey Team

Photo from left: Kirsten (Butterworth) Faria, Iman Smith, Christine Decker, Raven Pearman, Melissa Durrant and Sharmini (Thamotheram) Samuels.

Saltus Appoints New Head

Newly appointed Head of School, Ted Staunton (above right), visited Saltus briefly this week. He enjoyed the opportunity, with his wife, Jane, to familiarise himself with Bermuda, to meet members of the Board of Trustees and the senior managers of the school and to speak briefly and informally to the assembled faculty and staff.

Mr. Staunton's appointment was unanimously approved at a specially convened Board meeting held on December 17, 2008. His appointment is subject to approval by the Department of Immigration.

Pictured above (l to r): Headmaster, Mr. Nigel Kermode; The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. William Cox and newly appointed Head of School, Mr. Ted Staunton.

Saltus Association – Your PTA

This has already proven to be a very busy school term and I have to say, a successful one at that.  Were it not for the dedicated PTA volunteers, and the commitment of the Executive Committee, all we have done so far, would not have taken place.

I am very excited to inform you that the PTA has pledged a contribution of $110,000 to the school as a result of fund raising by Saltus students and their families over the past school year.  These funds will be used to provide extra enhancements that will benefit children at all levels of the school.

For the full text of the letter from The Chair of the PTA - Click here

A Message from the Headmaster – CESI Saltus Final Report

Recommendations for School Improvement

The full text of The Headmaster’s letter can be accessed by following this link:

A Commitment to Improvement

Headmaster's Final Prize Giving Address November 2008

The full text of the Headmaster's Final Prize Giving Address which was given in the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity on November 6, 2008, can be accessed using the following link :

"Looking Backwards Into The Future"

Headmaster's Welcome Letter Winter Term 2008

For the complete text of the Headmaster's Welcome Letter Winter Term 2008 please use the following link: Welcome Letter

The Saltus Strategic Plan 2007 - 2010

Following a series of consulative meetings and a whole school conference in February of 2007, the management team formulated the strategic plan for the school for the forthcoming three years. This document was then shared with all of the contributing members of the school community and their feedback was incorporated into the document which is published here.

Many of the items which feature in the planning document are already the focus of attention and development and we look forward to sharing our progress with you in due course.

Please use the following link to access a .pdf copy of the Strategic Plan 2007-2010

Alumni in the news:

Critics hail Ariel from the Bermoothes - Alumnus Jason Eddy stars in recent London production.

Geoffrey Law joins Greymane Construction as assistant quantity surveyor

Dr. Andre Raine writes from Malta. Andre is Conservation manager for Birdlife Malta (click here for further information)

Bonnie Leibowitch is off to the Cook Islands. She will be sending a report of her activities for publication when she returns in six to eight weeks time.

Mark Chudleigh has been appointed head of Sedgewick's Detert Moran & Arnold LLP's reinsurance practice. In his new role, Mark will lead Sedgewick's global reinsurance practice, which operates from offices throughout the US, as well as in Bermuda, London, Paris and Zurich.

Publications

Please use the links provided to access copies of the listed publications.

The Saltus News - Summer 2009

The Saltus News - Summer 2008

The Saltus News - Summer 2007

The Saltus News - Winter 2007 - Spring 2008

The Saltus News - Spring & Summer 2007

Headmaster's report 2006 - 2007

Heads Up - Spring 2007

Notes from the Headmaster and the Senior Management Team

The Saltus News - Winter 2006

Headmaster's Report 2005 - 2006