On Thursday, March 3, Mount Saint Agnes celebrated its 126th birthday and a few weeks before honoured our position as the only Catholic school in Bermuda by hosting Catholic Schools Week from January 31 until February 6.

The combination of MSA’s world-class curriculum, daily infusion of Catholic values and the expertise of the dedicated faculty and staff ensures that our students receive the most comprehensive education available in Bermuda.

Each year we like to celebrate our continued traditions as well as how much our school has evolved over the years.

Taking the time to honour our MSA family, past and present, is what these celebrations are all about and we look forward to many more.

During CSW, student Noah Brady-Soares spoke about his experiences at our school.

“At MSA we learn through our faith and through each other,” he said. “This happens as a result of the questions we ask as well as the different answers we give.

“We are challenged to do this in each area of study; we look at how different cultures and religions have shaped our world today and we also question our faith and challenge the different aspects of religion and culture. Through this we learn through diversity and understanding.

“Moreover, the relationships between the staff and students is one I don’t believe you find in any other school because we are a family. Because MSA is a Catholic school, we are encouraged to live as examples of our faith, and by participating in consistent practice of our faith we become a united and strong family.”

Recent graduate Evin Mosley sent us an update on his first year at the University of Reading. Evin was able to register in his core courses, skipping the foundation course as a result of the Alberta Education Diploma he achieved at MSA.

“The Alberta curriculum is a well-known programme recognised worldwide due to its rigorous expectations of the students,” he said.

“A main component to the programme is to push students to work hard and challenge them to think in a critical and analytic style. These skills are still relevant in my life today as I pursue a degree studying law in the United Kingdom. For example, the small class sizes have helped me in tutorials in university because I learnt to interact with my teacher and students within that working environment.

“Another key to the Alberta curriculum is the 90-minute classes; these high school classes prepared me for the two-hour lectures I have in university.

“The versatility of the Alberta curriculum proves to be one of the essential characteristics that truly makes it special.

“The system attains remarkable results by listening to students and proving education is not something that is dictated, but rather a tool where people can express ideas actively and dynamically. I am proud to be a part of a family that continues to expand on its success every day and I will never be able to express my gratitude for all the opportunities and life-changing experiences that Mount Saint Agnes has provided me.”

The importance of volunteering

• Sabrina DaSilva, Grade 10

Volunteering plays a major role in all communities and many organisations around us are dependent on the help they receive from volunteers.

Volunteering is important because it benefits your community as well as yourself.

“When searching for an organisation to help, it is important to select one that interests you. I adore animals, so I decided to research for volunteer opportunities with animals. I went online and visited the SPCA website, contacted them by phone and they sent me a volunteer application — it was that simple!

I was soon mopping floors, cleaning windows, doing laundry and playing with the animals. Because the SPCA has a waiting list for volunteers, after three months it was time for another volunteer. I now volunteer at Ettrick Animal Hospital.

There are so many organisations that could use your help — find one that appeals to you and you will enjoy it! It will also look great on your college application.

Recognising good citizens

• Joshua Blee, Grade 7

At MSA, we have a Citizenship Award for middle school students that recognises up to three students each month for their outstanding behaviour and being role models.

Students are selected via a merits system. Merits are awarded for everything from random acts of kindness, behaviour in Mass, sportsmanship, character, courtesy, conduct, volunteer hours, community recognition and school spirit.

The awards are presented at assembly, where the principal reads a statement about each good citizen which outlines the reason for their selection. It may be because they respect teachers and classmates, show kindness to others, or are always prepared for class. It is a great honour when you receive the award; it recognises your academic and behavioural achievements.

Read and Feed!

• Adriano Rymon-Lipinski, Grade 6

We make many donations every year through school but one of the best programmes is the Read and Feed food drive.

We collect thousands of cans and non-perishable goods for the Eliza DoLittle Society during February by getting our friends and family to pledge us for reading.

The society’s goal is to prevent hunger in Bermuda. They do this by providing food to those most in need. I am proud to be part of MSA and to do my part in the programme to help achieve the society’s goal.

Last year, we read enough to provide food for five weeks.