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Barracuda Bulletin: Week of December 5, 2025
- andreamilam
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Student Spotlight
Seventh grader Norah Chouiniere has been part of the GHS community since age 2. Seventh grade advisor Ms. Banen says Norah is constantly looking for ways to use her interests and expertise to enhance the school community.
“She’s very engaged in the classroom,” says Ms. Banen. “Her hand is the first one up, and she always brings in a little extra beyond what’s expected of her.”
Norah’s peers see her as a kind, dependable friend.
“They often look to her for advice and everybody really values her insight,” says Ms. Banen. “She makes it cool to be involved in school. She motivates her classmates.”
Norah says she likes our teachers and the kinds of projects they assign.
“The teachers are very approachable and always willing to help,” says Norah.
Seventh grade co-advisor Mr. Corey describes Norah as “genuinely friendly.”
Norah took part in our theater STEAM Week offering, where Ms. Banen says her creativity was evident.
“It’s so fun to watch her showcase her creativity through costuming, her makeup talents, and performing,” says Ms. Banen.
Norah takes art and theater lessons at the St. John School of the Arts. In her free time, she enjoys exploring her creativity through stage and special effects makeup.
Upcoming Events
FIRST TRIMESTER REPORT CARDS COMING HOME TODAY
First trimester report cards are going home today with all students. Report cards for students who reside in the same household will be combined in the same envelope. Please contact your child's teacher(s) with any questions or concerns.
UPPER CAMPUS FIRST TRIMESTER HONOR ROLL AWARDS DECEMBER 11
We will recognize Upper Campus students who earned a spot on honor roll or high honor roll with an assembly on Thursday, December 11, at 8:30 a.m. Students who've been selected for pride awards will also be recognized at this event. Parents of students who will be receiving awards have been notified. This event will be livestreamed on our Facebook page.
LOWER CAMPUS DECEMBER BIRTHDAY ASSEMBLY DECEMBER 17
We'll celebrate December birthdays at our monthly Lower Campus birthday assembly Wednesday morning, December 17, at 8:45 a.m. in the Lower Campus Great Room. Please note that those attending the assembly may not park until after 8:30 a.m. Please do not park across the street by the yellow house and along that stretch of road, as it is private property. Parents and guardians of students with December birthdays are welcome to attend. This event will be livestreamed on our Facebook page.
LOWER CAMPUS HOLIDAY PROGRAM DECEMBER 18
Our Lower Campus holiday event will consist of two performances: one for ELC and kindergarten parents from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. and one for parents of students in grades 1-5 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Parking for the first show will begin at 8:30 a.m. Please do not park across the street by the yellow house and along that stretch of road, as it is private property. Once the Lower Campus lot is full, please park at the Upper Campus gravel lot and walk down. This event will be livestreamed on our Facebook page.
UPPER CAMPUS GINGERBREAD BUILD DECEMBER 18
We'll have our annual gingerbread build project at the Upper Campus on Thursday, December 18. The gingerbread build is a hands-on, cross-disciplinary project in which students apply math and other classroom learning to create imaginative holiday structures. Parents, guardians, friends, and family are invited to view our students' creations from 1:00-2:30 p.m.
ALUMNI LUNCHEON AND PANEL DECEMBER 19
Heads up, GHS alumni! Please join us on Friday, December 19, for a complimentary luncheon and our alumni panel, beginning at noon. This is your chance to reunite with former classmates and share your experiences as a GHS grad. If you can't join us in person, please Zoom in using this link: https://tinyurl.com/giffthillschool. We can't wait to see you there!
NHS CHARITY DRIVE CONTEST DEADLINE EXTENDED TO DECEMBER 19
The GHS chapter of the National Honor Society is hosting a charity drive through December 19. Whichever class brings the most items to donate (see flyer for suggestions) by the deadline will win a pizza party.
FRESH ORGANIC MICROGREENS FOR SALE EVERY WEDNESDAY
The Class of 2027 will be selling fresh organic microgreens every Wednesday after school at the Upper Campus. Microgreens are $5 a bag. Proceeds raised will help fund the class's senior trip.
GHS Highlights
CHOIR ENCORE
Thank you to our third, fourth, and fifth graders for giving us an encore of their Sing St. John performance at our academic awards assembly this week!
Sports Central
UPCOMING ELEMENTARY BASKETBALL GAMES
Our elementary boys basketball team has competitions in the coming week. Everyone is welcome to come out and cheer on our student athletes. Go, Barracudas!
Tuesday, December 9, 4:00 p.m. - GHS vs. Antilles at Alvin McBean
Friday, December 12, 4:00 p.m. - GHS vs. Bowsky at Alvin McBean
CHEERLEADING PRACTICES BEGIN MONDAY
Practices for our Upper Campus cheerleading team will begin next week on Mondays during snack and Thursdays from 3:15-4:15 p.m. Dues and registration forms are due by December 10.
SEEKING TRACK AND FIELD PARTICIPANTS
We are seeking Upper Campus students to join our track and field team. Anyone who's interested should please contact francinefrancis@giffthillschool.org.
Dates to Remember
See below for important dates to remember over the next two months. View the full school year calendar by clicking here.
Community Corner: News You Can Use
COMMUNITY GARDEN CORP INFORMATION SESSION DECEMBER 7
The Community Garden Corp invites residents to an open information session on December 7 at 5:00 p.m. at Bajo El Sol. See flyer below for more details.
CORAL BAY MUSIC FEST, BIZARRE BAZAAR THIS WEEKEND
The Coral Bay Community Council will host the Coral Bay Music Fest and Bizarre Bazaar this weekend. The event continues tonight with Afro and Caribbean jazz performances at Skinny Legs, followed by all-day entertainment and the Bizarre Bazaar on Saturday.
GOVERNOR'S CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY DECEMBER 11
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. will host the annual Governor's Children's Christmas Party on Thursday, December 11, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Frank Powell Park. Santa will make an appearance and there will be toys, treats, giveaways, music, and more for children from newborn to age 12.
SJSA FUNDRAISER DECEMBER 12 AT SHAMBLES
Everyone is welcome to attend Artistry Under the Stars, a fundraiser for St. John School of the Arts on December 12 at 5:00 p.m. at Shambles. There will be student performances, art, music, raffle prizes, and more.
MOVIE NIGHT DECEMBER 13 AT VINP BALL FIELD
The Department of Sports, Parks & Recreation will host a movie night on December 13 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Virgin Islands National Park ball field. Home Alone will be shown first, followed by How the Grinch Stole Christmas 15 minutes after Home Alone's conclusion. Food and drinks will be available for sale.
FREE SWIM CLASSES EVERY SATURDAY AT CINNAMON
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park provides free swim lessons to children and adults of all ages every Saturday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Cinnamon Bay to the left of the ruins. Free transportation is available from Cruz Bay departing at 9:00 a.m. and leaving Cinnamon at 11:40 a.m.
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