tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29294776155927232572024-02-20T21:42:11.633-08:00Believing in one child means believing in ALL childrenThe journey and celebrations of a school for special needs children (The S.T.E.P. Centre of Jamaica). S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-22300607149583673232020-11-17T08:28:00.002-08:002020-11-17T08:28:47.274-08:00Recreating our school in the time of Covid<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWFIqZ7RWbuBs2RNr8DvBnzJ3jx7bgXVbKoXo8vXI83z-WeInDp_csjewsIobBojSwXlLBWI0UpPROtdCXTjsqf8OFpkadDyg1lq53VH6D4OfHQKmqV6rg0_AIk8Qk8f0o6piPRNPFpI/s504/Rotary+Club+of+Kingston+supplies.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="504" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWFIqZ7RWbuBs2RNr8DvBnzJ3jx7bgXVbKoXo8vXI83z-WeInDp_csjewsIobBojSwXlLBWI0UpPROtdCXTjsqf8OFpkadDyg1lq53VH6D4OfHQKmqV6rg0_AIk8Qk8f0o6piPRNPFpI/w400-h264/Rotary+Club+of+Kingston+supplies.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>Rotary Club of Kingston donates sanitization supplies </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Blog written by Hilary Sherlock with Formatting and note by Leslie Wan </span></u></b></p><p><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></u></b></p><p><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">From Hilary Sherlock - Principal</span></u></b></p><p>We have been without our children at school for over 6 months. We closed down abruptly, and tried to sort our out own lives in order to find our way to school and the children in a different and scary reality. It became like school without its beating heart. Gradually we were able to respond in a number of ways. </p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Home learning ways</span></u></b></p><p>Using previously received grant funds, and with the agreement of the donor (The Digicel Foundation), we were able to provide individualized activity kits to the children. Kits contained a variety of resources including some tablets, sensory material, early learning workbooks, paint etc. These were differentiated according to the individual child's needs. Instructions for use were included and in some cases individual physiotherapy exercise programs were suggested . </p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Online support</span></u></b></p><p>Teachers and our physiotherapist remained in contact with parents/caregivers to give advice, encouragement and suggestions. Activity suggestions were also given using file sharing in Pinterest. We used our Facebook page to share general information on a variety of relevant topics. </p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Welfare</span></u></b></p><p>We did a distribution of games and art supplies donated by a friend of STEP to the children of Bethlehem (a Missionaries of the Poor home). We also did a distribution of groceries and household items to parents with money from the Digicel Foundation. We did a further distribution of groceries and household supplies to two students who have previously been assisted with transportation from a Diaspora group out of Dallas, Texas called Jamaica Yes. Jamaica Yes - thank you for allowing us to repurpose the amount as the school was no longer open for Covid reasons and the children could no longer attend. </p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Changes for the future and during the time of Covid </span></u></b></p><p>Ofcourse during this new era in the world, the school had to completely chart a new course for how to do an educational program in the middle of a pandemic. Our children are special for so many reasons besides their frailties or differences in abilities. It is not clear yet when our children will return to school but our teachers have returned to chart a new path in virtual learning for them. We have, and will continue to do, content for our own you tube channel. We do zoom and video chats and everything else we can think of to keep our children connected and moving forward whether it be in their personal homes or group homes, We did some you tube videos that involve reading, number work, and physiotherapy demonstrations for their parents and caregivers to do with them keeping them more flexible and stretched . It is a really joyous moment for the children and the teachers when they can manage to get students assembled virtually to have a lesson or just a "visit". They all just exude joy to be with the others they miss and enjoy. Quite frankly we miss being with the children and yet we do the best we can to make sure they have opportunity and connectivity. We summed it up in a bulletin board that Allison did for us that says we will try and "Take care of each other". </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLYAl_zu26enx_RrZRIigxlnBjjLY7oLaFdWBmmNHnjh4Vk_iA-1m8KBzDsCSnvinvvKM-uxkb1YvWIrYKspM9sLPd9AGgKKtunbkQu0ZLowFL3s2QqWfU9S9-f-dG2cyn4S0XwY_7ZU/s980/Take+care+of+each+other.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="831" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLYAl_zu26enx_RrZRIigxlnBjjLY7oLaFdWBmmNHnjh4Vk_iA-1m8KBzDsCSnvinvvKM-uxkb1YvWIrYKspM9sLPd9AGgKKtunbkQu0ZLowFL3s2QqWfU9S9-f-dG2cyn4S0XwY_7ZU/s320/Take+care+of+each+other.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>We realized we had to make some changes to the school building and the garden to make it a safer space for everyone. We added additional sanitizing stations and additional sinks in the building for </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJfkzi3eEwsMrxvo44hxnafD9IttN1NgFxZEq2i3JbkvKTT7Y-bn0XircSVR_Aw2dYSsUg2UQ_douVGfa-qn-tdR9H-ak_VtBvd9krRJoM8nezfMHxgJ5pg1dMJoU-KPIAD0r96aSyJ0/s860/new+sink+for+Covid.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="518" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJfkzi3eEwsMrxvo44hxnafD9IttN1NgFxZEq2i3JbkvKTT7Y-bn0XircSVR_Aw2dYSsUg2UQ_douVGfa-qn-tdR9H-ak_VtBvd9krRJoM8nezfMHxgJ5pg1dMJoU-KPIAD0r96aSyJ0/w188-h200/new+sink+for+Covid.jpg" width="188" /></a></div>washing hands and have some future projects planned for the garden, if it ever stops raining in Jamaica. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Thank you </u></span> </b> </p><p>Thank you to the Digicel Foundation, Carrier Air Conditioning, Jamaica Yes and The Rotary Club of Kingston (Sanitization supplies and disinfectant cleaners) and our friends of STEP. We are ever grateful you support us in the mission for our children and their families. Even in tough times you made sure we could "wheel and come again". The effort to build a supportive community around our school over the years was positively rewarded through tangible acts of kindness to our students and their families. We so appreciate our STEP Centre family - all of you! </p><p>All of us feel that our responses were inadequate and are working towards developing a more fulsome multi-faceted approach including developing more virtual resources and parent training and caregivers. We know whom among our students require multiple interventions and close contact. Lack of direct participation and physical contact in a therapeutic program is a major parental concern and we acknowledge that, but we must do what is called for at present for the ultimate safety pf our teachers and precious students. </p><p><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Note from Leslie Wan </span></u></b></p><p>Sorry for the delay in our updates, but life and school have been moving targets for all of us, as they have no doubt for you as well. We made plans and then re-made plans depending on changing Covid protocols and numbers. It is an uncertain and stressful time for EVERYONE but we truly wish you all the very best in peace and good health. We are on a mission for children to teach all people about the wonder of special needs children, you all are always on our minds. "Take care of each other" is from all of us to all of you, wherever you may be. This pandemic has taught all of us that in the end, the world is a small interconnected place, despite it's size. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFJqu8IcmJwhLHwM3AZQG7yjkVkVvZFb8agVhe8UIH7vLSAN8E6dLHat9_CbaagbOg7yD5D9Wt6OANbwREU9CCC1i8F8zfY5I_z-_rDa7j0p4UAW384KZmYanA3x5IIOsSZ8K3GV3RIE/s460/Starfish.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="460" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFJqu8IcmJwhLHwM3AZQG7yjkVkVvZFb8agVhe8UIH7vLSAN8E6dLHat9_CbaagbOg7yD5D9Wt6OANbwREU9CCC1i8F8zfY5I_z-_rDa7j0p4UAW384KZmYanA3x5IIOsSZ8K3GV3RIE/w400-h310/Starfish.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> . <p></p>S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-17736072608460188422020-04-20T08:31:00.000-07:002020-04-20T08:31:02.618-07:00CHANGING TIMES - THE COVID DAYS <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Blog by Hilary Sherlock and Leslie Wan - formatting by Leslie Wan</u></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>HILARY'S THOUGHTS</u></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">It
seems like a long time ago, but on a Monday we met with the St Patrick Rangers to work on our Disaster Preparedness Plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-JM" style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">On
Tuesday we had the earthquake. The earthquake underscored the importance of our
preparations. We were still thinking earthquake, hurricane, fire - all physical
happenings which have a beginning and known familiar stages of anticipation,
enduring and picking up the pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were not thinking of having to close school because of something we could
neither see nor feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So,
when an earnest young fireman visited school to do a formal inspection we
welcomed him after squirting his hands with a large amount of sanitizer, eager
to implement the necessary steps to be fully prepared. Then everything began to
speed up and change.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">As
talk of the new virus and its spread grew we revised our sanitation
protocols.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We bought new hand sanitizer
dispensers, filled them, and put them up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We refreshed our hand washing techniques with all staff, stocked up on
cleaning supplies and informed our parents and caregivers of all that we were
doing and reminding them the importance of their participation at home. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We researched and followed the WHO and CDC
guidelines, and asked that children with any signs of coughs colds etc. should
not come to school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was not a new
policy, but one which to tell the truth, is often ignored by parents and
caregivers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even in our vulnerable population
the rule that the child should be fever free (without medication for 48 hours)
is not respected nor is the “please come to collect your sick child” request
always heeded. This is a real problem for us AND the other children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was with building anxiety that we “inspected” each child every morning and made the necessary phone calls. Thus, when the news came that schools were to be closed it seemed a safe and reasonable action. With closing however came the realization that there was a big hole in our disaster preparedness upgrade as it were.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">We
had made no real plans for how we would be teachers when our students were not
physically with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How were we to be a
school without our heart – for it is the children who are our heartbeat. What practical
steps could we take now. We began to grow a new routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We began, and are continuing, to send activity
suggestions home. I began sharing information about available resources on our Facebook page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We established a staff
what's app group and we are trying to build a remote staff training program for our teaching assistants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Not
knowing when we will be back is HARD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know Ken ( our gardener) will go and water the flowers, but I also know the
birds who flock to be fed in the early morning, will be wondering what happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also know we all pray for our students who
live in residential care and we acknowledge the burden of care placed on the
staff who love them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We hope that when this is all over, we will
have learned that holding each other close even if just in spirit is
precious..........<b><span style="color: red;">Hilary Sherlock</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAK3SwO4SjnTtJ7OR_YnXvHOCHo3wGk-kT0Gbvk0bGgIW2_wbjwlKCvQspt6EFLc_lTOBiRv4roUtOChqDtcrFZMTEBlHfI8A6GKI_1l3zeyGsr4fDfdMmyJ5w76HH_K-Gi64YJLu7SPg/s1600/We+are+all+in+this+together+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="750" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAK3SwO4SjnTtJ7OR_YnXvHOCHo3wGk-kT0Gbvk0bGgIW2_wbjwlKCvQspt6EFLc_lTOBiRv4roUtOChqDtcrFZMTEBlHfI8A6GKI_1l3zeyGsr4fDfdMmyJ5w76HH_K-Gi64YJLu7SPg/s320/We+are+all+in+this+together+-+2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-JM" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span><span lang="EN-JM" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>LESLIE'S THOUGHTS</u></b></span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-JM" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> apologize it has been awhile getting this post out . These are days that challenge us all spiritually and literally, and certainly did me. Needless to say the earth seemed to be shifting daily, and yet I never lost the thoughts of our children. Our beautiful children scattered in their many living spaces. Quite frankly I miss them so much, but they are so much better off in their places of shelter than out in the world. Their smiles and quirky ways are not with us to guide us and cheer us, but we celebrate them still. </span></span><br />
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Those who believe in our children are scattered across our beautiful country of Jamaica and the world, and to each of you, our hearts are with you. There is no STEP Centre without all of you: supporters, parents, teachers, children and organizations. To each of you we wish the very best in health and strength and endurance. Covid-19 is changing and challenging all of us, but that is when the wonder of our shared humanity, in thought and spirit, needs to uplift us. We are not sure when school will be back, but I know that when we throw open those doors and the children and their wheelchairs come streaming in, it will be a celebration. A celebration of strength, perseverance and the wonder of all of us. Though we feel like the world has shifted on it's axis, there will always be children who need us and we plan to be there for them. None of us knows what is written for tomorrow, or even how we will get there, but we will never get there without realizing that even our weakest among us, share the love that this world brings and needs..................<b><span style="color: red;">Leslie Wan </span> </b></span><br />
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S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-35874737469155667122020-02-10T05:24:00.001-08:002020-02-10T10:25:09.600-08:00REFLECTING ON THE JOURNEY <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">TIME FOR REFLECTION</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>BLOG BY LESLIE WAN </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><u>FIRST</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Christmas 2019 was celebrated at the STEP Centre and as usual, it was JOYFUL! This year the theme was simply the joy of music with the children's voices as they played some of their small percussive instruments like bells and drums and tambourines. The children love to sing and they love to work with Emily Dixon, our special music teacher. Emily has such a wonderful way with the children. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Emily works magic with the children</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was a day of simple fun and joyful song. All the children got their wheelchairs (or skateboard) decked out in Christmas finery and they felt like stars on the day. Ofcourse there were presents shared and cake and Christmas treats! They were happy and so were all of us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>REFlECTIONS ON THE YEARS</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have been reflecting back on my years with the STEP Centre. This particular blog is a personal journey from me. What have I learned and celebrated in the 15 years that STEP has been a part of my life. What could I share with you about how children with challenges have changed me. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It seems quite unusual that a place filled with children with so many challenges could be the place that has given me such clarity about how deep our hearts can feel when we look beyond the obvious, and pay attention to the smallest of wonders. Recently, while participating in our meditation / full breathing circle, I sat with my eyes closed visualizing all that we were instructed to think about and breathe into. Slowly, I felt a tiny unusually shaped hand sliding into mine. When I looked down to that hand, and up to that face, there sat a small boy with the sweetest grin on his face. There he was, showing me how much he appreciated the closeness of my being there. As a slow grin came across my face, he took my hand to his lips and kissed it. He knew it was not time to talk, but that didn't mean he couldn't get some attention and connection in a way that was absolutely unforgettable and appropriate for the moment. With all his challenges and all the times he has been ill lately, there he was, reminding me that he is there and that we matter to each other. He is one of the most perceptive and intuitive children, and, probably far more so because he sees life from his heart and a wheelchair. He reminded me of the power of touch and the ability to communicate without saying a word. I reflected then that sometimes we talk too much and don't FEEL enough!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In spending this time about where I have come with STEP, the children that have come and gone in those years, and the imprint that has left on me, I went through soooo many of my photos. All I can say is WOW, all those years and all those sweeties! So many children who blessed me in so many ways. Our children can all be so individual because they come to us with an incredible differentiation in abilities. This makes them quite memorable for all kinds of reasons. In many cases, defying logic, I remember them not because of their challenges, but because of their personalities and how they OUTSHINE those challenges. This journey began as a chance for me to do charitable work with my then young daughter, now has become a cavalcade of memories, and a passion for children that have taught me so much about what I can return from my heart. It has taught me that putting the child before their challenges is always the best view. It has taught me that their parents or caregivers are everyday heroes. From those students, I now understand the continuity and the fleetingness of life. I celebrate the commonality of life, the ability of my heart to expand and recover from adversities. I now know that when I feel spiritually fatigued, these children have become my mentors in rising ABOVE the discouragement in life. These children are often my counterbalance to the everyday life that makes me mad and disheartened about the world we live in. From these years with STEP I have become more accepting, less judgmental, more resilient, and most importantly, I spend more time seeing with my heart than with my eyes. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">What would I wish for people to take from our children. Joy comes from where and whom you would least expect it. Understanding that life's teachers come in the tiniest packages. Realize that all the "stuff" you accumulate in life will never give you the satisfaction that sitting down with a child who needs you and enjoys the singular connection and heartfelt moments they share with you. They have taught me to believe in myself because THEY work hard all the time. Our children remind us of resilience- we are resilient even when we don't think so. When working alongside someone, we need to acknowledge that we understand how they are feeling and that it makes all the difference in actually SEEING them. These children brought interactions into a realm that changed me for the better. When you are with us, you will see children who struggle, but don't dwell on their struggle. You see children who appreciate fully and accept you openly. You will see challenging moments become tender exchanges and STRONG connections. These children are life changing in so many good ways. In the end the STEP Centre and it's children, have become a blueprint in all kinds of ways in my life. They remind me of the compassionate world, the resilience of the human spirit, the gratitude I have for profound and yet simple moments, and the dramatic impact all lives have on another. Lastly what you give and feel from your heart, is magnified when it is returned back to you by little people who don't even have to try. I am SOOOOO grateful they came into my life and I am blessed by them every time. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I started 15 years ago I never dreamed it would become a passion, and I never dreamed that I would find a home among children who are so overlooked by society. It is an enigma that smiles can unlock lessons within us that we never dreamed we needed to know. In a most surprising way these children have given me another family and a more embracing heart. Thank you STEP Centre for championing the champions and believing where others never try. </span></span><br />
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S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-63296841426460356732019-09-30T08:03:00.000-07:002019-10-01T11:57:57.934-07:00HAVING FUN FINDING PEACE - SUMMER SCHOOL 2019 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: yellow; font-size: x-large;">Blog by Hilary Sherlock with message and formatting by Leslie Wan</span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;"><u>Hilary Sherlock writes...............</u></span></div>
“Can we do it again, I hope when school starts we can do it, I know I come late<br />
so I only catch one time, but I really like it.”<br />
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Coming from our most skeptical and critical member of staff, this comment took all of us by surprise, especially as the” it” she was referring to was a group meditation exercise. During the second week of our summer program, Sister Tram had led us, children and adults together, through basic guided meditation. Now at the end of our summer school we were reflecting on our experiences, on the weeks activities, on what new knowledge we had gained, and on what dormant skills had been refreshed. A small group of us had been planning this two week camp for what seemed a very long time. Through the intervention of Farnoosh Droodgar of LEAD Outreach Initiatives ,(Leadership, Empowerment, Action, and Development) a Canadian based N.G.O that spends so much time and effort helping good things happen in needy places, and Sr. Gene Poore from the Dominican Sisters of Peace, we hosted a two week summer program for our younger students. As part of our outreach partnership with The Hope Valley Experimental School in Kingston, a few of their students were invited to participate. Occupational and physio therapists, Sr. Mary and Sr. Tram agreed to come.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>Learning new physical therapy skills from the sisters! </b></span></td></tr>
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Funding was secured through the Shalom Fund operated by the Sisters. Our goals were simple, to strengthen specific weak areas in our ongoing program (e.g. use of physical therapy motor switches and routine oral motor exercises), suggestions for ongoing activity plans based on individual assessments of each child, and an introduction to guided meditation. These two weeks were carefully planned with all daily activities chosen and prepared. The term "switches" refers to Adaptive switches that allow the physically challenged and special needs user to activate assistive technology devises in their environment. This can be, for example, a large button that is electrically connected to a toy or another piece of equipment that a child can push to celebrate or reflect his correct answer. An adaptive communication tool for non-verbal, but includes mobility work.<br />
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This was to be a learning time not only for the children, but also for us adults. It also proved a good bonding experience to be learning together. The inclusion of meditation as part of the program is not as unusual as it may first appear. I had observed its effective use by Zahra (our creative arts therapist) in her work with our children, and by how her students gained control of their breathing and restless bodies. I had also been reading of its effects in helping children control their behavior. So perhaps this was the time for all of us to try it, adults and children together – and YES, we are definitely now building it in to our regular schedule. So, for two weeks in July we did have fun, we did refresh old dormant skills, we did enjoy the more relaxed pace AND getting to know our visitors. Our visiting students and their parents brought new energy and it was lovely to see the affinity our volunteer Olivia (a Wolmers High School student) developed with the children, especially her favorite little man.<br />
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What do we take with us into the new school year, a re-commitment to change and growth, a new look at how we are using our space functionally, and perhaps, most significant, the importance of planning and preparation in all we do. We further explored how we can continue to build our staff as a team. As we cleaned and prepared for the new school year we were making sure to include <b>daily group meditation periods. </b>Now, some weeks into our new school year we begin each day with a ten minute all school meditation. We sit in a circle and go through simple breathing exercises and calmly centre ourselves for the day ahead. Very quickly it has become an important part of our school routine, as the peaceful silence is powerful.<br />
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<span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;"><b><u>Leslie Wan writes....... </u></b></span><br />
You would probably find the new found practice of meditation in children with special needs to be surprising, considering the issues some of our children face. But, in point of fact sometimes they crave a moment of quiet peace in a day that can be loud and hectic and always full of people and other children. In an unusual way, it becomes their own personal time which happens so rarely in any given day. The goal is <b>not</b> to make sure they stay closed eyed and still, because that may be a task too tough for them, but to make them aware that personal space and single contemplation as best they can, is something to be celebrated and a goal worth doing. Truth is, don't we all need some time of quiet moments, which we seldom take the time to do? It was also well received by the staff because they learned it from our visitors who practice it often, and whom had won them over with their quiet energy and lovely attention. We have always known the power of engagement, but rarely had the direction to focus on <u><b>disengagement.</b>.</u> Starting the meditation early in the morning, means the children and staff come out of the morning hustle and bustle and find their focus by just being as still as they can, and understanding that being individuals even in a crowd, is quite rewarding. I can not stress enough how the power of disengagement can be such an important element for all of us and something I am trying to practice more of in my life just as we are encouraging the children.<u> <b>Being peaceful and being still I realize now, are far different goals. </b></u><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Special thanks to </b></span></div>
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1. LEAD Outreach Initiatives (Leadership Empowerment Action Development) and Farnoosh Droodgar </div>
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2. Dominican Sisters of Peace</div>
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3. Shalom Fund</div>
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4. Sister Mary and Sister Tram (of Dominican Sisters of Peace) </div>
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<br />S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-54774505006200552732019-06-03T17:34:00.000-07:002019-06-03T17:34:33.425-07:00MAINTAINING HARMONY THROUGH THE CHANGES<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><u>Blog by Hilary Sherlock and Leslie Wan</u></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><u>(formatted by Leslie Wan)</u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Hilary Sherlock says ...............</u></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-JM">Schools are ever changing landscapes of ins and outs, beginnings and exits. Children come and children go, and many times it is not an organized or regular semester entrance or leaving. Our school, because of the children we serve, is often working through those changes at all kinds of time in a semester. To say that our students are a very mixed
group </span>seems like stating the obvious. I often
struggle to describe how we group the children within the many levels of
individual differences. Though we strive to put into practice our favorite
saying “it's ok to be different”, we do have to recognize each child’s unique
place within our equally unique whole. This is <span lang="EN-JM">always accentuated when we add a new child
or adult teacher. The dynamic of the whole group changes and often reactions, challenge
our assumptions about our “gentle, accepting school culture”. I work with the
underlying premise that if the culture of the school is one of acceptance and
affirmation, then bullying, name calling, or any other manifestation of
hurtful speech, will not occur. Over the years I now believe that given the often harsh language used
in the world and community that surrounds us, it does influence our c</span>hildren and staff, and we must constantly
guard against this by being aware.<br />
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<span lang="EN-JM">We recently added two new students and
their impact was immediate and evident in very different ways. One little fella
walks very well and has no clearly defined boundaries or sense of danger. So making sure
that the grill doors are locked at all times becomes a priority, as does the need
to keep an eye on his </span>movements while still allowing him the freedom to
explore his new surroundings . A new walker in a group of children almost all
of whom use wheelchairs, brings its own demands. Another of our newest students, for health reasons, must only
be fed the food he brings, and in small amounts, so all of us must resist from
giving this cute little fella extra treats. His dietary restrictions and changes are something that he is finding expansive and exploratory, but not particularly within his bodily control. Ah but he does not always understand that. </div>
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<span lang="EN-JM">A more subtle change happens when we add a
mobile child with well developed independent skills which we recently did. He can move around, go to
the bathroom and feed himself, so he requires less intervention on a physical
care level. However, he has his own set of needs including delayed language skills, and no prior experience of social skills in a school setting
. How best do we help him adjust to being in a new group, while helping his peers
accept him and his sometimes strange language. Recently, I was sitting with a
group of the older students at lunch time. This group always sits together – a
group formed partly because they all can feed themselves. Their
wheelchairs fit that particular table’s height. They watched the newcomer
closely and with his limited speech choices kept repeating “duck, duck,
quack, quack” to initiate a conversation. I think I know where duck, duck,
quack, quack came from because we had been looking at a book before lunch. I had
cheered him on when he identified the ducks and the noise they make, but the
others found it understandably strange not having been a part of that reading session. But, I was disappointed when they
ridiculed him with the favorite name for one who behaves differently: “he
crazy!, he cuckoo!”. A “teaching moment” followed to the other students who ridiculed him. One can only hope that by
continually reinforcing that we do not hurt each other by things we say or
do,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and relating it back to how they feel
when assumptions are made about them, we can guard against some of the
harsher realities of our culture. Someone recently asked me if the kindness and compassion shown by our students to each other was an innate consequence of their own recognition of their challenges and I think that put that all into perspective - not innate - learned and reinforced. Reinforcing kindness and compassion is an ongoing need! </span><br />
<span lang="EN-JM"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-JM">On a sweeter note though, I should mention that we also have children that are kind of "watchers" and will alert us when they think that a child has strayed too far out of what they perceive are that other students personal boundaries, or when a child may have a wheel chair issue and he is leaning too far, or at a particularly uncomfortable angle. Some who are mobile, will of their own volition, push another students wheelchair to make sure the student gets in the group or will get a chair when they see someone has no place to sit. In the end our school is just a microcosm of the world at large. Sometimes kind, sometimes not so much. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-JM"><br /></span><span lang="EN-JM" style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Leslie's thoughts.........Little of this and a little of that </u></b></span><br />
<span lang="EN-JM"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-JM"><span style="color: red;">1.</span> A new tradition has been started at STEP with a day devoted to water fun! I can not tell you how </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-JM"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3w2JcKwvYxirpPIbx58sDFgM6tOPPEW70JI0Xttv66-kIFzDrar01G0ji4OHgX3H3HYVVdhKsfCuO4qc5v72YxQIUh4EKZv90_SOArutifBaoF6MDk5oMRjkLGtOni46IctZLRt4XrNk/s1600/IMG_2829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3w2JcKwvYxirpPIbx58sDFgM6tOPPEW70JI0Xttv66-kIFzDrar01G0ji4OHgX3H3HYVVdhKsfCuO4qc5v72YxQIUh4EKZv90_SOArutifBaoF6MDk5oMRjkLGtOni46IctZLRt4XrNk/s320/IMG_2829.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span lang="EN-JM">much the children have enjoyed playing in small wading pools together, splashing around and splashing each other!! The sound of laughter is everywhere and the children and teachers are completely removed from the usual school routine to a day of total joy. Hands up for our teachers whom enjoy the day, though it does create an extra amount of work with all the clothing changes and diaper changes required. A system in and a system out of the bathroom and yet it is orderly and accomplished. No one is immune to the sound of laughter and joy and the smiles that this day brings. Hanging out in a pool on a warm day beats a workbook - ANY DAY. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-JM"><span style="color: red;">2.</span> Some changes have been happening to the schools exterior recently. This has been something we have needed for a very long time but as in all things, we can not just "do it", but somehow eventually, the heavens and the people and companies align to help us get it done. On one side of the building, we have been quite concerned about erosion and lack of drainage. We have had nothing to stop the gradual erosion of the embankment that holds up our privacy zinc and we so hoped that before hurricane season we could remedy this without it becoming an emergency. For now, we have abated an emergency threat. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-JM"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhh5JsAz1fCSbM_-a1Q_DfPD_CXGenrJx71DYM9_I4SzQzrEnv_xbbNYyw1wK9lWw3WWQGXGZwqFQ4-2QBvOpjUSgy4w1eLKmfCeD3fvYEocT7vQU3s4W8kbqttBpyqqoo1WH65UH7Iw/s1600/Garden+wall+revision+3-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhh5JsAz1fCSbM_-a1Q_DfPD_CXGenrJx71DYM9_I4SzQzrEnv_xbbNYyw1wK9lWw3WWQGXGZwqFQ4-2QBvOpjUSgy4w1eLKmfCeD3fvYEocT7vQU3s4W8kbqttBpyqqoo1WH65UH7Iw/s400/Garden+wall+revision+3-COLLAGE.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span lang="EN-JM">So Phase 1 with a BIG shout out to </span><br />
<span lang="EN-JM">A. <span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;"><u>Maryanne Twyman </u></span>- landscape architect, who designed the plan for us to make it a reality. Thank you, for your expertise and wonder. She is the best folks. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-JM">B. <span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;"><u>Digicel Foundation </u></span>- for providing the funds to do this very necessary endeavor. We are always grateful that Digicel believes in us and the magic of our children. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-JM">C. <span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">Elie and David Rickham</span><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;"> Family</span> for donating all the plants whose roots will help shore up the dirt and beautify the spot. Auntie Elie is a constant friend of STEP and of the children. Thank you for sharing the beauty, and being our secret angels Rickham family - yes it is a family affair for them. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-JM">D. <u><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">Mark Swaby</span></u>- Big thanks to a parent of ours who put his team in action to build it for us. Mark always seems to jump in and supply expertise and people when needed. Thank you Mark! </span><br />
..............................<br />
<br />
We will eventually do a PHASE 2 that will see us making a trellis for climbing plants, wooden fencing will replace our zinc " privacy wall" and further wooden fencing that will block off the view of our laundry area that, while necessary, is just abit untidy looking. This too will come to pass one day when we are able, but, for now that remains a future goal. There are just not enough ways to express our gratitude for what we receive. Ever grateful, ever aware.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">3.</span> Thank you to the Brownies from Hopefield Prep. They spent a morning with us entertaining the children, playing games, reading books, feeding lunches and just being their sweet selves in the middle of a school day. Our children loved the attention. I think the Brownies learned a lot about the challenges of children like ours, and seemed to soak it all in, with such compassion and fun spirit. Lovely, lovely girls with great hearts. We spent some time explaining some of the challenges of the individual students so they could understand some of the ways the children face their differences, and also the ways they compensate and overcome. I was worried in some way that they would feel overwhelmed amongst our children, so I spoke with a group as they prepared to leave. They said they were not overwhelmed at all and they loved every minute of it and especially the children and how the children made them laugh too. Reminded me to never underestimate the compassion and ability of other children to see the spark we see amongst our school crew.<br />
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Leslie's Final words for today..................</u></b></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-JM"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial rounded mt bold" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Cherishing the spirit of others, makes
our own spirit lighter as it rises to the embrace. Keep cherishing and keep embracing others. </span></b></span></div>
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<br />S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-43258325902193688742019-02-09T06:58:00.001-08:002019-02-09T06:58:54.136-08:00SHOWING LOVE AT CHRISTMAS AND BEYOND<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtSz_Kg2b6Q0DY9UCH9K_GRiqIyH7t6fR88Dk7Vb4d43PlN6S-ICrFYmYAWkkhDm-aTX6FXuijvLb7x2hRQOLnZ2RSIDIdL9DHnTkHwZGIGVigR672Gl0bj1Bx4WCCQYj_wbKPOzNv_Q/s1600/Practicing+kindness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="495" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtSz_Kg2b6Q0DY9UCH9K_GRiqIyH7t6fR88Dk7Vb4d43PlN6S-ICrFYmYAWkkhDm-aTX6FXuijvLb7x2hRQOLnZ2RSIDIdL9DHnTkHwZGIGVigR672Gl0bj1Bx4WCCQYj_wbKPOzNv_Q/s400/Practicing+kindness.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: red;">WRITTEN BY HILARY SHERLOCK<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> - NOTE FROM</span> LESLIE WAN</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: orange;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">HILARY
SHERLOCK SAYS</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">...............<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="line-height: 107%;">In
December, I asked two of our older students as we prepared for Christmas,
"What can we do to show love at Christmas?” Their responses, “You can help
clean the house" and "When your Auntie is going out to shop you can
go with her to carry the load”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very
profound! So, to all those who have shown their love to us over the past year
and who have helped to carry the load – many, many thanks to all of you. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="line-height: 107%;">Christmas
at STEP is always a special time, a time to celebrate and reflect, to catch up
with old friends as we sell Christmas cards, and to enjoy all the special
visits and treats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One special visit was
from one of our past student who is now 33 years old. How lovely it was to
spend a little time with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her visit
made me realise that with our staff changes, only a few of us remember the
early days of STEP when we resided in the Church Hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How far we have moved from then, both physically and functionally. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="line-height: 107%;">While
in our past blogs we have spoken about our community, our space and all those
who support us, we have not introduced members of our team who make it all
possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> T</span>wo of the longest serving members are – Auntie Marcia and Auntie Junetta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both members of our staff have been with STEP
from the early days and are part of the fabric of our school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together we have grown and changed and sometimes,
we talk about memories of past children and happenings as members of a family often do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhV_qboSZccghg8NbvaXA87ALTeiipA8WJiUqkzRwJoS9Lcg6-czA4_BDcH18vb-KHhHRT7v7tOF7GrVkB7Gdf5zUO82YffbL6VGzNsxJhRKoDo_fjw0Xm4ImtDciywit84PNWf8oJcqU/s1600/IMG_0160+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhV_qboSZccghg8NbvaXA87ALTeiipA8WJiUqkzRwJoS9Lcg6-czA4_BDcH18vb-KHhHRT7v7tOF7GrVkB7Gdf5zUO82YffbL6VGzNsxJhRKoDo_fjw0Xm4ImtDciywit84PNWf8oJcqU/s200/IMG_0160+-+Copy.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>Auntie Junetta</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span>Auntie Junetta began her career with STEP as a
teaching assistant. Later, she went on to do a degree at U-Tech and came back
to be the teacher in charge of the junior students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She intuits the needs of the children, notices and takes delight in the smallest accomplishment of our children. She
is also an instinctive nurse who can take an accurate temperature without a
thermometer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdST2BGCH1pxT6wPrnwYXB45tb8RsWuklkARf82E3qhGOXBssYGIHkszJqBAF04S46Ez_xyfp-V0eFQgU_vWDA6MI3pfw2L5xgEvwuN9-JHy3zz550FhcxZrzPOiSASrDx0behTiLahA/s1600/GEDC1542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdST2BGCH1pxT6wPrnwYXB45tb8RsWuklkARf82E3qhGOXBssYGIHkszJqBAF04S46Ez_xyfp-V0eFQgU_vWDA6MI3pfw2L5xgEvwuN9-JHy3zz550FhcxZrzPOiSASrDx0behTiLahA/s200/GEDC1542.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>Auntie Marcia</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span>Auntie Marcia of “always
late” fame, has a special gift for finding the hidden treasure in children who
require our maximum assistance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
two valuable members of our team, help to ensure the continuity of our approach,
and remind us that our strength, is only made possible by the
contributions of each member. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="line-height: 107%;">As
in any family, there are adjustments to be made when new members are
added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New energy and insights help us to
bring new growth and re-motivate all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we
also have to realize that our new staff has not benefited from all the in
service training we have done in the past, and sometimes we need to go back to the
basics. As such, while we continue with our training on new procedures, and
embrace new concepts in teaching and care, we also are going back to the
basics to make sure that everyone has the same concepts and understanding. It
serves as a reminder to us all that we need to have a refresher moment. Training is an ongoing process at STEP and we have recommitted ourselves to more training, but it also serves as a means for us all to re-acquaint
ourselves with best practices, and bonds staff over why we do what we do, and how to do
it in the best possible ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCK6nQzsQN3XrlNCuhDvKLird-tHv8hGDG7KH-vi6vonnHD4oZ0mtkVE8e_hWUkt9a0WFtepqvdB7A5Moz7Fdr-QTXofMCmHdHURr6RaXoP6TTlmQjqts88ybDxyQKNEs38PDnUGZJXQ/s1600/IMG_2283+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="1512" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCK6nQzsQN3XrlNCuhDvKLird-tHv8hGDG7KH-vi6vonnHD4oZ0mtkVE8e_hWUkt9a0WFtepqvdB7A5Moz7Fdr-QTXofMCmHdHURr6RaXoP6TTlmQjqts88ybDxyQKNEs38PDnUGZJXQ/s320/IMG_2283+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><b>Ambassador Ariel Fernandez</b></span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">A fond farewell is in order for Ambassador Ariel Fernandez from Argentina who became a friend of our school during last year's World Cup football celebrations. He visited us many times, introduced us to empanadas, and was always very supportive. He has now returned to Argentina and while we wish him well in his new posting, we will miss him. As we say here - Walk good Ambassador Fernandez, as the children wave goodbye to you. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5m-tIMo-S-e8h2Dm8gk4JHomjD0K3x2euC3u7ITS56kUWoPNEN4OM_BqGMge3_CdbBRIkuBMjgutWzF9xLMcoAE8QcnUZgijqhyHMWthTNkHVoNAVSA_SYPC74ClUZGVTxkg9hOWGXE/s1600/Digicel+Group+visit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5m-tIMo-S-e8h2Dm8gk4JHomjD0K3x2euC3u7ITS56kUWoPNEN4OM_BqGMge3_CdbBRIkuBMjgutWzF9xLMcoAE8QcnUZgijqhyHMWthTNkHVoNAVSA_SYPC74ClUZGVTxkg9hOWGXE/s320/Digicel+Group+visit.jpg" width="195" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><b>Thank you to Mr Matuschka </b></span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="line-height: 107%;">As
we enter the New Year with all our plans and hopes, we want to acknowledge the
passing of Alexander Matuschka, the CEO of the Digicel International Group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr Matuschka visited our school
on his very first visit to Jamaica, and became personally involved in our
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result of that visit he personally
decided to sponsor a child himself, and did not solely limit his involvement to
a financial one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Matuschka kept in
touch with us, and periodically inquired about “his little one’s"
progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will surely miss him and we
join the Digicel community in offering our condolences to his friends, family
and the </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66gdUg3-CMHFCP-d9LZ9OULpgMZP5uiz_k86dymZP6M7oqOTFuuAqKcYo8QhDUO7lDCvZ_JJxjsFGoZA-Cq2Qi3GnIkZqyFveD8FqcaNLPeAInuZ1DSx0PGnmzluPWpHrvVcQB8jd8gI/s1600/Digicel+group+visit+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="565" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66gdUg3-CMHFCP-d9LZ9OULpgMZP5uiz_k86dymZP6M7oqOTFuuAqKcYo8QhDUO7lDCvZ_JJxjsFGoZA-Cq2Qi3GnIkZqyFveD8FqcaNLPeAInuZ1DSx0PGnmzluPWpHrvVcQB8jd8gI/s200/Digicel+group+visit+2.jpg" width="155" /></a><span lang="EN-JM" style="line-height: 107%;">Digicel group. </span><br />
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Mr. Matuschka was a kind man with a golden heart who in
one visit to our school, grasped how important our work was, and decided to
personally commit to seeing that another child had the opportunity. That
pretty much says it all about Mr. Matuschka. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Leslie Wan says</span>..............</span><o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="line-height: 107%;">We are ever grateful
for being given the honor and joy of working with our children and the staff, who lovingly care for our children and want the best for them. So many times we
are reminded by visitors to STEP how much they share our dedication to special
needs children and specifically OUR work and school efforts. For that, we are
blessed. It is not a surprise that once someone has stepped into our
school, they return each year (or more), because it does their heart good. I
recently sat with a group of folks (Boston College alumni) who have visited us from abroad every year
for the last 5 years or so. One of them said that this school is
contagious with kindness, and the joy they get every time they visit
makes their whole trip! One admitted that their family hears all about the children of STEP (perhaps too many times for the family's patience).
They said what comes across is smiles, smiles of children and smiles of
caregivers. These smiles will brighten their year till the next visit.
In some ways, that is what this blog is about, keeping all the people in our
circle (here and abroad) in the loop, as we also let others know, about the
wonder of our children, and the blessings of the general special needs community. To our people - high 5 to all of you from all of us, and from one of our students who loves to blow kisses, one of those too. Our children's world gets bigger and brighter thanks to all those who believe in them and our school. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAfwbT100-oy-hNXdNdVPJ68cvowRiQcQmK1ikX69hl6a8UKYrGdExLwClew2BqQofxaUBovhdwger1CgeVEI8qPSvEcU3q5gmYvI-r6H1ayYkbEn8ZsaQ8HYelM5LcsOJP3QvGAtMiM/s1600/Thank+you+Daisy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="140" data-original-width="360" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAfwbT100-oy-hNXdNdVPJ68cvowRiQcQmK1ikX69hl6a8UKYrGdExLwClew2BqQofxaUBovhdwger1CgeVEI8qPSvEcU3q5gmYvI-r6H1ayYkbEn8ZsaQ8HYelM5LcsOJP3QvGAtMiM/s320/Thank+you+Daisy.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-JM" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">We always are grateful for those who believe and share with us. Thank you to:</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">1. <u><b>CAC Foundation</b> </u>and <u><b>Pacers Running club</b></u> for their continued support to our curriculum enhancement and means to engage our children in ways they love!!</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">2. <u><b>AAA Financial:</b></u> Thank you as always for the Christmas treat provided to our children each year of lunch, and their treat bags. Each child went to their respective places with a special reminder of your care for them. In addition we received 2 terrific and powerful fans to move that air in our hot Jamaica school days. God bless them, they stayed and chatted with the children and even helped to feed a couple children their lunch. That is HEART!</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">3. Thank you to <b><u>Cannonball Cafe</u> </b>and <b><u>Loshusan Supermarket</u></b> for allowing space to sell our Christmas cards. They always come thru to help us in our selling push. </span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">4. <u><b>National Continental Bakery </b></u>- for including us with a booth in their Jamaica Made Christmas to sell our cards. We always appreciate being included in this inspired Jamaican event. </span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">5. Thank you to all those who bought our Christmas cards and helped us to sell our Christmas cards. Our major fundraiser each year brings out the best in all our people and we soooo appreciate you all. </span></span></div>
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<br />S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-68451596318855511052018-11-16T06:14:00.001-08:002018-11-16T06:15:53.571-08:00AND THE CHILDREN RETURN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupUBEkVhakam8nfdctC4_WQsxh-_-B067PIT78KTCljtR5YHN_aBU2LKwFVOy7wA_pOro3XhnPXrmr0flwGAB1eXTF9yy4Dd8qyAcImaDvAPagfLZSOGy2KsniynrCU0fB-yWGDWjk9Q/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupUBEkVhakam8nfdctC4_WQsxh-_-B067PIT78KTCljtR5YHN_aBU2LKwFVOy7wA_pOro3XhnPXrmr0flwGAB1eXTF9yy4Dd8qyAcImaDvAPagfLZSOGy2KsniynrCU0fB-yWGDWjk9Q/s400/7.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Heroes Day 2018 - Learning by playing is fun</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Post by Leslie Wan</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We are back in the swing of things at school. As usual, we have some new students and some we waved good bye to at the end of last semester. We are happy to have some students back that were sidelined by injury or illness last semester. As usual being back to school is a celebration of spirit in all of us, children, teachers, volunteers and our "fairy godmothers". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On the activity front we had a really delightful Heroes Day celebration. Thank you to our special guest judges and visitors on the day Christine Rodriguez and Lillieth Nelson. The children dressed up in characters or else in national dress. I wish a picture did justice to how much they enjoy these moments, but well just a couple. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDdQlK0yzZybQ8D7nrF_Q1rDFedleDbmBO6IyUYLU_F6y7hY4R4T_0XwWz1kxeQGnMCnhXekztQJCRPqaOBvYkNK7eASuNpA8VLnNXfIRi56nB0ND6A4AEZW1fvit5OuFZkZUJn2caPo/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDdQlK0yzZybQ8D7nrF_Q1rDFedleDbmBO6IyUYLU_F6y7hY4R4T_0XwWz1kxeQGnMCnhXekztQJCRPqaOBvYkNK7eASuNpA8VLnNXfIRi56nB0ND6A4AEZW1fvit5OuFZkZUJn2caPo/s320/3.jpg" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>"Alexander Bustamante"</b> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>National Dress of Jamaica </b></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyVE7-6lyBLkBUk0gcKhwm1b0xbxa8B1xyd2kzOd59Qh56n4_IjWBGz5RREhyphenhyphen9aNdJgOdB1PGlf1kVcQgZeZ9HIgJCnvDgDyo4QsXFeQoXdF5wSRJISqKwliaeu-2U7ynlGe0hXBu2VU/s1600/Holywell+-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyVE7-6lyBLkBUk0gcKhwm1b0xbxa8B1xyd2kzOd59Qh56n4_IjWBGz5RREhyphenhyphen9aNdJgOdB1PGlf1kVcQgZeZ9HIgJCnvDgDyo4QsXFeQoXdF5wSRJISqKwliaeu-2U7ynlGe0hXBu2VU/s320/Holywell+-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A couple of months ago Hilary and I, accompanied by our trusty driver and fellow explorer David Wan (my husband), made a visit to the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park (Hollywell) to discuss with them the possibilities for collaboration on making the park a more disability and wheelchair friendly environs. They have expressed a desire to liaise with us to understand how to make (as best as they can) some foot pathways more accessible for wheelchairs and also some sensory expanding enhancements for all forms of challenges in children. It is their hope that the beauty of the park could become a place where more children could enjoy the wonder of bathing their souls in the sights and sounds of Jamaica's natural beauty. They have vowed to work through some "fixes" and hopefully source some added funding, to allow ALL children to hear the birds, linger in the mist, feel the breeze, smell the plants, and enjoy the peace that sometimes is so missing in their lives. They are working hard up there on so many wonderful changes, including a field house / potential cafe, new nature center (wheelchair access to it in the works) and some leveled pathways for wheelchair use as well. We appreciate their interest in all children having opportunities and we will be taking a couple of children in the future for a trial run. If you have not been up there lately, it is time for you to visit again. As we have said before in this blog, while our mission is about our children, it includes the goal of the wider disabilities community. </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u><b>Our Garden continues to increase in wonder and functionality for our nature inclusive purposes</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1. Thank you to the Sherlock family (here and abroad) for a bench in our garden that blends in the serenity of the garden's purpose, and welcomes all to sit a spell under our shade tree and soak in the wonder. The bench is in memory of Grace and Sir Philip Sherlock. We are so grateful to them for giving us a bench to set a spell and linger peacefully. I sat in it the other day and listened to the birds, watched the butterflies dive and lift, and take in the plants we cherish. Delightful memorial. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2. Thank you to The Key Club of Campion College for spending a morning playing games with the children. The children loved having new playmates and the Campion Key Club has decided to return, to work on a project to re-paint our wall in the garden. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3.Thank you to the daughters of Dr. Molly Thorburn for providing us with a birdbath in memory of their beloved mother whom, during her life, was instrumental in improving the lives of the disabled, both with rehabilitation work and services for children with special needs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Citation for Marigold ‘Molly’ Thorburn, OD Distinguished researcher in cytogenetics, pediatric pathology, childhood disabilities. Pioneered home based early intervention programs in Jamaica and the Caribbean. Regional and international consultant, lecturer and author in developing services for persons with developmental disabilities. Initiated and developed community based rehabilitation programmes in Jamaica and regionally. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(CCRP living legends award)</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u> </u></b></span><span style="color: blue;"><b style="font-size: medium;">Sometimes it</b><b style="font-size: medium;"> is as simple as bubbles!</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Leslie's Final thoughts </b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here is something I have to say about our STEP Centre. Because our students have such vast differences in capabilities, physical abilities, mental abilities and sensory awareness, it requires us to spend a lot of time working specifically ON THEM, and FOR THEM. So much of the work with an individual child must be placed on that child and THEIR goals, which means learning is extensively individualized. Sure we have approaches and therapies that are generalized by history, training and best practices, but that must be brought down to their individual needs. Many times it requires us to set aside our former goal for them because we have re-evaluated, or because despite our hopes, their bodies, capabilities and endurance are changing or even diminishing. But as hard as it may be, we are geared to NEVER GIVE UP. So much of our work is not what level they rise to, but are they well cared for, stimulated, loved, ACCEPTED and happy. We hope, we pray, we believe and we accept, because after all acceptance is what they need, and often what they are lacking in their wider world.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once you accept them, you become a believer, and once you believe your heart will NEVER be the same. </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As always, thanks for reading and thanks for believing in our children. Believing is in the title of our blog because it is in our hearts. </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Our major fundraiser has begun!!!! -- Our yearly Christmas card sales. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Please Support our school by purchasing our cards for all your corporate and family/friend needs. The cost is $130 Jamaican per card and we have 4 new designs this year including new from our children's art. It is a tangible way for your support to be actualized into the needs of our children and the needs of the expenses to run our school. Just contact our school and we will have your order ready ASAP. For a small fee we can deliver. (Click on the photo to see larger) Thank you!!</span><br />
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S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-76521348714159431072018-06-04T09:54:00.000-07:002018-06-04T11:20:22.288-07:00TEAMWORK AN INDELIBLE CELEBRATION OF THE SPIRIT<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">T<b>oyota Jamaica, Staff, Parents, Friends, Digicel Foundation Friends, etc. gather to spruce us our school. </b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>Blog written by Leslie Wan</b></span><br />
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The idea of teams and team work has been rolling around in
my brain for a few days. A recent conversation with a friend sparked those
thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jamaican Labor Day became the day that clarified my thoughts about teams and teamwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I focus in here on Team STEP Centre for the purpose
of the blog, even though there are many teams in my life, including team
"family". Labor Day our school was FILLED with wonderful folks who
spent hours in the hot sun (inside and outside the building)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and hours with disinfectant cleaners,
painting equipment, dust rags, yard equipment (clippers, rakes, pitchfork, weed
whacker, shovel and on and on). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had
quite the turn out to spruce up our school and with BIG BIG THANKS to <b>Toyota
Jamaica. </b>Toyota Jamaica and their amazing staff, supplied us with paint and
painters to brighten up our school. They also gave us some much needed metal corner bumpers for our walls. That may seem like an odd need, corner bumpers, but when you consider all the wheelchairs that bump into walls at the school, you will understand how that saves our corners! It wasn't just "things supplied " from Toyota Jamaica, but a really amazing, lively, and hard working group of Toyota volunteers that did <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>A LOT</u></b> of hard work, and did it with such energy and spirit.
The commonality of that group- young, older, men, women, children and everyone there,
was that they wanted to be a part of something bigger than themselves, and
improve the lives of our children along the way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The STEP Centre can never say enough thanks to
Toyota Jamaica and our beloved Auntie Rowena Conner (and Tom Conner) for their support and
faithful belief in the power of STEP Centre. Sure Toyota <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is a corporate sponsor, but Toyota truly
BELIEVES in the work we do, and that means so much to us.<br />
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However, let me not leave out the rest of the team.The team included our staff, some parents of our students, some long
time friends of STEP Centre, an island visitor whom I think is now a dedicated
STEP Auntie (Miss Caroline), an American Embassy friend and a few Digicel
Foundation volunteers. For sure big up to our staff and parents, who really
worked very hard and with such laughs and fun. It warmed my heart to see<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>our staff doing such a lot of work, and doing it so enthusiastically because they want the school to be its best
self and,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>because they care about the
people and the place they work. It was very clear to me that our school staff
do work as a TEAM, and they sincerely care about the children that are with us,
and the school they come to every day. Here is the thing about teams. Teams are
the best versions of themselves when they get wonderful guidance and strong leadership
from the leader. Hilary (our principal) certainly as our team
"leader" sets the pace and guides us all with her spirit and her
commitment to the special needs community and our children with her energy.
Sure Hilary is a strong presence in the school as leaders always are, but the
team rallies because they care about the cause and they care about what they
are doing, and doing for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
team is nothing if they don't pull together and that was never more evident
than when one of our staff recently had / has her own major health issue. They
raised money to help her, cheered her on, told her to get on with it when she
was being abit mellow, and picked up the slack when she was out ill and as she
rehabilitates. That is the beauty of a team pulling together for a cause, and for
the people in the team. We at STEP became stronger as a team by supporting her and
it made us understand our children's issues even more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: yellow;">LESLIE'S FINAL
THOUGHTS</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></u></span></div>
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We all are on many teams in our lives. First you have to recognize
who<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>your teams are, work, family,
church, personal passions etc, and why you are on those teams. Sure, we all
have to earn a living and hopefully most have a place in a family, but you need
to really be there on the team because you CARE! You care about your integrity,
and you care about having a part to play. We may not always love what we do,
but we certainly need to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">LOVE</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HOW WE DO IT!</b> That is the contribution
you make to yourself personally, and going forward into your team. Working as a
team is far easier than working against a team, and you are enriched by the
team if you <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BELIEVE</b> in it. It is
never enough to just show up. It is about showing up because you want the best
for yourself and for the community and people who surround you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GYa9wpOwKKghSOGhFbNgCxDQm0V9CgcXz7QVQ6P2zaO8RkMwn7UQSv9fq6IsVZ2kVq-90GM6JnuoIagwWGr78FKAzYYKdbmTyfc9IbxIDVebkm6NKHY76IfnAlBdZlfscbXttcNE_bg/s1600/goat+meeting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="909" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GYa9wpOwKKghSOGhFbNgCxDQm0V9CgcXz7QVQ6P2zaO8RkMwn7UQSv9fq6IsVZ2kVq-90GM6JnuoIagwWGr78FKAzYYKdbmTyfc9IbxIDVebkm6NKHY76IfnAlBdZlfscbXttcNE_bg/s400/goat+meeting.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Even nature understands teams! </span></b></td></tr>
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We believe.......... Our people in and outside of STEP
Centre are our team, and we respect them and are grateful to them. Our children are taught that gratitude and
teamwork matter.<br />
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S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-61186507861421662002018-05-10T07:07:00.000-07:002018-05-10T14:38:14.529-07:00DONOR TO PARTNERSHIP TO OUTREACH AND BEYOND………<br />
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">By Leslie Wan and Hilary Sherlock</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">formatted also by Leslie Wan</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><u>Hilary Sherlock - her perspective</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>Digicel visit</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We recently
received a call from Digicel Jamaica asking us if they could pay us a visit the
next day. The new Digicel Group Ltd. CEO, Alexander Matuschka was in town and he wanted to see our school. We were told he had read the blog
and thought this was the place he wanted to see, in action. A little history
reminder…………We had owned the land that the school sits on now for several years
prior to a building being on it. It had been our dream from the beginning to
have a real school building, instead of utilizing a church hall. So,
with serendipity, we bought the land so that one day we would
be able to fulfill the dream. Along comes Digicel many years later, with their
commitment to special needs work, and our land plus their generous charitable
donation allowed us our school building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Digicel's visit set me on a reflective path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>finishing our fifth school year in our not-so-new (but still a true
blessing) school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the first time ever
we are planning a Labor Day project where we will do some much needed maintenance
work on our building and gardens. We remember again how wonderful it is for us
to be stewards of our own facility, and our ongoing <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>gratitude to The Digicel Foundation for the
concrete dream. Initially our relationship with Digicel was one of being a grateful
receiver. This meant gratitude for the building, and some equipment, but most
of all gratitude for their trust and faith that STEP Centre would strive to
fulfill the right of all children to a quality education. Over the ensuing years
the relationship has become so much more than a monetary connection. It has
become an established base of mutual respect and a recognition that Digicel is pleased with our work, supportive of our dedicated goals, and genuinely believe
in the power and possibilities our children have. More importantly they believe
that our children deserve the same rights and respect that all children should
have. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Gift to Mr. Matuschka and Digicel </b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>from the children</b></span>. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can now work, and are working on, wider
issues affecting the community of persons with special needs. These are:
advocacy and strengthening the voices and knowledge of parents of children with
special needs and caretakers, among other things. Digicel has gone from a simple
monetary contribution, to working in partnership with us to enable persons
with disabilities and their families, to achieve what is their RIGHT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can now look at less traditional ways of
enriching our curriculum and working more on our community outreach. Finally, we are doing the second part of our
mission which is using our school, our staff, and our energy, to bring the
community in and to give back broadly for what we have been given. We are now giving forward in education and training to
other special needs stakeholders. The true mark of our gratitude is that we
strive to educate out into the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>community and are actively doing programs and curriculum work that will benefit others
outside our walls and space ( teacher training, parent workshops, internship
options for other special needs folks to work with us, garden curriculum and
resource material, etc.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2FFGOo7cJxByKlsnevTQJozm8V7juSZ9F2e7lCzIjZa8sIyM89EmdSSBBSdN5w6ZgGCiOzjrEznf8uVNhL2WkAI0Vx05DZ2i5qXx9Kmfsk0wuYcwGyrf6K-7LrtnGOdbkutunR-y4P0/s1600/Step+Instit+of+Jam.+Biodiversity+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2FFGOo7cJxByKlsnevTQJozm8V7juSZ9F2e7lCzIjZa8sIyM89EmdSSBBSdN5w6ZgGCiOzjrEznf8uVNhL2WkAI0Vx05DZ2i5qXx9Kmfsk0wuYcwGyrf6K-7LrtnGOdbkutunR-y4P0/s400/Step+Instit+of+Jam.+Biodiversity+013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Our garden invites in teachers and community participants to learn about </b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>biodiversity </b></span><b style="color: red; font-size: 12.8px;">curriculum </b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years our relationship with the
Ministry of Education has also evolved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Though the financial contribution is extremely critical to the survival
and growth of our school, the partnership is much more than a financial one. Working
collaboratively on joint projects such as a general curriculum for students
with moderate to severe special needs over many months, gave us opportunities
for many interactions and the building of trust. During this time we grew to
appreciate our Ministry colleagues as persons who are passionately committed to
our children.<span style="color: red;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>A
recent incident brought this sharply into focus for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A potentially difficult situation occurred,
but, with the support of the team from the Special Education Unit – home,
school and the government, we were able to work together on a principled
solution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As many of our children have
conditions not usually found in the typical school population, our protocols
and standards are continually being challenged and refined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is good to be able to do this with wise
professional counsel. The Staff and our contacts at the Ministry of Education
are an ally, a knowledge source, and a trouble shooter when the need arises.
For that, we are truly grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><u>Leslie's Final Thoughts </u></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On a regular
basis we find that while we sometimes need to adjust our goals at the school. More
often than not, we find that others align in our goals and even enhance our
goals for our kids. Sometimes it is a matter of walking in our door to see the
magic, the energy and the determination of our children, and sometimes it is
about us asking for what we need help with. In both of these instances above,
the organizations have done both. It started out as a "project" or
a responsibility for each of the two entities above. Now for us, they have become our true supporters and believers. Belief is contagious and energizing,
and we have plenty of that to give back to others. But, belief has to be backed
up not only with action, but with HEART. I recently saw our teachers respond
with true compassion and appropriate remedies for a cut on one of our
children's lip. As I sat back and reflected on the incident, I realized that our
teachers not only have the heart, but have also been given the training, the
tools and physical space to address the "emergency". Sometimes it
takes the smallest "crisis" to see that we do the hard and
compassionate work daily, but we were given people, organizations and tools to allow
that to happen also. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;"><b><u>Leslie's take away moment</u></b></span>………This month we had one of our prior
students return on an "intern work assignment" with us. I had known him at the school all those years ago (I have been with STEP a looong time) and seeing him as a
work intern was like a firework that lit up my heart. It said to me, never give up and
never stop believing. What we give, returns to us in miraculous and affirming
ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It says though the children go,
they really do take with them possibilities and determination we are never sure
of when they leave. Most importantly they take a respect for themselves and a
fondness for the time they have spent with us. That student became the teacher
for me that moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-32719879484955114362018-01-29T11:16:00.000-08:002018-01-30T16:20:18.025-08:00THE HEART IS NEVER BLIND AT THE STEP CENTRE <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>WRITTEN BY LESLIE WAN </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It has been awhile since we have done a school update, but as always toward the end of the year, things get busy in our real school world. Holiday happenings come upon us, and the real work needs to happen with our students. So here I find myself behind the computer celebrating a new year in our terrific school. We began with a wonderful start to the semester and being very joyful about the children and the direction at STEP. Lots of good news here in this blog, a little sadness and lots of thanks going out to special folks and organizations who have made us better! (Little longer than normal to share all our goodness from some months past. ) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We have some wonderful news to share with you. We have begun (born of necessity and the belief that all children deserve to be educated despite their range of issues) to expand some of our work into the vision impaired realm. As we all know children often fall into multiple realms of challenges which makes their education sometimes very specific and yet with broad ranging needs. So, in somewhat recent times, we have added a teaching component that encompasses the needs of children with no or low vision, but whom have other pervasive needs as well. In our experience in Jamaica, schools that deal with single disabilities, are less inclined to take students who have multiple challenges. Every school has the right to set their boundaries, but that means there are students who have no place to go, and yet have potential and the will that in this case exceeded their blindness. I am personally proud of our school and our willingness to adapt so that children should not be left out, and the commitment of our teachers and our staff that give it their best effort for the betterment of the child! To be specific, we had really very limited resources, or even knowledge, of how to teach the blind. BUT, we had the faith in ourselves and our abilities, to be able to rise above it. So, when a parent asked the Ministry of Education to consider the possibility of placing her child with us to get him physically ready and assist in his development towards attending a specialized school for the blind, what could we say? That initial student has now become multiplied and we believe that they all have the right and the NEED to be educated and in a socialized setting with folks who want to help them. <b style="color: orange;">THIS SITUATION DEFINES OUR SCHOOL AND OUR BELIEF THAT ALL CHILDREN DESERVE CHANCES AND OPPORTUNITIES, EVEN IF IT MEANS WE HAVE MUCH TO LEARN AND ADAPT FOR THAT TO HAPPEN. WE ARE NOT DEFINED BY OUR LIMITATIONS, BUT THE HORIZONS WE ENVISION AND TAKE ON PASSIONATELY FOR THE CHILDREN WE SERVE. </b>In support of our learning process as we teach in new arenas, the Ministry of Education has supplied us with a no vision (blind) teacher. (Quick definition - No vision= completely blind, Low vision= partially sighted) We have also been helped in learning along the way with assistance from "Aunty Cis" (our veteran cheerleader and inspiration), the Jamaica Society for the Blind, and the Perkins School for the Blind (online resources and guidance.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This process has reinforced our belief that teaching is not a static pursuit. We must remember to teach for how differently-abled children learn. It is for us to understand their learning differences and patterns, and teach accordingly. (Such a refreshing concept sometimes.) Having these children has brought great satisfaction to us in multiple ways. It has reinforced our basic principles that we are always learning as teachers and always adapting as we teach. It has reminded us that the way we speak to parents is important because we remember that what we <b>think</b> we are <b>saying,</b> may not be what a parents is <b>hearing</b>! From this we have begun a better partnership with our parents. </span><br />
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<u><b><span style="color: orange; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ON A SADDER NOTE</span></b></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On a sadder note we have to share that we have lost one of our beloved children. Our dear sweet student Amielle, has gone to live with the angels. Sometimes, with all the best care and love these children receive from everyone they encounter, their challenges determine their destiny. We salute and remember our wonderful Amielle, for the soulful little joy she was to our school, her parents, and all those she touched along the way. We will miss her. I wrote a memorial for STEP Centre to celebrate her sweet self which was used at her funeral. <span style="color: yellow;"><u>You may click or touch the photo and it will expand to read about her dear self. </u> </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Leslie's thoughts..............</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As I think about all I have told you about in this edition, my heart is bursting with pride, gratitude, and yes, some sadness. Many many years ago, I thought hard about the fact that this journey with STEP would be one of sadness some times, because with special needs children, life and loss happens. Their parents are in it for the long haul though. But, what I did not envision back then, was the depth of satisfaction, the heights of joy I would find with them, and the understanding of how much they would bring to <b>MY</b> life and <b>OUR</b> world. Even the most challenged of our children shine a light in the dark part of my soul. Really it is about the perspective in which you view them, and the willingness to open your heart to see and feel their wonder. Our school is an amazing place and these children inspire and motivate us and they leave legacies of peace and love in all those whom they touch along the way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">Big thanks are in order to some wonderful folks who have been overdue this public thank you over the past many many months. We were working hard with the children, but communicating here less, so..... </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1. <span style="color: red;"><b>CIBC</b></span> <b style="color: red;">First Caribbean International Bank- </b>A really great group of corporate folks who helped us do many really important things. First among them was to replace our microwave which is used to heat up the children's lunches supplied by their parents and guardians. Ours had given its last, and we were really in a bind since some of our children have rather specific dietary needs and textural preferences. Giving them their food heated was just soooo necessary. They also bought us a braille writing machine to compliment our new mission with blindness. Starting from scratch gets easier when you have the equipment to answer the call. They gave us skirting boards on our walls because wheelchairs and walkers can sometimes go haywire and this will help in protecting our walls. Finally (this one may surprise you), they finished our staff bathroom to make it palatable and tiled and better serving of our needs and our guests needs. We had a fully functional staff / guest bathroom, but never had the funds to get it truly in shape for pleasant usage. They tiled it, floor and walls etc. Somehow when we had so many needs for the kids, we never could quite swing the completion of this. Nope no photo here, Just take my word for it. 😉. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2. Thank you to <b><span style="color: red;">Rhys Greenland</span></b> (son of Rebecca and Jonathon Greenland). Rhys requested that for his birthday, in place of any gifts for himself, donations be made to the STEP Centre which he presented to us. Rhys, thank you for growing up and celebrating your momentous day with compassion and a recognition that sharing your blessings trumps anything you could ask for yourself! We appreciate that.......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3. Thank you to <b><span style="color: red;">Toyota Jamaica</span></b> who are always wonderful to us and we are so blessed to be a friend of. Toyota Jamaica was kind enough to sponsor our Christmas card printing so that we could take all the sales as profit and re-invest in our school running costs. Also thank you to Toyota Jamaica who hosted a paint and sip evening in their cafe, the proceeds going to our beloved school. Toyota Jamaica is a corporate citizen with a heart and always rocks it for us. WE appreciate your support of our school -always. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4. Thanks to <b><span style="color: red;">Food for the Poor</span></b> who subsidized the printing costs for our blank notelets sold to raise funds for the school on an ongoing basis. Another organization that does wonderful things and we salute. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5. We were incredibly blessed this year to begin with our school supplies well stocked with all kinds of school items, anti-bacterial cleaning wipes etc. donated by a mission group who came to visit and sing with the children. Donations collected by <span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Piney River Baptist Church, Calvary Baptist Church (Virginia), the Akucewich Family (Cleveland, Ohio) and Worthington Friends Quaker Church (Kingston, Jamaica). </span>It was wonderful to not have to outlay so much of our funds at the start of the school year when it could be utilized in so many other ways for the running of the school. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHt-dMN71kpJAeyyVp2EMpICKktD3RxnfNCHPWGIW2nvLegHIYtSb9jHgR55Cw5JGjX7J5XFZtP2hiqrxM_6QABuvTRlA4oKaaoD5x0UQyi1mo3tof04_QGgHHEGOAwTFmPQOjTL7wu0A/s1600/Lift+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHt-dMN71kpJAeyyVp2EMpICKktD3RxnfNCHPWGIW2nvLegHIYtSb9jHgR55Cw5JGjX7J5XFZtP2hiqrxM_6QABuvTRlA4oKaaoD5x0UQyi1mo3tof04_QGgHHEGOAwTFmPQOjTL7wu0A/s320/Lift+3.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6. The <b><span style="color: red;">Family of Hazel Fletcher</span></b> gave us a hoist in memory of her life. The hoist is<br /> a wonderful tool that allows us to lift our children from a chair to the floor and other locations. This is particularly a blessing for our teachers backs and knees when needing to lift larger children safely. How kind of them in their grief to give us a gift that will celebrate her memory for the safety and care of our children and staff. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">7. Donations were collected from the funeral of Amielle (memorialized above) in memory of her and the care she was given while with us. Thank you to <span style="color: red;"><b>Amielle's family</b></span> who thought of all the rest of our children, even as they grieved their own. Sincere blessings to you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">8. Thank you to artist <span style="color: red;"><b>Sean Henry</b></span> who so kindly donated the rights for us to use </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">one of his paintings as a new card graphic this year for our Christmas card </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">sales. In addition, Toyota Jamaica had an art exhibition for Sean in their lovely Cafe and Sean donated the proceeds of the sale of one of his pictures to us. Now we all know the life of an artist can sometimes be fulfilling but difficult at times, so it does not go unrecognized that Sean gave us a much needed sale for the benefit of our children. That folks, is a terrific artist with a heart! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">9. <b><span style="color: red;">Pacers Running Club</span></b>- Taking on the addition of students with visions issues was a whole new ball game for us. A big thanks goes out to Pacers Running Club who donated the proceeds of their run to us which allowed us to get some equipment to assist in teaching those specific children. This included sensory items that specifically are effective with sight impairments. Thank you Pacers for running and sponsoring in the name of some children who will now get some targeted work for the blind. Starting from scratch is difficult, but you have given us a great boost. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">10. <b style="color: red;">Digicel Foundation - </b>With gratitude for providing us with a creative arts therapist for this semester. This kind of therapy builds personal confidence within our students for them to advocate for themselves and provides an avenue for self-determination in the future. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">11. <span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">CAC 2000 Foundation- </span>This term we are blessed to have Carrier Air-conditioning supply us with a music teacher who is experienced with special needs children. We had an excellent staff training session for our teachers via this connection. Always a big hallelujah for more training and music!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">12. <b><span style="color: red;">Milton Cameron</span></b> - Thank you to dear Milton Cameron for his donation of some funds to be used for everyday needs. The Cameron family are one of our most devoted people. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">13.<b style="color: red;"> Steve Higgins- </b>Picture this.......... one day a fellow is traveling around in</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> his car and gets lost on the way somewhere but ends up on our street. So he decides as he sees our children entering the school from their Friday neighborhood walk, to stop and park. He wants to meet the children and see the school. After a tour, out comes a keyboard and Steve gives us a little concert. Well hi Steve Higgins. Our kids LOOOVE music, and thanks for the mini-concert! Just a fellow on the wrong street with a big heart that figures THAT must have been where he should be anyway that morning. That is Steve Higgins, who shall now be Uncle Steve. Steve returns home to the states (his now home though Jamaica is where he began) and decides to hold a music recital. On his next visit here Uncle Steve has brought us a donation from his recital. I will continue to say that once you meet our children and our school, we stay with you, your heart is touched and you can't help but be joyful in the the children's presence. Serendipitous maybe, ..... BUT a kind heart Steve has for sure. Thank you Uncle Steve for deciding to be present in that moment, even though it was not how your morning began. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">14. <span style="color: red;"><b>Rowena Conner</b></span>- Thank you to Auntie Rowena (Conner) who just never fails to support us and advocates for us on a continuing basis. Whether it be card sales or getting us assistance with sponsorship of something, the big heart of Auntie Rowena is <b>ALWAYS</b> there for us and we are soooooo appreciative to have her in our family. Auntie Row, you bless us!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">15. <b><span style="color: red;">Angels</span></b> who helped us sell our Christmas card including <span style="color: red;"><b>AISK School, Jennifer Mason</b></span> and others. Our "ANGELS" says it BEST! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">16. <b><span style="color: red;">Joan</span></b><b style="color: red;"> Duncan Foundation - </b>supplied us with some new physical therapy mats. Our mats are used not only for the children's play time, but for us to get down on the floor with them to perform therapy stretches, massage etc. </span><br />
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S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-91805483904102150852017-10-06T09:39:00.000-07:002017-10-06T09:39:13.553-07:00OUR SCHOOL YEAR CONTINUES IN THE GARDEN<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Blog written by Hilary Sherlock</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Formatted and message by Leslie Wan</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Hilary Sherlock (Principal of the S.T.E.P. Centre Jamaica) ..........</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">In the back garden at the school, there
is a large tree. Our Mother Tongue (Albizzia lebbek) tree was one of the few trees we
were able to save while building our “new school”. I think of it as our giving tree. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyQeofRPZDiQ_dQc2QUkr-sM9-5epZj76iKIKqWMNzpDwhWBG5T_mLWUUxnjjTZMBV1tPg-aRTdgd2-UVoMNaVDa94bWEKtTZkQmCnVA86Lt2dmif1q3nrpKPDVp-X7CXEKwokSE8vlU/s1600/GEDC1453+-+shade+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyQeofRPZDiQ_dQc2QUkr-sM9-5epZj76iKIKqWMNzpDwhWBG5T_mLWUUxnjjTZMBV1tPg-aRTdgd2-UVoMNaVDa94bWEKtTZkQmCnVA86Lt2dmif1q3nrpKPDVp-X7CXEKwokSE8vlU/s400/GEDC1453+-+shade+tree.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-JM" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It provides welcome shade for our students
and staff, safe nesting places for the birds and other garden creatures, and has
very much become one of us. I don’t
think it is my imagination, but it looks bigger, more lush - indeed a happy tree. Though it must have
flowered before this year, it seems to do so profusely and fragrantly now. It is a living text to seasonal changes and life cycles – a mutual symbiosis of plant and
animal interaction. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We
have no doubt that being outside in nature, is both calming and encouraging for our children. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Nature</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> builds our immune systems and encourages us
to accept diversity in all things.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">As a
prominent botanist and nature writer Robin Wall Kimmerer wrote “</span><i style="font-size: 14pt;">By a shower of gifts and a heavy rain of
lessons, she provides for us and teaches us to provide for ourselves, That’s
what good mothers do</i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.”</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our
garden started off as a sensory garden and now our friends from the Natural History
Museum describe it as a wildlife garden. What could be more sensory than
that. Like our children, the garden seems to have
a will of its own. We reap sweet watermelons and the sweet potato
vine keeps on running. We keep hoping for sweet potatoes. The periwinkles
have migrated from their original pots, to grow in clumps through the garden. The
birds we feed in the morning, now bravely come through the back door grill searching among
the children's wheelchairs for more. It is a garden strong on self- determination and a symbol of the same self- determination we
are trying to instill in our students. We feel strongly at the school that children should have a say in their life progressions and destinations, and this is equally important and significant in any child with challenges. Such is our garden, freedom, but within boundaries of health and necessities for survival. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstzGDMYzJ4d2Jw4Qhb_tpEydE-kiYsbdDLGXZ1Kmx0F1FlpnuUgQHnOg4flV0DQC7Spprfy0AvKd0alVSrrzoBYN-HkdQKD69sgptepgWoZ8WiXLqOk7wrGMAaUquhSnZRIWiJMnOifw/s1600/IMG_1089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1563" data-original-width="1600" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstzGDMYzJ4d2Jw4Qhb_tpEydE-kiYsbdDLGXZ1Kmx0F1FlpnuUgQHnOg4flV0DQC7Spprfy0AvKd0alVSrrzoBYN-HkdQKD69sgptepgWoZ8WiXLqOk7wrGMAaUquhSnZRIWiJMnOifw/s320/IMG_1089.JPG" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-JM" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometimes
the garden is all about fun. Just before the end of last term we had a delightful water day. It turned out to be a day
full of laughter and infinite fun. The children
were jumping on the trampoline while being hosed down, sitting in paddle pools and smiling as if in the sea, </span><span lang="EN-JM" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">and throwing water balloons at each other– adults and students soaked, but
all so happy under the tree. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Nature play was at its best. While many observers would see only a group of kids having fun,
others hopefully see all elements combining in a valuable and joyful learning
experience. Certainly our students loved the time of splashing, free spirit and "naughtiness". EVERYONE that day was well wet up and screaming for more - students and teachers alike. </span><br />
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Sometimes the </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">garden serves as the muse and provider of gifts for our art projects.
Why not use the nature we are blessed with and which we teach our students to
appreciate and celebrate. An art activity during our recent summer program confirmed for me the need to create an environment where the children are affirmed with all their differences and given the opportunity to express
themselves. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Working with Allison (an artist
friend) we made eight triangular wooden frames. We presented each child with a variety of decorating
options - found objects from the garden, coloured wool, wire and pipe
cleaners. We adults were there only to
follow the child’s decorating directions. From this exploration, we got eight completely different creations. Their creations were as unique as each of them. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="color: blue; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>Likkle Extra from L</b></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>eslie Wan.....</b>.......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our garden each year has become more focused and inclusive. It is part of the miracle we envisioned as we dreamed of having our own school building. Yes, way back when, it was a goal as we dreamed of our potential new school. Now all those years later we have created our vision into a reality. As an offshoot of how much we value our garden work and it's symbiosis with our program and student involvement, we are developing a curriculum and appropriate resource material that would allow it to be used to assist and supplement other special schools and early childhood programs. We are now a part of a working group that includes our original mandate, as well as a means to support environmental and plant diversity programs in other school environs. This goal with this group also includes preserving nature and it's beauty and conservation of our natural resources. The members of our working group include the Museum of Natural History, Ministry of Agriculture Public Gardens and the Caribbean Child Development Centre at Univ. of the West Indies. Besides the garden education resources, we hope to also explore ways of making public gardens in Jamaica, more child friendly and educational. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">So as we plant our sunflowers, flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables in our tiny garden, we are aware that this garden we have created, make the butterflies, moths, birds, bees etc come into our children's world. We have saucers for bird baths, seeds for the birds, and butterfly and bee encouraging plants. It is so important to take our children out into the world via our nature "walks" through the neighborhood, and to bring nature into their world with us. Additionally as we have always said in the past, while our first responsibility is to our children and their advancements and educations, our mission has always included the advancement of people, places and spaces outside our own realm. We hope that other schools and children will benefit from our dedication to the natural world that we are providing for our children by sharing our dedication out into the world. Now with the help of some very important and knowledgeable partners we work towards that goal. With God's blessings, some hopeful fertilizer and hard work, we can and will make a difference for us and hopefully the wider community - all from something so fundamental to life. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-JM" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Find your joy..........Share nature's wonder.</span><span style="color: lime;"> </span></span></span></div>
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S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-2774154442187363032017-07-03T09:38:00.001-07:002017-07-03T13:04:11.759-07:00CATCHING UP ON THE FUN AND WONDER<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Reading comes in stages and making it fun matters! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><u>Written by Leslie Wan</u></span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"> </span></b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">his blog will be dedicated to catching you up on all kinds of "doings" at the school. We have been</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">blessed, had fun and have so much and so many people to be thankful for. While the children and staff have been hard at work doing what schools and children do,in a special needs classroom, it pays to sit back every once in awhile and reminisce on all the rest. We wanted to share some of that with you, our faithful readers, because as we always say YOU MATTER TO US and our children are reminded in so many ways that people keep us going. Our children are always taught gratitude and the spirit of giving. If you are the recipient of one of our children's smiles or hugs, you will know it comes from deep and taught places of sincerity............</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>So here (in no particular order) are memories and thank yous. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="color: red;"><u>Zoo Day</u></span></b>.</span>............</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you to <b><u>Jamaica Social Investment Fund </u>(JSIF), <u>Recycling Partners of Jamaica </u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and<u> <b>Rotary Club of Kingston</b> </u>for providing us with a wonderful outing to the zoo. In a really innovative program, JSIF partnered with Recycling Partners of Jamaica to provide a program that our collected plastic bottles (as we do anyway in our recycling program), were turned in at the Hope Zoo in exchange for our children to have free admission. Both organizations came on our zoo day and welcomed us. As an aside, hats off to Hope Zoo for their ongoing work to make the zoo more disability friendly. Our children have the privilege of being one of the first special needs schools selected by Rotary Club International (Rotary Caribbean Division) for their Early Act Club. Kindly, <b>Rotary Club of Kingston </b>stepped up and gave us the last piece needed for the day by providing the buses we needed to get the children, their caregivers and wheelchairs to the zoo. They also sent some really joyful members to share the day with the children and assist in wheelchair pushing and animal discussions etc. Thank you, thank you to all three organizations for 2 days (children divided into 2 groups) of sheer fun and learning, and the opportunity to be out in the world like all children enjoy. We rarely can find the funds in our budget to be able to do something this fun and this logistical, so <b>THIS</b> was a treasure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;"><u>CONKARAH'S VISIT.....</u></span></b>We had a visit from a very special artist this term and the children <b>LOVED IT!</b> On <b>HIS</b> birthday we were gifted with a mini concert by none other than Jamaican artist Conkarah and his musical accompaniment Almando Douglas !! The children really got into his moments and bless him he sang with all his heart and never minded that some of our children just did what they feel and circled around him as he sang to them. Ofcourse no birthday visit would have been complete without the children and staff singing him Happy Birthday. <b>Soo</b> a <b>REALLY BIG big up to Conkarah and Almando Douglas for taking the time to make the children happy on Conkarah's birthday!!! </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">BIG UP To Conkarah - the children say </span><u style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>"TELL DEM" </b></span></u><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">STEP Centre thinks Conkarah is a very nice fellow to have given our kids a super thrill on his </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">birthday. As an aside, we recently reminded the children of his visit by showing them one of his newer videos </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWNFLsBfN2k" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">( check out the video here) </a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">which is full of children playing (and filmed in Kingston,) and they SMILED and WAVED and enjoyed his visit in their minds ALL OVER AGAIN. Good guy Conkarah...</span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks again</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><u><b>MOTHERS DAY..............</b> </u></span>This year we honored our mothers and those who step into the role of mother on behalf of our children. In years past, we have hesitated to do this because some of our children come from charitable children's homes. With the inclusion of caregivers from those homes,we did it just right and the children and mothers had a super day this year. Each child had a cherished person there and each child presented their mother (or their special person) with a plant grown in our garden and a handmade card. It was delightful. Thank you once again to all the Mothers who work and love these children tirelessly. You are all stars in the hearts of your children and all of us who know what you do with dedicated love. <span style="color: red;"> </span>Our guest speaker on the day was the<span style="color: red;"> </span>Honourable Burchell Whiteman OJ. Ambassador Whiteman (and his wife) have been long time supporters of our beloved school. Ambassador Whiteman, it seems, is a faithful reader of our blog and while he credited the mothers of our children with all the glories they deserve, he also took time to recognize the accomplishments and dedication of our former student Rene and also the blog writer behind THIS chair - myself , Leslie. He took to heart in his talk, one particular blog of ours</div>
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which sums up why being with our children is <b>AMAZING</b>. Thank you again Ambassador (and Mrs.) Whiteman for your longstanding encouragement and for all of your kind words on the day, especially celebrating our hard working and dedicated mothers enduring love. </div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><u> </u></span></span><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><u>Thank yous.........</u></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; text-decoration-line: underline;"><b>Thank you to Miss Sarah Conway..........</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAHnwDQ2JMCfE1a0eh7hj6JHV1y5f4ow6Ir05POXvIjjYS8UqnBqqKSY3WwFiF_GWUkcF9BJmGZ2_jMBctHo1wE2cileGKCddMdA2UQAp8P4iHqUPL-IrxZmBOFsTog7zOogOOlpa_Vs/s1600/Sarah+Conway+fundraiser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="798" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAHnwDQ2JMCfE1a0eh7hj6JHV1y5f4ow6Ir05POXvIjjYS8UqnBqqKSY3WwFiF_GWUkcF9BJmGZ2_jMBctHo1wE2cileGKCddMdA2UQAp8P4iHqUPL-IrxZmBOFsTog7zOogOOlpa_Vs/s200/Sarah+Conway+fundraiser.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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Sarah is a student from Hillel Academy in Kingston who through her own initiative, decided to raise funds for our school via a raffle at Hillel. Sarah had been involved with the school as a participant in a dance recital which featured a wheel chair dance with our children. Apparently, her heart and the wonder of our children, stayed with her and she decided as a service project to help support our school in a meaningful way. Her hard work raised some much needed funds to support our school. So a dear thank you to a special young lady, Sarah Conway, who leads with her heart and puts her heart into action. We appreciate you Sarah!!! <br />
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<b><u><span style="color: red;">Gardner Chriropractic and Neurology- 8 Tremaine Rd. </span></u></b></div>
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Our school is blessed with wonderful neighbors and one of them is the above business. We try and emphasize the concept of good neighbors with the children. On many Friday's, our children take a "walk" or a wheelchair ride on our street to get out and about in the sun and to have a chance to see the flowers, plants, birds etc. I suspect our neighbors enjoy seeing them being a part of the world. On Teachers Day, one of our neighbors gifted all our Teachers and staff with "goody bags" and that was Gardner Chiropractic. The bags contained chocolate, key rings, scented candle etc. It was a lovely gesture from them to recognize the diligence of our teachers. We thank you neighbor for the bag of treats! It means a lot to our school to have good neighbors and friends.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><u>Isabelle Miller (with help from her friends) </u></b></span></div>
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One day<u style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"> </u>we had a visit from a young high school student from the states named Isabelle Miller. Her parents are Jamaican and they stopped in to deliver a package from someone from the states. Isabelle stayed for awhile and chatted and played with the children, and well, seems she was smitten as most folks are with our kids. Isabelle decided when she returned home, to raise some funds through a project at school, and put together a wonderful box of educational activities and toys for us to work with our children. What a surprise to us!! .....While the fact that she did this just because of a chance encounter and introduction to our children is enough, we were really touched by how carefully selected all these toys and educational gifts were. They were selected with the thought of our children's abilities and challenges in mind. She selected with such a conscious thought for what would be beneficial specifically for their joy, AND for their user friendly works. That folks, is a young woman who sees children who have joy, but celebrates them by putting effort and value not only in the giving, but in selecting just what would be important for their goals and well being. Isabel, you are special!!! Special because you cared from just one visit, and special because you grasped the best ways to bring real joy to our children on <b>THEIR</b> levels!! <b>THANK YOU ISABELLE!! </b> </div>
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<b><span style="color: red;"><u>A thank you and a fond farewell to Janice Weiss</u></span></b></div>
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We recently bid a fond farewell to a volunteer who had been with us for 3 years. It is always sad when our volunteers leave, but Janice's time in Jamaica had come to an end. What she gave to us and our children while she was here, was incredible. Janice cherished the children, their stories and saw all kinds of ways to bring light into their lives. She baked for us, volunteered at least once a week at the school as a dedicated student teacher. She made some of our teens feel like they were special in a world of difficulties. She never said no, whether through fundraising, extra activities, helping us to get grants or just being a friend and mentor to all of us! I know Janice well enough to know she has tears in her eyes now because she misses the children, and because it truly was a highlight of her time in Jamaica. Janice feels deeply and joyfully, and nothing was better (for her and for them) than her conversations with the children. But Janice stays in contact with us in all the ways that e-mails and social media allow. Janice simply put............You blessed us and we thank you for all of your heart and all of your effort. We miss you, but we love your heart. </div>
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Thank you to the Rotary Club of Kingston who continue to support us in all kinds of ways that matter. We recently received 3 tables from them in varying shapes and heights which has been a need for a very long time. As we do individual activities and sensory work with the children, it is important that we can do them sometimes individually or in more segmented groups. These tables will give us all kinds of versatility and segmented methods to work on individual goals. Thank you Rotary for being such a wonderful friend and believer in The STEP Centre. Just the best.............. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Blessings from our children to all of you.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"> </span>As our school year winds down and we approach our annual sports day, we are reminded of how our children's lives are interconnected to so many people and organizations every year. As I think about it, I am amazed at how our special children, have connected with so much and so many in the larger world. What you have seen in this blog is that while we write effusively about how amazing our children are, all you have to do is stop in to see them, and their wonder and joy become our best Ambassadors for us. Even just a casual hour of chat with them, leaves a lasting memory in the minds of those who meet them. </div>
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💓<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><u>OUR CHILDREN </u></b></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><u><b>ARE THAT SPECIAL!</b> 💓</u> </span></div>
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S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-40831386840596575092017-04-19T07:35:00.000-07:002017-04-19T07:35:10.469-07:00CELEBRATING RENE- HER WORDS, HER JOURNEY<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><u><b>BEAUTIFUL HAPPY RENE LAMBERT TODAY</b></u></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: red;"><b><u>Blog written by Rene Lambert and Hilary Sherlock </u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: red;"><b><u>Formatted and message by Leslie Wan</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Often a
child will come to us accompanied by “we just know that Step Centre is the
place for him/her” and so it was with Rene. Over and over again we have admired
the way parents have made substantial adjustments in their own lives to, not
just accommodate, but fulfill the special needs of their child. Rene was one
such child. Individuals make a difference when working as a team, and as
teachers, we are privileged to be able to know and work with children such as
Rene. It is a delight to see them become strong caring adults as the years move
on. This blog is a small chronicle of a student named Rene and her journey with
us. She has become an exceptional young woman in spirit and drive, and for us,
an affirmation that we have a</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: center;"> part</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: center;"> to play in any life we are blessed to
contribute to.</span><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I (Hilary) first met
Rene ( Age 4) when she came to us from “Haughton, not Santa Cruz” as she always
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAkaWR6aF2tkGHQ70d7iXLxqcChhqWQJaUlkLQ2QpLMOTKho0YmMH5K5kvLRD7gfAPDfgzk1LJBTFxQlux2Ja392-u14X81irD_mTfCrpVsbKjiS2cO86tjXOJXWdTCtUJFOsBoFbOPc/s1600/Step+Center+Christmas+Concert+and+beautiful+Jamaica+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAkaWR6aF2tkGHQ70d7iXLxqcChhqWQJaUlkLQ2QpLMOTKho0YmMH5K5kvLRD7gfAPDfgzk1LJBTFxQlux2Ja392-u14X81irD_mTfCrpVsbKjiS2cO86tjXOJXWdTCtUJFOsBoFbOPc/s320/Step+Center+Christmas+Concert+and+beautiful+Jamaica+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>Santa's helper Rene</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</i>Immediately recognizable
were her determination to push herself, her understanding of her challenges and
her intellectual abilities. It was a joy
to help Rene. One did not have to teach her, only to watch her blossom. She<span style="color: #7030a0;"> </span>was the epitome of a quote by Mark Van Doren,</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">"The art of
teaching is the art of assisting discovery"</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9drfItv11eHco_IUJg5u7wR3oPV9JcQ-G06Hww-krhgQft-swVuUHF7CX9vDabRbp_P1IjYvnnz18rrBmGrRNzjTqjH86E9rxBkAr_LDonzNIF_M39Nz3ympO6io-aGnx5UQ8zFEKGZA/s320/Step+Center+Sports+Day+2008+070.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>Rene and her buddy Sports Day 2008</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> It became obvious after awhile, that Rene
needed both a more inclusive school setting, and a comprehensive academic
program. Though she might sacrifice access to physiotherapy and speech therapy
by leaving us, we had to go where her mind was leading her. As much as we miss her,
we wanted to expand her world while working her brain muscle in a more
structured classroom setting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While we have remained in contact with Rene
across the years, we recently had the privilege of having Rene with us again. Before
Rene left for new adventures in America, she visited with us for some days, and it
was absolutely a delight to spend some time with her again. She is now a young
adult. While together, we had long conversations about life and friendship. She
has agreed that I could share some of it with you. Her insights into her
challenges (perceived and overcome) and her ambitions, are a wonderful window
on determination, conviction, goals and she is truly an inspiration to us all. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We will begin with her thoughts about what
it is like to be a young adult with cerebral palsy (Rene has the athetoid type
of C.P.). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Rene:</span></u></b> <span style="font-size: 14pt;">Cerebral Palsy makes it hard for me to do the simple things in
life. Even typing this document takes me longer than a typical person. It can
be hard when going on the road, because here in Jamaica, there aren't many
places that are “disability friendly”, so we have to plan ahead of time.
Sometimes it’s frustrating for me. For instance on Sundays, I want to go to
Church, but my Mother is usually tired so I end up having to stay home. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I understand though, my
mother works hard for both of us and wants the best for me.<span style="color: red;"> </span>Another instance is
when I desire to go out with my friends, I need someone to take
me. Typical persons take it lightly that they can get a drink of water for
themselves, but in my case, I have to rely on someone to get it for me. Due to
cerebral palsy, it can also be a challenge for me when I am
eating. Cerebral Palsy affects my muscles. I sometimes get annoyed
when I want to pick up something, or put down something, and my hand is all
over the place. At the same time it teaches me how to be patient. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">HILARY:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> WHAT DO YOU
REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR TIME AT STEP CENTRE?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rene:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> I remember the
first day I came to STEP, you interviewed me. I felt like I was going to <span style="color: red;">be</span><span style="color: red;"> </span>a
comfortable place where I could learn.
Mummy was working in the country, Tammy (my sister) was going to
University and we lived in Mona.<i> </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rene (on
her move and the school journey after STEP) :</span></u></b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I wanted to
move from<i> </i>STEP Centre because I had
the desire to learn more about the world around me. Also, I wanted to get exposed to what
normal children were exposed to …… I knew that I had more inside of me to get
out. My former principal, Auntie Hilary (Sherlock), had a friend and her name was Auntie Suzie
(Williams). She was the principal for Liberty Academy at the Priory School.
Auntie Hilary begged her to give me a chance at Liberty and she decided to give
me a shot. I started out in the Special Needs Department. I completed Grade Two
and Three in the Special Needs Dept. and then they decided to move me up to the
normal Prep school. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In the summer before
the first term of Grade 4, I had a seizure. My Mummy decided to keep me home for one term because she didn’t know
what was happening. I did not have any more seizures after that. The next term
at school was a bit hard because I had to catch up on everything, but I decided
that I was going to do extremely well that term with the help of God and those
around me. That term I would have to sit
the grade four literacy and numeracy exam.
My teacher Auntie Toni, my shadow Auntie Karlene, and my family helped me
to get ahead. (Shadow i<span style="background: white;">s the person who helps
the child with special needs in a regular classroom setting.)<span style="color: red;"> </span></span>It was kind of difficult because Auntie Karlene was not that good at school work. It was amazing to me how I, with
God’s help, got ahead in every subject in that<span style="color: red;"> </span>exam
and I didn’t get the full support from my shadow. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">During that
time,</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Auntie Suzie looked out for me and since she knew Auntie Hilary,</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">I knew both had the best intentions for me…. </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">the best intentions.</b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">(Our hearts overflow at this point) When I
was at Liberty School from Grade two straight up to grade 10, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">I</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">grew spiritually,
academically and socially.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">My school life has always been like this, but with the passion and the zeal that I have to be good at everything I do and to SUCCEED, I won’t stop fighting!</span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbitsGnOc2hWI3mCxuXEvymbvd_ZsH0O0SjwJfpvI0um29O0YrIqmYwndHudRP061Qu8vI_oajojw-Kgy0ffwdR1yWavMjFzzoKK7JITZAbVkd3B2qbX9jzVLenhzH5CeKnYa_tsuuCfg/s1600/World+CP+Teen+Program+2015+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbitsGnOc2hWI3mCxuXEvymbvd_ZsH0O0SjwJfpvI0um29O0YrIqmYwndHudRP061Qu8vI_oajojw-Kgy0ffwdR1yWavMjFzzoKK7JITZAbVkd3B2qbX9jzVLenhzH5CeKnYa_tsuuCfg/s320/World+CP+Teen+Program+2015+016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UivwB7mhiFBSafhWH0XCM_IeS4KNSIo7pEdqT81ssDIem8S7UGDtmUOi-arcAivdIqK8p8y229NwJYbv5do72-HGpUg_ef3d1WzFXmcNeYsGD-46hAnSonLZTM__sTESF-Tr8mAPM6o/s1600/World+CP+Teen+Program+2015+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UivwB7mhiFBSafhWH0XCM_IeS4KNSIo7pEdqT81ssDIem8S7UGDtmUOi-arcAivdIqK8p8y229NwJYbv5do72-HGpUg_ef3d1WzFXmcNeYsGD-46hAnSonLZTM__sTESF-Tr8mAPM6o/s320/World+CP+Teen+Program+2015+018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Rene (above) presenting her story at Step Centre at our teen symposium for World Cerebral Palsy Day </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hilary :</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> AFTER GSAT RENE
BRIEFLY ATTENDED ARDENNE HIGH BUT THAT WAS NOT CONDUCIVE TO ALL OF RENE'S
NEEDS....<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rene :</span></u></b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I didn’t
stay there basically because it was too crowded, and for me it was draining –
the big classes, and through my school life at Liberty I had a shadow who could
assist me and at the other school they didn’t know how to help me. My shadow at Liberty Prep understood me. At Liberty High I didn’t go upstairs, my
teachers had to lift me upstairs and my Principal helped to push me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hilary:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> WHAT EXPECTATIONS AND CONCERNS DO YOU HAVE ABOUT
YOUR MOVE TO THE U.S.A.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rene:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> My expectations? I
want to get more therapy and a better education and I want to be able to be
more exposed to other places. I want to
find a good Church that I can go to and to get more friends. My friends are mostly big people. I don’t
like to hang out with people who are small minded and the only thing they care
about is how they look. I mostly hang
out with big people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hilary:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO IN YOUR FUTURE?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rene:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> I want to be a
theologian and an astronomer. I want to
mostly be a theologian because I like to give people hope, and people need that
today. And, I want to write books that
encourage people and build them up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>Auntie Hilary, You have helped me to be a person who wants to go somewhere and even
from when I was a baby! Thank you! </u></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Final thoughts via Leslie Wan</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8lxrz9oL3NRFhDCdFZJJNi7gYDTChqdjXhwDuJ4A5fxT-_nqRlA8iuWQ-knrxm00zqzcP0S6LzvNqGB_PxL83CN6Hi1suAKascvsbt2g6mlSacz1pV1LXCNs-5quaODprEaWrfChKuY/s1600/Step+Center+2007+Xmas+-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8lxrz9oL3NRFhDCdFZJJNi7gYDTChqdjXhwDuJ4A5fxT-_nqRlA8iuWQ-knrxm00zqzcP0S6LzvNqGB_PxL83CN6Hi1suAKascvsbt2g6mlSacz1pV1LXCNs-5quaODprEaWrfChKuY/s320/Step+Center+2007+Xmas+-2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Young Rene and my Christmas gift made by STEP</span><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"> </span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We understand that all our students will not be a "Rene", ....but we are blessed over the years with seeing progress in our students in so many ways. We set goals for our students and we see them blossom as they open up or accomplish their individual challenges and goals. It is an ever changing landscapes of smiles and struggles. What I marvel at on a regular basis and what the teachers and staff seem to understand, is that special is an individual and worthy process (and progress.) Where the children end up is far different than where they began, and what they have given to us in lessons in perseverance and determination is immeasurable! I have known Rene from her youngest days with us. This was a celebration in the making, as she moves on in her journey. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Good luck and cheers Renee!! You are a star! </span></b></span></span></div>
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S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-21560714574026236722016-12-14T07:13:00.000-08:002016-12-14T12:34:41.544-08:00OH TO BE ABLE TO JUST GET OUT OR IN!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Post By Leslie Wan</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">Hi all............Been a little while but life has been busy lately......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">t will come as no secret to anyone who has read this blog that I am passionate about the rights and opportunities for persons with challenges to enjoy what other folks enjoy. My husband has grown used to that glassy eyed look which changes to eyes of steel</span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">, as I walk and look around at the world. It means I am placing my view on the perspective of a wheelchair or other disability options. This lovely island of Jamaica is a very difficult terrain for those in a wheelchair or have other challenges and it is a <u>crying shame</u>!!! Try calling most service or utility companies when they ask you to (for example) "push 1 if you are a business or 2 if residential", for anyone with cerebral palsy or even a stroke, that is a struggle. I wait for that lovely voice to say "push 1 or say 1" - that rarely happens. I am well aware that many places have been constructed long before The Disabilities Act was passed in 2014 <a href="http://www.japarliament.gov.jm/attachments/341_The%20Disabilities%20bill%202014%20No.13.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.japarliament.gov.jm/attachments/341_The%20Disabilities%20bill%202014%20No.13.pdf</a> and retrofitting a building is expensive, but what about all the newer places that could easily have been built with <b>ALL</b> people in mind. Sometimes it is as easy as a little concrete or asphalt to retrofit a ramp or a doorway bump up. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRKeVjzLt8q35Jlx35nDutLQq3Tnw4dstp0uN0YXm8c7BUn1aTD5CCpGw4hoZ7FOi0b3lRuDAJBBRNAdPJjl3f4O3B8e_Hj-lRD1_6LUttjyz-xjnspzepc4ALI_H7KmEyGE0je3QsnU/s1600/Brew%2527d+Awakenings+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRKeVjzLt8q35Jlx35nDutLQq3Tnw4dstp0uN0YXm8c7BUn1aTD5CCpGw4hoZ7FOi0b3lRuDAJBBRNAdPJjl3f4O3B8e_Hj-lRD1_6LUttjyz-xjnspzepc4ALI_H7KmEyGE0je3QsnU/s200/Brew%2527d+Awakenings+2.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Examples:</b></span><br />
<b style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Brew'd awakenings</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I recently went to a new lovely coffee shop opened this year in the Tastee patty building in L</span>iguanea called Brew'd Awakenings. As I approached the building I thought how inviting it looked, and wow they had a ramp (which probably was for deliveries) but could be used by a wheelchair, EXCEPT the ramp did not extend down to the ground. A wheelchair did not stand a chance. That ramp could have been extended off to the side out of the way and allow for wheelchair entrance. This was a NEWLY redesigned building. Once inside the building a wheelchair could maneuver, but alas it won't happen, just because of a little extra concrete that could have allowed that. I know we can choose whom to patronize but something so small in such a new place. Sigh........(KUDOS to Brew'd Awakenings for moving that large plant away from the ramp when I brought it to their attention) </span></div>
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<u><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Newly constructed Chinese Garden in Hope Gardens </span></b></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-MEzBjrzLBAPkrgwItdCeVObvRC0H8WwJFZtYK_EW-EvcqV8bT1AJn0tYTThL7Xne16LFbzWxBHmxRUfvPMZQPoFQ2vKjfEP0Cm0XALa4tTVLCA5ctgY8ZoBIypNJwcLH7jOfy57Zxw/s1600/chinese+garden+path.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-MEzBjrzLBAPkrgwItdCeVObvRC0H8WwJFZtYK_EW-EvcqV8bT1AJn0tYTThL7Xne16LFbzWxBHmxRUfvPMZQPoFQ2vKjfEP0Cm0XALa4tTVLCA5ctgY8ZoBIypNJwcLH7jOfy57Zxw/s200/chinese+garden+path.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A lovely Saturday </span>excursion planned for my family and I looked forward to seeing this relatively new addition to the Gardens. I was thinking that if it was reasonably priced, the school may be able to afford to take our students for a field trip. It is an expensive venture to rent a bus and find a way to transport all students, teachers and wheelchairs for outings, but very occasionally we can make the budget stretch or a lovely benefactor makes that possible. The children are inspired and joyful to get out in the world and see new things. So there was my thought, a potential breeze out for the kids, and a lesson on flora and fauna of Jamaica. I thought if some of the structures may be restrictive, surely the path would be accessible and the children could learn alot!! Well picture THAT ride (picture on right) with wheelchairs and children with spasms, brain issues, etc Bumpity, bumpity ...........No field trip possible here and it is so NEW!!</span><br />
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<u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>The struggle to give a treat to students </b> </span></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">On one occasion Hilary (school Principal) promised 2 of our students she would take them to lunch as a celebration for how hard they worked in class. When asked they said they would LOVE to go to KFC. What they wanted, they were going to get. Hilary knew this would be a challenge because it is always a challenge to maneuver students who don't walk, but they can sit effectively in chairs once placed. Along on the adventure came Ken, our gardener and calming presence at times, and when they arrived there, she realized that Ken would have to carry these young men up all steps and they are not small children! The children deserved this, and Ken was a good sport as he carried those young men up those steps.This BTW is an INTERNATIONAL franchise. When the students were placed in seats, people around watched with interest the difficult process. The students ate heartily and joyfully. One of them said "This come like Christmas to be here like this!" It was just fried chicken, but it was being honored for doing well and being out in life like a grown up day.... That happened exactly once. The struggle is real as my daughter would say.......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">T</span><u>here are some positives happening........</u></span><u>.</u></b>.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I don't mean to </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">imply that the landscape is devoid of opportunities for the disabled community here. There are many places that deserve credit for their corporate spirit to do right by folks. Two supermarkets come to mind...........</span><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">1</b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">. </span><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><u><span style="color: blue;">Loshusan</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> ( Barbican Circle) is, and always has been, a supporter of the disabled community in many ways. They have a fully accessible ramp for wheelchairs (all around the plaza)and a door that opens electronically. They provide a motorized chair for shoppers who have mobility issues and a shopping assistant will be designated (if needed) to access shelving or freezer doors etc. They also employ the hearing and speech impaired community, so they give jobs to responsible and capable young folks. Hats off to Loshusan who years ago made this commitment before it was required by law. ....</span><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">2. <span style="color: blue;"><u>Family Pride</u> </span></b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">supermarket (Manning's Hill Road in Havendale) also sports a ramp and will regularly provide a shopper for the blind, the mobility challenged etc. They also employ folks with challenges and will make sure the door gets opened for access and assistance if necessary. They are proud of their longstanding commitment to the community at large, and all its many varieties of customers. Kindness matters! </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Many many businesses also have spaces that are parking specified for the disabled. There are other businesses and banks that have given consideration to disability and elderly lines but far far too few businesses. So what is the message from this post. Many actually.......</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thoughts</span></b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. Don't take your access and functionality in this world for granted. Many don't see or experience those same opportunities. Actually take 5 or 10 minutes sometimes while doing your daily day and LOOK around from a disability perspective. I promise you, it will be eye opening. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Support the businesses who try to support the disabled. They deserve credit and patronage for the effort and expense they put in to make things accessible. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. When designing something or re-doing a business - for heavens sake make it available for all folks. It is the law and it is good corporate citizenship. Our aged among us will even appreciate this. Many of us have seen our parents change as they try and maneuver on legs that now struggle, where they used to dance. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">4.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Be kind to the challenged among us. Celebrate them, support them and register your displeasure when you see roadblocks to accessibility instead of avenues of patronage. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Remember that a " Barrier free environment" refers to ALL kinds of disabilities and that is what the Jamaica Council of Persons with Disabilities is calling for. (JCPD)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">6. We will see if this really comes to pass but.....<b><a href="http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20161202/programme-coming-make-schools-more-accessible-disabled" target="_blank">http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20161202/programme-coming-make-schools-more-accessible-disabled</a> </b></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Finally on another note................ </span></b></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The holidays are upon us and the children are SOOOOO excited. They will perform in their Christmas play during school hours as usual on Friday, Dec 16th, which they dearly love to do! They love to sing and dance, and they LOVE to perform for folks and do art projects relative to the holidays. They are a joy to watch every year............It is absolutely a highlight of my Christmas season! </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><u>THANK YOU!!!</u></span></b></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>T</b></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>hank you to Mr. Audley Evans and the staff of AAA Financial who kindly provided a Christmas treat for the children.... fried chicken, pizza, etc. Each child was given a treat bag with biscuits, candy, snacks, marshmallow treats</b><b> etc. They carried home a loot bag filled with wonders. Mr. Evans (and your staff at AAA Financial) are most kind to make our children a part of your Christmas tradition and our kids LOVE to be spoiled with food they don't get very often. All a part of making them feel special and we thank you for THAT! THEY LOOOOOVED IT! Their smiles told you all you needed to know...A little bird hints they may have more to come -later for that... </b> </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Thank you Mr. Evans and AAA Financial- We appreciate YOU!! </b></span></td></tr>
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S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-10677479427605072912016-09-08T05:44:00.001-07:002016-09-08T06:32:53.215-07:00WITH A FULL HEART - GIVING THANKS<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Written by Hilary
Sherlock- Principal <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Formatted by Leslie
Wan <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYYLgZUn2JyGBj8bI0cAo8-Rm23AGzAqv_5-pJkqHF8z-_k3MenjqxmwHOztAjH9_C515ydu5YuOuiw10d6pBzmo8fYkC_QYOUJ-8cn22VX_7CYUxRkSQoQGnvnfonJj9wqOOGer2myU/s1600/P1080482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYYLgZUn2JyGBj8bI0cAo8-Rm23AGzAqv_5-pJkqHF8z-_k3MenjqxmwHOztAjH9_C515ydu5YuOuiw10d6pBzmo8fYkC_QYOUJ-8cn22VX_7CYUxRkSQoQGnvnfonJj9wqOOGer2myU/s400/P1080482.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">I SEE YOU - SUMMER FUN </span></b></td></tr>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: purple;">LESSONS LEARNED </span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hard to believe that another year has passed and a new school
year is about to begin. The <b>To Do</b> list is long, as is the needs
list, and both keep growing, but, I need to step back for a moment and share some
lessons I learned this past year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><u>There are four main lessons – simple, not necessarily new,
but each essential.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> <u><b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b></u></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><u><span style="color: purple;">Listen</span></u></span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQo4kRIRy6z74R0tvWYB1DW4wLQOZocdiqn8qQaGW3_iA7TtuEg7mbXZWz1l9kfZINoBDGN-zE0XHxJtpZtKKzD8_Hlt54ru3nvwzQXVN8t0R4jkv8ngmqQJ6AKB1VAdOBRHPdeHaTpFE/s1600/Listening+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQo4kRIRy6z74R0tvWYB1DW4wLQOZocdiqn8qQaGW3_iA7TtuEg7mbXZWz1l9kfZINoBDGN-zE0XHxJtpZtKKzD8_Hlt54ru3nvwzQXVN8t0R4jkv8ngmqQJ6AKB1VAdOBRHPdeHaTpFE/s400/Listening+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am usually good at listening to the children, but not as good
with listening to the adults. I remember
my first meeting with a particular mother, a year ago. She came to me in
distress and anger, after her son had been denied entry to another special
school because he is blind, in a wheelchair and “not toilet trained”. Apparently
he had more challenges than "their specialty". Our school had little experience with a student with low vision impairment before, but we agreed to take him because we see the value of our work with the <b><u>WHOLE</u></b> child and he needed a school to view him as such at that moment. This meant that I and our team had to
research the best methods for teaching children with visual impairments, but we accepted the challenge for his needs. With the
support of the Special Education Unit, we agreed to work with him over the year
and then hopefully transition him to ”the more appropriate school” for the following school year. As the end of this school year approached, I held firm to this
plan. During a conversation with his mother, I suddenly realized that I was so
fixed on our original plan, I was no longer listening to her and what she
wanted for her child. Others who worked with him, were confirming the mothers opinion/request. After <b>really</b> listening to her, we decided he will stay with us
for another year to consolidate his emerging mobility and independent skills thereby
increasing his chances of a successful transition. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">L</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">istening to another parent describe
the spiritual journey his family had been on during the year with their special
son, I realized how privileged we are to have been part of their journey. This student’s frail body, houses a strong,
calm force of energy, and he continues to inspire, calm and encourage us every
day. There was my first lesson. Plans are important, but so is listening with
an open heart and open mind to know where those plans might divert. </span></div>
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</span></u></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><u><span style="color: purple;">Simple Pleasures</span></u><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Again this year we had summer school. The children love
summer school and it allows us to fully utilize our building and sometimes to
give a child a "try out" on what transitioning to our school might
mean for them. Summer school is more relaxed and gives us opportunities to simply enjoy being together. One morning was
filled with laughter as children and adults got very messy with paint and water
in the garden. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8M8K6E5v0A24Y74K7UXgezzWZhmABdlmC9vwFhsdXsGrqmLf5g2GDCurg_XI4o8dxKd9JjAsku-AmS5D60shzSe3aZsb9t9HRVpO3MZMYHUx24PXRp7JrWYWw_UgCuo0IlTg1uIM-Nvs/s1600/Summer+school+2016+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8M8K6E5v0A24Y74K7UXgezzWZhmABdlmC9vwFhsdXsGrqmLf5g2GDCurg_XI4o8dxKd9JjAsku-AmS5D60shzSe3aZsb9t9HRVpO3MZMYHUx24PXRp7JrWYWw_UgCuo0IlTg1uIM-Nvs/s320/Summer+school+2016+%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Another morning, quiet time with staff, volunteers and children,
massaging each other and painting toes and fingers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bvVX9J17v_IMesHUbwnIg6Hx6513JAkoMYvVi7A2AAz99qLsZq4LYhF_kDPQlNP-bduSheDHkURmzPlAF6kjrrCnp01pk66CNZHhggvdmXsBoiaxxXWYQT1kyLl9QBjNA9wkQIaBgU0/s1600/Summer+school+2016+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bvVX9J17v_IMesHUbwnIg6Hx6513JAkoMYvVi7A2AAz99qLsZq4LYhF_kDPQlNP-bduSheDHkURmzPlAF6kjrrCnp01pk66CNZHhggvdmXsBoiaxxXWYQT1kyLl9QBjNA9wkQIaBgU0/s320/Summer+school+2016+%25285%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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Watching our staff's able bodied children,
learning to play together with our special needs children, made the second
lesson real. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_x74FR9HAEjqggy87Hpe8ECmk72xkKMMYtpUsuO5JPgqpXTRFhNIXdSvhlR8AX98RYPS4AgxyPwRSoNQONBbK_M-2WYZ0S0SmpQ-sBCmCVjm5pSwG8imvCZDBRBDXLgzV6E25ytBTGsQ/s1600/Summer+school+2016+%252810%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_x74FR9HAEjqggy87Hpe8ECmk72xkKMMYtpUsuO5JPgqpXTRFhNIXdSvhlR8AX98RYPS4AgxyPwRSoNQONBbK_M-2WYZ0S0SmpQ-sBCmCVjm5pSwG8imvCZDBRBDXLgzV6E25ytBTGsQ/s320/Summer+school+2016+%252810%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><b>Helping others and making friends makes me BIG! </b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>It is important to build in times to relax and play, which allows opportunities
for friendships to develop and in this case for all children to assimilate with
the diversities of people that life brings. </u> </span><br />
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</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><u><span style="color: purple;">Give thanks</span></u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Last summer we wrote a blog about our financial needs and the struggle
to continue our school. The precarious
financial position has not changed, but gratefully we are still here today. Every
semester is a challenge to stay afloat, but as long as we believe that our
children deserve an education commensurate with regular children, we push on.
It is for us to give them the chance and the resources to take them to places
they would never go alone. We have been the recipients of goodwill over the
year. We have received much. Many of the gifts have been spontaneous and are very
affirming to us that our children are IMPORTANT. Many, many thanks to all who have been so
generous with their time and resources. This includes students from Hillel
Academy and U-Tech to groups of friends, service groups, individuals and
corporate Jamaica.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Looking forward to
working with Kingston Rotary Club and Friends for Charity and with many of
those we may not know now, but, who will become part of our family. It is a
FACT- we believe in the broader scope of family at S.T.E.P. <i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><u><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></u></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><u><span style="color: purple;">Need for Structure</span></u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometimes it seems that every day is a struggle to get
organized …. Well, we promise to be better organized this school year.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Friends who visited from Lees-McRae College
in North Carolina have linked us with Connections for Autism and we will be
using their resources to assess, set goals, provide appropriate activities, and
track each student through the year. Our children share many behaviors and
instructional needs with children with autism and this resource answers a long
felt need.</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5e0U99SIS7I5XyyqguYvCm4pegL0zjV1vxqT104_94tIgXjc7lYIHjqMdTn7fLwGJvkhVckHelgIBgJlJKgZOy_-mWAg3fehajQFa4Oy0XgpohQ-WrIEPuLPHKd1W3FiBnrguthGAuM4/s1600/Lees+-+Macrae+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><span style="color: red;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5e0U99SIS7I5XyyqguYvCm4pegL0zjV1vxqT104_94tIgXjc7lYIHjqMdTn7fLwGJvkhVckHelgIBgJlJKgZOy_-mWAg3fehajQFa4Oy0XgpohQ-WrIEPuLPHKd1W3FiBnrguthGAuM4/s400/Lees+-+Macrae+1.JPG" width="400" /></span></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><b>Strategy and Group Discussions with Lees - Macrae College</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfvNvxeYG5BuQpd2sxcIR0YywwvwQzdm0zl5Ze5QbAQhZipuBYDSKiTjzbhz5bY33_c_attBPnGUK58OO15biOXnEAjH9HBHbOaJn3kbme-HNHXQ22e94tunvB2yuDHcDIKEkM7294R4/s1600/Lees-Macre+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfvNvxeYG5BuQpd2sxcIR0YywwvwQzdm0zl5Ze5QbAQhZipuBYDSKiTjzbhz5bY33_c_attBPnGUK58OO15biOXnEAjH9HBHbOaJn3kbme-HNHXQ22e94tunvB2yuDHcDIKEkM7294R4/s640/Lees-Macre+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: small;">Folks of Lees- Macrae College work with our students</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">The Canadian Women’s Group of Jamaica has provided resources and
material to enable us to have a functional resource room. We will be so much better able to make, </span><span style="line-height: 18.4px; text-align: justify;">catalog</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"> and share resources. Thank you to all of them for helping us to have all
things readily available.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13YT7dYQlUWc7_VE1CqH1TUf5yEVC1k79mhZWlslKalaAIE3JWyWsOHiAixx8y2veGCBQhvM3qkAKxo_Vl6e9xArL4yWCDKiklXNNFUTZTL8gnFZXpaf8utA3I_snc8s_R8Znh3Uhyphenhyphen_0/s1600/CWC+-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13YT7dYQlUWc7_VE1CqH1TUf5yEVC1k79mhZWlslKalaAIE3JWyWsOHiAixx8y2veGCBQhvM3qkAKxo_Vl6e9xArL4yWCDKiklXNNFUTZTL8gnFZXpaf8utA3I_snc8s_R8Znh3Uhyphenhyphen_0/s320/CWC+-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><b>The Canadian Women's Group of Jamaica, generously donated equipment, shelving etc. to help organize our resource room. (President Barbara Matalon delivered shelves etc. from the group) </b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We will be using the new curriculum developed by the Ministry
of Education (MOE) for children with special needs and continuing to work on
interpreting its goals in meaningful ways for our children. We actually took part in the formation of
this curriculum, and its development was truly a collaborative effort involving
the teachers who will be using it. It was important to us to give real time
classroom interpretation to what will benefit the special needs community and
curriculum in Jamaica. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We will also be piloting our Gardening as Biosphere Education
Guide and supplementing its activity suggestions. Thanks to Dr Aisha Jones,
Director of Research, National Commission on Science and Technology, for all
her hard work, and to the Rotary Club of the Nene Valley (UK) for their
support.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our school is cash poor, but we are certainly resource rich
and bursting with anticipation of all the joyous lessons awaiting us in the
days ahead. This year as other years, is an adventure, a celebration, and
filled with possibilities and spirit affirming moments. </span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><u><span style="color: red;">OPEN UP THE DOORS AND
LET OUR SUNSHINE CHILDREN IN!!!! </span></u></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-86638035984466535962016-06-23T08:16:00.000-07:002016-06-23T08:57:52.758-07:00OPEN HOUSE / OPEN HEARTS <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>Blog written by Leslie Wan</b></span></div>
As the dog days of summer are here and the regular school year winds down, the school has been as busy as ever. Conferences with parents or caregivers, re-organizing areas of the classrooms that have become abit disorganized in the day to day school time, and some reflecting on where and what changes have we seen with the children, our shifts in focus in the course of the year, are just snippets of some of our recent work.(More on that in the next blog). No good endeavor, certainly of schools, is effective if you don't take the time to make assessments on how you have been measured against your goals and where changes have happened within the students. In the context of these thoughts and the desire to share this and our school with others, we scheduled our open house (aka Open Day).<br />
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This year for Open Day, we organized the spaces and bulletin boards around the many ways and modalities we use to teach, provide therapy and sensory work. One board was a visual of our teaching influences and education mentoring styles. Another was photos of "A Year in the life of STEP" and the many activities we do. Others areas were art displays, art reflections from our literary endeavors, methods of physical therapies used, our sensory room, our garden, the various class areas divided by age or competencies etc. If any of you missed it and would like to see it, we have left it up until the end of the school year, so just give us a call and pop in.<br />
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We hoped to have many visitors and yet we wondered if our hard work and preparations would be for naught. We should not have worried because the day was a smashing success and we had a great bunch of visitors. Hilary and myself (and a couple of the teachers) served as guides for the day and a few of our students were our welcoming greeters. Our "garden manager" (student) helped us sell plants from our garden endeavors too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>Brandon our garden manager</b></span></td></tr>
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I want you all to know those students served as hosts or hostesses proudly, and with the most welcoming smiles and greetings. Nothing speaks better for our school than our happy and polite children.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1h0q11Kj8GWP8zmVON0i5za700_1OsFVcaHgqvdvADtMT_I4NU8ij2eU2PS4Z5zolCBYkYli9jV5oGdLX4rfpUu5hoWpFjAwa91Qxv2-d7g8sKV0Vpueab4IF7OlFCRTLj4FpJaPl8Uc/s1600/Step+Open+House+2016+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1h0q11Kj8GWP8zmVON0i5za700_1OsFVcaHgqvdvADtMT_I4NU8ij2eU2PS4Z5zolCBYkYli9jV5oGdLX4rfpUu5hoWpFjAwa91Qxv2-d7g8sKV0Vpueab4IF7OlFCRTLj4FpJaPl8Uc/s400/Step+Open+House+2016+016.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b style="background-color: white;">Two of our students welcome our visitors</b></span></td></tr>
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In the course of the day we had teachers from other schools who wanted insight into how best to reach their challenged students (and have always wondered about our school), faithful supporters and friends who wanted an update on progress, Ministry of Education folks who appreciate the work we do, former students and students from other special needs school and representatives of companies and organizations etc. As I drove home at the end of the day, I reflected on how many times Hilary and I heard from visitors how impressed they were with the children, our methodologies and how the school should <b>KNOW</b> that we have such an AMAZING reputation for our innovative methods and dedication to the special needs community. It is so easy to get caught up in our daily work and not be able to see the bigger picture,or the view from the outside in. It was an eye opener and a real affirmation to me that our message and our dedication speaks for itself. It was a humbling and yet joyous day for us. And I might add that it was a pleasure to see folks actually chatting and interacting with our students themselves.<br />
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We enjoyed the day of bringing our message and methods to folks on the outside, and for folks to come in and share with us what our message in this blog has been about. Yes, our children are "special" in all kinds of ways, but one of the most important ways they are special, is as ambassadors for the special needs community. We are forever grateful for people, organizations and media who include our children in their happenings. Our children have been included in dance recitals, fashion shows, building dedications etc. So whether our children go out into activities in the community, or the community comes to us, our children and all special needs children shine a special light and <br />
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special love.<br />
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Thank you to all who came and please do let us know what you thought. Feedback is always welcome at STEP to guide us and light our way. If you didn't catch us on the day, we will have the information and displays up for a little longer so give us a call. "Programming note"- In the interest of brevity and respect for your busy days, I (Leslie) will not be doing a motivational moment for your day at the end of the blogs anymore. I know time is precious for you in any moment of any day. Thanks for sharing them in the past, and do remember we always think of you in the equation of us!<br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have a blessed week. </span> </span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: blue; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We believe in them. </span> </b></td></tr>
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S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-75933279540109879582016-04-13T06:27:00.001-07:002016-05-05T05:22:30.852-07:00A YEAR IN OUR GARDEN<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSVabOk7-d7r4EL1zEkR6cdyycrmY6JOyyPnFQqP5lJBQ67bCXon2B5LnfhweDqMwhrYsKS0KHTG2Y62Hr08qLF2OfltcmDNT-rCaGrkhqNrfKJSgvIbpjaN_ZQWE1DZPXf3BbFUxgXc/s1600/Garden+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSVabOk7-d7r4EL1zEkR6cdyycrmY6JOyyPnFQqP5lJBQ67bCXon2B5LnfhweDqMwhrYsKS0KHTG2Y62Hr08qLF2OfltcmDNT-rCaGrkhqNrfKJSgvIbpjaN_ZQWE1DZPXf3BbFUxgXc/s640/Garden+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>It is that smile of joy on children's faces that makes our garden so amazing!</b> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial rounded mt bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;"><u>POST BY HILARY SHERLOCK - AND LESLIE WAN </u></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial rounded mt bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When we first moved to our “new school” I
needed to convince some folks why the garden would be an important part of our
school and curriculum. As our garden has
developed, it has moved from being a formative sensory garden to an emergent biosphere.
It's role in our work has expanded and the children have found great pleasure
in it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial rounded mt bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It continues to be an adventure – an
opportunity to learn from the garden itself. It has been an interesting exploration in what plant likes to grow where, and which flowers seem to have their own agendas as they spread and reseed
themselves or which plants look unhappy. We have gone through the cycles from seeds to
luscious watermelons, picking cherries and pomegranates from the trees we
planted, and rejoicing each time our pouis trees bloom. How quickly the neem trees
have grown! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial rounded mt bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A year ago, as we prepared for Earth Day
we began to work on our garden curriculum. Though we had great satisfaction
from growing and selling seedlings, the need to structure the learning
experiences became more evident. Thankfully
we found a simple garden curriculum and together made lessons
with activities for each child. It worked well! The drought was (and is)
limiting, but we continue to give thanks for our harvested rain water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Learning biodiversity options in our garden from the Inst. of Jamaica</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial rounded mt bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> What
to do next is the question – how best to learn more about the creatures we see
around us and develop a sense of how all of nature relates to each other. Teaching food and plant recognition and nutrition to our children based on what we hope to grow is a future project we would love to do .... An
exciting development! I contacted the Natural History Museum at the Institute
of Jamaica and they enthusiastically agreed to partner with us. We are now working together on our garden as a biosphere education project.
With their help we will have teacher’s guides, student workbooks and our
own field guides. Already we have begun
to record the spiders we are finding and the swarms of butterflies. All these activities will be translated into
math, language development and sensory learning opportunities geared to each
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5q-tjBtQCPfSVAQbEiULpBzfdoXYTzMII_LBHPAaithyphenhyphenWiSPTYOLT7IcEhqsq62ykgpJfUrODkY357S9VLQGpuDeJg-eMJnDu9omFwQnb5Ua9Gf7DLxNtlK9y6KjKZzEjut9VWGF_h-g/s1600/Inst+of+Jam+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5q-tjBtQCPfSVAQbEiULpBzfdoXYTzMII_LBHPAaithyphenhyphenWiSPTYOLT7IcEhqsq62ykgpJfUrODkY357S9VLQGpuDeJg-eMJnDu9omFwQnb5Ua9Gf7DLxNtlK9y6KjKZzEjut9VWGF_h-g/s400/Inst+of+Jam+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Institute of Jamaica working with our staff </span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial rounded mt bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In what we now accept as STEP's serendipitous existence, a grant from the Nene Valley Rotary Club in the U.K,
received through the Rotary Club of Kingston (and our own Early Act Club), will
help us to afford to produce the guides and make the garden more animal
(including lizards) friendly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial rounded mt bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our children now swing in the shade of the
beautiful cassia fistula tree we planted, crush and smell the mint and basil
leaves, feel the sun on their skin, enjoy the breeze, marvel at the spiders and
bees, and learn how interconnected life really is in our world. We have further hopes and wishes for our garden and we hope to make more connections to add more options to our curriculum as a result, but the wonder of what the children have found by including "the living earth" in their lives is beyond expression. In fact, it is MAGIC! </span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Leslie's Message Moment</b></span> </u></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Sunrise / sunset all the possibilities abound anew.......... </b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br />Define yourself by possibilities and not your limitations</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The other day I was thinking about how much of what I do in my life can begin with "I want to but....." Yes that comes from my upbringing, but it certainly isn't the most positive or effective way to live. That made my mind wander over to how the school teaches our children. I realized that our curriculum is never about how we limit what we teach our children by their challenges, but the best way to teach them what we want them to learn, and bring them into all the opportunities encouraged for ANY and ALL children. We want a garden, we make that happen, we want them to understand we are part of a neighborhood, we bring them to the neighbors -wheelchairs and all. They want to dance, then we put on the music and whatever they can move or if they sing they do, and bless them they are NEVER self-conscious. One thing I love about Jamaica is its "can do spirit." The remarkable perseverance and resourcefulness of people in this island nation. Let's try to consider our lives, lives of possibilities, and not lives of limitations, because of all the obstacles placed in our way, many are just obstacles in our mind. Embrace potentials because any movement towards that goal is a win! Our school sees possibilities among the challenges, and determination despite the drawbacks. I want to take that lesson into me and I want you to do it too! Freedom to endeavor begins with believing it's possible and endeavoring to get there................<b>LESLIE WAN</b> </span></div>
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S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-57524931436556726622016-03-01T06:37:00.001-08:002016-03-01T06:37:27.622-08:00YOUR WORDS.....OUR HEARTS......MESSAGES OF LOVE AND ENCOURAGEMENT<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><i>Our /Your final words of Love and Encouragement</i></span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><u>BLOG WRITTEN BY LESLIE WAN</u></b></span></div>
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Recently we sent a request and invited you to send
messages of love and encouragement to our students at the S.T.E.P. Centre. I am
happy to say the activity and results were amazing, lovely and really encouraging. The
children had a wonderful time with the activity, the staff listened to each
message as it was read, and exclaimed at the locations and the people whom
they didn't know were their global neighbors and supporters. </div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><u>THE LOVE BOARD WAS A WONDER TO BEHOLD!</u> </span></b></div>
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So here is how we / <b><span style="font-size: large;">you</span> </b>showed the love on that day. Each of
the messages you sent were printed out and framed in a red border. Then
many small and large hearts, were made
from red cartridge paper. We had not one,
but 3 boards, ready for the festivities. In the first stage, each of the children around the room and back,
were given a message to be read from one of you. The children were soooooo
excited to have a message of their own to read (even though in many cases the
teacher had to do the reading for them), it still was "their message from one
of you." After reading the individual messages, the student went to our
low bulletin boards, either walking or wheelchairs (wheelchair level board)
to place your message on it. The messages were read lovingly and with
exclamations of how many states and countries and people, and places, and
organizations in Jamaica and beyond, were represented. Each child and staff loved
having a message of their own to read (plus more) and to be a part of the
"love fest for S.T.E.P." After reading and placing all those messages
on the board, each child and staff member were given a red heart to be placed on
another of the two low bulletin boards as a second activity. These small hearts
that were placed on the other board was a representational heart <b><u>back to all of you</u>
</b>who sent messages <b>and those who have supported us just by reading the blog</b>. As they placed their hearts on the boards, each of them were saying thanks
from <u>"their heart"</u> for your believing
in them, reading about them, and in your own ways, supporting the challenges of all physically disabled
children. All of these were quite the
moment! Touching, exciting, an educational experience in geography, and a
really tangible way for our school to show our children and staff that they
matter, that you who support us or read about us matter, and that so many
people in so many places, believe in them. I think to the staff, it really
brought home the message, that in their
own way, they make a difference to the children, and that their care of our
children is truly felt and understood across the world. The concept of the blog
and it's people who read it, came <b><u>ALIVE</u></b>.
Finally in the last step after all above was done, I took all the hearts
and messages and placed them on the final bulletin board, located in the main
hallway so they could see it each time they entered. It was really touching to see a few of the children before I moved them, wheel themselves up to the board and re-read your messages.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQ_Ix7vaoGqXhMg_LSPdGQIbG6UdAI1kdIJQr7Iu0BfANL2nhzP3zbdKl2fHhnUBC_IXKrjVy7SWjilyQc6z4WF6l_kmvTMxxAWe-BAUgp3eS9-zfky2eL7VGq32B6JvAhEmLEJwJ9BA/s1600/valentines+2016+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQ_Ix7vaoGqXhMg_LSPdGQIbG6UdAI1kdIJQr7Iu0BfANL2nhzP3zbdKl2fHhnUBC_IXKrjVy7SWjilyQc6z4WF6l_kmvTMxxAWe-BAUgp3eS9-zfky2eL7VGq32B6JvAhEmLEJwJ9BA/s400/valentines+2016+009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><i>That quiet moment re-reading your words before they moved. </i></span></b></td></tr>
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My heart swelled with the wonder of your thoughtful moments!</div>
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I really can't think of better way to have brought you,
our faithful readers and supporters into our children's hearts and for you all
to understand that <b><u>YOU ALL ARE IN </u></b><b><u>OUR HEARTS</u></b>. We have always said in this blog
that believing in us and touching our lives, means that we too, believe in you
and are grateful that we have dedicated readers and school supporters in so
many ways. Maybe you got or gave other Valentines this year, but rest assured that
these Valentine's meant more to us than any of you will <b>EVER</b> understand! </div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: red;">A Dance off Party. The children had a terrific time dancing to tunes and it made no difference whether they were in a wheelchair or on their feet. They just love music and are always eager to show off "their skills"</span></b></span><span style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Watch me move and groove to the beat. I rock!</span></u><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>The children and staff traveled among our neighbors on the street and distributed gifts of a paper mache' Valentine's mouse created for each neighbor. Again it is always important to exemplify to our children -kindness, neighborliness and charitable ways. We remind them that though they get so much attention, they are part of a community, and giving is a blessing. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Some of our </b></span><b style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">neighbors on our street as they received their gift- cherished memory for all. </span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Vi2xTrOR_O-KbLS5IKaeFkGYxVw3itvajqbvilo35lli0untaan1J_cXz0z0AMX7hCwbP7SP1V3JHfdqzZsB_R-rOei8nYxWMgzWeaQCvBcnl5JfIs1qfr-iKbF14eG-Qqcp_JU0hcI/s1600/Valentines+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Vi2xTrOR_O-KbLS5IKaeFkGYxVw3itvajqbvilo35lli0untaan1J_cXz0z0AMX7hCwbP7SP1V3JHfdqzZsB_R-rOei8nYxWMgzWeaQCvBcnl5JfIs1qfr-iKbF14eG-Qqcp_JU0hcI/s640/Valentines+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u style="color: red; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b>LESLIE'S MESSAGE FOR YOUR MOMENT</b></u><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQr2przCejlwGyCLo9ek-SNAK86tAtOZUW6nAk47uJDE8YtbmmMOKjUjvF7ar_BlbOzCZ1mmrougWmszUmPE8jtRqSNsxJ0wI1k3AIGKpzq9nJSLnNj5SK75klxUL7rp6kAllu_xIF98/s1600/This+moment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQr2przCejlwGyCLo9ek-SNAK86tAtOZUW6nAk47uJDE8YtbmmMOKjUjvF7ar_BlbOzCZ1mmrougWmszUmPE8jtRqSNsxJ0wI1k3AIGKpzq9nJSLnNj5SK75klxUL7rp6kAllu_xIF98/s400/This+moment.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<b style="color: red; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">If you simply live this moment in your life well, all the moments of your tomorrows will be reflected as the culmination of these moments. Perhaps more than any other time in Jamaica's history, we need to believe that tomorrow is a vision of hope, and that we are the one person who has control, to live those positive moments. </b></div>
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<b>We were uplifted and cherished by a few simple words from folks who have, or have not met us, but folks who know that we
work hard to make a difference to our "invisible" children. You have the power to make a simple difference
that in the end is felt deep in YOUR heart too. We cherish our readers because they
understand that small moments come from wonderful people (all of you) who above
all else recognize that hearts are tender, souls run deep and sometimes the
messages you send while seeming small in words, or free of cost, can move mountains in someone's soul. Take the thought in the hearts we sent back to you, and pay
it forward with just a few words for anyone you think could use it today. It is all a part of the kindness wave we have expressed before and truly believe in. </b> <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Blessings to each of you.......Leslie Wan </span></b> </div>
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S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-4562531168149696682016-01-24T05:29:00.001-08:002016-01-24T07:09:55.336-08:00HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH GRATITUDE <div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy70MMIDrwJmxQpSZhrdJ6SoGh3LDGpVb6PZEPvQCk65XkUyEsr-J51uqJ9OTo3QJ00mkvyw7BJ2bH2AHnxzMKJY_V5slEMDuDygtHgL7M2AznGdsFo2H_1R0iU7cm6kL5iRCtutOvBhc/s1600/pretty-roses-in-a-row-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy70MMIDrwJmxQpSZhrdJ6SoGh3LDGpVb6PZEPvQCk65XkUyEsr-J51uqJ9OTo3QJ00mkvyw7BJ2bH2AHnxzMKJY_V5slEMDuDygtHgL7M2AznGdsFo2H_1R0iU7cm6kL5iRCtutOvBhc/s400/pretty-roses-in-a-row-.jpg" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>Blessed are we that our bouquet of children is diverse. </b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Blog written by Leslie Wan</b></span></div>
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Obviously our students are different than the
average school child in a classroom in Jamaica. It goes without saying that
they are different in their abilities, and their accomplishments. On the other
hand, by having such a rich diversity of student functionalities, our focus
should be and is, a more <u>individual student</u> focused curriculum. Our
children come from across Greater Kingston and St Andrew. As such, we do not
have the issues that plague one certain community feeding over into the
environment of our children. That is a blessing! When the children walk back through our door
after school break, they are GENUINELY happy to be back. Their lives are enriched in
our school and we celebrate them back to where we teach them. I marvel
regularly that our students LOVE TO COME TO SCHOOL! How many schools in Jamaica
can say that? <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>That smile that says I love being in school. </b></span></td></tr>
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Here is an important tidbit of interest about us. For about 3 years now
we have been a pilot school working with the Special Education Unit in the
Ministry of Education to come up with a new curriculum for students with
moderate to severe disabilities. It is expected (hoped) that beginning this
year, teacher training will begin and
the curriculum changes will be implemented for all schools dealing with special
needs children. It has been important to us to participate in the pilot program
to actually have a say and impart real life working knowledge of our parameters
and constraints. With the passage of the Disabilities Act by Parliament last
summer, we hope we will see progress for our children's future from both these
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What does this tell you about us?.... While we are a school
specifically focused on OUR children, our mission is and will continue to be,
the rights and potentials of <b>ALL</b> children with special needs. Our scope is
narrow on the inside and wide on the outside.
Our focused work outside our school doors is as important as our work inside
the school. We are doing that because <u>ALL CHILDREN DESERVE THAT</u>. We do
the best we can with the funds we have to make that happen. <span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>Your</b></span><b><span style="color: red;"> C</span><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">ommunity is as large as you make it! </span></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">CHRISTMAS CAME TO STEP CENTRE AND THANK YOU ALL! </span></u></b></div>
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As usual we had a wonderful Christmas pageant and celebration for the children. It was a remarkable day and one in which we were so humbled to have so many angels and elves and Santa to make us appreciative and our children feel so loved and special. A special thanks goes out to some people who opened their hearts and gave of their time and their budgets to make our children's day blessed and bountiful. We are not usually so blessed but Christmas filled many hearts including ours.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Thank You to Mr. Audley Evans (AAA Financial Services) for a wonderful Christmas party with all the fixings for all the children and staff! Also for supplying us with some much needed shelving. Such a good sport, generous blessings and the children loved the apron...</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Thank you to Santa's stand in, for an early appearance to STEP - Mr Stephen Curran. Patient to a fault and willing to take lots of photos with the children. The children's faces lit up as he arrived! </span></b><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: red;"><b>Thank you to Santa's elves who came with all kinds of wonderful treats they had collected for the children. It wasn't just what they gave, but their special bubbly selves as they shared their joy with our students. You gals are special. </b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><b>From (Left..to Rt bottom picture)..Savannah Meeks, Kiersten Kerr, Asia Powell, Iyana Stewart-Gaynor, Erinn Heffes, Lauren Tomlinson</b></span></td></tr>
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<b>1. Ms. Carmen Walker (an angel) who surprised us with all kinds of supplies that the school needs on a regular ongoing basis. Disinfectants and cleaning supplies, toiletries, etc. Our school demands and fulfills a clean and safe environment for the students which is so important for any child, and especially those who have immune deficiencies. </b><br />
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<b>2. Mr Gary "Butch" Hendrickson for including us in his "Jamaican-made Christmas Expo" where we were able to sell our Christmas cards and books to support our yearly budget. </b><br />
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<b>3. Thank you to the American Women's Group, Canadian Women's Group, Synapse (Art and Music Showcase), Loshusan Supermarket and Trainfit Club for also allowing us space for our card sales at their meetings , events or locations. </b><br />
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<b>4. Our "Godmothers and Godfathers " - you know who you are! These are wonderful folks who bless us with their presence, support, talents in quiet anonymity but without whom we would be lost in spirit and reality. </b><br />
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<b>Each and everyone of you who supported us at Christmas including cards and books purchased etc. We began our semester with some of what we needed to make our school the special and wonderful place it is, and we are grateful. These thanks come from our staff and our children. Christmas was a celebration of love at STEP and all those who shared it with us and gave to us in all ways, we felt the love. Our children learned a lesson in being neighbors and charitable giving. We use all opportunities to explain kindness and gratefulness. Our school is much more than academics. </b><br />
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S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-50080298822300717402015-11-16T07:15:00.000-08:002018-05-21T09:18:14.946-07:00A FATHER'S LEGACY BRINGS JOY AND CHARITY TO GENERATIONS TO COME- THANKS SIR PHILIP SHERLOCK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: red;"><u><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Blog written by Ele Rickham and Leslie Wan</span> </b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The S.T.E.P. Centre has been lucky enough to have made a friend and a supporter through a most circuitous route and at the centre of that connection is the renowned late Sir Philip Sherlock who has blessed generations to come with charity and funding stretching back to his days on earth. Part of this months blog is written by our friend and supporter Ele Rickham who brought the work of Sir Philip back to our school, and the hearts of many a child learning to read, while providing us with funding for a storyteller over the summer session. I would say it is a tribute to this man, that his dedication, is still touching young lives, blessing and reminding all of his children of his legacy of service and devotion to education. Frankly I think there is not much greater gift a person can give than giving back to the education of children for generations to come.......Leslie </span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ele Rickham writes how she came to find our school. </span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For many years I have worked with the Saint Ann's Junior Library. One of our regular young visitors was named Davia. Davia came every week. When I questioned her about her reading, she said she couldn't read, but her family read to her. So we set about to figure out how to teach Davia to read. Davia's favorite book was Anansi and the Alligator Eggs by Sir Philip Sherlock. When my late Aunt Hilda saw how quickly Davia picked up reading, she became committed to the concept that more had to be done to teach these children to read. Aunt Hilda offered up a donated sum of money to get the ball rolling and a decision was made to reprint that favorite book by Sir Philip. I set about getting permission from all parties I needed for reprints. P</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ermission was granted by the late
Annabella Proudlock (who had originally organized the book as a fundraiser many years ago), Susan Judah the original illustrator and then I only needed
permission from Hilary Sherlock (Sir Philip's daughter) who heads up the Step Centre school, headquartered then at
the St. Margaret's church hall on Old Hope Road, in Kingston.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Book available now for sale at the school -$1500 (Jamaican) for paperback and $2000 (Jamaican) for hardback. Support our school reading </b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I set out
to meet Hilary for her permission, but had never actually visited the school before. Hilary greeted me and a</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">fter briefing her about the plan for Anansi and the Alligator
Eggs to benefit the St. Ann’s Bay Junior Library, it made sense to include STEP as a fundraiser recipient in the donated funds. Hilary took me to meet the
children, their teachers and assistants. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was struck by how neat, tidy and
organized the surroundings and children were, and how busy everyone was.
There was a young volunteer working on the paper lined floor,
assisting 2 or 3 children as they dipped their hands in paint and
transferred hand prints to paper . A child in a wheelchair holding a long
handled paintbrush was allowed the freedom to patiently apply the
strokes to paper on an easel. We exchanged smiles. Another child in her chair
was having a bit of physiotherapy, while yet another was in a mini
standing frame, something I knew well. This world of therapy and physical challenges was familiar to me. My now 5’ 7” spinally injured daughter uses an adult stander to improve her circulation. Having spent 6 weeks at CIREN
Children Unit (Centre for Neurological Rehab) in Havana, Cuba, the surroundings
and routine were very familiar to me. At the age of 13 my daughter sustained an injury while swimming which left her spine damaged, and lower mobility impaired. At that time I was thrown into the world of special needs, a world I still find myself championing, even as my daughter has gone on to excel despite her challenges. I realize now that this meeting / project was no doubt one of those strange happenings when karma found a way to make a full circle at just the right moment in my life. My daughter is now a professional sailor on the Great Britain Paralympic team and won a bronze in the 2012 Paralympics and her next goal is the GOLD! Great things can happen despite challenges, a lesson this school strives to illuminate. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Just a random happy day at the school. Happiness abounds! </b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Some time later I took Hilary the proof copy
of Anansi. The Step Centre had moved to its own purpose built edifice
with space to suit their needs. A wide welcoming entrance hallway I
call the children's personal Art Gallery, displayed two mounted mural
sized pieces of artwork. One of them, the hand prints! The Step Centre motto "believing in
one child means believing in all children" came to mind. The literary fundraising idea was solidified! Reading, making the characters come
alive via illustrations or story telling sessions was undoubtedly one way
of expanding and stimulating the children. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>The Children's art of "Ananci and the Alligator Eggs"</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And there it was...........I found a wonderful place where children thrive, a way to help them with much needed funds, while I help the library too. Further, a means for future generations to "live a legacy" again. The funds raised for the STEP Centre from the sale of our book during that time, funded a professional storyteller for the summer session of the school. She brought such joy and real drama to stories and even created a play for the many children to participate in. It was a joy to watch the children perform. Who knew when I set out to help the library with funds for literacy, I would also find a mission in this small school with a huge heart. I am told that this school hopes to have a lending library too one day, so that parents can read with their children to allow a bonding one on one between a parent and a child. Dreams have a way of becoming reality if circumstances align!...........Ele </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Hilary and our sweet teen selling our Christmas cards and books for the school at a fair. $100 per Xmas card - lots of choices ( see flyer at right) </span><br /><span style="color: red;">...........................................................................................................</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">We appreciate it - Courts Jamaica!!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Thank you to Courts Jamaica for providing us with the new refrigerator we desperately needed. Our children's lunches are safe and COLD again. A real need on our prior wish list. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><u>Leslie's Motivational Corner this month....... </u></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Being who you are is not about being who you were yesterday, but who you hope to be tomorrow. Reaching for a goal is not about a grand plan for something huge and important, but about acknowledging that goals come in steps and that each step is closer to that goal. Celebrating the steps to the goal is part of the journey. As you think of any goal, think gratitude. Gratitude for where you are, gratitude that if you don't make it, you have had the insight to envision it and the hope to achieve it. We spend way too much time lamenting what we haven't been able to achieve and not enough celebrating the passion that created our vision. Goals to consider: being healthy, being kind and being happy in a moment, because while moments are many, too few are acknowledged for their simple wonder. Gratefulness and thankfulness are goals in and of themselves. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>I am grateful you joined us in another month of sharing our blog.....Leslie Wan </b> </span> </span> </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
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S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-69178757984378813122015-10-14T06:42:00.001-07:002015-10-21T13:11:11.166-07:00TEENS TAKE OVER - YIKES!<div class="MsoNormal">
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Blog written by Leslie Wan</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Treat us equally because God made us special and none of us are perfect"- Trishana</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The teens did take over and what a day it became. World Cerebral
Palsy Day 2015 (October 8th) was a
special occasion for some very important teens. It was the day they kicked out parents, kicked out the other students regularly at the school, and rolled on into something specifically dedicated
just to them! In truth I was hugely excited to be there, and at the same time, I had to remind myself that it was to be a day filled
with TEENAGERS, that dreaded breed that can make us crazy. No crazy on
this day........These teenagers were amazingly disciplined, respectful, attentive, joyful, involved and assertive
in all the ways you WANT a teen to be assertive. They had spirit, they had hope
and their questions and responses were on point and very intuitive. Teens with special needs are intelligent, vocal and have the
feelings of their able bodied peers... intent on having control over their path but with questions about how to get there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In they came one after the other, wheel chairs and walking.
It began with a high five for old friends re-acquainted and making new friends.
A circle formed and communication began. Multiple schools were represented, males and
females, with varying degrees of challenges. From afar I saw a young lady whom I have known since she was
about 5 speaking with her bestie from back in her STEP Centre days. I walked up
behind her and her bestie began to giggle at my hide and
seek routine, as I dodged right and left so her friend couldn't see me. Oh yes her friend knew what
was up so I walked around to
her front and she "buss out´ with the biggest laugh upon seeing
Auntie again. Here she was 17 and looking all grown up in her Liberty High
uniform. Another young man came in and put his wheelchair behind me and gave me a gentle nudge. I turned around and
had a moment as I remembered the little boy who is now that deep voiced
grown man-child with a double sized smile. A faithful blog reader upon meeting me that day said,
"Oh I expected you to be older." I laughed and thought today, I
actually FEEL older, as I see the babies from my past becoming the teens of my
today. Then I laughed again at the thought that folks are thinking ,who is this woman who
writes this anyway? But, as I have
said before, none of this is about me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The program included song and questions and comments and
discussions and dreams and inspirational messages. A couple of students even made power points of their life thus far and what they envision for their future. As we go along at STEP we
are proud of the friends and professionals who give us guidance and inspiration
in our days. This day was a
representation of that. A very brief synopsis of what happened on the day. Thanks to all of you for participating!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b>Rene (a former STEP student) gives a power point of her journey of accomplishment</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Moderator:</span> ..</u></b>..
Marilyn McKoy..(Jamaica Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities- "JAID") </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Marilyn McKoy - JAID </span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Very lively, very patient, very
much able to bring out the students and encourage them to participate. Very
clear she believes in the power of challenged folks becoming who they hope to
become, and their abilities excelling above their challenges !</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Dr Judy Tapper</u></b>....
Pediatric Neurologist.....She spoke on what Cerebral Palsy is and some of the</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: blue;">Dr Judy Tapper- Pediatric </span></b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Neurologist</b></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">causes -a general overview. She knew several of the students and obviously took
a keen interest in </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the students and their journey with Cerebral Palsy</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Dr. Paula Dawson </span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Pioneer in Physical Therapy and
Rehabilitation in Jamaica. Dr Dawson gave the students specifics on what is most important to their
daily routines (Stretch and stretch some more, sit properly upright in chairs
even with the help of something to assist in that regard, don't get overweight
as obesity is the enemy of ambulation
and the source of pressure sores ). She also mentioned some possibilities of </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">therapy care with oral and inject-able
medications as well as surgical interventions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Dr Dayanand Sawh: </u></b>Orthopedic surgeon<b> - </b>Discussed with a power point more specific surgeries and injections possibilities and why their bodies change over time in their disability
journey with age. Very enlightening<b><u> </u></b> He also walked around after
and discussed some specific potential surgical interventions with some of the children (and us) and some financial resources if pursued, </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b>Dr Dayanand Sawh-orthopedic surgeon</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Dr Abigail Harrison-Pediatric/ adolescent medical specialist</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Dr Abigail
Harrison</u></b>: Pediatric / Adolescent medical specialist, Consultant. Dr
Harrison was very engaging and straight forward in her discussions about the
changes of adolescence, the awakening
of sexual feelings, body difference questions and the need to recognize and
empower themselves in protecting against sexual and other abuses and divulging same safely. Dr Harrison was well received by the teens who
want some autonomy and understanding in the changes to their bodies as they age. The teens had a group time with her (without adults) which was a reflection of how important we felt and <b><u>SHE</u></b>
felt about giving them autonomy and
knowledge as they steer through the turbulent teen years. </span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Graduated Student Speaker - Dillon Robinson</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(Former student of Windsor School of
Special Education - a JAID school) Dillon shared great motivation about how much
is possible if they commit themselves to a desire. He was certain
that giving up was never an option and that they will never know where the
journey will take them unless they envision their goal. He discussed how he set his goals, and his future goals, still unfolding. He would decide to be in Special Olympics and set himself that challenge. He went to the finish line and beyond, earning a GOLD medal this year in the
400 meter walk event.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Inspirational
Motivator and opening speaker (from abroad) - Damian Gregory</u></b>
-<span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span>Director, Outreach and Family Engagement at CCDH Inc.,
Former journalist at Ft Laud. Sun Sentinel, Deputy Managing Editor for
Caribbean Today News magazine, Council on Disability Issues etc. As
one of a twin pair of boys born with cerebral palsy, he has let none of how he
began, define who he became. He passionately, but </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: blue; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Damian Gregory</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">encouragingly, sent a message
to our young folks to dream the dream because the dream can be attained. He
exemplified to them a "CP" born professional willing to engage with hope and dedication. Great things are possible with passionate perseverance. M</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">r. Gregory is a Jamaican born steadfast advocate for the
rights of persons with disabilities in the States now.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Leslie's secret from the day...............</span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I will share a secret here. When the program was over, I
made a beeline into our office where gentle Dana works her magic, and began to
cry -a total surprise. As I thought about how
important this day was, how joy filled it had been, and how much these students had engaged in
the process... it was emotionally potent. They had so much to add to how they feel and
how similar they are and this day had given them an opportunity to acknowledge
that. Yes, to be honest there was some
acknowledgement within myself, that as
much as I fervently and passionately espouse the rights and abilities of children
with challenges, will that ever be heard by the population at large? Will other people ever fully realize how <b><span style="color: purple;">AMAZING </span></b>these students are? Will they ever be given the
chance they deserve? Deserve not because they are different, but because they
are awesomely differently-<b><u>ABLED! </u></b>The
feeling of individuality and self respect was palpable in these students. Acknowledgement within myself that "My" babies will move out of my life as they age. These
students are amazing human beings, in their perceptions, in their willingness
to meet their challenges and in their fortitude
to overcome obstacles to get to a goal. The folks who came to speak to them (and retro
back to Rotary Day) believe in these young adults and want them to succeed and
be better in all kinds of way. A recognition that so many people including
parents, teachers, caregivers, guardians, siblings, doctors, volunteers,
friends, therapists etc. have brought them to this day with determination to
see them respected and achieve great things. <u><span style="color: purple;">All the
pettiness of day to day life fell away and I was filled with a sense that these
students are amazing human beings and that people <b>BELIEVE</b> in the power of
helping people no matter who they are!</span></u> Empowering them to realize a goal- this day. Humanity, perseverance, determination,
protection, ability, strength, JOY and more JOY was fulfilled on World Cerebral
Palsy Day here and I was there to witness it! Our little school was but the site of the magic. Darn if these kids don't teach me <b><u><span style="color: purple;">ALL THE TIME!</span></u></b> </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>Final thoughts from the students</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Get more wheelchair buses".............Brian</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"People who are born regular are not better than me" - Abigail</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"No one person is better than any other"- Brandon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> "Treat us equally because God made us special and none of us are perfect!" - Trishana</span></div>
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S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-38630162473196781962015-10-02T07:56:00.000-07:002018-05-21T09:23:00.573-07:00BEGINNING OUR YEAR WITH GRATITUDE AND GOOD NEWS!<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Thank you from the children at The STEP Centre!</i></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Blog written by Leslie Wan</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Where to begin - with the best ofcourse - all of you are <u>THE BEST </u>and the best news is that we are here again this year. Do you hear the Hallelujah choir, because I do! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b> How do I /we begin to
thank all of you who responded to our financial crisis? Perhaps the best thank
you was to simply open our doors to a new school year and let the children in.
Those children are a tribute to each and every one of you who opened your hearts and checkbooks and helped us begin the year
with donations in all kinds of ways. We have personally thanked many of you, and many of you just want to know WE and the children appreciate it, and that is all
the recognition you need. We appreciate it not only for the contribution, but because it has
renewed our spirit that so many believe in our children and in what we do. We start our year knowing that
our physical therapy for the children can continue and by the grace of one of
you, we can now pay a speech therapist again to work with the children. By these
donations and all the donations, we feel
more confident that our teachers and
staff this year will get paid regularly, as they
should, and we have resources to use to stimulate the students. Meeting the needs of our kids is a dance that
requires us to keep dancing even when we are weary. We also
will have resources for special needs that we have hoped for for years from an online membership resource, and
from Amazon.com. These will help stimulate, teach and engage our students. I
could go on at great length about the wonder of you, our readers, and the
blessings you have given us to make it through another year, but the smiles of our children and the
commitment of our staff say it best I think. Hilary and I were discussing how the feeling is so much lighter and
happier as this year starts than at the end of the last year. BLESS YOU.....BLESS YOU......Bless you ....for believing in us and in
the importance in the value of children who need all the support they deserve, just
for being one of God's creations. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>VERY GOOD NEWS TO SHARE.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b> 1. <u>The <span style="color: red;">Kingston Rotary Club</span> has selected the STEP
Centre to be a part of their school "Early Act" program. </u> Early Act - </b>" <i><u><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: blue;">EarlyAct™ provides young students the opportunity for gaining
an increased awareness and knowledge of their community and the world. At a
young age, all students can easily be encouraged to be caring and helpful.
Their minds are open to recognize the dignity and worth of each individual
which builds respect for others."</span> </b></span></u></i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 115%;"><b style="background-color: #eeeeee;">The significance is that they have
made a decision to be inclusive to the special needs community and make the special needs
community a part of their mission. In our minds it is HUGE and gratifying that
they have decided to venture into the world of mentoring and supporting a
community that is "differently abled", and have chosen <span style="font-size: large;"><u><i>US</i></u></span>!
We have elected officers from our students and we have had the
installation ceremony at the school. What is not to love about the fact that
this is one more opportunity for our children to be a part of the regular world
of children and acquire the leadership, responsibility and compassionate tools
to be a part of their community. Yes, we take this very seriously for ALL kinds
of reasons and we are very grateful to Kingston Rotary Club. We are the first special needs school to be selected in this district to be in the Early Act program. We will work with them and sometimes with the other 2 able-bodied schools also selected from the district. Our students beamed as they were honored and made officers on the day. </b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">President Brandon and Vice President Gianni</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Our officers with the Kingston Rotary Officers: Noel Osbourne, Yasmin Chong, Mureen Thomas, Steven Hudson and Father Louis Grenier S.F. ( blessed us on the day) </b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Steven Hudson, Yasmin Chong, Noel Osbourne, Peta-Rose Hall (Board Chair) and Hilary Sherlock (Director of the school) and the children </b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>"Team shot of the day" -Our officers and Rotary of Kingston Officers. </b></span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>World Cerebral Palsy Day - Autonomy for the Teens</u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><b>2. It has been a mission of Hilary's
for some time now to give her teenage students and all challenged teens, some
autonomy and knowledge of their place in the world and their potential for
growth. It is often hard to remember that
students with special needs do grow up to be teenagers, and with all that entails for
that period in their life. Often those students have goals that are far
different than the goals of parents. They want some autonomy in their lives and to be able to make decisions about their lives. In order to have this goal and this sense of
"self", they need information
about themselves, their conditions, and their future possibilities. As such, a
day has been arranged at the school which will coincide with World Cerebral
Palsy Day. It is at the school, but it will be a forum co-hosted by STEP
Centre and Jamaica Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities.
Included on the day will be students from STEP Centre, Liberty High, Genesis
Academy and JAID - associated schools. We will have speakers from 4 different
areas. Dr Dayanana Sawh (orthopedist), Dr. Abigail Harrison (Lecturer UWI and
Adolescent Medical specialist), Dr Paula Dawson (U.S. Board certified
physiatrist) and Dr. Judy Tapper ( pediatric neurologist). Just for students
(no parents) and a forum for them to ask any questions they may want to ask
from professionals who understand their needs and desires!! The intent is to
help them plan their futures, voice their concerns, practice their autonomy and
alleviate their feelings of isolation and loneliness among students just like
themselves, facing a future as adults. We have repeatedly said that we see outreach to the special needs community at large, important to our mission. Just them at school on
that day and on World Cerebral Palsy Day - a day dedicated just to them - whoot. Soon come......................<o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><b>What is not to love about these two
things? Our children will work towards becoming who THEY want to be and being
included in the greater world around them. We feel sooooo blessed. <o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><i>You our readers matter to us! All special needs children, matter to the world. </i></span> </b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><u>Leslie's message for you today...... </u></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdNlBlL8gAlvvaBZePdblLL_H6Dj6F1svDXFqBOC4pAw8_vuRKAje7L0Tr2wC5ID__Sdoa7demKbSFHO8EIST3Ty1BCaMPRYPnqriC18QsHy-FOCybL7dfbQMRVhyphenhyphen0DYcTNpcuUZWziE/s1600/Kindness+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdNlBlL8gAlvvaBZePdblLL_H6Dj6F1svDXFqBOC4pAw8_vuRKAje7L0Tr2wC5ID__Sdoa7demKbSFHO8EIST3Ty1BCaMPRYPnqriC18QsHy-FOCybL7dfbQMRVhyphenhyphen0DYcTNpcuUZWziE/s400/Kindness+kids.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wake up tomorrow with a belief that
what you do in this life matters. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u><i><span style="color: red;">Have faith that if all you have to give to others are kind
words, those words will give so much to someone who needed them more than you
will ever know. </span></i></u></span></b><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><u>Believe that whatever small grace you show to others, will ripple out and become a powerful wave as it washes through </u></i></span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><u>from one life to the next.</u></i> </span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<br />S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-27332761322580021232015-07-31T05:11:00.000-07:002015-08-02T06:34:37.856-07:00BEHIND US AND HOPES FOR MOVING FORWARD <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our new wall art lovingly painted by our friend/volunteer Delfina Pandiani</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="color: red; text-decoration: underline;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Post by Hilary Sherlock -Director</span></u></b></span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <u> </u> <u style="text-decoration: underline;"> with after note and formatting by Leslie Wan</u></span></b></b></span></div>
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<b style="text-align: left;"><u><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By Hilary Sherlock</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><b>The end of the school year usually brings
thoughts of graduation rituals and G-Sat result stress for most children. For our school it is different – most of our
students do not follow the usual path with pre-designated transitions. The challenge becomes how to
differentiate the school experience so that it reflects the growth of a child
to young adult, but within the same setting and adults. This leads
to some basic questions. What experiences are we giving our children and in
what kind of environment? What does our
school environment say about our children, who they are, and how they learn and
grow?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><b>Looking back at what I wrote almost a
year ago about plans for the last school year I am struck by the shift in my
thinking. The checklist of items (the
“never-ending to do list” ) is still there with some items completed and some
continuing, but above all of them now, is a developing framework of what kind
of school we really want to have. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><b>The past year started off with
staff changes and chik- V – not a good combination! These challenges led to a new found
resilience, a stronger team and an appreciation of the qualities in each of us
that make for a good team. Now, our differentiated curriculum is stronger and the activities based on our
garden have been innovative and enriching.
We have further strengthened our sensory enrichment. Our building is more secure with grilling,
and our recycling program is now entrenched.
We have been enriched by volunteers with fresh ideas. Our use of
appropriate technology is stronger. We welcomed an engaging storyteller, A-dziko,
who makes their faces light up! <o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylFIwFfOyGjUrii3xZcp8IxDstx1wNOHzpnSuvbAjclhAJPYl-Tx-DYina3pmvWpYa9nH1gqwW8kPuilDq4-NcQs7-ONEXv_QbWXRW1dLEYDhpMRld1q-csPnFjx2OlW7klvjLDRHmXI/s1600/storytelling+day+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylFIwFfOyGjUrii3xZcp8IxDstx1wNOHzpnSuvbAjclhAJPYl-Tx-DYina3pmvWpYa9nH1gqwW8kPuilDq4-NcQs7-ONEXv_QbWXRW1dLEYDhpMRld1q-csPnFjx2OlW7klvjLDRHmXI/s320/storytelling+day+005.JPG" width="320" /></span></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It is a happy Day when A-dziko comes for storytelling</span></b></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXxUYXRlCYamKui-1SvtKA6fPIcxkl7ZUuKyBRFg-5otc67eG-bkYrDxGpT7m9A-nPzdceyofJI0TZ3eSUwh5qSXh6xbv9EvbqN0fldFGh1u43GJA9GNHMh22YztRee_A_8_-B5493zM/s1600/A-dziko+storytelling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXxUYXRlCYamKui-1SvtKA6fPIcxkl7ZUuKyBRFg-5otc67eG-bkYrDxGpT7m9A-nPzdceyofJI0TZ3eSUwh5qSXh6xbv9EvbqN0fldFGh1u43GJA9GNHMh22YztRee_A_8_-B5493zM/s320/A-dziko+storytelling.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<b style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How does all this fit into the larger
philosophy of our school and its development plan? Thanks to Cathryn, (my
young mentor – yes, a mentor can be a much younger person) I discovered the
philosophy of Emilio Reggio. His belief,
that schools should be places of “natural light, order and beauty.” A further premise of his work; it should
provide an opportunity for each child to use all their senses and “languages”
to learn. If, as one writer says,
children form their understanding of themselves and their place in the world
through interactions and investigative learning, then we must provide the
environment in which to do this. This
principle holds true for our children with all their complex special
needs. </span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTj-AMUDYRbVMOJeQ57QQJxnYeIGGuPKWKjSBVEJ_LvCOtMuUJt7WSG6RuFj77VMYxfgFbtq4rbLfTSXweQDyAcoFqrVoGF1pWPfEodGWdU6Cs7AzNVkOup8cwuu9wX7lO1nmTWw0rsOU/s1600/20150424_102914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTj-AMUDYRbVMOJeQ57QQJxnYeIGGuPKWKjSBVEJ_LvCOtMuUJt7WSG6RuFj77VMYxfgFbtq4rbLfTSXweQDyAcoFqrVoGF1pWPfEodGWdU6Cs7AzNVkOup8cwuu9wX7lO1nmTWw0rsOU/s320/20150424_102914.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><b>Exploration of texture with flour paste is quite the adventure!</b></span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Our new building and garden have provided
functional and comfortable spaces. How
good is it that the design we ended with, based on functionality and economy,
continues to be a wonderful space in which to transform lives? This has
energized me and confirmed my thinking of what our school
should be. The challenge now is how to
provide these opportunities with children for whom discovery is really a
challenging process. The journey will
continue into the new school year and as the heat of summer is upon us we wrapped up summer school and we rest and re-energize for the school year to come. Before we blink our eyes we will be coming back to wash and organize everything, and get ready for wheel chairs aplenty again or so we hope. </b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjum2CGf1ow2z6Yg-JvaFc_OdOCDJAe43dGvVrSxzzmFzCEm62DqnIvSZPpCIAV8NLcKrwfZSNJDrky6v71hj6SFicTK_Mwt1RjyF7Xsr7z8PfnGqbCVDZMVGQvaXyAIGy3uuTNe-dqaEU/s1600/GEDC0410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjum2CGf1ow2z6Yg-JvaFc_OdOCDJAe43dGvVrSxzzmFzCEm62DqnIvSZPpCIAV8NLcKrwfZSNJDrky6v71hj6SFicTK_Mwt1RjyF7Xsr7z8PfnGqbCVDZMVGQvaXyAIGy3uuTNe-dqaEU/s200/GEDC0410.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><b>Summer school cooking class</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_znaXjLlbWJwk1LCTcP3YMg2eWLyyim7lDKhdZWyEuKADl0Y8Ze0hHWyFEHMZdmsPKlgSnKKFCqHmI0lK8RZgQnVWkrS-t0ds12WdDt0okx1721HdaXt9lVkSRJNEFBzqAzkXL7W9ow/s1600/Cooking+class+++%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_znaXjLlbWJwk1LCTcP3YMg2eWLyyim7lDKhdZWyEuKADl0Y8Ze0hHWyFEHMZdmsPKlgSnKKFCqHmI0lK8RZgQnVWkrS-t0ds12WdDt0okx1721HdaXt9lVkSRJNEFBzqAzkXL7W9ow/s200/Cooking+class+++%25286%2529.JPG" width="200" /></span></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>More summer school cooking class</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DUWaK_HONJ2mLANyfB8-GxX7rihPCWHWW7m6mpQYr8UqBdBoTqph2rSbTrNsKBvFfGwbNiv2fxoqJAJTtCtw45bMRYes3PjcFkIVnRCKv_xzsTfEuwmgKTDh70e2d53AmYMowOXyiBo/s1600/IMG_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DUWaK_HONJ2mLANyfB8-GxX7rihPCWHWW7m6mpQYr8UqBdBoTqph2rSbTrNsKBvFfGwbNiv2fxoqJAJTtCtw45bMRYes3PjcFkIVnRCKv_xzsTfEuwmgKTDh70e2d53AmYMowOXyiBo/s200/IMG_0126.JPG" width="149" /></span></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Craft time</span></b><br />
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<b style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our summer school experiences provided a
time for the children, staff and volunteers to enjoy each other. We engaged in collaborative activities –
cooking, creating wonderful art, drama, dance and yoga exercises which was affirming and energy giving. Even bubble
time was full of summer freedom. </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>Our Struggle </b></u></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjse2wvi0EaTHEbp-wcVZIywB2BZNEIeaw5hC01aTlJUAJTyS4xoxBVrOCPDJPdSSKiwFwHCzgyNcvgZmt188Zb-hERQxCMXzfSk8PJ76gc_ZzNML761OGok-nhXFsJegqqQRt9cuGDRPc/s1600/Staying+afloat+and+faith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjse2wvi0EaTHEbp-wcVZIywB2BZNEIeaw5hC01aTlJUAJTyS4xoxBVrOCPDJPdSSKiwFwHCzgyNcvgZmt188Zb-hERQxCMXzfSk8PJ76gc_ZzNML761OGok-nhXFsJegqqQRt9cuGDRPc/s640/Staying+afloat+and+faith.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">Staying afloat is all about FAITH</span></span> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span></td></tr>
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<b style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have struggled with the admission of
our critical financial situation, however, the reality is.......... that our school CANNOT continue to exist if our financial situation does not improve..........Despite continual fund raising, kind donations and gifts we need substantially more funds to be committed on an
ongoing basis to continue our work. Some
say that a school like ours should be self-sustaining, but I think the reality
is usually they are partly provided funding by a government, trust,
charity or foundation. We are ever grateful for the support given in any way however. It has not been an easy message for me to bring here because writing makes it very real. We continue our
search for a way forward for the children's sake.........................</span></b><br />
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<b style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thank you all - Hilary Sherlock</span></b></div>
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<b style="line-height: 115%;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Below by Leslie Wan (STEP volunteer and STEP blog master)...........</span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We strive via this blog to make our children real, meaningful and
elucidate the exceptional nature of the folks at the school who do all they can
to focus and educate challenged and sometimes challenging children. But there
is a back story and it isn't a happy one. Financial constraints are it for us. In short we are realistic and coherent
about what our financial needs are to keep us going. The future isn't written for us yet and
it certainly isn't, and won't, be an easy one. In a faltering economy many things close, but the truth is that in this case <u>if we falter, our children don't disappear, they just become silent in a hostile world. </u> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here is a fact though if<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>WILL could
be currency, we would be rich. If true dedication to special children were the
source of our income then our children would have all they needed because they
deserve the chance that the Lord put them here to have. If<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>CARE<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>could be bottled then our pantry would
be full. We remain committed, despite our trials, to children who bring daily joy and show us why we are dedicated to their cause. We see progress in them and
we strive to take them to the goals set for them. It isn't about lack of
commitment in anything we do or don't do, and it will never be about giving up
on the rights of a child no matter who or how they are or about frivolous expenditures. These children will have futures because that is the nature of life and we hope their future will
be one that starts with joy and respect, and continues with dedication and
accomplishment of goals commensurate with their abilities. Sometimes our voice
falters under the weight of reality but swing back and refocus
is what we are trying to do.</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u><b>Our message for your life..... by Leslie Wan</b></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p><span style="line-height: 115%;">As always we bring our blog back to you because "us" always
includes you, <u>our devoted readers, </u>with challenges of your own. This posting speaks of
dedication despite the odds. It is about seeking inspiration when we think it
is lacking. It is about focusing on issues in order to bring them more into
focus and easier to grasp. It is about persevering because if
you give up, lives will be affected. Mostly in the end it is about having heart
and having faith. Faith that if our</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">purpose is a pure one and that our goal is for the "invisible" children, then we will continue to walk the path for
them because they can't walk themselves. It is the same for you. </span></span></b><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Walk the
path of life no matter the obstacles and be conscious of whom you meet along
the way that may share your burdens while sharing your joy. Faith is a very
small word for a very BIG concept. Rekindle your faith.............Leslie</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Wan</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span><span style="color: blue; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></u></span></b></div>
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S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-6381607888345668612015-06-03T08:46:00.000-07:002015-06-05T04:51:09.328-07:00LISTENING TO OUR CHILDREN - Respecting our children <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">This month is the one year anniversary of the S.T.E.P Centre blog. In this year we have introduced the school, shared a day with our children, celebrated the beauty and joy our children bring to life and taught our readers a little about the journey of life - parents, teachers and children share -who have special needs connections. We have explained that though our children have challenges, they persevere, inspire and make great strides. They teach all of us that being </span><u style="color: blue;">how</u><span style="color: blue;"> they are, never defines </span><u style="color: blue;">who </u><span style="color: blue;">they are, nor where the spirit can take all of us if we strive to achieve (and laugh along the way). Their hopes are not that much different than most children, though the path may be more complicated. It is always about the children, challenged or able......... because...... children shine.</span></span></i></b><br />
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<b style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blessings............Leslie Wan </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Blog Written by Hilary Sherlock (formatted by Leslie Wan) </u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>In honor of our one year anniversary of the blog, our post this month is all about "listening" to the children. Who better to give their view point than Hillary Sherlock our school's director. She has been listening to our children for so many years she understands them intuitively. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It
takes a while to adjust to the fact that most of the communication at our school
is non-verbal. Still once you listen with their communication style and see with new eyes, you realize you
are in a language rich environment. Much of their communication is
non-verbal, but very clear when you attune yourself to it. The turn of a head or the stiffening of a little body speaks volumes. I have learned to interpret the
language of the body over the years, and
if you are open, can become very sensitive at reading non-verbal cues. Many times,
it is a matter of us slowing down and waiting for the response, instead of
answering for the child. When I (Hillary)
first began working at S.T.E.P., Andrea (our therapist) said to me – “that is
such a powerful message you are giving!” I was confused at first by the comment
but I soon understood that what she meant was - just waiting
for the child to respond in any way they could, during a lesson, is a way to give
them respect and teach patience, while allowing them to have a voice … </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
surprise of a voice that speaks and what they will say when they decide to, is
a gift they give us. My eyes were opened on a trip to a farm we
took the older children. One of those "a
ha" moments was with a student named Mikey. I always knew that Mikey had
words, but he didn't often use them and when he did they were hard to
decipher. On the bus trip, he chattered the entire time and he commented on every bus and truck that passed us. Interesting that getting
out of the classroom and seeing large transportation beside us, was his
trigger. Really you just never know until the moment it happens, what will be
the catalyst to converse with real passion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One
thing many people don't realize is how truly verbal some children / teens with
physical challenges are. There is an assumption that because they are poised in
a wheelchair that the rest of their capabilities are wrapped up in that chair
as well. I remember Andrea (our therapist) telling me of
a conversation she had with a child with physical disabilities complaining that
because she couldn't walk, the assumption was that she could not talk either. People seemed to assume she talked with her
legs and could not answer for herself. When
she was out with her siblings, people would ask questions about her, in front
of her (and not always politely.) She lamented that for some reason
the only thing people saw was her chair and assumed her hearing and her speech also
required that chair. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Occasionally,
a child comes along who voices what so many others must have been saying all
along. One little boy with very frail limbs, but a strong mouth – when being moved, would caution us …… “Take time with
me!” Yes, I heard him and I hope we take time with all
our children, time to listen and time to understand from the child’s
perspective. I repeatedly remind our volunteers and workers that our students
despite their challenges should be granted some autonomy and the ability to be
consulted when exploring their care. A volunteer recently tried to put a
tambourine in a student's hand and the teachers advised her that the student
did not have the ability to hold it. She came to me and was saddened that she
may have publicly insulted that child. I listened and then said " yes, she probably could have held the
tambourine and enjoyed it, but the part left out is that no one asked her if
she would like to try." That was a teachable moment for that volunteer and
she appreciated the feedback. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our
therapies include many methods including the stander. The stander requires students to be strapped in and stand upright with the strength of their legs and
yet supported while doing it. Most of
the children protest when placed in the standing frame or “stander”. Young Dave
was able to voice his objection…..”If yu put me in stander and mi foot a cramp
up, mi nuh mus drop eye water (cry).”
Yes, that is the reality, but we in the effort to strengthen his legs
were busy hushing him knowing it might not be comfortable, but expecting it to
be stoically experienced. They won't
always love what is best for them but they deserve the voice to complain anyway. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They
want to get stronger, better and more capable, but the reality is that they
don't always have that capacity, or it is a work in progress. One little boy
would look at us and declare …”Mi tell mi foot to walk, but it nah walk.”</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His brain fully grasped the concept but his
legs didn't respond. One of our students, Laura, worked out her response to the
well meaning adults who would encourage her to pray so that she would be able
to walk.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Her answer, “You know when I
will walk – when Jesus come!” </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">End of
argument! Meaning, that you who really walk beside me, don't grasp that I have the will,
but I get tired of you assuming that I don't give it my best effort and
sometimes God's plan is a mystery. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>Teaching recycling</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is hard not to laugh when speaking with them, though laughter might
not always be appropriate. Recently
while playing a game with two students a volunteer and myself would cheer when either accomplished
the task of matching animals. Big exuberant cheer goes up from us each time.
Next thing we know when he gets another correct he makes a pretend "gun
Salute" and it is </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">us</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> laughing.
Most certainly we should </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">NOT</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> have
laughed but it was so unexpected. Quickly we realize our error and explain that
was not appropriate and we substitute another exuberant gesture (hands up in
the air like a goal score). This same little chap when enjoying a school event
where the teachers dressed as students and performed for the children, declares in true form “mi nuh must laugh after you tun yuself ina
fool.” Sometimes the truth is just
funnier than we imagined.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <span style="color: blue;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">The story of herself</b><b>(name withheld)</b><b style="font-size: x-large;">written by one of our children with pictures and symbols </b><b>(cerebral palsy keeps her body moving) <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <span style="color: blue;"><b>What do you take from the above.... her honesty, her joy and the celebration of what she <u>CAN</u> do is all there.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
lesson for us as teachers and also their care givers or parents, is to remember each
child's individuality and to realize that their own goals may differ from our
own. While we set goals for our children and we strive to achieve those goals,
we often must remember that the student has his or her own goals and they
may differ from those of both ourselves at the school, and the care givers at
home. Many parents express that
they have established a goal that their child walk and talk. They want them
to be more functionally whole in the world they find themselves in. But we have often heard the children express as their goal, to be able to feed
themselves, go to the bathroom themselves and for their communication to be
understood in whatever manner they choose to communicate, verbal or non-verbal.
<u><b>That is the point here for all of us, give the children some autonomy, celebrate where they are with a
recognition of the future <span style="color: red;">THEY</span> want ,don't assume that their disability defines everything about them, and listen to
them even when words are not the method of communication. They ALL tell
us things when we watch, listen or accept their communication style.</b></u></span><span style="font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif";"><u><b> </b></u></span></span><br />
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<u><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As Winnie the Pooh said " The things that make me different are the things that make me!</span></b></u><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6z2-ljV4ieNBn9-dBfcqS5DP-yIaxIBj-k6LlJYG1v7hxv4NSTcuEmyx5IPQFBkBEFjJicAuJ9Uz1M7X0MFsAm_e2x0hFN3dy1IFw4NpmeGzyG_cshkyHH5HTsuO-IrZo6ZLiKQUGzdI/s1600/Winnie+the+Pooh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6z2-ljV4ieNBn9-dBfcqS5DP-yIaxIBj-k6LlJYG1v7hxv4NSTcuEmyx5IPQFBkBEFjJicAuJ9Uz1M7X0MFsAm_e2x0hFN3dy1IFw4NpmeGzyG_cshkyHH5HTsuO-IrZo6ZLiKQUGzdI/s320/Winnie+the+Pooh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXv5bGUnARVKeuX_aUyQy4CeransA917m0z-TYOimbN9Z4zq40fje_d6hGAj7RUw6c8YNxK9l_j2RlD5zU0tW-aod9ouLs42OcDqKVQbNAaB2_ewH0u4UWlQZXzYEFNwudop7yKayl0hY/s1600/Happy+teachers+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXv5bGUnARVKeuX_aUyQy4CeransA917m0z-TYOimbN9Z4zq40fje_d6hGAj7RUw6c8YNxK9l_j2RlD5zU0tW-aod9ouLs42OcDqKVQbNAaB2_ewH0u4UWlQZXzYEFNwudop7yKayl0hY/s400/Happy+teachers+Day.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>Our parents say thanks to our teachers on Teachers Day<br /><br /><br /><br /> </b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhzkJG4obKzJmYga7WGjebMWaHwqiBFz1kELHLIaG0YzIlnuiV5b2s03xuhKpv4EXe_tPBVrSd8WCALyOl7lZTRiC70gtMEVCp-uK0huzeaQQly_PsQw0OWUzZu3B6Sg8VcgwehFmnAw/s1600/Parents+on+teachers+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhzkJG4obKzJmYga7WGjebMWaHwqiBFz1kELHLIaG0YzIlnuiV5b2s03xuhKpv4EXe_tPBVrSd8WCALyOl7lZTRiC70gtMEVCp-uK0huzeaQQly_PsQw0OWUzZu3B6Sg8VcgwehFmnAw/s400/Parents+on+teachers+day.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>Some of our devoted parents and grandparents who came to celebrate our wonderful teachers. </b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: x-large;"><u><b><i>Thank you, Thank you, Thank you...........</i></b></u></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBBnS3zJjHwrAnM9IAzr0W2CQDjuVekQmqmeI1Wz5bZisukKcNY6sNsh_CuobA1WxQkQgZXwW0i1YkhG16V7v4g65T79pT-vHmD_TRstO_kPtTs_mqVUGTogn-zq8RRy14glDj2UOkv4/s1600/thankYouKids.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBBnS3zJjHwrAnM9IAzr0W2CQDjuVekQmqmeI1Wz5bZisukKcNY6sNsh_CuobA1WxQkQgZXwW0i1YkhG16V7v4g65T79pT-vHmD_TRstO_kPtTs_mqVUGTogn-zq8RRy14glDj2UOkv4/s400/thankYouKids.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Thanks so much Singer Jamaica and GasPro companies for gifting us with a gas cylinder, installation and the chaining necessary to contain it. We are <u>ever</u> grateful. Though we have had a stove since we have moved to this school, we never had the funds to make it functional. The wonderful companies of Singer Jamaica and GasPro have made that happen!! We have plans to use it in many ways. </span> </b></span></div>
S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929477615592723257.post-40642856251495274562015-04-23T12:48:00.002-07:002015-04-24T14:21:33.368-07:00Grateful for all the volunteers who come to us..........<div class="MsoNormal">
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">By Leslie Wan </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzHYxtJXoUXAhVP8k5H-5wwc2SfzHpA2xhaTMuxTtoB0Ds_-b-NzljdYbYoaM17IhWZdQmsBub86FqYKd1o3cQ2d48O4T4t6Yq-bERaVWwyq57YGU1RfYjPgch2vf1IvjX5sssJSlElo/s1600/volunteers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzHYxtJXoUXAhVP8k5H-5wwc2SfzHpA2xhaTMuxTtoB0Ds_-b-NzljdYbYoaM17IhWZdQmsBub86FqYKd1o3cQ2d48O4T4t6Yq-bERaVWwyq57YGU1RfYjPgch2vf1IvjX5sssJSlElo/s1600/volunteers.png" height="131" width="320" /></a></div>
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We have been lucky this semester to have two volunteers who came to
us from the University of Technology Dental Hygiene Program. As part of the University of Technology attendance, they have community service hours (40, I believe) to perform along with
their program. <i><b>T</b><span style="font-weight: bold;">hanks to the University of Technology who have included community service as a requisite in their academic program! Your vision in including community service is mean</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">ingful in so many ways. We and others are ever grateful for that vision and focus in your program. You understand that students need all kinds of teaching. </span><b>Your students come expecting to give, and yet receive so much more in return.</b></i><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ON THAT NOTE.....we are approaching our one year anniversary of the blog. We value our readers and we want to hear what you have to say about it. H</span></b></span><b style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ow do you like it or what would you change,w</span></b><b style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">hat would you like to know about us, what would you like to see in future blogs, have we had any impact on how you perceive disabilities, do you share it? </span></b><b style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. <u>ALL feedback is greatly appreciated because in our world............ if you care, you listen and you learn.</u></span></b><u style="color: blue;"> </u></div>
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In my acknowledgement that we always need to check how we are perceived by others, I sat down with our recent volunteers, and asked a few questions on their time spent with is. I also always feel that if you come to us, you have a voice to use and a story to tell.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuUxlDT3OQwyjLke8hM3nSIg-5AVG4oMuERSFXetyioRMKvM95J2kojal3pnM-pl1GupEwVg0_G8UdsLAAo4YkPW2348-EhnGyR8Mrgr5l8J9Z_2oFZ2Tw5hnpGqi5bOvpeG__Y0rsVQ/s1600/Easter+STEP+Mar+2015+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuUxlDT3OQwyjLke8hM3nSIg-5AVG4oMuERSFXetyioRMKvM95J2kojal3pnM-pl1GupEwVg0_G8UdsLAAo4YkPW2348-EhnGyR8Mrgr5l8J9Z_2oFZ2Tw5hnpGqi5bOvpeG__Y0rsVQ/s1600/Easter+STEP+Mar+2015+034.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Harvel and Cherryl in their Easter Day "Tooth" Finery</span></b></td></tr>
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<b><u>Harvel Wedderburn</u></b></div>
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When asked by his program coordinator where he would like to
do his service, he looked at the list and chose us. He felt that it would be a
wonderful opportunity to explore working with children with challenges. He knew his work as a hygienist would include
all kinds of children.This he felt would serve as a great
opportunity for him to understand how to approach those who need extra patience
and understanding, and would platform across
all kinds of folks including the elderly and rural. He shared with me that
he was blessed with a relative that had had challenges, and sadly passed
on. During that relative's life he had not had much opportunity to spend time
with him, due to distance and accessibility issues. He felt this would be a wonderful opportunity
to pay tribute to that relative. </div>
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I asked him what coming to the Step Centre had meant for him
and what he had learned in his time with us. He said he felt being with us was extremely
rewarding and a real eye opener.It made him realize how short
attention spans can be with children, and more so with children with
challenges. He also realized that much of this work requires so much
patience and he was in awe of our staff who do this weekly and sooooo kindly. Harvel felt it gave him a better understanding about how to greet young children
and expanded his ability to be creative and put children at ease. He realized
that reward is as important to our children as it is to any child and that
approaching them with a very calm nature would garner the best results. He
worked with different approaches
with children like wearing silly
whiskers and other diversions, that made them feel as if he was not out to harm
them, but understand their feelings. He and his colleague among some of their activities did a skit
/ program with a big funny mouth and toothbrushes, hats and much fun. He found
his time with STEP immensely rewarding professionally and personally. He felt
he had made the right choice not only for career enhancement, but for the
time he spent with our children re-exploring his heart. <br />
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<b><u>Cherryl St.
Cyr <o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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Cherryl came to us from the same program and has been studying
here from the lovely island of St Lucia. She acknowledged that she had
previously worked on programs with small children, but had never worked with
children with challenges as our school does. When it came time to select her
community service project, she never hesitated about her choice. She came to the school not knowing what to
expect and worried she would find sadness and institutional-ism. In reality she
found the dynamic opposite. As time moved on with us she realized miracles were happening inside
herself, and that these children and this school, had given her an immense
gift. So many hours she had spent in pursuit of her degree, slogging through
all the requirements, doing homework and responsibilities of acquiring the
degree with knowledge and skills to finish and be good at what she had chosen
as a career path. She had found her
studies had made her exhausted and self-centered and lacking in joy. Her
resolve in her career choice was not affected, but the joy in her life was
totally lacking. Study, accomplish, get ready and on to the next task - day in
and day out. </div>
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What did Cherryl find at STEP. <u>She found <b>herself </b>again!<b> </b></u> She found her heart again she says, and with a renewed purpose of what she
can bring to help people. This feeling had gotten covered up with
all the school work that left her wondering what it was all for in the end. She
still had the goal in sight of her dental work, but with an understanding that
there were people behind her goal, and that this time had given her
an understanding of how to be truly engaged in her job. Cherryl was surprised to
find so much spirit and so much joy in our children. We stopped for a moment as she wiped tears of happiness and sincerity
from her eyes, (as did this writer ) that came with the depth of her emotions and the highs of her
enthusiasm for STEP. She went home at night, spoke with her family via phone or skype in St Lucia,
and regaled her husband and daughter in the wonderful STEP moments of the day.
Her daughter began to ask her about the wonderful things that ________ (insert
child's name) had done that day, if that child had been happy, felt better,
read well etc. She realized that she had brought her entire family on
this journey and they were as enthused about the happiness she had
rediscovered in the faces of our children. Cherryl was keen to say that she
knows we could use more staff and resources, but she never once felt that our
staff did not engage our children. She and Harvel, had days of singing, hours
of reading, moments of clarity and a better understanding of how to be more
sensitive to children, more observant in reading the signs in their faces, and
the ability to understand non-verbal communication better. Cherryl will return to her native St. Lucia and plans to continue volunteering with
children with disabilities, and use it as a bonding time with her daughter. <br />
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Harvel and Cherryl we appreciate your time with us, and the feedback<b> </b>you have given us on the school. We acknowledge here that there have been other students from the same program who we have appreciated just as much for their service time to the school. These are but the two I was able to speak with, but others just as wonderful have graced our school from this program and <b>STILL </b>come back to visit us today. Thank you to <b>ALL OF YOU</b> from our past, our present and those to come!<br />
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My own journey of volunteerism with STEP Centre began 12 years ago as another means of spending compassionate quality time with my child. I wanted to show her that what you <b><u>give</u></b> to others is so much more rewarding than what you get from others, and what she would learn about the world, is <br />
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that diversity and the acceptance of same, becomes a celebration as it morphs out into those you touch along the way. She has gone out into the distant world now, but her mother happily remains here with STEP Centre all these wonderful years later.<br />
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We have once again changed perceptions by simply allowing folks to share time with our children. Our approach and sense of purpose is right, even if our tangible needs are always abit lacking in resources. We hope these two volunteers and the others will take with them the lesson of patience and perseverance and the will to make a difference in the lives of all kinds of people. As always I am surprised (yes still surprised) that our children teach people so much by just being who the Lord has made them and shining their special lights on the lives of those they touch. Every one of us has something to truly give of ourselves if we take the time to see with our heart. It really isn't hard in the end because our children (all special children) can show you that by simply being who they are and greeting you with all the happiness they have to give. </div>
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<b><u>COME VISIT US.............YOU DESERVE YOUR OWN MOMENTS OF REFLECTION THROUGH THE EYES OF OUR CHILDREN. </u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WXz2AvRqTCAhb1xBdAxkPoiA8qEmeCGfCE2ZAmPmzo-vVJxCcJQh8A-PmcmXymYFkZmuLPVKbiyYvYaz1uT3j5tuaHQKsCyYNT9Wh8fa0b-CSmBVLnNGQwk0xVDP19C9-TKMxue5x2Y/s1600/Reflection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WXz2AvRqTCAhb1xBdAxkPoiA8qEmeCGfCE2ZAmPmzo-vVJxCcJQh8A-PmcmXymYFkZmuLPVKbiyYvYaz1uT3j5tuaHQKsCyYNT9Wh8fa0b-CSmBVLnNGQwk0xVDP19C9-TKMxue5x2Y/s1600/Reflection.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you to Wendy Lee of Seven Oaks Wildlife Sanctuary and Judy MacMillan, Renowned artist, for sharing Earth Day Activities with our children. Seven Oaks is the recipient of our "Friday Penny Collection" Funds </span></div>
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<b>Our children are always taught they have a responsibility to the earth and the world they live in, and we reinforce it through our gardening program, recycling program and up-cycling </b></div>
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<b>initiatives. </b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqAY5TtOVyw6CispGl-36blBXpuZDiEPaVNbClFZGGas5M8jHa1m_st_zY0GlIMYwEliIrzlBr2qWBmo_DJb9hX2IF7MBSdnnqevdHLvTCOuJJhatZd6CvqPVhLfD8s3hjfygHdt2iDQ/s1600/Wendy's%2BEarth%2BDay%2BPics%2B18%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqAY5TtOVyw6CispGl-36blBXpuZDiEPaVNbClFZGGas5M8jHa1m_st_zY0GlIMYwEliIrzlBr2qWBmo_DJb9hX2IF7MBSdnnqevdHLvTCOuJJhatZd6CvqPVhLfD8s3hjfygHdt2iDQ/s1600/Wendy's%2BEarth%2BDay%2BPics%2B18%2B(1).jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>Judy, Hillary and Wendy with the children's gifts and herbs from our garden</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNaf95CnDY0a6s1tq6jJwsLwq_pb3-m-r3TjRSqpmGByGINscjFfzGAvu-h9Pg83-Z1mqA01dgXoqAFfd7oxhBv00VGHq0IV7OuenRgjPldJ9-EE9ls2K9GRjdzOUc34RH0E3O3AAvzU/s1600/Step+Centre+Earth+Day+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNaf95CnDY0a6s1tq6jJwsLwq_pb3-m-r3TjRSqpmGByGINscjFfzGAvu-h9Pg83-Z1mqA01dgXoqAFfd7oxhBv00VGHq0IV7OuenRgjPldJ9-EE9ls2K9GRjdzOUc34RH0E3O3AAvzU/s1600/Step+Centre+Earth+Day+015.JPG" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>Judy loved our school and said she had the loveliest morning sharing our children and wants to paint with them next. </b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgaEojjgOyyLz6d7XxKk_0ud3f7Z1FHsha9osj2cNTTcivmS19DxpFiH1-oFPYwp0Y0bIHKl6eKsqnKqd2TK20d7418N6j09Ouf4RLEbkpd0oomOWNW9kPaBY85Y183Qs3_Dj2qQFNtY/s1600/Step+Centre+Earth+Day+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgaEojjgOyyLz6d7XxKk_0ud3f7Z1FHsha9osj2cNTTcivmS19DxpFiH1-oFPYwp0Y0bIHKl6eKsqnKqd2TK20d7418N6j09Ouf4RLEbkpd0oomOWNW9kPaBY85Y183Qs3_Dj2qQFNtY/s1600/Step+Centre+Earth+Day+010.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>Wendy works with the children and they laughed! </b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cVZkicLrp6aDGCU5ZcE96paL1mHWiL8sh8fdBXInZmTwMmH_jLgrpAfm-iPS0Sw9lRd3jpa_E5wIFZwcsfP0q8rAREOlVfSONeks6CENHSrTywewceuX6TPBz_p0d2DzK6-NMJ3y26E/s1600/Upcycling+planters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cVZkicLrp6aDGCU5ZcE96paL1mHWiL8sh8fdBXInZmTwMmH_jLgrpAfm-iPS0Sw9lRd3jpa_E5wIFZwcsfP0q8rAREOlVfSONeks6CENHSrTywewceuX6TPBz_p0d2DzK6-NMJ3y26E/s1600/Upcycling+planters.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Up-cycling planters made by the children</span></b></td></tr>
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S.T.E.P Centre- Jamaicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09743069428128440369noreply@blogger.com2