Tuesday, October 15, 2013
From Christel House Kid to UN Employee
MaryAri Contreras
Featured in: @ChristelHouse Fall 2013
Maryari is proof of how a holistic education and the drive for a better life can break the cycle of poverty. After graduating from Christel House in 2007, she earned a degree in International Relations from Universidad Central de Venezuela. Today she is working in a full time position at the United Nations office in Venezuela.
"This job makes me feel happy and grateful, because it's a dream come true to work for such an important international organization. I am excited because I will be able to show the skills that I've learned during my studies in International Relations. I am committed to showing the best of my potential to do a great job for my country and the rest of the world."
"At Christel House, everything was so different than my other school. I was happy because I wanted to be different, to be a good student," said Maryari.
She grew up in La Vega, one of the most impoverished and dangerous barrios of Caracas, Venezuela, where the opportunity to build a better life is hard-won. "There are many girls with broken dreams and no potential for a better life. They get pregnant very young and kids are raising kids. Boys work as adults from a very early age and often get involved in drugs or delinquency," she said.
"Before Christel House, I attended another school where I was bullied for wanting to be a good student and enjoying school. But Christel House was different. I am grateful for all the beautiful things now in my life because of it."
In her personal time, Maryari gives back to her community. She visits Christel House, now run by Fe y Alegria, at least once a week where she started a conversational English club with current students."I wanted to apply a skill that I love to help other students learn. During meetings we watch movies, cartoons and music videos and then discuss them, or we talk about current events and our interests. Some kids are only 12 years old and they say things in such a beautiful way and so correctly [in English]," said Maryari.
"Christel House is like a family to me. I can never say thank you enough for the support it has given me. Without the support of donors, many boys and girls, including myself, wouldn’t be able to tell the stories of their success with pride and happiness. The new generation wants to help others and give back to create a better world. That is the Christel House legacy -- creating something beautiful and unique, and building a better world with the help of many."
Labels: alumni, Christel House, education, MaryAri Contreras, UN, United Nations, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Venezuela
Monday, August 20, 2012
How transforming people’s lives has transformed mine
By: Luis S., Work Study Coordinator, Christel House Venezuela
At Christel House
Venezuela, I’ve had the privilege of being part of a unique project that has
allowed me to participate daily in the formation of citizens for the past 7
years. I have watched our students grow
into proud citizens, professionals and workers dedicated to improving their
lives. I’ve had the opportunity to watch them progress from 10 and 11 year old
children into university students. I’ve had the privilege of sharing their
concerns, problems, mistakes, happiness and triumphs.
I have experienced many emotions and thoughts during my time
at Christel House. I have felt the fear of knowing our students are in constant
danger because of the inhuman wave of violence that affects our city, a threat
mainly to young boys between 15 and 25 years old. I’ve felt the pain of crying
for a student killed by a gang that had set out to murder one of his brothers.
I’ve shared the suffering of parents who worry about daily survival and what
the future holds for their children.
I’ve shared the grief of families that just lost their homes and all of
their worldly possessions in a sudden landslide. All of these experiences have
changed me as a person. For me, it is
not possible to be indifferent or to look the other way when people are
suffering and there are so many major social problems. I know I must help.
From a personal perspective, it is easy for me to identify
with our kids. I was born and raised near the place where they live. I
experienced similar problems and family issues and faced the same threats. This
background provides me with the strong conviction that the most effective way
to break the cycle of poverty is with education and solid values.
Without a doubt, these have been the most important 7 years
of my life. I can’t imagine doing any
other type of work. My goal is to help other people to relieve their suffering,
expand their opportunities and live a better life.
I am in debt to Christel House for giving me this incredible
opportunity; the tools to provide support and advice to so many people and the
opportunity to be a small part of their lives and give them help to face
difficulties, choose careers, universities and jobs. This is how transforming
people’s lives has transformed mine.
Labels: child development, child poverty, Christel House, education, Venezuela, work study
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Forever transformed by Christel House
By: Laura D., Grants and Communications Manager, Christel
House
People get a very quizzical look on their faces when I tell
them I have thousands of “bosses” around the world. The children and young people of Christel
House—all 3,600+ of them—are the reasons I do what I do every day. Although I will never meet most of them, I
did have the chance to visit some of my international “bosses” at Christel
House India in Bangalore.
I am humbled by the memories of our children's precious
faces, their innocent hugs and kisses, their welcoming spirits, their zeal for
learning, and their sheer determination.
The sweet memories of the positive, nurturing Christel House environment
are tempered by the cruel reality of what our children face when they go home
every day--cramped family living quarters, no running water or private
restrooms, limited meals, stray dogs roaming the streets, and enormous trash
piles everywhere.
No matter how you slice it, regardless of where you are in
the world, poverty is a thief, robbing children and families of their dignity
and potential, stealing hope and diminishing the human spirit. So the magnitude of what Christel House
offers—true life transformation—is overwhelming.
I am honored to work for an organization that is releasing
poverty’s grip by attacking its root causes—illiteracy, malnutrition, disease
and lack of opportunity. Around the
world, Christel House is opening doors for thousands of children through
education, nutrition, and comprehensive health care services. We are helping families through parent and
community outreach programs. And even
after graduation, we continue to provide guidance until our alumni are
gainfully employed.
I am forever (and continually) transformed by Christel House
because I see how my efforts make a positive difference for others. And I am resolved to give my “bosses” my very
best…every day.
Labels: child nutrition, child poverty, Christel House, community outreach, education, healthcare, parental assistance
Friday, August 10, 2012
A profound impact
By: Jill M., Student Advisor, Christel House Indianapolis, IN
Before I began
providing full-time mental health and support services to students and families
at Christel House Academy
(CHA) five years ago, I was in the building one day a week as part of a larger
program serving twelve schools. I was drawn to both the staff and
students of CHA and by the positive family atmosphere that encompasses the
education experience. I did not see this atmosphere at other schools and
was determined that this was a place where I could make a difference with kids
and grow professionally and personally.
If I told the students what a positive influence they have
had on my life, and how their stories and lives have helped shaped me into a
better person, they would most likely laugh and tell me I am being such a
“counselor.” But, their impact on me is both unavoidable and
profound.
I love talking with students who have grown up through CHA
and are now in our high school program. Many will be the first in their
families to graduate from high school and definitely the first to attend
college.
This year, I couldn’t hide my excitement when one student
asked me to fill out a recommendation letter for a summer college prep
program. This same student told me three years ago that she “wasn’t meant
for college” and didn’t think it was right for her. I asked her to keep
college in mind and talked with her about the programs and careers in which she
would excel. Because of the academic attention and support of CHA, she
has decided on her own that college is the right path for her.
Every day I step through CHA’s doors, I know I could witness
and be a part of changing a student’s life and forever altering their future
for the good. It is such a privilege!
Labels: Academy, Christel House, Christel House Academy, college, counselor, education, students
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
A story from a Christel House Mexico graduate
By: Jesus M.,
My name is Jesus; I
attended Christel House Mexico for 9 years. Then, I went to public high school
and now I attend the Work Study Program at Christel House. I have already
finished high school and this year I will go to College. It has been 12 years
since I began attending Christel House.
For me, Christel House has been like a second home where
they take care of us and give us education, medical services, psychological
support and nutritional care. In Christel House I have realized that achieving
a dream is possible with perseverance and commitment.
Christel House has given me the
opportunity to improve my skills and to learn values to become a responsible
self-sufficient member of society. Christel House has prepared us to be
assertive students with values who can make decisions that benefit us
personally and within our society.
Christel House also gave me the
opportunity to attend the Culver Summer Leadership Camp for three summers. At
camp, I learned many things like how to play tennis. I also met many new
friends from different countries. One of my favorite activities at camp was
sailing. Attending Culver also gave the opportunity to meet Christel House
students from India and South Africa. It
was great because they are part of my Christel House family. But the most
important part was that camp helped me to achieve skills like leadership, teamwork
and self-discipline.
I hope someday I can become part
of this wonderful mission that transforms lives and give back to Christel House
much of what it has given to me.
I am grateful to Christel House
for giving me the opportunity to have a better life. The person who I am today
is thanks to Christel House. I will do my best to achieve my goals and become a
contributing member of society by helping the people around me.
Labels: alumni, Christel House Mexico, education, student
Monday, August 6, 2012
Triumph over adversity
By: Esmerelda P., Guidance Counselor, Christel House South Africa
Georgevine D.’s story is one of triumph over adversity. The biggest obstacle related to poverty is
emotional trauma. So to fight trauma, we create dreams.
Now in her first year at False Bay
College in Westlake,
Cape Town,
studying electrical engineering, Georgevine believes that she is on her way to
living the life she always dreamed and she says that it’s all thanks to the
commitment of the principal and teachers of Christel House.
“I didn’t have it
easy, as most learners from Christel House can attest. It was always just my
mom and me, after she fetched me from my granny to live with her. She tried very hard to stay employed and make
enough money to look after the two of us. But, she often had to go knocking on
doors begging for work. She did whatever she could though I recall a terrible
time where we were homeless and had to live with neighbours – anyone who would
take us in.”
It was during that time that a teacher at Christel House,
Randall D., invited Georgevine to stay with his family for a week. Again in 2011 when she wrote her matriculation
exams, another teacher, Vivienne S., also let Georgevine stay with her over a
period of two months to prepare adequately for her finals.
Georgevine’s mother, Hermina, also recalls all the hardships
but says throughout all of it – having been lucky enough to get her daughter
into Christel House when she was in grade four – that she didn’t have to worry
too much about Georgevine. “During our challenging times I knew my daughter was
getting the best education possible, receiving the school supplies and uniforms
she needed; being fed and picked up for school every morning and even getting
the opportunity to partake in sports. Georgevine was a good student and
performed well in sports. She is doing well now too. I am a very proud mother
and very grateful.”
Labels: alumni, Christel House South Africa, education, students
Friday, August 3, 2012
Nothing but the very best…
By: Deborah N., Master Teacher, Christel House Indianapolis, IN
I have been a part of
the Christel House family since 2003. I started out as a 2nd grade
teacher and now work as the Primary Master Teacher. Each year we are adding a
new grade level which means we have 10th grade this year and will be
adding 11th next year. I cannot express what it feels like to have
10th grade students, who I used to have in my 2nd grade
classroom, come to me and say they still have the poem we wrote together in
class or the song I taught them to help with math. I have watched these kids
grow in ways that not only reach, but exceed, the hopes and dreams I had for
them 8 years ago.
That isn't just by chance.
We are a family here. When I pass a student on to another
teacher that doesn't mean it is the end of our relationship. The teachers
believe in collaborating to make each child become a success story. We work
hard to make sure the students know how much we care, which is a really easy
task when it is the truth. Christel
House Academy
offers many ways in which it is possible for me to stay a part of the lives of
all the students. I can connect with the students by coaching a sport, running
a Summer Enrichment Club or by running one of our Saturday Stars classes. Often
I have had multiple siblings from the same family pass through my classroom,
which means I also am awarded the opportunity to develop strong relationships
with the parents of my students. When you work so closely with a family, you
really get a good look at the trials and tribulations some families endure.
At Christel
House Academy,
we continually work hard to make this school the best it can be for our
children. Because when it comes to family, nothing is acceptable but the very
best.
Labels: Christel House Academy, education, Indianapolis, students, teacher
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
New Video from Christel House Mexico
Our Christel House Mexico students and their parents give you a little
insight into their lives and what Christel House means to them in this new video.
Labels: Christel House, Christel House Mexico, education, poverty, student, video
Monday, June 20, 2011
Hop, Skip and JumpStart at Christel House Academy
Christel House Academy’s incoming kindergarteners are getting a head start for a successful first year of school thanks to a grant from the Junior League of Indianapolis. During the four-week JumpStart program, early childhood educators prepare students for the expectations of full-day Kindergarten.
“Many of our incoming children lack the skills needed to do kindergarten work,” says Principal Carey Dahncke. “This JumpStart gives them a solid foundation for learning.”
Each day, students identify and practice the alphabet and numbers up to 10, learn to write their first name, become familiar with simple shapes and colors and learn to successfully separate from their family members. Students receive breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack and also participate in recess and special offerings including Spanish, PE, music and art.
The Junior League of Indianapolis recently chose to focus their grants and volunteer efforts on improving reading skills in pre-school through elementary-age children. This grant is a part of that effort. “Our League members chose to focus on reading because we felt it would have an immediate and lasting impact in the lives of the children served, as well as the Indianapolis community,” said outgoing JLI President, Cece Gerdenich. “The Christel House Academy’s JumpStart program was a great fit for our new focus.”
Labels: Academy, Carey Dahncke, Cece Gerdenich, Christel House, education, Indiana, Indianapolis, JumpStart, Junior League, kindergarten, students
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Christel House India Graduation-- See the champions, take the field now, you define us, make us feel proud...
"I entered this school not knowing what tomorrow had in store. Now I’m leaving with my future well planned to reach my goals"*
"Few years back, I was clueless, having no idea what to do in the future. But today, I've got an aim and a determination to achieve it. I have been given knowledge, exposure and the confidence to achieve something significant in life. It has made me competent to face the world"*
Emotions ran high at Christel House as students and parents came together to express their gratitude and appreciation to Christel DeHaan and the staff and faculty of Christel House India for providing the children with an educational experience that was both "memorable and amazing". The occasion was the Graduation Ceremony of Christel House India's first batch of II Pre-University College students. "People say that school is our second home. But that's not true; we spent most of our time in these eight years in this wonderful school. This feels like our home," said Saravana. Similar sentiments were expressed by students who spoke on the occasion and recounted how Christel House had brought so much of meaning into their lives.
Chief Guest on the occasion was Mr. Ganesh Lakshminarayanan, President & Managing Director, Dell India. Recounting his own experience of beginning his education in a small town school in Tirunelveli, Mr. Lakshminarayanan highlighted the important role that education and dedicated teachers played in his life. He said that a good education could help students dream big and commended the commitment and dedication of the faculty of Christel House. Dell India and Mr. Lakshminarayanan are major supporters of Christel House India.
"I am forever grateful to Christel DeHaan and Christel House India for all that they have done for my child," said Gracy, mother of Mary Alisha. "I ask each student here, when you get your first job, to support the educational needs of at least one underprivileged child. That is the least you can do to repay the kindness you have received from Christel House," she added.
Raju Shahani, Executive Director, Christel House India said the day was a very emotional one for him and he was delighted to see how the children had grown and evolved into such wonderful personalities. He encouraged the children to continue their higher studies and assured them of Christel House's continued support. A few of the faculty also spoke of their feelings on the occasion and what it meant for them to see the children now graduating.
The school choir sang a few songs including Mando Diao's Give Me Freedom. The Ceremony ended with a pledge by the graduating students promising to uphold the core values of Christel House which were Respect, Responsibility, Independence and Integrity and to work hard to realize their fullest potential, be good citizens and give back to the community.
One consistent thread that ran through the afternoon's event was the extreme gratitude to Christel DeHaan, whose role in changing the lives of underserved children was captured in a poem written by Kiran Dass, a II Pre-University College student, for the occasion:
Nothing did I ask but she gave me all.
Nothing was I, was so low, she lifted me up.
All the places that in my dream, I visit-
She gave me in this place so exquisite...
I do want to really say a lot -
This opportunity for me, is like a jackpot.
*extracted from speeches read by the students
Labels: Christel House, Christel House India, education, event, graduation, Graduation Day, India, milestone, students, testimonial
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
ING Vysya Foundation Congratulates Students of Christel House India
ING Vysya Foundation has supported
Christel House India since inception, and several ING employees recently visited the school to congratulate our grade 10 students who excelled on their Board Exams. Wrist watches and books were given to the three top-scoring students, and wrist watches were presented to all 20 students who scored 70% and above on the test. ING developed this program to recognize and reward our young achievers and also to inspire other children in Christel House to continue their studies and fulfill their dreams.
The vision of ING Vysya Foundation is to support enabling environments that actualize the right to education for children living in difficult circumstance. The Foundation believes that inspiration, encouragement and skills can change the way these children see their lives and opportunities. Born out of the three business entities of ING in India - ING Life Insurance, ING Vysya Bank and ING Investment Management - the Foundation has been able to strike a balance between supporting organizations financially and contributing time and talents of its employees to nurture and mentor these children. ING Vysya Foundations sponsored the senior school building of Christel House India and also sponsors the Education of a classroom of 40 students.
Program Attendees: Mr. Shailendra Bhandari - MD and CEO, ING Vysya Bank Ltd., Mr. UCO Vegter - Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer, ING Life, Mr. Jayant Mehrotra - Trustee, ING Vysya Foundation and Chief Financial Officer, ING Vysya Bank Ltd., Ms. Priya Gopalakrishnan- Trustee, ING Vysya Foundation and Director - Human Resources, ING Life and Ms. Joyatri Ray - Director , ING Vysya Foundation were all present.
Labels: awards, Christel House, education, India, ING Vysya, partner, results, students, visitor
Thursday, August 12, 2010
8.9.10: A Day of Firsts at Christel House Academy
Christel House Academy opened its doors for the 2010-11 school year with an exciting new addition. The Christel House - Watanabe High School officially
opened for ninth grade students! Wide eyes and anticipation accompanied the students as they entered the building for breakfast in the new “Crossroads Café.” Students were greeted by staff members and welcomed into another year. The excitement of finding friends, comparing classes, and discussing all the important summer details were definitely the morning buzz in the café!
As the bell rang, students began to find their new class for the year. An element
ary child finished her breakfast, and saw her former teacher walk through the café. The student rushed to the teacher for a hug and you could sense the student’s enthusiasm for school, as she described what she was looking forward to in the upcoming year. Kindergarten students entering school for the first time were often accompanied by parents taking pictures of the big day! The welcoming and warm atmosphere of Christel House classrooms eased parents worries right away. A new parent told a staff member that her daughter was so excited for kindergarten that she did not want to take off her school uniform over the weekend!
A sense of pride was evident among the high school students as they became the first to enter Christel House - Watanabe High School. Eager ninth grade eyes looked from room to room, anxious to explore the amazing new building. The high school students’ pride was encouraged, as the staff talked to the students about the Expeditionary Learning Program, and how the students will help determine the culture of the school.
The 2010-11 school year is underway and off to a great start! We look forward to many exciting academic successes and new experiences throughout the year. Congrats CHA students for the beginning of another momentous year!
Labels: Academy, Christel House, education, students, Watanabe High School
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Wyndham intern reflects on the importance of Christel House
By Catherine Reynolds, intern for Wyndham WorldwideWyndham Worldwide in Parsippany, NJ, has named Christel House as one of its three charities of choice. RCI, based in Carmel, Indiana, is owned by Wyndham Worldwide. Christel DeHaan, Founder of Christel House, started RCI in 1974. Today, RCI has more than three million members worldwide, who enjoy dream vacations at RCI's 3,700+ affiliated resorts.
Last night I watched the movie, “The Blind Side,” with my sister, and we were both touched and moved by this incredible true story. For those of you who haven’t seen it (and I highly recommend that you do), the movie is based on the true story of Michael Oher, a boy growing up homeless before he is taken in by a wealthy family. The Tuoy family adopts him, gives him an education and opens up all new opportunities for him, changing his life forever. In the movie, one of Mrs. Tuoy’s friends tells her, “You’re changing that boy’s life.” Mrs. Tuoy responds, “No. He’s changing mine.”
What struck me most about this story is that Michael’s situation is not all that uncommon – but the help the Tuoys gave him IS uncommon. The way that they supported him reminded me of Christel House, one of Wyndham Worldwide’s charities of choice, and the work Christel DeHaan and her team do for impoverished children around the world. While I have not yet had the pleasure of visiting a Christel House, I have had the opportunity to hear the stories of several of the children whose lives have been changed by Christel House: - When Rakshitha came to Christel House, her family did not have electricity. Christel House gave the family electricity so she could study at night. The work paid off: when she was in tenth grade, she went to Naples, Italy, when the student video she helped produce won a film festival prize.
- Frank recently graduated from Christel House Venezuela. When he came to Christel House, he wanted to be a bodyguard. Now he is studying electrical engineering at the prestigious Simon Bolivar University, where he was admitted in the top one percent of incoming freshman.
- Nontando is a 12th grader at Christel House South Africa, and received a scholarship to attend Culver Summer Leadership Camp in Culver, Indiana in 2007 and 2008. In South Africa, her home is so small, only two of the four family members can sleep inside at night.
As Wyndham Worldwide employees, we have all had a hand in helping children like Rakshitha, Frank and Nontando find more opportunities and reach their potential. I personally take pride in working for a company that is so devoted to giving back. Supporting this charity is not a completely selfless act. Helping others and knowing we have a true impact in this world is fulfilling, and helps give our own lives meaning. We are reminded that even small acts of kindness can add up to big change.Whose life are you changing? How are they changing yours?
Labels: Christel House, education, global, partner, Wyndham
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Welcome Dina Bakjejian Arakelian to Christel House Mexico
As of September 1st, 2009, starting the new school year,
CHMX has a new
Executive Director Dina Bakjejian Arakelian with more than 20 years of experience in
Education and
Team Leadership.
Her ample vision, ability for detail as well as her commitment to values and dedication to her work will certainly take
CHMX to unimagined academic achievement, this way complying with our extraordinary mission.
And also we want to express our gratitude to our last Executive Director Mrs. Patricia Díaz Covarrubias for sharing with us ten wonderful years.
Labels: education, Mexico
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Eighth Caroline Award was celebrated at Christel House Mexico
The eighth
Caroline Award was celebrated on June 26th, 2009 in the Christel House facilities. This year, the main theme of the contest was Mythology. All the students from
Christel House participated in two categories: drawing and writing.
The day started with the inauguration of the contest. Then our special judges and guests enjoyed a performance, with the Christel House Choir singing the songs ¨La flor de la Cantuta¨ and ¨Mariposa,¨ and the Christel House Dance Workshop dancing alongside them. Afterwards the judges and guests went on a tour around the facilities where they had the opportunity to see the drawings and the poems by the kids. Later they watched a play called “Chin y Ben,” written by one of our second grade students, Gerardo Alvarez, and performed by the theater workshop.
To conclude this special day we had a ceremony where our judges, specialists in drawing and literature, announced the winners of the contest and the Supervisor of the Zone, Guadalupe Gallardo Vite, recognized the efforts of the students and the teachers who coordinated this event.
Labels: drawing, education, event, Mexico, music
Monday, January 12, 2009
Computer Workshops for Parents a success in Mexico
Computer literacy is a catalyst for improved marketability. Workshops are underway every Monday from 4-6pm for 24 parents of our children at Christel House Mexico. They begin learning the basics of using the mouse and keyboard, and will continue to create files and navigate the internet. So far, the parents feel very motivated and have a lot of energy for learning. Attendance has been 98% and a waiting list for the next workshop series already has over 75 applications!
Labels: Christel House, computer, education, Mexico, parent, workshop
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The vision of ING Vysya Foundation is to support enabling environments that actualize the right to education for children living in difficult circumstance. The Foundation believes that inspiration, encouragement and skills can change the way these children see their lives and opportunities. Born out of the three business entities of ING in India - ING Life Insurance, ING Vysya Bank and ING Investment Management - the Foundation has been able to strike a balance between supporting organizations financially and contributing time and talents of its employees to nurture and mentor these children. ING Vysya Foundations sponsored the senior school building of Christel House India and also sponsors the Education of a classroom of 40 students.
Program Attendees: Mr. Shailendra Bhandari - MD and CEO, ING Vysya Bank Ltd., Mr. UCO Vegter - Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer, ING Life, Mr. Jayant Mehrotra - Trustee, ING Vysya Foundation and Chief Financial Officer, ING Vysya Bank Ltd., Ms. Priya Gopalakrishnan- Trustee, ING Vysya Foundation and Director - Human Resources, ING Life and Ms. Joyatri Ray - Director , ING Vysya Foundation were all present.
Christel House Academy opened its doors for the 2010-11 school year with an exciting new addition. The Christel House - Watanabe High School officially opened for ninth grade students! Wide eyes and anticipation accompanied the students as they entered the building for breakfast in the new “Crossroads Café.” Students were greeted by staff members and welcomed into another year. The excitement of finding friends, comparing classes, and discussing all the important summer details were definitely the morning buzz in the café!
As the bell rang, students began to find their new class for the year. An elementary child finished her breakfast, and saw her former teacher walk through the café. The student rushed to the teacher for a hug and you could sense the student’s enthusiasm for school, as she described what she was looking forward to in the upcoming year. Kindergarten students entering school for the first time were often accompanied by parents taking pictures of the big day! The welcoming and warm atmosphere of Christel House classrooms eased parents worries right away. A new parent told a staff member that her daughter was so excited for kindergarten that she did not want to take off her school uniform over the weekend!
The 2010-11 school year is underway and off to a great start! We look forward to many exciting academic successes and new experiences throughout the year. Congrats CHA students for the beginning of another momentous year!
By Catherine Reynolds, intern for Wyndham Worldwide
The eighth Caroline Award was celebrated on June 26th, 2009 in the Christel House facilities. This year, the main theme of the contest was Mythology. All the students from Christel House participated in two categories: drawing and writing.
