By Joni Miller | Projects Director
Last year we watched in awe, from the heat and sands of Belize, as our friend Danny Michel embarked on an amazing journey to the cold and ice of north. Ocean Academy students couldn't travel to foreign climes but we did host a World History Showcase. As well, Geography students travelled to Belize City to present at a World Geographic Information Systems Day to share how they use GPS, drones and ArcGIS software to identify and map garbage hotspots on Caye Caulker. Students shared some solutions to marine trash such as promoting reusable shopping bags and food containers instead of plastics and styrofoam. These initiatives link our worlds together, from Danny's voyage in Arctic seas to our blue Caribbean and beyond.
We are motivated to expand our school Fine Arts Program in 2017. The first week of Christmas holidays, several students chose to come together for a five-day Art Camp with Master Trainer Kirkland Smith. Students learned how to stretch canvas, create calligraphy fonts, experiment with watercolours and also visit island artists and shops for inspiration and advice. Other Art programs taught by community artists include Batik, Arts and Crafts, Painting and Recycled Art Creations. We are developing a new social enterprise called "Art with Purpose" for student artwork to be displayed and sold in our SEaTIDE School Shop, with sales to be reinvested in student fees and programs, as well as supporting student family incomes. Our Music Program is slowly expanding from our 5 donated guitars to new classes and equipment in drumming and keyboards.
Ocean Academy students started the new year by creating Vision Boards, writing affirmations and sharing positive recognitions of classmates. The Yoga and Meditation programs have proven so successful that we are creating a small Meditation/Calm Space room on campus for students to relax, gain clarity and refocus.
We are looking forward to 2017 and thank you all, especially our monthly donors, for your unwavering support and belief in our Ocean Academy project.
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