Monday was the start of the new term and for children all over the island that meant smart new school uniforms and bags of supplies. 

Parents take school very seriously and there is a real sense that school is valued and that teachers are to be respected.  Central to all of this is religion and prayer. It was humbling to go into class and say good morning and have the children reply ‘Good morning sir and God bless you’, voiced with total sincerity.  

Each child arrived for the day carrying a box or bag with their school books, pencils, soap, paper towels and an assortment of other supplies ready for the school year. Not one parent complained about having to provide, they all took a quiet pride in the fact they were doing their bit.

The day started with the children heading to class, many parents stayed to help their children settle and then joined Assembly or Devotion. It was lovely to see the children looking so smart and ready for school. My homework is to learn the National Song:

Cayman’s national song, “Beloved Isle Cayman”, was written by the late Mrs. Leila Ross Shier in 1930. Regarded as the unofficial national song for many years, it became the official national song when the Cayman Islands Coat of Arms, Flag and National Song Law was passed in 1993.

As a British Overseas Territory, the national anthem is “God Save the Queen”.

Beloved Isle Cayman as composed by Leila Ross-Shier, June, 1930.

1. O land of soft, fresh breezes,

Of verdant trees so fair

With the Creator’s glory reflected ev’rywhere.

O sea of palest em’rald,

Merging to darkest blue,

When ‘ere my thoughts fly Godward,

I always think of you.
Chorus: Dear, verdant island, set

In blue Caribbean sea,

I’m coming, coming very soon,

O beauteous isle, to thee.

Although I’ve wandered far,

My heart enshrines thee yet.

Homeland! Fair Cayman Isle

I cannot thee forget
2. Away from noise of cities,

Their fret and carking care,

With moonbeams’ soft caresses,

Unchecked by garish glare,

Thy fruit and rarest juices,

Abundant, rich and free,

When sweet church bells are chiming,

My fond heart yearns for thee.

(Chorus)

3. When tired of all excitement,

And glam’rous worldly care,

How sweet thy shores to reach,

And find a welcome there,

And when comes on the season,

Of peace, good will to man,

‘Tis then I love thee best of all,

Beloved Isle, Cayman!

(Chorus)

The song is sung at all Devotions and at the school flag raising. We have two flag poles one with the Union Flag one with the Cayman Flag.

Behaviour around the school was excellent all day and there was a lovely calm atmosphere in every class. The children where polite and eager to learn about their new Principal.  Apart from a Canadian Speach and language teacher and behaviour support teacher, both part time, I am the only Caucasian on staff so I am easier to spot than ever! My teachers are a mix of Caribbean nationalities and they find me endlessly amusing for being ‘so British’ and take great joy in talking very fast in the thickest accents just to confuse me, having said that they are a real team and have welcomed me with open arms.

The school PTA are amazing they have been in school every weekend manning the uniform shop and for the first day of term they decorated the staff room and put on breakfast and gave each member of staff a jar of sweets, they also put out coffee and tea!  It made all the staff feel special and really appreciated.

The one downer of the day was the number of children collected late at the end of the day, one child nearly three hours late! I spoke to every one of the late parents personally and told them it was unacceptable! They were a bit surprised to be told off by the new Principal on day one, my first job will be to tackle this little issue. I feel an after school club coming on, a chat with the YMCA is on the cards for Tuesday…

James and Poppy have their orientation morning today Victoria is taking them into school so they can officially meet their teachers and learn the lay of the land. I think they are both looking forward to school and getting back into a routine.

Oh and Thursday is Happy Hour at the Blue Parrot. The Blue Parrot is literally a tin roof over a bar overlooking the sea, its fab, my new local and a great place to unwind. Two rum and cokes CY$5 and they free pour. So now we have Sunset House and the Blue Parrot. Cheers.