The Weekly Gazette - 21 - 05/03/2010   Dear Parents and Community Members There has been considerable debate over the rights of Independent Schools in Malta and the contribution they make both in terms of education and the economy. To date, the Independent Schools have had no specific vehicle to promote themselves and protect their well-being. I am pleased to advise you that this has now changed with the formation of the Independent Schools Association (ISA). ISA has been established for the following objectives and/or purposes:  To promote the well-being and advancement of Independent Schools in Malta and/or Gozo.  To co-ordinate matters of common interest involving Independent Schools in Malta/Gozo and abroad.  To promote the well-being, personal and social development and education of children and youths.  To strive to maintain Independent Schools in the forefront of advances in education in co- operation with Government and Education Authorities.  To watch over the special interests of Independent Schools and take the necessary steps to advance these interests. To collaborate with other schools in Malta or Gozo not being Independent Schools. The ISA launch will be held on Tuesday 9 March at St James Cavalier at 12.30.  Sponsored Walk   I would like to draw your attention to the Sponsored Walk which will be held at the end of the month. Full details will appear in next week’s Gazette. It is absolutely essential that all students participate by raising funds. We will only achieve our goal if each student were to raise €100. I wish to thank those who have already achieved their target. Parent Consultations ===> DETAILS Staff Profile It gives me great pleasure to introduce a new member of staff commencing next year. As you are aware, one of my goals is to have a better mix of international and local teachers. Another goal is to have a number of male teachers in the Junior School . Paul Harty Nationality:Irish Teaching Section:   Junior School Education and Qualifications September 2006 – June 2007 PGCE:  University of Cambridge , Homerton College , Faculty of Education. October 2000 – June 2003 BSc (Hons):  University of East Anglia , School of Environmental Sciences, Norwich . October 1985 – June 1988 HND Business Studies:  Waterford Institute of Technology , Republic of Ireland . Teaching Experience September 2007 – to date Primary school teacher – Key Stage 2 Years 5/6 Otley Primary School , Suffolk , England January 1990 – June 1994 Primary PR Teacher and Assistant Boarding Housemaster. St Joseph ’s College, Birkfield. September 1989 – December 1989 Primary school teacher – Key Stage 2 Year 5 St Michael’s RC Primary School, Middlesex , England . January 1989 – June 1989 Secondary PR Teacher Northfleet School for Boys, Kent England. Past Employment Experience Police Officer, Member of the British Armed Forces Interests Beekeeping, Running, Reading , Current Affairs, Culture Nature, Cooking and Philosophy. Further Studies Acceptance to undertake a MA in Education at Homerton College , Cambridge University . Identity Card: Information from the Director General’s Secretariat Heads of School are directed to bring to the attention of all students that a substantial number of youths are applying for the official Identity Card from age 15. Most of these youths, mostly students, are unaware that the legal obligatory age at which all residents should possess a valid ID Card in Malta is at 14 years of age. The ID Card offices in Valletta ( Evans Building ) and at Victoria, Gozo ( St Francis Square ) are open from Monday to Friday, between 7.30 am and 2.00 pm. However, and this is to the benefit of students in particular, they are also open on Wednesdays, from 3.00pm to 6.00pm, and on Saturdays, from 7.30am to 10.30am. Students are encouraged to use these latter hours so as not to be absent from school and to avoid applying during school holidays, when the I.D. Cards offices are usually very busy, with the obvious resultant lengthy queuing-up time. The individuals must call personally on or after their 14th birthday in order that a digital photo and signature are captured. Under normal circumstances, applicants need to bring only the ID Card numbers (not the cards) of their parents and their correct residential address. The ID Card would possibly be issued and supplied on application. Ms Micheline Sciberras         Dr. Grace Grima Palm Sunday Celebrations at College Come and join us on Palm Sunday (28 March) for Mass at 10.30 in the College Chapel and after for a cup of tea or coffee and delicious Easter cakes.  An Easter Egg treasure hunt will be held for the younger children (KG1, KG2 and Year 1) on the College grounds.  A fun Sunday morning for all the family. St Edward’s Students Take 3rd Prize in Carnival Art Competition Four students from Year 8X (Andrew M, George B and Marc Edward P and Sebastian P (absent from photo) were placed third overall in the local Schools Carnival Art Competition organised by the Education Department. The boys won a book voucher which they donated to the St Edward's School Library.  Raising Funds for the College Library   St Edward's College will be collaborating with The Malta Baby & Kids Directory on a fund-raising venture for the College.  The Malta Baby & Kids Directory is being offered to the Parents of all students at St Edward's at a special price of €3, €1 of which will be going towards raising funds for the College Library.  If you purchase a copy you will also automatically subscribe to the online version and receive a monthly e-newsletter packed with information, events and competitions.  Your child will also have the opportunity to participate in a painting competition, the winner of which will have his/her painting featured on the front cover of the 2010 edition of the Directory.  To order, please visit the site: www.maltababyandkids.com.  Calendar        March  11  Thursday  Reports available on Website from 10:00 am  12  Friday  Parents' Consultations - No school but students to attend (8.30 - 3.20)  16  Tuesday  Parents' Evening for Year 8 - Subject Choices - 7:00 pm  19  Friday  Public Holiday (Feast of St Joseph )  24  Wednesday  Middle, Senior & Year 12 Sports Day - Full day for all students  26  Friday  End of Lent Term - Half day for all students  27  Saturday  French Exchange: Maltese group leaves for France till 3 April   Best wishes Michael Chittenden Headmaster