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The Autumn Edit
Updated: 5 minutes ago
IMPORTANT DATES
Friday, November 6: Dollar$ for Duds (First Fridays!). Students can wear blue in support of Diabetes Awareness Month, which is celebrated worldwide. Accounts will be charged $2. Funds collected will go to the Kids with Diabetes branch of The Bahamas Diabetes Association.
November 3-4: School Photo Day. Photos will be taken on Tuesday, November 3 for Pre School and Sibling Packages and on Wednesday, November 4 for Primary School. All students should be in formal uniform for class photos.
November 16-20: Literacy Week. More details to follow from the Literacy Committee.
November 21: Preschool Family Jam
Monday, November 30: Term 2 Fees Due
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Dates • P. 1
Teacher Feature • P. 2-3
Preschool Superstars • P. 4
Primary Superstars • P. 5-7
Student Spotlight • P. 8
Medalists • Fire Safety • P. 9
This is The Meridian Show • P. 10
Important Reminders • P. 11
Screen Time Article • P. 12
DEAR MERIDIAN FAMILIES,
We believe that gratitude is found not only in the big moments, but also in the everyday acts of kindness, the helping hands, the thoughtful words, and the willingness to work together.
As we welcome November, our theme for the month is Gratitude. We want to encourage our students to look beyond simply saying thank you and to discover the many ways they can show appreciation through their words, choices, and actions.
Gratitude can be practiced in the simplest of ways:
Say thank you. Acknowledge someone who has helped you, encouraged you, or made your day brighter.
Show kindness. Offer a helping hand, include someone in a game, or do something thoughtful without being asked.
Appreciate the little things. Take a moment each day to recognize something good, whether it is a friend, a teacher, a family member, or an opportunity to learn.
Give back. Look for ways to serve others and make a positive difference in your classroom, home, and community.
Express appreciation. Write a note, share a kind word, or tell someone why you are grateful for them.
As always, thank you, parents, for the many ways you support our school and help make Meridian such a special community. We are grateful for the trust you place in us and for the opportunity to grow together.
May November remind us all that when gratitude becomes a habit, kindness becomes a way of life.
TEACHER FEATURE - MS. ANNA WALLACE
Serving as the Grade 6 Homeroom Teacher and Grade 5 Mathematics and Science Teacher, Ms. Anna is excited to return home and give back to her beautiful country.
After five years at Florida International University, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Management. Passionate about nurturing the whole child, Ms. Anna believes every student deserves a teacher who meets them where they are, supports their academic needs, and genuinely cares about their well-being. She strives to inspire her students to be curious, respectful, kind, and lifelong learners.
A phrase she holds close to her heart as she begins this new chapter is, “We can do hard things.” She believes that challenges help us grow stronger and hopes to encourage both her students and colleagues to embrace new opportunities, persevere, and achieve their goals.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Anna treasures spending quality time with her family and friends, who mean the world to her. She also has a competitive side and loves good-hearted, friendly competition. Whether in the classroom or on the playing field, one thing is certain: Ms. Anna is always ready for a challenge!
Read on to learn more about Ms. Anna!
Q: What’s your favourite way to celebrate student success?
A: I love celebrating student success with words of praise and recognition of their hard work. I want my students to know that I notice their efforts and celebrate their progress, no matter how big or small.
Q: If your classroom had a motto, what would it be?
A: If my classroom had a motto, it would be: "We can have fun learning; you just have to show up and try!"
Q: What kind of teacher did you need as a child—and how do you try to be that person?
A: As a child I needed a teacher who saw beyond my grades, especially in primary school when I had a lot going on outside of school. I try to be the teacher I needed for my students by being here for them whenever they need, never refusing to comfort them when they seek it, and remaining a positive constant in their lives even when I don't know what's going on.
Q: What principle guides your decisions when things get challenging?
A: I remind myself to extend the same grace to myself that I give to others. I like doing things well the first time, which can make being a first-year teacher challenging at times.
Q: What do you hope your students remember about you years from now?
A: I hope that years from now, my students remember me as a teacher who allowed them to be themselves, encouraged them to learn from their mistakes, and, of course, made learning fun!
Q: What makes you feel most fulfilled at work?
A: Honestly, seeing children excited to come to my classroom or even just to see me in passing is what makes me feel most fulfilled. The relationships I've built with my students and the connections I've made with children I haven't had the pleasure of teaching yet fill my heart more than anything else.
Q: What motivates you on the tough days?
A: My students motivate me the most on tough days. Their affection is an instant reminder of who I'm doing this for.
Q: How do you know when a child feels safe and seen?
A: I know a child feels safe and see when they feel comfortable enough to come to me about anything they're struggling with, whether it's related to my classes or not.
Q: How would your students describe you in three words?
A: Kind, smart, and beautiful (their words, not mine!)
Q: Are you more of a quiet encourager or a high-energy motivator?
A: I'm more of a quiet encourager. I prefer to cheer my students on and support them in ways that make them feel encouraged without putting them on the spot.
A: A song that matches my teaching vibe is “I Know Who I Am” by Sinach.
OUR PRESCHOOL SHINING SUPERSTARS
Our Preschool Superstars were chosen this October in recognition of their wonderful work, effort, enthusiasm, and active participation in the classroom. We are so proud of these little stars for giving their best, embracing learning, and shining brightly each day. Keep up the great work!
OCTOBER'S SUPERSTARS
From left, Caius Cartwright, Upper Preparatory; Meadow Nixon, Middle Preparatory; Elliana Brown, Lower Preparatory; and Madyson Nixon, Foundations.
From left, Summer Smith, Autumn Bethel, Upper Preparatory; Jaiel McKinney, Alisa Stubbs, Middle Preparatory; Avery Turnquest, Lower Preparatory; and Izaiah Neely, Foundations.
OUR PRIMARY SCHOOL SHINIG SUPERSTARS
Throughout October, our Primary School students explored the important lesson that failure is not the end, but an opportunity to learn, grow, and try again. We also celebrated our October Superstars, whose effort, perseverance, and positive attitudes exemplified this theme.
We closed the month with Grade 5 leading our assembly, modeling for their peers how mistakes, determination, and a willingness to keep trying can pave the way to success!
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT - ROBERT GARRAWAY
Excellence and determination are two of the many qualities that sixth grader, Robert Garraway, exemplifies, according to his teachers. Robert has consistently performed well on his assignments, tests and projects, giving one hundred percent while pushing himself to be his very best.
Beyond the classroom, Robert is a left-back defender for Renegades Football Club, an active member of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, and a friend of Girl Guides Bahamas.
When he is not studying or playing football, Robert enjoys beach outings, gaming (especially Roblox), reading, traveling, and all things sports. From Formula 1 to European football leagues, including La Liga and the Premier League, he enjoys following the action. He is also a fan of VJ and the 76ers!
A self-proclaimed dessert connoisseur, Robert believes in trying the famous sweet treat in every country he visits. But above all his many interests, family holds a special place in his heart.
We celebrate Robert for giving his best, embracing challenges, and showing us that there is so much more to success than what happens in the classroom.
Robert is the son of Robert & Lynaire Garraway.
MERIDIAN MEDALISTS!
Last month, six of our swimmers proudly represented The Meridian School at the CISSA Swim Meet, and what an amazing job they did! Our mighty little team returned home with six medals—three silver and three bronze!
Beyond the medals, our student athletes made us proud with their outstanding team spirit, sportsmanship, and determination. Each swimmer gave their very best, proving that it’s not the size of the team, but the heart behind it that counts. Way to go, Meridian!
LET'S CHEER ELIKA SWEETING ON!
Parents and students are invited to attend the CARIFTA Artistic Gymnastics Championships 2026, taking place November 14–15 at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Stadium. Our fifth grade student, Elika Sweeting, will proudly represent Team Bahamas on Sunday, November 15, and we encourage our Meridian family to come out and cheer her on!
The Gymnastics Federation of The Bahamas is offering a special rate of $5 per student for schools organizing group bookings (regular admission for children under 12 is $10).
SAFETY FIRST AT MERIDIAN!
During Fire Safety and Prevention Week, we conducted fire drills and welcomed fire officials who assessed our procedures, provided valuable feedback, and confirmed that we passed our safety check. We were proud to receive our Fire Safety Certificate!
Our students also enjoyed an up-close look at the fire truck and the opportunity to ask the fire officials questions and learn more about fire safety. A big thank-you to our fire officials for helping us stay safe, prepared, and informed!
THIS IS MERIDIAN! - A HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
We are delighted to invite you to This Is Meridian! — A Holiday Spectacular on Wednesday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m. at Bahamas Harvest Auditorium, JFK Drive.
Join us for an enchanted evening of musical theatre, holiday magic, special performances and guest artists, as our children take to the stage for what promises to be a truly memorable Meridian celebration.
Rehearsal Day — Wednesday, December 16
There will be a full rehearsal on the morning of the performance.
Children may be dropped off at Bahamas Harvest Auditorium beginning at 7:30 a.m. Rehearsal will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m.
Pick-up times are as follows:
Preschool students: 11:00 a.m.
Primary students: 12:00 noon
If you have children in both Preschool and Primary, you may collect all of your children at 12:00 noon.
Evening Performance
All children should return to the auditorium at 6:00 p.m.
From 6:00 p.m. until showtime, parents and guests are invited to enjoy live music and refreshments, before the curtain rises promptly at 7:00 p.m.
Costumes
The school will be ordering the main costumes for all students. From time to time, families may be asked to send in a small additional item or accessory to complete a particular look, but the principal costume pieces will be provided by the school.
Tickets
Tickets are $35 each and will be available for purchase beginning Monday, December 7.
For now, please save the date (see flier). We are so excited about what is taking shape and cannot wait to welcome you for an evening of music, theatre, laughter and holiday magic.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
THE VILLAGE CLUBHOUSE NOVEMBER OFFERINGS
November brings a fresh rotation of fun to The Village Clubhouse! Each weekday keeps its signature theme, with activities alternating from week to week so that children always have something new to look forward to.
Messy Monday will alternate between Messy Masterpiece and Slime Lab.
Tastebud Tuesday will feature Burger Bar and Cookie Lab.
Wild Card Wednesday will switch between Minute-to-Win-It Madness and our Village Game Show.
Throwdown Thursday will alternate between Racket Racket and Ultimate Relay Throwdown.
And Friday Live! will bring the week to a close with Karaoke and Glow Party fun.
The Clubhouse runs Monday–Friday, 3:30–5:30 p.m., at $15 per child.
Our goal is simple: to give children a fun, engaging place to play, create, explore, make friends and belong.
We can’t wait for another great month at The Village Clubhouse!
INTRODUCING THE FRIDAY LEARNING LINK
At The Meridian School, we believe that a child's educational journey is most successful when school and home work together in meaningful partnership.
With this in mind, we have introduced a simple but important initiative designed to keep you more closely connected to your child's learning, progress and development.
Introducing The Friday Learning Link: A weekend moment to connect, celebrate and grow.
Your child's exercise books and selected classwork will be sent home each Friday for your review.
We encourage you to take a little time over the weekend to sit with your child, explore what they have been learning, celebrate their achievements and identify any areas where they may need additional encouragement or support.
This is also an opportunity to review feedback provided by teachers throughout the week, ensuring that you remain informed and actively engaged in your child's academic journey.
How It Works:
Friday: Exercise books and selected work are sent home.
Over the Weekend: Parents review their child's work, progress and teacher feedback. We encourage you to celebrate effort, ask questions and discuss learning together.
Parent Signature: Please sign the books where indicated to acknowledge that you have reviewed them.
Monday: All books should be returned to school so that classroom learning can continue without interruption.
Our goal is not simply to collect signatures. It is to create a consistent, purposeful connection between the classroom and home, where children see that the adults who matter most in their lives are equally invested in their growth and success.
We believe that when children know their learning matters at home, it becomes even more meaningful at school.
Thank you for your continued partnership, encouragement and commitment to helping us raise confident, capable and exceptional young learners.
HOW TO SET LIMITS ON SCREEN TIME
by Hannah Sheldon-Dean
Screens are a part of our children’s everyday lives, but finding the right balance can sometimes be challenging for parents. How much screen time is too much, and when should we step in? This article offers practical, realistic ways to encourage healthy screen habits, set boundaries, and make room for the activities that support our children’s overall well-being.
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