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Bridging the Gap . . . A Plan
How do you regain an entire year of learning lost to closed schools with no capability for long-distance or virtual learning? It’s a challenge! The Ugandan government has put in place a three-year educational plan that will ultimately get students back into a regular school schedule by 2024. This plan utilizes shorter terms, fewer holidays and use of normal exam time for intensified studies. The new education schedule looks like this: School Year First Term Second Term Third Term 2021:Terms of 12 Weeks August 9, 2021 to October 29, 2021 November 15, 2021 to February 4, 2022 February 22, 2022 to May 2, 2022 2022:Terms of 12 weeks May 16,…
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When you register to help us Bridge the Gap, you pledge to run, walk or bike a 5K (3.1 miles) sometime during the week of June 5-11. You have the freedom to choose your method of movement, your own route and your own timing, all while being a part of something special. Everyone registered by May 15th will receive a custom Friends of John Paul School race shirt, race bib, water bottle, earbuds and a mini hand sanitizer. Plus you’ll be eligible to win some great prizes! Upon registering, you’ll receive your own FOJPS Funder webpage to share with family and friends, inspiring them to support you and John Paul…
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Francis Akol . . . Teacher. Mentor. Technology Guru.
In talking to Francis Akol, it is clear that he is passionate about computer technology and its importance to his students. “In the 21st century, computer technology is applicable in all aspects of society – education, business, health, etc. It is important that JPSS students, like other African students, become computer literate to meet the life-after-school challenges that preside in this era of computer technology dominance.” Francis intended to pursue a career in business, but just before he entered university, he held a job which made him “fall in love with computers.” He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Busoga University – especially difficult as he did not…
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Successful Giving Tuesday/Holiday Campaign Sets 2021 Expansion
The generous outpouring from donors during our annual Holiday Campaign is welcoming students back to a greatly enhanced Computer Lab . . . with more improvements to come. But first . . . a recap. We are grateful to report that donor contributions from Giving Tuesday and our annual Holiday Mailing campaigns net John Paul Secondary School $142,531, an 87 % increase over four years. A review of the campaigns from 2017 through 2020 indicates that the average contribution from donors has almost doubled. This reflects reinforced confidence in John Paul Secondary School . . . and support for the school’s continuing success. The fact that the actual number of…
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What hasn’t been cancelled by Covid-19? #GivingTuesday!
Tuesday, December 1 marks the International Day of Charitable Giving. This is a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity. Friends of JPS have been participating in Giving Tuesday for the past 5 years and it has always proven to us just how very generous YOU really are. We will be launching our GivingTuesday campaign in a few weeks so please check your email inbox for all the news and updates. We’re counting on YOU to make this year’s Giving Tuesday our BEST one yet!
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JPSS Update – Finally, Good News
Photo of JPSS Headmaster Bwayo Moses The COVID pandemic has had a tremendous impact on students and parents here in the USA . . . but for the students of Uganda, it has been devastating! The government’s extreme shutdown did keep the virus from spreading and the death rate has been kept low but has had catastrophic effects on schools and students. Ugandan students have missed an entire year of studies. They don’t have the option of virtual or distance learning. Most do not have computers or internet at home; many don’t even have electricity. Finally, some Good News! As of October 15th, the government has given permission for three…
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Annual Wine Tasting . . . Small Crowd, Big Hearts.
Friends of John Paul School held the 6th Annual Wine Tasting Charity event to benefit John Paul Secondary School. Although our gathering was much smaller this year due to Covid-19, the generosity of attendees and non-attendees rendered a most successful event!!! The combination of great food, premier wines and congenial guests ensured that a fun time was had by all. To all who attended and those who donated from afar, we say . . .Thank YOU! Thank YOU! Thank YOU!
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Covid-19 Update . . . never a greater need for your support
For all of us, Covid-19 has been difficult and disruptive . . . but for the school children of Uganda, it has become disastrous. In Uganda, which has minimal provision for health care, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to show increased cases as well as rising deaths. Thus, the government has taken rigorous steps . . . from closing all borders to governing transportation, to restricting travel between villages and regions to closing ALL schools. All schools have been closed since March with almost no opportunities for distance or online learning. An opening of ALL schools, planned for September 21, has now been delayed until October 15 and ONLY P7, S4,…
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Welcome to Our New Pastor!
We’re happy to announce that a new Pastor/Director has been appointed to John Paul Secondary School. His name is Fr. John Chrysostom Oduc and he was born in Pallisa, which means he’s now only 7 miles from his home! Father John was ordained in 2010 and has served as assistant pastor and pastor in three other parishes before coming to serve as Pastor of St John the Baptist Church and director of JPSS. He has also served as Chairman Board of Governors of Gamatui Girls Secondary School and Dean of Budaka deanery. Father John is very happy to be joining us at JPSS and looks forward to working with the…
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Campus Update
There is no doubt that change is constant. It is also equally challenging. On return to school, our students will see a new addition to the campus. After a long construction period, due to flooding and then Covid-19 work interruptions and shutdowns, the new 160 bed Boy’s dormitory is completed and ready for occupation. It will constitute a great “Welcome back!” to our students.
