Photos: SPS Donates $28K Of School Supplies
Support Public Schools, Bermuda [SPS.bm] has delivered more than $28,000 of school supplies as well as various other educational items to Bermuda’s 17 public primary schools.
A spokesperson said, ”The SPS.bm team delivered supplies on June 11th and 12th which included $23,000 worth of new purchases, more than $5,000 in paper supplies – 65 cases of paper donated – as well as second-hand good quality books, puzzles, and learning games. In addition, 12 computer monitors, and a photocopier were donated by Mutual Re.
“Since SPS was founded in 2018, more than $548,000 worth of new school supplies have been purchased by SPS supporters for public school classrooms. In addition, hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of second-hand office and school supplies, including computers, furniture, books and games have been donated to all public schools.
“A major new contributor this term is the Bermuda Bar Association. Under the patronage of former President Richard Horseman, lawyers, judges and legal support staff were invited to join the ‘Legal Fraternity Charity Walk’ which took place on May 30th which resulted in the purchase of school supplies through SPS to the tune of $7,935.”
Richard Horseman, on behalf of the Bermuda Bar Association commented, “It was a great pleasure to be amongst over 100 members of the legal fraternity walking in support of public schools on May 30th. A quality education for our public-school students is paramount, not only for their own futures, but for Bermuda as a country. The Bar Association is excited to be purchasing approximately $8000 worth of school supplies through SPS to enhance learning in the classroom. We hope that the teachers and students alike will be equally excited to receive these supplies to take them forward into the next school year, fully equipped for success.”
The spokesperson said, “In addition, Lancashire Re generously donated $6,250 worth of ‘wish list’ gardening supplies this term as part of their support for environmental initiatives. This included a $3,500 purchase of garden supplies including watering cans, garden shovels and rakes, garden gloves, vegetable seeds, and Eco Caps to Harrington Sound School and a $2,750 contribution for Purvis Primary to purchase various ‘wish list’ gardening supplies.”
Louise Wells, Chair of the Trustees of the Lancashire Foundation, said, “The Lancashire Foundation, funded by the Lancashire Group, supports a wide range of causes that have a positive impact in the local community and further afield. We are very pleased to be able to assist with these projects, which will enhance the school environments and provide new and valuable learning experiences for the children. It is a great example of how the Foundation collaborates with organisations, in this case the Support Public Schools Bermuda initiative, to further the impact of their important work.”
Ms. Enid Furbert-Jacobs, Acting Principal at Purvis Primary said, “We are writing to express our heartfelt gratitude to Lancashire Re and SPS.bm for the generous monetary contribution to our school garden. The support will significantly impact our students’ learning experiences and the overall appearance of our school grounds. The contribution will allow us to enhance the garden’s infrastructure, purchase new tools and supplies, and introduce new plants and flowers to the space. These improvements will create a more visually appealing environment for our students and staff and provide valuable opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration. We are truly grateful for the support and are excited to see the positive impact it will have on our school community. Thank you again for your generosity and commitment to our students’ education.”
Harington Sound Acting Principal Ms. Cindy Weeks said, “This is simply amazing, and we thank Lancashire Re for their generosity! We recently celebrated ‘Earth Day’, and this was definitely something positive to announce to the school during our regular Monday morning assembly. The HSPS Garden Club will also be thrilled to see that their requests have been filled. We cannot thank SPS enough for their advocacy and again Lancashire Re!”
The spokesperson said, “Other generous supporters this year include Butterfield, The Meritus Foundation, the Green Family, Butterfield & Vallis, Deloitte, Argus, Zurich, Bermuda Skyport and Legal & General Reinsurance, plus numerous others.”
Amy Ellison, CEO at Legal & General Reinsurance, said, “At Legal & General Reinsurance, we believe in the transformative power of education and the importance of supporting our community. Our donation to the SPS Spring Paper Drive is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the learning environment for Bermuda’s public-school students. We are proud to contribute to an initiative that directly equips teachers and students with essential resources, fostering a brighter future for the next generation.”
SPS founder and main organiser Ms. Juliana Snelling thanked all supporters stating, “Our team was thrilled to visit Bermuda’s 17 public primary schools for a second time this year to deliver school supplies to assist in their education. The supplies include ‘wish list’ supplies requested by teachers as well as extra-curricular supplies including for football and gardening. These varied supplies give our public-school students better opportunities to succeed in all aspects of their educational journey. Our team and the principals, students and teachers appreciate the long-standing contributors like Butterfield, as well as new companies and groups who give so generously to support our public schools, with special thanks this term to my colleagues at the Bar and also to Lancashire Re. Celebrating our sixth year, and having contributed more than half a million dollars, on behalf of SPS and the public schools we benefit, I wish to express our huge appreciation to our supporters. Without their belief and support in enhancing a quality education for our public-school students, this project would not get off the ground and be sustainable each year.”
The spokesperson said, “The goal of SPS is to equip Bermuda’s public-school students with the instructional resources that they need to enhance learning in the classroom. Each year public school teachers provide SPS with ‘wish lists’ of what will improve their classroom experience. This year the items included fidget chair bands, electric sharpeners, board games, STEM Kits, CDs for Listening Centers, wobble cushions, noise cancelling headphones, geometry sets, laminators, sand timers and more. Supporters can respond to the specific classroom need that inspires them. These items are then made available for purchase at discounted prices by SPS’ two retail suppliers, AF Smith Ltd. and Phoenix Group Ltd. The stores then deliver the supplies directly to the classrooms free of charge on designated delivery days overseen by SPS.bm volunteers at least twice per year.
“Principals, teachers, and students then send thank-you letters describing how the supplies are helping to improve the classroom experience. Supporters can visit the website SPS.bm to read moving letters from principals, teachers and pupils who attest to how the SPS supplies are being put into amazing use.
“Donations are welcomed throughout the year. Supporters can make online purchases on the SPS.bm website with a credit card or make a bank transfer to AF Smith Ltd: BNTB A/C 20006060173876 100 [Memo ref: SPS SUP003]. Alternatively, they can purchase supplies themselves and drop them off to SPS at the address below. Second-hand good quality office and school supplies including computer equipment and furniture are also welcomed.
“SPS.bm is proud to have been selected as the 2024 Winner of the Meritus Foundation Award which recognizes community leaders helping people and planet and demonstrating values of passion, courage, humility and empathy.
“To learn more, visit the website SPS.bm or email SPSteam@sps.bm or tel. 296-8444 at Canterbury Law, a proud supporter of SPS.bm.”
