SPS Donates $43,000 To Public Schools
[Updated with photos] Support Public Schools, Bermuda [SPS.bm] has delivered more than $43,000 worth of school and office supplies to Bermuda’s public schools.
A spokesperson said, “On June 18th and 19th, thanks to the generous contributions of supporters, the SPS.bm team delivered $18,150 worth of new school supplies. In addition, approximately $25,000 in good quality second-hand office supplies [printers, photocopiers, scanners, stationery, etc.] have been donated to public schools throughout the term. A gift of 300 tote bags from Athene Re is also being distributed this week.
“Since SPS was founded in 2018, approximately $630,000 worth of new school supplies has 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, sports apparel, books and games have been donated to all public primary schools.
“Butterfield has been the most generous supporter of SPS.bm since inception, this year repeating its gift of $10,000 to help fulfill public school teachers’ ‘wish lists’ for supplies.
“The Bermuda Bar Association Annual Walk supported SPS for the second year in a row with law firms making generous purchases totaling $7,150 in school supplies this term [$15,000 contributed over two years]. Other generous supporters this term include Deloitte, Ariel Re, Argus, ABS, Canterbury Law Ltd., the Pugi family, Kirk Zansel, Juliana Snelling, the Bermuda Monetary Authority, the Swan Group, Beesmont Law Ltd, Windship, Hamilton Trust Company Ltd./MOORE, Everen Group, Legal and General Re Ltd., Butterfield & Vallis, KPMG and other supporters.
“In addition to primary school supplies, SPS.bm also supported the two senior public schools with donations of quality second-hand printers from supporters.”
CedarBridge Academy Deputy Principal Natasha M. Thomas said: “On behalf of CedarBridge Academy, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Support Public Schools Bermuda and its generous donors for their continued commitment to enhancing education. Thanks to your support, we recently received office chairs, printers, and filing cabinets, which are already making a meaningful difference in our daily operations. We are truly grateful for your partnership in supporting public education, and more specifically, your efforts to support our mission of cultivating Bermuda’s achievers”.
Michelle Dallas, CFO of BeesMont Law Limited, a long-standing supporter of SPS who donated 3 printers said: “BeesMont Law Limited is proud to be a consistent supporter of SPS Bermuda. We recognise the critical importance of education, particularly from a young age, and commend Juliana for her vision behind SPS Bermuda of enhancing the learning and developmental environments of our primary school aged children. The organisation and coordination of fulfilling this vision translates into the presence of a well thought out programme, an easy to use website, several options available in giving, and countless volunteer hours by SPS Bermuda and their generous partners. Having accomplished significant results since 2018, the positive impact on our primary schools is immeasurable and we at BeesMont Law Limited look forward to our continued support – SPS Bermuda makes it so easy and it is an incredibly wonderful way to give back to our community!”
The spokesperson said, “Natalia Wellman, Human Resources Coordinator at the Bermuda Monetary Authority [BMA] also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to this worthwhile community initiative. The BMA donates printer paper annually to SPS as part of its broader commitment to supporting impactful community initiatives that are aligned with the BMA’s focus on sustainability and its dedication to fostering a vibrant, empowered Bermuda.”
Ms. Wellman said: “We recognise that students are the cornerstone of the island’s future success, and the BMA is proud to provide support to schools, teachers and students who are in need of this valuable resource. Our hope is that this donation helps every child feel equipped and inspired to learn, grow and dream big. For the Authority, community is more than a one-time engagement or gesture and involves building valuable relationships that support Bermuda’s growth and social well-being.”
Delighted to receive new school supplies for a second time this year, Harrington Sound School Principal, Mrs. Cindy L. Weeks gave words of heartfelt thanks: “On behalf of the Harrington Sound School, I send a heartfelt thank you to Support Public Schools [SPS]. As a school of excellence, we are extremely grateful for this diverse group of community partners, for their incredible support of Harrington Sound. Over the course of this school year and in years prior, the generous donation of supplies—whether garden tools for our school garden, mathematics manipulatives or chair pocket holders, all of the donations have truly made a difference for our students from Year 1 to Year 6. Thanks to your acts of kindness, our students have been able to enhance their learning experiences in multiple ways.
“Our teachers have also expressed their deep appreciation for the ongoing support, which has helped to create a more enriching and engaging environment for their students, no matter the subject area. As the Principal of this amazing school, I would like to publicly acknowledge the overwhelming generosity of such a selfless group of individuals. Who would have imagined, that what started as a simple dream to assist public education, would have been realized in such an outstanding manner? Your dedication and philanthropic spirit, continues to uplift our school community. So, we are delighted to recognize your overwhelming commitment, not just to the Harrington Sound School, but the generosity shown to all public schools across the Island. Your unwavering support is an inspiration to us all and plays a vital role in shaping a brighter future and expanded further, the experiential opportunities for our students at the Harrington Sound School. SPS, you are truly an exceptional organisation, and we are again profoundly grateful for your continued dedication to enhancing education and the promotion of community development.”
SPS founder and main organiser, Ms. Juliana Snelling thanked all SPS supporters stating: “As we make our second round of deliveries during our eighth year, I am incredibly thankful to our many supporters, volunteers, school principals and staff, and especially for the thanks and appreciation of the students we support. SPS.bm was founded to invest in the students in our public education system and provide them with the tools that they need to feel excited and motivated in the classroom and thus increase their chances for success. Studies have shown that being equipped for class positively impacts students’ success, and helps develop their social skills, whilst increasing their confidence in learning and expressing ideas. These donations make a meaningful and lasting difference to Bermuda’s public school students and assist in ensuring better educational outcomes and preparing them for their ongoing education. On behalf of SPS and the public schools we benefit, I wish to express our huge appreciation to our longstanding and new supporters. including those making small purchases which soon add up to make a difference. Their belief in the cause of a sound education enables the SPS team to continue our mission in enhancing the quality of education for our public-school students.”
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 our 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 20006060173876100 [Memo ref: SPS SUP003] or HSBC A/C 010715613001 [same memo]. 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 recognises community leaders helping people and planet and demonstrating values of passion, courage, humility and empathy.
“Ms. Snelling was also recognised in the 2025 King’s Honour’s List with a King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour for work through her two organisations, Support Public Schools and the Grateful Bread to help those in need in our community.
“To learn more, visit the website SPS.bm or email SPSteam@sps.bm or tel. 296-8444 at Canterbury Law Ltd., a proud supporter of SPS.bm.”
Thanks to this amazing charity and their volunteers for what they do. It is just sad that they even have to exist in this day and age.
Bermuda is truly love. It warms my heart reading of this type of community commitment and care.
Well done SPS Juliana you are amazing thoughtful and caring
Our children need extra lessons in Maths, reading,English and business to build foundations of achievement . Pencils help but this need issue will grow and hides what is really needed….the skills that will get them jobs. Nobody is prepared to stand and change direction even though the reults are more long term than pencils and rubbers. The current give me free breakfast, free school uniforms leads to demands for free soup, free housing and freedom to use my money to buy expensive cars and carnival uniforms. Dependency rather than improving skills. Will we see a change.? No. But the long term picture is sad because they can change focus for long term,more important results ,if that is what we want…you can rub this out but long term you will need more charities and ask how dId we get here…next will be, we need dormitories and trips to see Europe and Singapore and how we need to see how others do better.