PARENT HANDBOOK

ANTHOL ROAD
RIDGELAND PARK, WEST
P.O.BOX SS-6973
NASSAU, BAHAMAS
TEL: (242) 356-2347
FAX: (242) 323-7637

Email:
hfwilliamsonacademy@hotmail.com
Website:
www.hfwacademy.org;
www.robinsonmorrisame.org

LETTER FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR

BOYS: Bright Orange Uniform or Polo Shirt, Navy Blue Pants - Short or
Long. Black or Brown Shoes, Black or Blue Socks. School Crest on pocket
(when available).

Dear Parents/Guardians:
On behalf of the Board of Directors, our Pre-School
Teachers, and Staff of the H. F. Williamson Academy
of Excellence (the former Robinson-Morris Academy),
we express our sincerest thanks to you for choosing our
institution to begin your childs early education. We are
more than happy to be a part of this developmental process.
The H. F. Williamson Academy of Excellence will go the
extra mile in Teaching, Training, Nurturing, and Caring
for your boys and girls so that they can become productive
Citizens in this modern day society.
The H. F. Williamson Academy of Excellence will focus
highly on your childs Spiritual, Educational, Social,
Physical, Emotional and Psychological life.

GIRLS: Bright Orange Blouse Peter Pan Collar or Polo Shirt, Navy Blue
Skort, Brown or Black Shoes, Blue or Black Socks. School Crest on pocket
(when available).

So, once again we thank you for choosing our institution

and for allowing us to assist and care for your child.

Sincerely,
_________________________________
REV. HOWARD F. WILLIAMSON
ADMINISTRATOR

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A CHILDS BELIEF
I believe in God the Father, who made us every one; who made the earth
and heaven, the moon, the stars, the sun. All that we have each day, to us
by Him is given. We call Him when we pray, Our Father God in Heaven.
APPOINTMENTS AND INTERVIEWS

If you have any concerns or questions regarding your child, please contact
the schools office, the teacher or administrator for further information.
Parents are asked to address any and all grievances in the privacy of the
Administrators Office and not in the front of students, other parents or
teachers. Parents will be asked to meet individually with their childs
teacher to discuss his/her progress during the school year.
IMMUNIZATION CARD

Parents are to make sure that their childs Immunization card is up-to-date.
Bring this card to the office for the schools Nurse to check.
GUIDELINE FOR TODDLERS

Parents/Guardian are to bring the following items

along with their children:
TODDLERS
1. TOWEL
2. PULL-UP/PAMPERS
3. CHANGE OF CLOTHES
4. BABY WIPES
5. SOAP & WASH CLOTHES
6. FOOD, SNACKS & FRUITS
7. JUICE
8. WATER
TWO YEAR OLDS
1. LARGE TOWEL
2.
1 PULL-UP
3.
CHANGE OF CLOTHING
4.
2 PANTIES/JOCKIES
5.
BABY WIPES
6.
HAND SANITIZER
7.
SOAP & WASH CLOTHES
8.
JUICE, FOOD, SNACKS & FRUITS

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HISTORY
In September 1993, a small institution located in Ridgeland Park,
West, opened its doors to the Bahamian public and gave birth to
what was known as The Robinson-Morris Academy, PreSchool and Nursery.
During its first months of operation, approximately fourteen students were enrolled with two teachers. Since then, our institution has grown tremendously. To God we give all honor, glory,
and praise.
In the year 2006, the Robinson-Morris Chapel Church Family,
and the Board of Directors, decided to change the schools name
to the H. F. Williamson Academy of Excellence.
The H. F. Williamson Academy of Excellence is a Church
related institution, registered with the Ministry of Education and
Culture. It is operated by a Board of Directors from the Church.
Our curriculum is in keeping with the guidelines of the Pre-School
Curriculum of the Ministry of Education .
Presently, we are constructing a new Pre-school facility (that is
well on the way) which will cater to students from Toddlers
through Grade 6. Through the dedication and commitment of
the individuals connected with the H. F. Williamson Academy of
Excellence, we believe that the work we have started will continue to be fruitful. With this in mind, we are determined to
make this institution a premier in Early Childhood Development
in this region.

OUR VISION STATEMENT

To Teach, Train, Educate, and Nurture our students, in accordance with the word of God, to become productive and successful citizens.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

The H. F. Williamson Academy of Excellence Pre-School is based
on the promise that children learn by doing. We provide stimulating, exciting experiences and a warm supportive environment so
that students will increase their awareness, develop sensitivity to
themselves and others, and learn to solve problems creatively.

OUR PHILOSOPHY
We believe that children should be in a loving, caring, and
stimulating environment that actively allows them to contribute to their own learning. We ensure that each student
is supported and that he/she increases his/her awareness
while developing sensitivity to themselves and others; so
they are able to solver problems creatively.
At H. F. Williamson Academy of Excellence, children are valued as individuals, within the context of their families and
communities. We seek to provide an appropriate and secure environment that will nurture and build their selfesteem.

OUR GOALS
1. To present a curriculum, which provides a solid foundation in
Christian behaviors, principles and thinking in the Cognitive
and Affective Domains.
2. To establish Christian patterns of thinking behavior.
3. To establish united, strong and loving Christian homes and families in the Bahamas.
4. To be a living demonstration by word and deed in this community; whereby all students and teachers demonstrate the love of
Jesus Christ, for each other and for the world.
5. Strive to maintain the highest degree of academic excellence to
enable students to contribute to the general welfare of the
Bahamian society and to the betterment of humankind as a
whole.
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HOMEWORK/MEALS
1. Homework should be signed (in ink) by Parent/Guardian.
2. Lunch is to be provided by parents. Hot Lunch will be available at
School on Fridays, only. Chips are not allowed in school. We
suggest that parents pack a nutritious lunch for their child/ren.
3. Breakfast is served daily for the price of $1.00. Hot Lunch is also
served Daily (cost is $3.00).
TARDINESS
Promptness is a valuable character quality. Students are expected to be
on time for school. Breakfast is served between 7:30am - 8:30am
daily. Classes begin promptly at 9:00am.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Here at H. F. Williamson Academy of Excellence we look for ways to
enhance the whole child. Besides the normal work and play, we have
Computer Classes for K-3 to K-5 students, Ballet and Karate.
THE ROLE OF THE TEACHERS
The teachers are there to relate to the whole child: physically, spiritually, and mentally. Their job is to teach, train, nurture, love, and care,
for students as though they were their very own; imparting to them all
the knowledge they possess.
SCHOOL PRAYER
Two little eyes to look to God, Two little ears to hear his words
Two little lips to sing his praise, Two little feet to walk in his way
Two little hands to do his will, And one little heart to love Him still. Amen.

SCHOOL SONG
We are happy, happy students of H. F. Williamson Academy School.
Happy boys we are, Merry girls we are, of H. F. Williamson Academy
School.

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TODDLERS - School P. E. Kits - Bright Orange T-Shirt/Navy Blue

Pants.

6. To encourage and prepare students to fulfill the principal tasks in

life; namely to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

A. Students are required to wear the prescribed uniform at all times,

unless specified by the school. No excuse will be accepted without
written explanation from parents. (For students in all grades). Parents
are strongly advised to adhere to the Schools Rules.

7. To encourage the growth of creative expression.

B. On cold days, students should wear Navy Blue or Black sweaters or

jackets. Girls may wear tights under their Scorts, warm-up suits
also may be worn over P. E. Uniforms.

9. To encourage children to find beauty in the every day environment, to bring that beauty to the classroom, and to share it with
others.

C. Tennis-Shoes should be worn with P. E. Uniform only.

10. To encourage the development of skills for expressive arts

(music, art, drama,) as a natural means of expression, as communication, and as an integral part of the school day.

D. Clogs and sandals are NOT allowed.

VISITORS ON CAMPUS

Any person wishing to see a student, for any reason, during school hours
must first obtain permission from the Administrator or Director. Parents
/Friends are not allowed in the classroom once classes have begun.
MEDICATION/SICKNESS

We expect all students to be in school unless they are sick or have an

emergency. No Teacher is allowed to administer medication that is
bought over-the -counter to students. If a child has a Bad Cold or
Cough, High Fever, Chicken Pox, or Diarrhea, they are to be kept at
home until they are well enough to attend school. If a child is absent, the
parents are expected to send a WRITTEN EXPLANATION to the
teacher or office personnel, or call and inform the office.
ACCIDENT AND ILLNESS

If a student is not covered by the schools insurance plan, the school

will accept no responsibility for accidents in route to or from school.
Students are supervised on the campus and as much as possible, hazard
is eliminated. In case of an emergency, the parents will be contacted by
the school. All parents, are asked to complete the Insurance Form and
submit it with the payment to ensure that your child is covered.
PARENTAL/FAMILY DISPUTES

Unless there is document stating that a child is not be collected by a certain parent, the school will not become involved with disputes between
parents. Please note that only persons listed on the registration form
will be allowed to collect a student.
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8. To encourage the development of skills for self-expression and

creativity in art forms.

11. To provide an environment which fosters and respects a childs

interest, ability and innate creativity.
12. To assist the child by being a guide and helper, and one who
suggests ideas and experiences without modeling.
13. Developing a sound early education through basic structured
learning skills.

OUR PARENTS
Parents are expected to:

Attend Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) Meetings.

Become involved by volunteering and visiting the classroom.

Support Fundraising and extra-curricular activities of the

school.

Attend Programmes, Open-house and the Closing Ceremony.

Encourage and discuss their childs learning.

Co-operate with the policies and guidelines of the school.

Exhibit appropriate behavior within the school compound.

Properly prepare their pre-schooler for school.

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JEWELRY
Students are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:
A. Expensive jewelry must not be worn to school. H. F. Williamson
Academy of Excellence will not accept responsibility for the loss
of such items.
B. Girls having pierced ears may ONLY wear small gold or silver
knobs.
C. Boys are NOT allowed to wear any form of earring on campus or at
any school function.
D. Students are NOT allowed to wear any heavy necklace, bangles,
bracelets, ankle chains OR HAIR BEADS. (They will be
removed). The School will not be held responsible.
ANTI-UNIFORM DAYS
Occasionally, during each term, students will be given the opportunity
to attend school out of uniform.
Those wishing to participate will be asked to purchase an anti-uniform
ticket costing $3.00. In such cases a memo will be sent home in advance with the necessary information. Students are expected to wear
appropriate and modest clothing.
P. E. UNIFORM
These may be purchased at the schools office between the hours of
8:00a.m. 4:00 p.m. Monday & Tuesday or 8:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m.,
Wednesday - Friday. The cost is $30.00. P.E. Uniforms are to be
worn everyday for the Toddlers; and on Fridays and during field
trips for K2 to K5.
UNIFORM GUIDELINES
BOYS: Bright Orange Uniform or Polo Shirt, Navy Blue Pants - Short
or Long. Black or Brown Shoes, Black or Blue Socks. School Crest on
pocket (when available).
GIRLS: Bright Orange Blouse Peter Pan Collar or Polo Shirt, Navy
Blue Skort, Brown or Black Shoes, Black or Blue Socks. School Crest
on pocket (when available).
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THE SCHOOL HOURS

Pre-school hours for Toddlers - K5 are from 8:00a.m. 3:00 p.m.,
Monday through Friday. Parents are encouraged to pick up their
child/children on time. Any child that is left on the schools campus
after 4:00p.m. will be required to pay a late fee of $15.00 for the
first half hour, and $5.00 for every 15 minutes. This fee will be
added to your childs account. Failure to pay late fees will result in
students being suspended from school. Chronic or continual late pickups could result in students being dismissed from the school. To avoid
conflicts, please collect your child/ren on time. NO TEACHER IS
ALLOWED TO TAKE A STUDENT HOME.
BOOKS & SUPPLIES
Students are required to have all of the required textbooks, workbooks
and supplies on or before the opening day of school. Parents or Guardians are responsible for supplying these. Please check periodically to see

GUIDELINES AND POLICIES

OF

which materials need replacing.

CHANGE OF CONTACT INFORMATION

Parents are asked to inform the Schools Office immediately, in writing,
of any change of name, address or telephone numbers. The school must
have a contact number in case of an emergency, also the contact information of the person(s) responsible for picking up child/children.

H. F. WILLIAMSON
ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE
If a parent wishes to have a conference with their childs teacher, the
principal or the administrator, they should call the office to arrange a
meeting. The Office will notify the teacher then contact the parent to
arrange an appropriate time. Parents should also feel free to contact the
administrator anytime a problem warrants their attention. Good communication is the key to successful relationship between student,
teacher and parent.
DISCIPLINE
Teachers are not allowed to spank students. However, they are allowed
to discipline them by giving them a time-out, or by excluding them
from playtime or field trips. Parents are to instill godly morals and
good behavior in their children so they may bloom.
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Updated August 2014

APPLICATION FORMS
These are available at the Schools Office and are not allowed to leave
the Office.
REGISTRATION FEES
A $35.00 registration fee is required of all new students and $25.00 for
returning students at the H. F. Williamson Academy of Excellence
Pre-School and Toddlers.
This fee is non-refundable, nontransferable, and non-deductible.
TUITION FEES
Here at H. F. Williamson Academy of Excellence, we do our best to
keep Tuition costs low. The School does not receive Governmental
Funding and is not endowed by outside organizations. Prompt payment
of Tuition is essential to the ongoing operation of the school. Payments
for tuition will be collected at the schools office at THE BEGINNING OF EACH MONTH (First Monday). For parents who wish to
pay by the term, tuition will be collected at THE BEGINNING OF
EACH TERM.
By enrolling their child/dependant at H. F. Williamson Academy, Parents and guardians accept and agree to the following:

School fees are due on the first Monday of every month and must
be paid in order for students to be accepted into school for that
month.

If School fees are not paid by the due date or by the end of any
grace period (if offered), the school reserves the right to place such
students on Financial Suspension until outstanding school fees are
paid in full.

Once a student is placed on Financial Suspension, they are to be

kept at home until removed from suspension.

The school fee is a monthly fee and school closures (Mid-term,

Easter-break, holidays, etc.), absenteeism or sickness will not reduce this fee.

A discount of five percent (5%) is applied to the tuition of a second

child. Fees are non-refundable, non-transferable and nondeductible.
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THE PRE-SCHOOL RATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

TODDLERS
MONTHLY..
TERM 1...
TERM 2...
TERM 3...

$200.00 (15 Months - 2 yrs)

$800 - September - December
$600 - January - March
$600 - April - June

K-2, K-3 & K-4

MONTHLY..
TERM 1...
TERM 2...
TERM 3...

$160
$640 - September - December
$480 - January - March
$480 - April - June

K-5
MONTHLY..
TERM 1...
TERM 2...
TERM 3...

$180
$720 - September - December
$540 - January - March
$540 - April - June

RETURNED CHEQUES
May result in any or all of the following:
A. $20.00 service charge.
B. All future payments must be in cash or as a certified
cheque.
REFUND
There are no refunds if the child is absent or is removed from
school before the end of term or month.
OFFICE HOURS
Monday & Tuesday - 8:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday - Friday - 8:30am - 4:30pm
TELEPHONE
Our office telephone number is 356-2347; Fax: 323-7637. Students are
not allowed to use the telephone, except in cases of emergency. Therefore, transportation and lunch should be planned in advance.
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