Director’s Message

Hello everyone!

 

As I write this, we are only a few weeks into the 2022-2023 school year and what a ride it has been so far. Taking up the challenge of becoming the Director at the Cayman Islands Further Education Center (CIFEC) has been a whirlwind ride so far, full of tosses and turns where I have met so many wonderful people who have made the ride a pleasurable one, not to mention a few new places as well.

 

The staff have been welcoming at every turn, with a few familiar colleagues from previous schools. We have built a good relationship so far, which lays a solid foundation for the students. Students and staff have been involved in orientation and induction during the first few weeks, giving the opportunity for new introductions.

 

I am familiar with the students coming over from John Gray High School and welcomed those familiar faces from my old stomping ground, Clifton Hunter High School.

 

It was probably a first for CIFEC, where the Director knows almost all the students already, and we see that as an advantage for all of us for this academic year.

 

Classes would now be in our third week with students settling into lessons. Given the options choices and the high subscription to some, not all students would have gotten their first choices. All courses are valuable to their next steps, whether to further education or the workplace.

 

As I mention the workplace, students got the opportunity to meet some of the potential employers at the Careers Fair on Friday September 23rd, with work placements to follow. The focus on the ‘soft skills’ needed in the workplace has been a focus for us in preparing them for this new experience.

 

Hurricane Ian came as an unwelcome guest to us in the Cayman Islands and we are thankful that we saw the end of it safely. Another set of guests will soon be coming as School Inspectors and we seek your support with getting the parent survey completed when it comes to you.

 

As the year progresses, we look forward to your participation in various activities to help us in building ties with you and enhance the relationship we have with our students.

 

The key goals for this year are: Improving the branding of CIFEC, preparing our students for the workplace, and Celebrating our diversity as a community. Keep these goals in mind as we look forward to a fantastic experience for our Year 12s.

 

Sincerely,
Mark Seerattan
Director