Written by: Chantelle Dallas, Ashley Edwards & Dellie-Ann Green

Bright and early on a warm September morning, Campion opened its doors to their first
formers. These ‘newbies’ kissed their parents goodbye and lugged their heavy school bags (they would soon learn seasoned students never carried such heavy totes) to their new classrooms. Many saw old enemies from primary or prep school, but these grudges were put aside. After all, there were so many new friends to be made. To their pleasant surprise, new teachers greeted them with the ‘real deal’ secondary level assignments. Oh joy! Older Campionites now had new students to contend with as the first formers eagerly laid claim to their new campus. There was just so much to learn about their new home away from home! And learn they did. It’s been an entire term, so let’s find out how well these first formers have assimilated into the CampionCollege environment.
The following first formers were interviewed and responses are as shown:
Name: Tianna Tomlinson
Age: 12
Class: 1-3
Previous School: Jesse Rippoll Primary
How did you feel when you passed for Campion: I was very happy that I ended up crying (tears
of joy).
Adaptation
Workload: My grades are improving. Math is kinda hard.
Friends: I found it easy to make friends. I have friends from Jesse Rippoll at Campion too.
Teachers: The teachers are the best! My form teacher, Ms. McIntosh- Henry is my fave.
Big Sibling: She’s cool.
Favourite thing about Campion: The teachers
Name: Orlando Heslop
Age: 11
Class: 1-1
Previous School: Mona Prep
How did you feel when you passed for Campion: I was happy and excited. I screamed so loud the
whole school could hear!
Adaptation
Workload: The work is hard.
Friends: I made lots of friends.
Teachers: My favourite teachers are Mr. McNally and Ms. Stevenson
Big Sibling: He’s the boss. Big up RC!
Favourite thing about Campion: The food is great!
Name: Sadé Rose
Age: 12
Previous School: Jesse Rippoll Primary
How did you feel when you passed for Campion: I was so happy. I visited all my teachers and
talked to my parents.
Adaptation
Workload: The work is okay. I.T. is kinda hard.
Friends: It is very easy to make friends. I have a lot.
Teachers: The teachers are good.
Big Sibling: He is nice and friendly.
Favourite thing about Campion: The food
Name: Ciara Neita
Age: 11
Class: 1-3
Previous School: Mona Prep
How did you feel when you passed for Campion: I was happy.
Adaptation
Workload: The work is okay.
Friends: I have made lots of friends.
Teachers: My favourite teachers are Ms. Aaron and Ms. Alexander.
Big Sibling: He always visits me! He gets me candy too.
Favourite thing about Campion: The food! And the teachers! And the activities!
Name: Jessica Yap Chung
Age: 11
Previous School: Hopefield Prep
How did you feel when you passed for Campion: I was extremely excited.
Adaptation
Workload: It is manageable.
Friends: I found it easy to make friends.
Teachers: Most of them are cool.
Big Sibling: I’m happy with my big sister
Favourite thing about Campion: The people
Name: Shemar Steelle
Age: 11
Previous School: George Headley Primary
How did you feel when you passed for Campion: I was happy and I cried because I wasn’t sure
that I could make it.
Adaptation
Workload: Work is okay, but it is sometimes stressing.
Friends: It was okay to adjust. Some children were down to earth, others were not.
Teachers: The teachers are cool especially Mr. McNally and Ms. White.
Big Sibling: My big brother is cool. He tries to inform me of events
Favourite thing about Campion: Everything is good. However, some older students are not too nice.
Name: Durani Blake
Age: 11
Previous School: Vaz Prep
How did you feel when you passed for Campion: I was confident in passing for Campion.
Adaptation
Workload: The work can be very pressuring at times.
Friends: It wasn’t too hard to adjust.
Teachers: The teachers sometimes give so much work!
Big Sibling: She’s good.
Favourite thing about Campion: The ladies.
Name: Gabrielle Thomas
Age: 11
Class: 1-1
Previous School: Mona Prep
How did you feel when you passed for Campion: I was excited when I was accepted
Adaptation
Workload: Work is okay.
Friends: I knew a lot of people from before so it was easy to make friends.
Teachers: I get along with my teachers.
Name: Emanuel Sylvester
Age: 11
Class: 1-3
Previous School: Hillel Prep
How did you feel when you passed for Campion: Fine.
Adaptation
Workload: I think I get too much work
Friends: My classmates tease me and call me short
Teachers: They are friendly
Name: Joshua Dillon
Age: 12
Class: 1-5
Previous School: Greater Portmore Primary
How did you feel when you passed for Campion: Great!
Adaptation
Workload: It’s manageable but you have to have the work attitude
Friends: I’m very social so it was easy to make friends
Teachers: They are very strict but fun and helpful
It is clear from the interviews conducted with several students on both first and second shift, from both primary and preparatory schools, that first formers were anxious yet happy to have passed for Campion. These students came to Campion a bit apprehensive about starting high school but they have learnt the ways of the Campionite and have adjusted to the workload and lifestyle. They have formed bonds with their teachers, whom they describe as strict but motivating. A common echo heard is that they have easily made friends with other first form students. What good news! First formers love it here, as we all do!