While the CNMI is in level green, Mount Carmel School has reinstated students events and activities including the recent Student Leadership Retreat. The purpose of the retreat is to serve as a professional development for elected student leaders as they prepare for student engagement activities throughout the school year.
The retreat was held on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at Mount Carmel School’s Maturana Building. The retreat was made available for all student leaders in grades seventh through twelfth.
During the Student Leadership Retreat, Mount Carmel School students were provided with various sessions that would prepare them to lead their peers this school year. The topics covered in the retreat include mission and vision, policies and procedures, student leadership, mental wellness, marketing, fundraising, photography, and planning student activities.
Mount Carmel School’s Student Council President Kyla Cabrera shared the significance of hosting the retreat and commented on the pandemic’s effects on students’ mental wellness, learning, and engagement. “Throughout the summer, my team and I reached out to many students asking what they felt was most important to change. Ultimately, the number one response was to have student activities back and to address the effects on student’s mental wellness during this pandemic. We are thankful for the school’s support in our efforts by facilitating this event.”
Acting president Frances Taimanao commended the student council for their proactive and driven energy to assist their peers. “Since June of this year, our STUCO officers have been proactive about meeting the needs of our students. While one gap year of suspending student events might not seem long, we recognize the effects this pandemic has had on student learning and behavior. At MCS, we believe that if we can safely facilitate student activities we can provide our students with a more holistic education and experience.”
The first day of classes for MCS was on August 12, 2021, since then, Mount Carmel School has reinstated the annual Parent Orientation, the Activities Fair, and the Student Leadership Retreat. Upcoming events include Cultural Day, the Thanksgiving Fiesta, Christmas Show, and more throughout the school year.
For more information, visit www.mountcarmelsaipan.com.
