As Mount Carmel School readies for the new school year, the school continues to welcome back most of last year’s teachers and staff, as well as some new and not-so-new faces.
Jonathan Sanchez, History and Science Teacher
Jonathan Sanchez is a 2012 “AlumKnight” and returns to the school as Mount Carmel’s new teacher for 8th grade Science and Northern Marianas Island History. After earning his high school diploma, Sanchez “started smart” and went on to pursue his college degree from Northern Marianas College. Now that he is equipped with a degree and experience, Sanchez shared, “As an AlumKnight, I hope to pass down old traditions and methods that were taught to me with a twist with what is effective at the present date.”
Like many AlumKnights who chose to pursue a college degree right after high school, Sanchez credits Mount Carmel with helping him in his educational goals. “Some of the values in the Catholic religion helped me persevere through rough times in obtaining a degree and having the patience to push through the day. At the end of the day, it’s all about giving back to those who helped me get through my days as a student.”
Alicia Oliva, Math Teacher
Alicia Oliva is also no stranger to Mount Carmel School. She attended MCS throughout most of her childhood but transferred to the Academy of Our Lady on Guam during her senior year. Although she couldn’t complete her secondary studies at MCS, she shared she still holds a deep connection to the school and is excited to be back as a teacher. “I feel like I am going back to where I started as a student and I’m grateful for this opportunity to give back.”
During her studies as a student, Oliva shared that she discovered her love for math and hopes to make math enjoyable for her own students. With her degree in business management and her work experience, Oliva will be teaching pre-algebra and consumer math this school year.
Joyce Dimaun, 3rd Grade Teacher
Joyce Dimaun is new to Mount Carmel School and joins the team as a third-grade teacher. Dimaun has a background in music with a bachelor’s degree in music education and a minor in piano from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila. Her knowledge and experience in music are significant as the school works to expand its band program.
Prior to joining MCS, Dimaun has worked as an educator since 2003. In the CNMI, Dimaun has taught at Northern Marianas International School, Lil’ Hands Music and Arts, Ramon C. Sablan School of Music, and Marianas Academy of Music and Arts. Now, as a new instructor at MCS, Dimaun shares, “I feel at home being at MCS and I am grateful to be given the chance to impart my knowledge and talents to my students. I hope to create an energetic learning environment so that my students always feel there is something new to learn and experience.”
Claire Cabrera, 4th Grade Teacher
A graduate of the Class of 2008, Claire Cabrera is another Mount Carmel School AlumKnight returning to help her alma mater. Upon earning her bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Northern Marianas College, Cabrera joined the workforce as an educator in the CNMI Public School System (CNMI-PSS). She has teaching experience in middle-school science and has also taught elementary Chamorro to students in kindergarten.
After serving five years in the government sector, Cabrera returns to her alma mater ready to give back to the school that she calls home. “For me, returning to MCS is similar to answering a long-awaited call,” says Cabrera. “It feels good knowing that I’m giving back to the school that gave me so much as a student.”
When asked what she hopes to accomplish during this school year, she shared, “One of my long-term goals, both professionally and personally, is to impart the value of a Catholic education and the value of spirituality to my students.”
As Mount Carmel School’s new fourth grade teacher, Cabrera is also eager to take all the knowledge from her work experience and use it to apply and improve her methods of instruction.
The 2019-2020 school year will begin on Thursday, August 8. Limited slots are still available for some grade levels. To learn more or to apply, visit www.mountcarmesaipan.comor call 234-6184.
