Sister Borgia Primary School
Cannegieterstraat
P.O.Box 294
Philipsburg, St.Maarten
Dutch West Indies
P:+ 1 (721) 5423440
srborgia@hotmail.com
Description of the school
The sister Borgia school one of six Catholic elementary schools.The school consistst of 8 classrooms. The school is located in Philipsburg.
My internship was in group 5.My mentor worked five days a week. Even as the rest of the teachers.
The children speak english at home. Dutch is the official language at school, but children find it hard te learn, so the level is low. The english language is taught as a subject.
Due to their uniqueness in size, their students are known on a first name basis and ther enjoy a closeness that would be lost at a large school population.
History of the school
Ms. Charlotte Johanna Wilhelmina Linskens was born on November 1, 1912 in Holland. Her convent name was Sister Borgia. Sr. Borgia arrived on St. Maarten in August of 1964 and became principal of the St. Joseph School.
Sr. Borgia became directress of the Pastoor Niewenhuis MAVO. She was known to be an excellent teacher. She was always interested in all her students and gave all her students a fair chance.
In those days not everyone had a telephone. So when she said she was going to call on the parents, the ‘call’ was made on her bicycle.
Sr. Borgia was also an outspoken person. She loved to work and nothing was too much for her. She never complained of the pains she was suffering, and she always had a comforting word for people who
needed it. She had a lovely way of cheering people up around her.
She always gave her best to the students. Before reluctantly returning to Holland, she was head of the “Pedagogisch Didaktisch Bureau”. In 1988 our school was renamed Sr. Borgia Elementary School in
commemoration of the Reverend Sister Borgia.
Sr. Borgia died on October 21, 1990 in Holland.
Every first of November, her birth date, the school, celebrates Sr. Borgia Day.
Description of the island
French and Dutch have lived side by side on St. Maarten/St. Martin for hundreds of years—with no border patrols or customs between them. The French side has a more genteel ambience, more fashionable shopping, and a Continental flair. The Dutch tends to be less expensive, has casino hotels, and more nightlife.
The best way to explore St. Maarten/St. Martin is by car. Though often congested, especially around Philipsburg and Marigot, the roads are fairly good, though narrow and winding, with some speed bumps, potholes, roundabouts, and an occasional wandering goat herd.
We were on the island from Februari till May. The Heineken Regatta in early March brings sailors and partygoers from all over the world. Carnival follows Easter with parades, great food, and music for all.
Things you need to see:
- MAHO beach: The island is served by many major airlines that daily bring in large jet aircraft, including Boeing 747s and Airbus A340s carrying tourists from across the world. The short main runway at Princess Juliana International Airport, and its position between a large hill and a beach, causes some spectacular approaches. Aviation photographers flock to the airport to capture pictures of large jets just a few metres above sunbathers on Maho Beach.
- Marigot: Capital of the French Side. The border momument is a very polupar spot.
- Paradise Pic: The highest spot of Saint-Martin with a beautiful view of the island.
- Fort Amsterdam (Philipsburg) & Fort Louis (Marigot)
- The others islands of the caribbean. Neighbouring islands include Saint Barthélemy (French), Anguilla (British), Saba (Dutch), Sint Eustatius "Statia" (Dutch), Saint Kitts and Nevis (independent, formerly British). With the exception of Nevis, all of these islands are easily visible on a clear day from St. Martin.
And of course philipsburg, go to the boulevard and you will enjoy yourself. The sea is also wonderful.
Financial report
Every month:
- $510 rent
- $150 for groceries
Extra cost:
- $15 going out on friday
- $20 poolparty every last saturday of the month
- $500 if you want to rent a car for a month
- $90 visiting Anguilla
- $140 swimming with dolphins.
- $100 visiting St. Barth (including renting a car for a day)
Ticket to Saint-Martin
$935 including an extra suitcase
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