MCS to start classes on Aug. 31

Mount Carmel School is delaying the start of the 2015-2016 school year to Monday, Aug. 31. Parent Orientation and Open House will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 5pm to 7pm. These delays are due to damage caused by Typhoon Soudelor, corresponding disruptions to the island’s power and water supply, and hardships experienced by many families.

All teachers are to report to work by Monday, Aug. 24, for orientation and to prepare for the opening of the school year. To help families prepare for the school year with registration, tuition and fees, and other business matters, school office hours will run this week, Aug. 17 to 21, from 8am to 11am. Regular office hours will resume on Aug. 24, unless otherwise announced.

These schedules are subject to change depending on inclement weather and further delays and/or disruptions to the school’s infrastructure.

Help and recovery efforts

To help families of students affected by Typhoon Soudelor, the school will excuse students from wearing full uniform until power and water are fully restored on island. Also, since the 2015-2016 school year will be a transition period for the school’s uniform, the school is encouraging students to opt for the new uniform, which is a white MCS polo shirt and khaki pants, knee length khaki shorts, or knee length khaki skorts for girls. This new uniform alternative should be cooler and easier to clean than the school’s traditional navy blue uniform pants, vests, skirts, and jumpers.

Students, families, AlumKnights, and school supporters are also welcome to help the school continue to clean and recover from Typhoon Soudelor. To help with campus cleanup efforts, contact John Blanco at 483-5472.

The school also welcomes off-island support. While in-kind donations are welcome, given the multifaceted recovery needs of the school and shipping challenges to the island, financial contributions are recommended through the “Make a Donation” link in the upper right hand corner of the school’s website, mountcarmelsaipan.com. Off-island supporters may also mail basic school supplies for students to P.O. Box 500006, Saipan, MP 96950. Furthermore, off-island supporters are also encouraged to support relief efforts being coordinated by various government and non-profit groups and agencies.

School office hours
-Aug. 17–21: 8am to 11am
-Aug. 24 onwards: 8am to 5pm
-Reporting date for teachers: Aug. 24
-First day of school: Aug. 31
-Open House/Parent Orientation: September 2, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (MCS)