NewsLetter 18 May 2008.pub - Loyola Jesuit College

The lion or lioness is the school’s mascot, and pride (a group of lions/lionesses) refers to the students of Loyola Jesuit CollegeVol. 7 Number 11 A Newsletter for Parents 18 May 2008IN MEMORY OF MELISSA ADELELoyola Jesuit College mourns the death of her student Melissa Adele (JS-2D, Connelly House)who has been ill and unable to resume school this academic year. She was diagnosed with abrain tumor (astrocytomas) and left LJC in July of 2007. Melissa secured a medical emergencyvisa to go for treatment in the US, while we prayed and waited for her to return to us. She had15th April 1996—6th May 2008her first surgery on the 15th of November 2007, and eighty percent (80%) of the tumor wasremoved. The other 20% could not be removed because it was embedded in her brain stem. Wehoped that chemotherapy would help kill the tumor cells left. She had a second surgery on the24th of November to remove and replace the temporary and external shunt, which was put inher brain because the initial shunt that was placed had stopped draining. (continued on page 12)

AnnouncementsAnnouncementsTHINGS FALL IN PLACE: On the 17th of April 2008,fifteen LJC students attended the celebration organizedby the Association of Nigerian Authors to mark the 50 thanniversary of Chinue Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. Thecelebration included a quiz competition for schools inthe FCT and its environs. Lioness Tolu Oniyangi (SS-2)represented LJC at the competition. Things fell perfectlyin place for Loyola Jesuit College: Tolu emerged 1 stposition, having competed with ten other contestants ina quiz based on the foremost novel by the literary icon.THE 2008 COWBELL NATIONAL MATHEMATICSCOMPETITION: At the final award ceremony of thisyear’s National Mathematics competition, Loyola JesuitCollege emerged 3rd position with 89 points, one pointshort of the 2nd position and three points short of the 1stposition. The award ceremony took place on Thursdaythe 15th of May 2008 inside the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.We congratulate our dear Lion William Ezeani for hisgallant performance at both the FCT and National levels.Special thanks also go to the LJC Mathematics Faculty.SACRAMENTS: On the 4th of May 2008, two of the Pridereceived the sacrament of Baptism and 11 had First HolyCommunion. On Saturday the 17th of May, 70 studentsreceived Confirmation. We are grateful to His Grace,Rev. Dr. John Onaiyekan, who was our Chief Celebrant.THE REIGN OF SPANISH: The rain in Spain may fallmainly in the plains; but now, the Spanish language is’raining’ down in Gidan Mangoro. Mid-way in the term,Ms. Ana Rodriguez (a staff of the Spanish Embassy)joined us as our first Spanish teacher. Ninety-two LJCstudents signed up (the Examination Classes, JS-3s andSS-3s, were not allowed to sign-up) for the Spanish elective.They have begun classes with Ana, who is most enthusiasticto teach Lions/Lionesses. Should the students’interest in the language be sustained, the Embassy haspromised to be of continued support to us next session.GRATITUDE TO A GENEROUS PARENT: We thankMrs. Akande (mother of Andrew Irewole Akande, JS2-A,Regis House) for donating to us eight copies of varioushigh school novels. May God bless you.JESUIT PRIESTLY ORDINATION 2008: On the26th of July 2008, LJC will host the priestly ordinationof the North-West Africa Province of the Jesuitorder. The LJC family (parents, friends and alumni/ae) are invited to this ordination ceremony of Rev.Niku Ekom SJ and of Rev. Tyolumun Kinga-UpaaSJ. Any parent, guardian or well-wisher who wouldlike to contribute in any way to this event, shouldkindly see the Chaplain, Fr. Ugo Nweke SJ, or contacthim via e-mail at chaplain@loyolajesuit.org orby telephone 08057917498. You may also advertisein the ordination brochure: Full Page advert orgoodwill messages of 8 x 11 inches will cost N15,000 and above—for those who may wish to givemore) and Half Page advert or goodwill message of5 x 8 inches will cost N10,000 and above—for thosewho would like to give more. Thanks in advance.EXECUTIVE MEETING OF THE LJC PTA:There will be a meeting of the executive body of theLoyola Jesuit College Parents-Teachers Associationon Sunday the 15th of June 2008 at 12:00 nooninside the Conference Room of the LJC AdminOffice. All our active PTA branches (Abuja, Lagos,Port Harcourt, Kaduna, Benin and Warri) shouldplease endeavor to be represented.SUMMER TOUR TO SOUTH AFRICA: An affordable14-day educative tour to South Africa is beingorganized in collaboration with Johannesburg Zooand South Africa Airways. It is scheduled for the25 th of July 2008. The tour would broaden our students’horizons, boost their morale and confidencethrough teamwork. They will have the opportunityto learn and develop skills during the craft lessons,creative workshops, horse riding and ice-skatinglessons. The visit to the Johannesburg Zoo andSafaris will enable them learn first-hand about waysin which various animals have a positive impact onecology. Interested parents should please contactour English Language teacher Mrs. Omotayo Smithvia e-mail: smith@loyolajesuit.org (or by telephone:0807 226 2956) for further information.2

AnnouncementsCATCHING UP ON KECHI OKWUCHI: Kechi is doing well in the United States, both with hertreatments and in school. Her latest surgery was on her nose. The keloid on her nose was removed,and so she now (temporarily) wears a mask on her face to make sure the keloid does not grow back.She has a lot more mobility on her hands and can do a lot more on her own. She loves her schooland is doing so well, typically, getting great grades. She will not graduate with her class this May,though, because she has just five periods per day instead of seven and so has to earn the rest of hergrades. She will graduate in December, by God's grace, and will get her High School Diploma. Infact, she has started looking at colleges. Kechi is still very upbeat and as lively as ever. According toher mum, “she is always talking about LJC and her experiences there. She even dreams about it. Ithink it's because she has not had a sense of closure, giving the way she abruptly left. I pray that shewill have the opportunity to return soon and get the closure she needs.” Please, let us keep our dearKechi (our finest symbol of resilience) in our thoughts and prayers.THE LOYOLA CUP: The Loyola soccer cup competition for boys and girls was introduced in 1998.The competition started with six schools competing. The idea behind this competition was twopronged:To extend a hand of friendship to some of the schools around us and to enhance the participationof the female gender in the round leather game. For eleven years, schools have contestedvery keenly for the Loyola trophies. Christ the King College (Gwagwalada) lifted the male trophy,while the Loyola Lionesses lifted the female trophy for the debut edition in 1998. Since then the cupshave been going round the schools. The Loyola Lions, the current (defending) champions have wonthe cup twice, while their female counterparts (the Lionesses) have won it four times and have comerunners up five times. Whatever a man can do…. This edition promises to be hot, as the principalhas promised goodies for the winning teams. This year's edition will kick off on May 24th. While wehope that the roaring Lions will successfully defend the trophy, we wish the Lionesses success in thisedition. We thank our Director of Sports, Mr. Paul Uke, for helping to organize this competition.MOVIES AND MORE MOVIES: Would you like to donate a good movie for our children’s Fridaynight entertainment? Two of our JSS-2 students have compiled for you a list of movies they wouldlike to see (subject to the Principal’s vetting): 1. Jumper 2. 10,000 BC 3. The Labyrinth 4. House ofWax 5. 300 6. Ghost Rider 7. Golden Compass 8. Super Hero 9. Phone Booth 10. Hoodwinked 11.Alvin and the Chimpmunks 12. Beowolt 13. Pay it Forward 14. Spider Wick Chronicles 15. Disturbia16. The Omen 17. Schindlers List 18. I am Legend 19. National Treasure 2 20. Game Plan 21. AugustRush 22. 27 Dresses 23. Rain on Fire 24. Step up 2 25. Annie 26. Step Mom 27. Hot Fuzz28. The Man who sued God 29. Vantage Point 30. Cast Away 31. Soul Plane 32. Ace Ventura Pet 33.Detective 34. Epic 35. Eragon 36. Dumb and Dumber 37. Edward Scissors Hands 38. Read it and Weep39. Sydney White 40. College Road Trip 41. She’s the Man 42. Ted and Neds 43. House of FlyingDaggers 44. Spanglish 45. The Zoolander 46. Stomp the Yard 47. Euro Trip 48. Underdog; Truedodge ball story 49. End of days 50. Fantastic 4.2; Rise of Sliver Surfer 51. Electra 52. Moulin Rouge53. Bubble Boy 54. Spirited Away. Compiled by: Tobi Ade-Odiachi and Precious Anike Nweze.3

AnnouncementsTRIBUTES FOR MELISSAOUR MELISSA IS HOME TO RESTYou probably never met herMaybe you heard about her when she was ill.She was probably in your child's class or hostelOr one of those LJC girls that greet you with a smileAnd you wished that all girls came out like that.Melissa was a true LJC child, determined to live, toMake it in life, to pass her CA, her examination, andTo be on the Honors Roll, to make her parentsProud, to make the school proud and contribute toSociety. She was the darling of the family and had aWay of bringing sunshine anywhere she went.Melissa wanted to live, but God had better plansFor her. We can't question God’s will, but we canAccept it and give Him thanks.If you were among the parents that contributed toHer appeal fund, you did a noble thing, God blessYou. If you didn't, I am sure you wish you had.When the Port Harcourt PTA visited her on May 1stWe prayed that God would heal her. When the LJCRepresentative visited on May 4th, she said theSame prayer. But God chose to take Melissa now.Yes, our dear Melissa has gone home to rest.Adieu Lisa, we love you but God loves you best.May Melissa's soul and the souls of all the faithfulDeparted, in God’s mercy, rest in perfect peace.By Mrs. Nikki Duru (LJC Parent, Port Harcourt)MY TRIBUTE TO MELISSAMelissa was quietShe was kindShe had a heart of Gold and SilverAnd of loveYes,She was understandingShe was caringShe was humbleShe was gentle.Alegeh Kamilah, JS-2DMEANING OF MELISSAM- ModerateE- EnthusiasticL- LovingI- IntelligentS- StarS- StudiousA- AngelA bright star that will never stop shiningTill we meet again, my dear friend, to part no more.By Fiyinfoluwa Soyinka, JS2-DWE FOUND OUT SOME TIME AGOThat there are more questions than answers.We found out some time agoThat dreams don’t always come trueThat loved ones never really dieThey just remain in your heartAn ache that will never partWe found out some time long ago…So,When we cry, when we sighAnd the teardrops refuse to stopIt is only because we are humanAnd we miss you. We miss your smilesYour laughter, your silliness, your naughtinessYes, we miss you. We will always miss you.By Mrs. Omotayo Smith (Language Faculty).A PERFECT FRIENDOnce in my lifeI lived out of strifeLooking for someone to careSomeone so dearThen I found a friendOn whom I could dependShare our life togetherAnd be one foreverA friend who was thereWhen life didn’t seem so fairA friend there to careWe were like a perfect pair….Chisom Igwe, Johnpaul Nwaezeigwe, Shari Gamaniel.4

AnnouncementsWAEC CANCELS MATHEMATICS PAPER 2 (ESSAY) : On the 13th of May2008, we received a letter from the Zonal Coordinator of the West African ExaminationCouncil (WAEC) written on behalf of the Head of National Officeand stating as follows: “Please be informed that Mathematics Paper 2 (Essay)which was written on Tuesday 29th April 2008 has been cancelled. The paperwill now be taken on Wednesday 28th May 2008. Time: 11:00 am—1:30 pm.“So far, there is no evidence that WAEC has canceled any other paper.ABUJA PTA MEETING: There will be a meeting of the Abuja branch of the LJC Parents-TeachersAssociation on Saturday the 28th of June 2008 at 4:00PM. The venue of the meeting is the DivineMercy Secondary School on Jimmy Carter Street in Asokoro, Abuja.J A. M. B. EXAMINATION: JAMB/UME examination took place on Saturday, May 17, 2008. Ourstudents wrote this examination in nineteen different centers within and outside Abuja. The schooldeployed all her vehicles and drivers to take students to the various centers for this exam. Twelveteachers also accompanied them to the centers. We look forward to the best from our students.S. A. T. EXAMINATIONS: Parents of the present SS-2 students are advised to discuss the SATexaminations with their children viz: the type [SAT 1 & 2], dates [November/December 2008 andJanuary 2009], the fees and identification documents [International Passport].THE 2008 CAMBRIDGE EXAMINATION: This examination started on the 19th of May 2008.Here at LJC, the examination has gone well—with the invigilator coming here from the BritishCouncil on each day of exam. Our students have also been confident about the examinationJSS-3 CAREER AND ADOLESCENT SEXUALITY/AIDS AWARENESS WORKSHOP:The career counseling for the JS-3 students starts on Monday, May 19 th through 26 th , 2008. Afterwards,the Adolescent Sexuality and Life Values Workshop commences on the 28 th through 30 th ofMay, 2008. The JS-3 students will start their L-O-N-G vacation on May 31, 2008. We wish to thankin advance, Dr. Uwem Essien who will facilitate the sexuality workshop and all other parents whowill participate in the career programme. We are especially grateful to the speakers for the CareerWeek who are non-LJC parents, including the Spanish ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Angel Losada.5

LOYOLA GRADUATES IN THE US ACHIEVERPROGRAM: On the 10th of May 2008, the USembassy wrote to congratulate Loyola Jesuit Collegeon the acceptance of four of our 2007 graduates inthe United States Achiever Program. The highlyselective program identifies students with strongacademic history but cannot for financial reasonsapply to top-notch American universities. We thankthe staff of the US Embassy Educational AdvisingCentre who worked tirelessly and successfully toprovide full scholarship for our graduates to study insome of the best institutions in the United States:-John Yusufu: Northwestern University, IL, $52,000-Mary-Ann Juma: Amherst College, MA, $43,852-Ann Atajiri: Bryn Mawr College, PA, $49,105-Uche Chime: Mount Holyoke College, MA, $45,616In the words of the Director of the EducationalAdvising Center (US Embassy, Abuja) “I hope thiswill continue to serve to encourage others withinyour institution to aim for the very best.”COMMISSIONING OF THE TENNIS COURTS:On Sunday the 13th of April 2008, the Jesuit Vice-Provincial for Formation, Fr. John Ghansah SJ,commissioned our four new tennis courts. He wasassisted by Senator Izunaso. As all the students havenow enthusiastically embraced the game of tennis,the senior students have granted priority to thejunior students in the use of the courts. We thankthe elders of the Pride for their noble gesture.JMC PROGRESS REPORT: Recently, we receivedthe Jesuit Revisor (a responsibility similar to thePrincipal’s routine inspection of his teachers) fromNew York. He (Fr. Dutch Dutkiewicz SJ) advised usto ‘think big about JMC’. The JMC committee hassince swung into further action, soliciting the help ofgenerous LJC parents and other benefactors whoshare our vision. Thanks to Dr. Andy Ilabor and ahost of others, the Committee now has the Certificateof Occupancy (C of O held out below) for JMC.Some progress has also been made on the land dispute,enough to allow continuation of the fence workfrom the back side of the property. JMC also nowhas a post office box: P.O. Box 18095, Port Harcourt.The committee has done a draft copy of a constitutionfor the school, to approach the Corporate AffairsBoard for incorporation. We thank Mrs. Ikhinmwin,our able lawyer. With the architectural drawings forthe school completed, structural, mechanical andelectrical drawings as well as preparing the Bill ofQuantities, a bid package would be ready by July.Hopefully, before this year ends, the Jesuit Provincial(Fr. George Quickley) will approve for a Jesuitcommunity to be established in Aluu village (thehome of JMC) with Fr. Ed Debany SJ as the ProjectCoordinator and Fr. Ikenna Ikechi SJ as Director ofSchool Programs. We thank God for all those workingbehind the scene to ensure that the memory ofour 60 students killed in the Sosoliso crash of 10thDecember 2005 will be immortalized at JMC. Amen.SPORTS COMPETITION FOR FCT CATHOLICSCHOOLS: The Loyola Relay Quartet graced theoccasion of the 2nd biennial sports contest forschools of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja. Thecompetition took place on the 10th of May 2008 atSt. Aloysius Primary School Sports Arena. The LJCteam ran alongside the other Catholic schools in the4x100m invitation relay. The Loyola team performedwell, even though the sports grounds and facilitieswere below the LJC standard. In the end, the Lionsstill roared into the 2nd position. We thank the Archdiocesefor organizing this noble competition for us.6

The Long Road to Port Harcourt and Melissa's Final Journey"May this be the last time anybody from Loyola Jesuit College is going to have to visit PortHarcourt or any other city for that matter for the reason of condolence or death." A loud "Amen!"was the chorus that followed this sincere and prayerful wish of mine.Sr. Lena and I arrived Port Harcourt at exactly 4 pm on the 12th of May 2008. The chairmanof the Port Harcourt PTA (Mr. Ajilore) was on hand to meet us. Accompanied by Mrs. Duru,we went to visit with the bereaved family. Unfortunately, Mrs. Adele was not at home by the timewe arrived at her place, and so we only got to speak with her on the phone. The burial was scheduledfor 10 am on the 13th of May, with a grave-side service for Melissa before her interment.The grave-side ceremony/liturgy was simple and serious. Family members, friends andsome of the Port Harcourt PTA members, were already at the City Cemetery by the time wearrived at 9.30 am. The prayer service and final commendation for the remains of our newest (andhopefully the last) Angel began shortly after our arrival. The mood around the place was one ofquiet reflection. Perhaps that was because this ceremony and place (City Cemetery, Port Harcourt)formed a huge reminder of the event that many parents in the Port Harcourt area would rather notthink about. I was well aware of the emotion and memories that were being rekindled in the mindsof many people gathered around the big white casket bearing the remains of Melissa Adele. I alsosensed that the mother was going through a lot of pain and would prefer that the burial be done assoon as possible, so she could go and mourn her baby in the quiet of her home.Hymns were sung, followed by the reading of biblical passages (one from the Gospel ofJohn and the other from the Psalms) dwelling on Resurrection. The biblical passages were read byone of Melissa’s older sisters. One thing that was clear to me was the fact that too many wordswere not needed at the event. Therefore, with a couple of sentences of exhortation and encouragementfor the parents and siblings of Melissa, I proceeded to bless the body and the grave. Thenthe body was interred...the pain and the agony of watching the body of one of the Pride loweredinto the grave….At the end of the short and somber grave-side service, we all (including the other Loyolaparents present) proceeded to the house of Mrs. Adele to again tender our condolences and to alsopray with her. It was indeed a difficult experience for every one present, but the resilience of thePort Harcourt parents in dealing with this kind of loss was evident—as they rallied aroundMelissa's mother, each offering his or her own support.Sr. Lena and I asked the PTA members who were around for the ceremony to lead us to thegraves of our beloved Angels buried in the same cemetery. At the end of the visit, the peace in thefaces of the parents was unmistakable. They expressed their sincere appreciation for the work thatwe do at LJC with and for the children. In all, I would say it was a Grace-filled trip (our flight toand fro were smooth and on schedule). However, as I earlier prayed, such a long road to PortHarcourt is one that we should NOT travel again. Amen!By Fr. Amaechi Ugwu SJ7

ANNUAL MEMORIAL DRAMA 2008 ON HARDGROUND: This year’s annual Loyola Jesuit Collegedrama in memory of our Sixty Angels will take placeon the 6th of December 2008 inside the MemorialHall. The Drama presentation is on Hard Ground, astory written by Professor Ahmed Yerima, the GeneralManager of the National Theatre. The play x-rays how the crisis in the Niger Delta impacts the privatelives of individuals. The central event to markthis year’s anniversary is the launching of a book (ourstory about 10/12) written by the schoolmates andrelatives of the Sixty Angels. According to the Convenorof the Loyola Union (Frank Nwokocha) “the bookwill be an all time memoir on the lives of our belovedAngels.” Indeed, the members of the Loyola Union,(staff and students) have been working hard on thedrama and on the book. We look forward to a mostmemorable day of remembrance.SUMMER VACATION TRIP FOR STUDENTS: AN-GIPET TOURS AND TRAVELS is organizing toursand vacation packages for students within and outsideNigeria (to Lome, to the Slave trade route fromBadagary to Port–Novo and Accra, to Switzerlandand France). Interested parents should contact Mrs.Momoh (an LJC parent) via telephone: 08034013763.The LJC Service Program: The 2008 LJC ServiceProgram is only two months away. The Program is forall our SS-2 students and is during their long vacation.The aim of the Program is to inculcate in ourstudents the motto of the school: Service of God andOthers”; to acquaint and make available to the studentsthe experience of being with the less privilegedin our society; to elicit in them a moral and informedresponse that is affectively life-long. The ServiceProgram will last for three weeks. It begins on the30 th of July 2008 and ends on the 21 st of August 2008.Accordingly, each student in SS-2 will be assigned towork at a centre within a Nigerian town of theirchoice. All Parents/Guardians of SS-2 students are toensure that each student arrives at the centre of theService Program on each day of this period and intime. The Program is compulsory and should beundertaken with utmost dedication. During andafter the Service Program, the director of the centre,where each student is posted, will make a comprehensiveevaluation of the student. The school willalso evaluate each student. The present Director ofthe Service Program, Br. Benedict Ebogu SJ, will goround the various centres to visit with each student.Best wishes to all.MAN 'O' WAR : This year’s Citizenship & LeadershipTraining programme for our current SS-1 studentswill be at Mountain School in Shere Hills,Jos, Plateau State. The exercise is scheduled to lastfor two weeks from the date of departure. The studentswill leave LJC in the morning of Saturday the19th of July and will return on the 2nd of August atabout 2:00 PM. Parents should make arrangementsfor flights or other form of travel on either the 2nd orthe 3rd of August. The school will transport studentsto the airport if needed. Students must bringONLY the following items to the programme:(1) Sportswear (trainers, jeans, joggers)(2) A traditional and a ‘social’ wear (for News Casting,for Mass, etc).(3) Warm clothing, bed sheets and a blanket(4) Bucket and other basic personal effects(5) Stationery and toiletries(6) A school bag(7) Utensils, cutleries and drinking cups(8) Any other item approved by the school authority.Any other item that is not listed above wouldbe considered contraband. Please note that studentsare not allowed to bring any box or have any cashwith them during this training exercise. All schoolrules should strictly be observed in the camp. Allnecessary payments for the programme must bemade in advance at LJC. The total cost per studentis N25, 700. That amount includes the Shere Hillstuition of fourteen thousand Naira (N14,000) for theprogramme; feeding; daily allowance; cost of transportationto and from Jos, and other miscellaneousexpenses. The theme of the training is "TeenageLeadership Responsibilities and Challenges."8

LJC GATE CLOSES AT 6:00PM EVERY RESUMPTION: As from next term, the LJC entrance will belocked by 6: 00 pm on every resumption. Students/parents who return to school later than 6:00PM will beturned back at the gate.2008-2009 ACADEMIC CALENDAR: Please see the Academic Calendar page for next session. We wouldlike our parents to schedule accordingly their children’s medical check-up, holiday trips and other personalengagements. Plan ahead to avoid requests for out-of-school permission—it annoys the Principal!RELEASE OF NECO, JSCE AND SSCE: The story has always been “NECO does not give certificates….”The National Examination Council has recently announced the release of the JSCE and SSCE certificatesfor 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. LJC presented candidates for all the above years. However, all ourex-students who took those examinations secured university admissions using their WAEC or Cambridgecertificates. Would they ever return to pick-up their NECO certificates? That question is crucial becauseall schools are required to pay for each student’s certificate for the last five years. In fact, we have decidedto make the payment and hope our former students would come for those certificates. Please, helpspread the word to all LJC alumni around the globe!CHOICE OF SUBJECTS: This is the policy on choice of subjects for SS1. In addition to Information andCommunication Technology, all SS1 students must do a minimum of 11 subjects and a maximum of 12.-Core (compulsory) subjects1. English Language2. General Mathematics3. Hausa4. Biology5. Christian Religious Knowledge6. French7. Economics-Option Groups (At least one subject must be selected from a given Option Group)8. Literature in English or Geography or History9. Agricultural Science or Technical Drawing or Foods and Nutrition-Elective Group (At least 2 subjects must be chosen from this Group)10. Further Mathematics or Fine Art11. Physics or Government12. Chemistry or HistoryNOTE:• Only ONE subject may be selected from a given Option Group.• Christian Religious Knowledge is a compulsory choice for all Christian students.• Students who achieve a very low performance/standard (below 65%) in General Mathematics andIntegrated Science in the LJC administered Mock JSCE (NOT the NECO JSCE) will not beallowed to do Physics or Further Mathematics in SS-1. This is because they have shown from theirresult an insufficient ability to cope with these subjects.• On the other hand, if some students insist on taking up Physics or Further Mathematics despitetheir poor grades, they may be given the opportunity to repeat JS-3 in order to see if they couldreach the required standard—if they believe their current performance was due to lack of effort.9

THE LJC 3rd TERM CALENDAR(Please verify with each edition of theNewsletter, as some dates may change)3rd TERM: March 30 – JULY 24, 2008NECO JSCE May 8-15Sacrament of Confirmation May 17 (4:00 PM)JSS-3 Career Week May 17-23A & C Classes Visiting Day May 18Loyola Cup 2008 Kicks offMay 24thJSS-3 Sexuality Workshop May 24-30B, D & E Classes Visiting Day May 25Children’s Day May 27 (No Classes)JSS-3 Leave for VacationMay 31st or June 1stSecond Continuous Assessment June 9-11Cultural Day June 12PTA Executive Meeting June 15A & C Classes Visiting Day June 22B, D & E Classes Visiting Day June 29End of Term Examinations July 7-15Graduation July 13End of Term Activities July 16-18Third Term Ends: Students leave July 19Leadership Program in Jos for SS-1 Students July 19—August 2Jesuit Priestly OrdinationJuly 26 (All Loyola Parents and Friends Invited)Registration of new students July 28-29Service Program for SS-2 Students July 30-August 2110

Academic Year 2008–2009Please verify with each edition of theNewsletter, as some dates may change1ST TERM: SEPTEMBER 8- DECEMBER 20, 2008Entrance Exam Forms Activated On-line September 1 to December 1Workshop for Non-Academic Staff September 2-3Retreat and Faculty Meetings for Academic Staff September 4-6JS-1 and Prefects Resume September 7Orientation for JS-1 September 8-11JS-3 and SS-3 Resume September 12JS-2, SS-1 and SS-2 Resume September 13Mass of Welcome September 14Classes Begin September 15Independence Day and Memorial of Soala Ben-Kalio October 1Mass of the Holy Spirit, Annual Academic Awards, Agape Lunch October 12 (All Loyola Parents Invited)First Continuous Assessment October 15-17A & C Classes Visiting Day October 26All Saints Day (All-House Feast Day) November 1B, D & E Classes Visiting Day November 2Second Continuous Assessment November 19-21Annual Loyola Jesuit College Drama (In memory of our 60 Angels) December 6 (All Loyola Parents Invited)Memorial Mass and Procession for the Sixty Angels December 10End of Term Examinations December 12-17End of Term Activities December 17-19First Term Ends: Students leave for vacation December 20Kairos Retreat December 20-23Deadline for Registration of Entrance Exam Forms December 312nd TERM: JANUARY 8 – APRIL 3, 2009Faculty Workshop January 4-7JS-1, JS-3 and SS-3 Resume January 8JS-2, SS-1 and SS-2 Resume January 9First Continuous Assessment February 4-6Entrance Examination February 7A & C Classes Visiting Day February 15Inter-House Sports Day (All LJC Parents invited) February 21B, D & E Classes Visiting Day February 22List of Successful Entrance Exam Candidates published on-line March 1Second Continuous Assessment March 4-6Three Angels Memorial March 14A & C Classes Visiting Day March 15B, D & E Classes Visiting Day March 22Mock SSCE begins March 25-31End of Term Examinations March 25-31Publication of Final Entrance list into LJC April 1End of Term Activities April 1-3Second Term Ends: Students leave April 4Kairos Retreat April 4 to 83rd TERM: APRIL 25 – JULY 20, 2009JS-3 & SS-3 Resume (Extension Classes) April 13JS-1, JS-2, SS-1 and SS-2 Resume April 25Mock JSCE April 27First Continuous Assessment May 6-8A & C Classes Visiting Day May 17B, D & E Classes Visiting Day May 24Children’s Day May 27JSS-3 Leave for VacationPending NECO timetableCultural Day June 12Second Continuous Assessment June 17-19A & C Classes Visiting Day June 28B, D & E Classes Visiting Day July 5End of Term Examinations July 10-16End of Term Activities July 16-18Graduation July 19Third Term Ends: Students leave July 20SS-1 Leadership Program in Jos July 20Registration of new students July 25-26Service Program for SS-2 Students July 30-August 2111

FR. JOHN-OKORIA IBHAKEWANLAN SJIN MEMORY OF MELISSA(Continued from page 1) Thereafter, on the 4th of December 2007, she had another surgery to insert apermanent shunt in her brain. The surgeries were all successful (gulped more than US$150,000). On the5th of December, she was transferred to the Comprehensive Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit. She wascoping well with the therapies, sent love and greetings to all the Lions, Lionesses, staff and parents ofLJC. She was eager to come back to school. We prayed and believed GOD that her beautiful dream wouldbe realized. But God had plans for her in His kingdom. She went into a coma on the 6th of May 2008, andpassed away to the Lord in the afternoon of that day.On the 7th of May, I went to Port Harcourt with the Chaplain (Fr. Ugo) and our Head Nurse (Sr.Lena) to be with Melissa’s family. On arrival in Port Harcourt, we were accompanied to her family homeby the Chairman of the Port Harcourt PTA, Mr. Ajilore, and about 15 other LJC parents based in PortHarcourt. Together we prayed with and consoled Mrs. Adele and Melissa’s siblings, to take consolation inthe fact that Melissa is free at last from every pain and lives now in the beatific vision of our God.The funeral ceremony took place on Tuesday the 13th of May. Rev. Fr. Amaechi Ugwu SJ (our AssistantChaplain) and Sr. Lena Nwaenyi SHCJ (the Local Superior of the Holy Child Sisters) representedus at the burial in Port Harcourt. They left for Port Harcourt on Monday, 12th May 2008. On arrival,Melissa’s mother was eager to know what kind of Catholic funeral service would be possible for the priestto carry out; as she put it, "My daughter Melissa saw herself as a Catholic.” Mrs. Adele wanted theservice performed at the graveside. On the morning of Tuesday 13th May, the two LJC staff got to theburial ground at about 9:30 am. At that time, Melissa’s body was already there. The family members,friends and well-wishers, had also gathered. Melissa’s mother requested that the LJC chaplain start theservice right away. So, Rev. Amaechi performed the Catholic funeral rites for Melissa.After the burial ceremony, Sr. Lena and Fr. Amaechi went with a number of our Port Harcourtparents to visit and pray on some of the graves of the Sixty Angels. That too brought its own tears.Eventually, they returned to Melissa’s home for more prayers with the family.Melissa's parents have promised to join us for the Memorial Mass coming up on the 25th of Mayin the LJC chapel. We invite all members of the LJC community, parents, friends, alumni and all ourwell-wishers, to that memorial Mass in memory of Melissa. The Mass will begin at 11:00 AM, followed bya light lunch at the picnic grounds for all our visitors.We believe that Melissa now intercedes for her parents and family in gratitude for all theirsacrifices, affections, the huge financial expenses, and the sense of loss that we must now bear. Let us berest assured that we shall all meet her one day and never to part again in that world where there is nomore sorrow or suffering. By His resurrection, our Lord defeated death and has won for us a gateway toHis heavenly home. In that home our beautiful Melissa is now at peace.(Please let us keep Melissa's parents and siblings in our thoughts and prayers. You may send your condolences andyour prayerful wishes to her family: chinda_adele@yahoo.co.uk )12

ODDS ‘N’ ENDSREMEMBERINGMISSING MELISSAIt’s so strange, the way we feel.Its so strange, you’ve actually left us for real.Seems just like yesterday, when we were together,But now it looks like you are gone forever.It’s so hurting, it’s so sad,The world feels so empty and all so bad,Because it’s terrible, since no one has the answers,It’s terrible because there’s no one here like you.A special piece in our hearts is forever gone,It stings like a bee, but the deed is done,We know, however, that one day we will reunite,We’ll no longer be missing you, because everyThing will be alright. We pour out our feelingsIn loving memory of Melissa AdeleBy JS2-C Students.MY MELISSAWe’ve gone through so muchBut we have to move onLike the breeze that slowly ebbsMy emotion from the surfaceDeeper into my heartYour name flows throughMy mind, even my soulOur endless journey has not yet endedIt will never run outWe only out run each otherAnd then finally take a breakYou are one step ahead of meGoodbye for now, forWe will surely meet againBy Juanita Abii, SS2-AMELISSAI MISS MELISSA BUT….To me it’s like a dreamAn endless sleepDreams that make men screamA dream that makes me weepJust like yesterdayMy memories are still fresh about youCan we meet another day?‘Cos the time we spent was not enoughThe short time we spentHas brought a great impact on meBut when you wentI waited for you to come backWe need youBut God needs you moreI’m sad but happy that you are with HimBy Shari Gamaniel, JS 2-D.ONE YEAR WITH MELISSAIts hard to believeThat we’ve lost a friendIts hard to be convincedThat it was just a yearOne year of laughterOne year of tearsOne year of memoriesYet hard to disappearWhen we look upTo the skiesOur memories returnAn Angel so dearOne that has specially touched our lives.By Melissa’s Classmates.13

ODDS ‘N’ ENDSA FINAL TRIBUTE TO MELISSA(OUR ONCE AND STILL SHINING STAR)Melissa was born a shining star,A shiny one indeed,Melissa lived a shining starGlowing from day to day.Melissa, now gone from usHas her light,Ever so bright,Still lighting our path on earth every dayMelissa warmed us up in many ways,Be it little or mountain sized,She helped us live through life’s endless pains,But, now we are left alone to make it through,For her time of reward has come.Melissa, just yesterday was in our midst,Has now gone up to heaven’s bliss,We mourn her death here on earthBut she celebrates with the angles in heavenly glory.Melissa has finished her duties in this world,But her heavenly responsibilities only just begun,Yes, yet another Angel,We are sure and we know thatWe are safe and secure.By Chidumaga Orji, JS2-CPlease, feel free to share your own insights and reflections with other members of the Loyola Community.Contact the Principal via e-mail:jo@loyolajesuit.org OR jo@jesuits.net14