Jamaica


 * Past PO Participants write about Jamaica:**
 * **C. Babichuk (2011) - [[file:projectoverseas/C. Babichuk (Jamaica 2011).pdf|C. Babichuk (Jamaica 2011).pdf]]**
 * **L. Watling (2012) - [[file:L. Watling.pdf|L. Watling.pdf]]**
 * **Newspaper Article (2012) - [[file:Jamaica Newspaper Article 2012.pdf|Jamaica Newspaper Article 2012.pdf]]**

> Jamaica does lie in the hurricane belt, and the official hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with August and September being the peak months. However, the Caribbean region is more vast than most people think, and the chances of any single island being hit directly by a hurricane are very slim. Most often, islands will only receive the heavy rains that come on the outskirts of a hurricane, avoiding the most extreme weather conditions. Direct hits on Jamaica by major storms are so rare, in fact, that many elder Jamaican inhabitants still relate events in history to being before or after "the storm" because they may have only seen one or two of significance in their lifetimes.
 * Tips from Team 2011:**
 * **Temperature -** Average temperatures in Jamaica range between 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with July and August being the hottest months and February the coolest. The rainiest weather in Jamaica occurs in May and June and again in October and November. While the average annual rainfall is 50.7 inches, accumulation varies dramatically across the island. In contrast to the southwestern coast of Jamaica, which receives little rain and is often classified as semi barren, the eastern (windward) coast receives considerably more rain than anywhere else on the island. For the most part when it does rain in Jamaica, showers are short, heavy and followed by sunshine.
 * **Money**-The hotel has a cambio. The exchange rate is considerably lower than the bank rate. There is a Scotia Bank which you can visit over the lunch hour. The ATM is accessible. Visa was used to pay the hotel bill. Currency in Jamaica: Jamaican dollar (JMD)
 * **Accommodations**- The team stayed at the Knutsford Court Hotel on Chelsea St, in the business district of Kingston. Cost was $119.00US/ night with additional cost for second person in the room.(taxes not included in the initial quote so this should be verified in advance) Continental breakfast was available at no additional cost. Restaurant on site. Pool, Gym, and park like setting allowed for relaxation and fitness. Laundry on site at cost of $10US/ load. Hotel room had fridge.
 * **Electricity**- Electrical outlets in Jamaica do not follow a standard. They could be 110 volts or 220 volts AC (50 Cycle), depending on your location. It's a good idea to be prepared for the chance that you'll need adapters and transformers in order to convert the electricity for your own appliances. Call ahead to your hotel to find what, if anything, is needed.
 * **Standard of living** - Jamaica is a land of extremes. The northern coast and suburbs of Kingston have wealthy pockets with first-rate housing, shopping centers featuring the best imported goods and an elevated standard of living. There are some areas of Jamaica where people live in poor conditions with poor housing, limited food supply and inadequate access to clean water, quality health care or education.
 * **Taxis**- There are many taxi services in Jamaica. It is important to use metered, licensed taxi cabs.
 * **Entertainment**- The team attended cultural events: a theatrical performance at Green Gables Theatre and the National Dance Troupe at Little Theatre and went on a weekend visit to the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston. As well, beach visits and a picnic at Castleton Botanical Gardens were arranged. The team attended the Women's Leadership Initiative meeting and presented on the importance of early intervention. Sylvia Foote Basic school was toured and the team visited Port Royal to see Giddy House.
 * **Food -**There are many great restaurants near the hotel.
 * Etiquette - English is the official language and spoken throughout the country. Patois English is prevalent as well. Jamaicans tend to place more emphasis on people and relationships than to the strict adherence of set schedules in social situations.
 * **Teaching**- The course was held at the Jamaican Teachers’ Association offices, on Church Street. Kingston, Jamaica. The building is air-conditioned and has a large conference room. There were three spaces that can be used for break-out groups, however they were a bit small for the groupings of 35 people. There was a lunch room on the roof top of the building so the teachers had a nice space for their afternoon meal and for the social gatherings on Canada Day and Jamaica Day. The team arrived on July 6th and after a brief introduction with the Executive of JTA, were dropped off at the hotel to settle in. The following day, the team attended the Golden Torch Awards. This is a VERY FORMAL affair and many of the teachers were in formal gowns. Over three hundred teachers were recognized in the five hour ceremony. The team was taken on a tour of local schools and the JTA offices. On day three, the team met with two of the co-tutors and the committee members of JTA.
 * The In-country Orientation was from July 6-8, 2011. The teaching assignment was 10 days and ran from July 11-22. There were 77 participants, 73 females and 4 males. The teaching day - 9:00am- 4:00pm, M-F.
 * The teaching assignment: Special Education, Guidance and Differentiated Instruction. As well, workshops were conducted on HIV/AIDS, Gender Equity and Workshop Facilitation.
 * **Other: Travel**- Air Canada flight to Jamaica allowed for the team to take two suitcases to Jamaica. Bring food to eat during the journey. No food on flight. Cash not accepted to purchase snacks on flight. The team was driven to work each day by the Course Director, who passed by the hotel. This daily contact allowed time to for discussions.. To get to JTA from the hotel is a half hour commute in rush hour traffic. Traffic jams occur and roads can become impassable in heavy rain.The local bus system is not recommended. There are no sidewalks for pedestrians in many areas. JUTA, a sanctioned company, was used to get to the airport for departure.
 * **Meetings -** On the Friday of the first week, the team hosted a Canada Day Lyme on the JTA rooftop. The teachers came to school dressed in red. The roof top was decorated in Canada flags. The teachers arrived to the rhythm of Canadian music. They enjoyed the Canadians learning their latest dance moves! The team also met with the CIDA development officer and a meeting was scheduled with the Minister of Education.

Early Childhood - and Grades 1 to 6 - and  and  and Career Education (Language Arts, Mathematics, Science & Social Studies) - Language Arts - Mathematics - Social Studies -
 * Syllabus:**