Anatol Rodgers High Welcomes New Class of 7th Graders on Orientation Day

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – It was a mix of nerves and excitement for new students at Anatol Rodgers High School, as those new faces stepped onto campus for the first time this morning.

Accompanying them were eager parents and guardians, like Gertrude Strachan, who says her grandson is a second-generation attendee at the Marshall Road school.

Strachan says she hopes parents and grandparents will guide the next generation forward.

Gertrude Strachan – Grandmother

“I wish that all grandmothers, all parents were big at supportive to their children and grandchildren, to help them to become the success that God wants.”

Hundreds of students are starting classes at Anatol Rodgers this year.

The school’s principal Riccardo Patterson tells us orientation day is more than just schedules and classrooms, it was about guiding students into a new chapter.

Riccardo Patterson – Principal, Anatol Rodgers High School

“They’re coming from the primary school, so we’re trying to get them. We have to teach them and get them to understand that they are now moving transitioning to a new schooling, new style of schooling where you would now be moving to teachers classes and all of those things.”

Despite government funding allocated for island‑wide school repairs, our walk through the campus showed there are still hurdles, from water pooling in the gym to staffing gaps that remain unresolved.

Patterson acknowledged progress, while noting that some pieces are still missing.

Riccardo Patterson – Principal, Anatol Rodgers High School

“Anatol Rogers currently is about 95% ready. There’s a few shortages and you know, tanks that we’re still working on trying to fix. We’re not 100%, but we can function at this time where we are, and we intend to make it work until all of what we need is in place.”

Also, the south New Providence school wasn’t the only one hosting orientation today.

Across the wider public school system, there was also orientation at A.F. Adderley and C.H. Reeves Junior Highs, with both schools welcoming seventh graders.

Meanwhile, C.C Sweeting and R.M Bailey Senior High schools brought in tenth graders ahead of Wednesday’s full rollout.