Geccu Geometrics is the winner of the annual Gillis Francis Math competition organized by the Girls’ High School.
After four rounds of competition the team moved ahead of its closest rival Trotmans Penta Veli which captured the second position while the third spot went to Providence Top Scholars. A total of six teams participated ranging from all sections of Form 3.
Principal of the Girls’ High School, Michele Beache, thanked the teachers for the outstanding work they have been doing, since they “continue to motivate students not only to memorize formulae but to love the subject, which many deem too difficult to learn.” The GHS Principal revealed that in encouraging the students to do more; they are now allowed to “sit additional Math, thus facilitating the transition to tertiary education.”
Ms. Beache disclosed that Mr. Francis’ mentorship of his teachers enabled continuity even after his passing. The GHS Principal also thanked former Principal, Mrs. Andrea Bowman for “insight and initiation of the programme.”
The Gillis Francis Math competition was created in honour of the late Gillis ‘Git’ Francis, who served as a Math teacher at the St. Vincent Girls High School from 4th September 2004 to 5th July 2018. Mr. Francis was also a teacher at the St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua, the St. Clair Dacon Secondary School and a Math lecturer at the Teachers’ College
The judges in the competition were: Head of the Maths department of the St. Vincent Grammar School, Colin Sam, former Math Officer at the Curriculum Development Unit and Lecturer (part time) at the SVGCC Teacher Education Division, Clyde Fitzpatrick and Director of the National Commission on Crime Prevention within the Ministry of National Security and Former Math Teacher, Nicola Evans.
The event which was supported by several past students and business houses; also saw representation by the son of the late Gillis Francis who present to be a part of the day’s activity.