Crystal Hill Academy is a school found in Kericho County along Kisumu-Kisii Road in the serene environment of Sondu market. The history of the School dates back to the year 2004 when it was established.The School offers both boarding and day schooling for both boys and girls. Crystal Hill Academy is offering the CBE Curriculum, with emphasis to the provision of holistic education as well as academic excellence.The School is one of the first institutions in the county to introduce computer literacy classes for young children.
Crystal Hill Academy is located along Kisumu-Kisii highway at Sondu Township, Soin Sigowet sub-county in Kericho County. The school is sandwiched between Minyonge Escarpment and Nyabondo Ridge hence giving a very clear view of the school thus, Crystal Hill.
The school opened its doors for admission of pupils on 4th January 2004. This was after it was realized that there was a serious need for a professionally managed private school in Sondu town.
The school opened with fifteen (15) pupils and three teachers; Mr. David Onuonga (Headteacher), Mrs. Ruth Ochoo (ECDE) teacher and Mr. Joel Ochuka (Assistant teacher).
Pupils’ population has since grown to seven hundred and fifty and twenty six teachers. The school also employs 28 non-teaching staff
The story of Crystal Hill Academy is one of ambition, hard work, discipline and relentless desire to excel. The school opened in 2004 as a nursery and primary school. Since then it has made impressive growth both in academics and infrastructure to become the school of choice in the region. One penitent question is, how do we sustain the standards? This is the purpose of addressing these key stakeholders.
All children have the potential to develop fully as responsible members of the society. Therefore it is the duty of teachers to teach skills necessary in making our learners relevant in the 21st Century. The promotion of such skills will equip our learners with psycho-social competencies which will allow them to build healthy relationship with their peers and the society at large. Such skills as creative-thinking, problem-solving, effective communication and informed decision making will help our learners manage their lives and emotions in a healthy and productive manner, just as was mentioned in a British government white papers, “Only good teaching will deliver education”.
A history of influential people in the world shows that they started nurturing their talents at early stages. Therefore I would urge teachers to do the same with our learners. Shape them before it is too late.
I wish to inform the pupils that humility, discipline and hard work are key for any successful learner. Believe in yourself always. This is only possible when you do your work with confidence. Learn from your previous mistakes and move on. If you do this be assured that nothing will prevent you from making it to the top, for it is said, “Future favors the prepared”.
We thank you for your co-operation which indeed is the roadmap towards sustaining our standards. The society is ever changing hence quality and relevant education is what will make us keep pace in this dynamic world. As parents you have a responsibility to make our co-operation yield the desired results, that is, quality education.
In order to achieve our goal, we expect the following from parents:-
Therefore with all the above mentioned put in place, we are certain of sustaining and improving our academic standards.
The home is the first classroom therefore parents should take keen interest in all the activities of their children. Thus directing them with love and teaching them to appreciate the value of honesty, obedience, respect to those in authority and the value to hard work.
There have been cases where some children have gone to the extent of dictating to their parents to provide what they need even if there are no resources to acquire them. Such children should be informed to exercise patience. There are time when you can’t have all that you need. At the same time some children wallow up in their parent’s wealth without realizing that what their parents own is for their parents but they should work hard to attain theirs.
As much as we love our children we should set high standards of discipline if we want then to succeed in life. Discipline protects resources and property. It is the best form of security. The destructive behavior experienced today in our institutions of learning is caused by lack of discipline of majority of the youth.
Remember that education is not all about producing academic intellectuals only but rather to develop a well-rounded person who can fit well in the society. Academic ability can take us to the top but it is the character that sustains us. If parents are focused in the education of their children, then we could possibly reap the good fruits of education.
Parents are reminded to motivate their children by making positive remarks about them, their teachers and the school. If negative, the remarks might kill the spirit and engineer rebellious attitudes in the minds of the young. The parents in collaboration with teachers should set direction, motivate, build strong relationships with the youth to foster genuine trust in the minds of the young people. This can only be possible if parents work hand in hand with teachers and the wider stakeholders in education. The influence of motivation to a child is best described by Ben Carson in his book, Gifted Hands, when he said;
“It would be impossible to tell about my accomplishments without starting with my mother’s influence. For me to tell my story means beginning with hers”.
Therefore, we cannot separate the home from the school but parent, teachers and learners should work together as a team for us to realize the benefits of education.
Finally, I want to thank our pupils, teachers, parents and the Board of Management of Crystal Hill Academy for being focused and supportive in our academic endeavors and I hope every stakeholder will reap from this.
Catholic Church Diocese of Kisumu