self-determination, according to advisor to the student council Mrs. Marva Allen. New topics for spirit week are selected every year. "Last year the theme was unity and the year before, it was respect,'' said Mrs. Allen. "We try to look at a different aspect every year. "This year, we concentrated on career and self determination because it fit in with the Ministry of Education's theme of business,'' she added. To inspire the students, two Bermudian role models including vice president of an insurance firm Mrs. Cathy Duffy and accounts executive Miss Anika DeShields gave motivational speeches during the morning assemblies of spirit week, which ran from January 30 to February 3. "The speakers, who both attended Berkeley Institute, talked about some academic and financial obstacles that they had to overcome in order to follow their dreams,'' said Mrs. Allen. Career awareness day, which involved third, fourth and fifth form students, took place on Wednesday of spirit week.

"Students visited various firms or presenters came to us,'' said Mrs. Allen.

"Each student selected a career beforehand for which they wanted a better understanding and some knowledge of prerequisite skills. First hand experience was provided at the appropriate job sites. And this gave them exposure to their identified careers.'' Organisations involved in career awareness day included Conyers, Dill & Pearman, Wilson's Fine Jewellers, People's Pharmacy, the Bank of Butterfield and Bank of Bermuda, X.L. Insurance, Johnson & Higgins, Oil Insurance, International Advisory Services, the Aquarium, the Biological Station, Belco, Telco, Cable & Wireless, The Royal Gazette , Hamma Galleries, Creative Dimensions, the Hamilton Princess Hotel, Pearman Watlington & Co, Harbour Radio, KEMH, Environmental Health Services, the Hamilton Fire Station, Police Headquarters, the Department of Civil Aviation, Alpha Memorial, Eden Salon, Images Salon, Stonington Beach Hotel, Works & Engineering, Agricultural & Fisheries and Piano Plus. As well, fashion designer Stacey Furbert, nurse Mrs. Gaylia Landry, psychologist Dr. J.

Outerbridge, Dr. Peek-Ball, Dr. W. Warner, and teacher Mrs. Alberta Dyer-Tucker participated in the programme. On the same day, first form students visited either the west end or east end of the Island to see sites that tied in with their history and geography studies. Second form students had speakers visit the school and talk about self-determination, said Mrs.

Allen. "Five presenters set up workshops so the students could participate in discussion.'' And on Thursday of spirit week, students, teachers and parents participated in the annual 10-K fun run, which is like a cross country event.

"Spirit week was a great success. Every business that we contacted could accommodate us. And they wish to continue working with us in the future because they believe kids need to set their goals now -- at a young age,'' said Mrs. Allen, adding that she was very pleased with the week's results.