East Ruimveldt, Cummings Lodge schools welcome partial reopening

Teachers and students of East Ruimveldt and Cummings Lodge secondary schools say they are pleased about the reopening for senior students despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

They made these disclosures to DPI on Monday, during Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Robeson Benn’s outreach to their schools.  

A graduate of Cummings Lodge Secondary, Minister Benn is confident that the measures in place at the schools will help to reduce the risk of infection.

“I am fairly satisfied that [the schools] have the basic features in place; the handwashing stations, soap, chemicals for sanitisation and the thermometer,” he said.

Several Minsters fanned out countrywide to observe how the COVID-19 safety measures implemented to facilitate the partial reopening of schools were being utilised to ensure that Grades 10 to 12 students complete their respective curricula.

“Our love for teaching and helping the children brought us out,” East Ruimveldt Secondary’s Geography Teacher, Ms. Abiola Gittens told DPI.

Sixty-three students and eight teachers turned out at her school on Monday, since the pandemic forced schools’ closure mid-March.

Headteacher, Ms. Katheryn Fraser said a shift system has been implemented for teachers.

Meanwhile, Grade Ten Science Student, Miss Kerrianne Evans said despite the strict COVID-19 guidelines, “It’s good to be back at school.”  She is confident that her peers will follow all the safety measures.

Headteacher of Cummings Lodge Secondary, Ms. Morlene Valentine said 133 students turned out on Monday.  “We are happy as much as our students to be back at school and have this face-to-face interaction. Our children will benefit more with our presence around,” Ms. Valentine said.

Students, teachers and other staff are all adapting to the pandemic safety measures to ensure a safe learning environment.

During a virtual press conference at DPI on Monday, Minister of Education, Hon. Priya Manickchand, noted that across five regions, schools have seen a 6o per cent attendance in Grades 10 and 11 students, and nearly 100 per cent in teachers.

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