Minister of Education visits schools as new school year begins
(September 3, 2019) – As schools across the country reopen their doors to children for the commencement of the new school year, Minister of Education Dr the Hon. Nicolette Henry visited ten (10) schools in regions six, five and four.
In region four the Education Minister visited Helena Nursery, President’s College and Golden Grove Primary School. Those schools that were visited in region five were Cotton Tree Primary, No. 5 Nursery and Fort Wellington Secondary. While in Region Six visits were paid to New Amsterdam Secondary, Savannah Park Nursery and St. Aloysius Primary.
Minister Henry also stopped at the Latchmansingh Primary School where the Department of Education Region Five held a brunch to honour retired headteachers. Minister Henry thanked those in attendance for their exceptional service. She said that the education sector owes them a lot of gratitude for their sterling contributions.
Dr Henry explained that her visits are intended to get an understanding from on the ground, about how both students and teachers are adequately prepared for the resumption of school after a long holiday period. Added to that, the Education Minister said that she wanted to ensure that schools are equipped with the necessary amenities to ensure that the children can benefit.
At New Amsterdam secondary the Minister said she was expecting to hear good results from the school come CSEC 2020.
Minister Henry called on the children to let this school year be a productive one and at the same time, they must also understand that respect for self and teachers are expected standards which will not be compromised.
At President’s College, Dr Henry had lunch with the student population and the teachers. The Minister sat among the children and had lunch while using the opportunity to have discussions. She also visited the school’s Home Economics Department where discussions were held with the school’s Head Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher and the Head of Department.
At the Nursery schools, the hard-working teachers were at it trying to get some first-timers to stop crying. Minister Henry said that there can be no denying that teachers are hard-working professionals to whom her government is thankful for. It is against this background that Dr Henry said that her Ministry will do everything possible to ensure that both the children and teachers have the necessary resources to deliver.
The new school year began today and the first term will come to an end on December 5, 2019.