On May 27th, all schools, public and private, will switch to remote learning to prepare for the SIDS4 Conference. Director Clare Browne communicated this closure in a letter, citing the need to facilitate delegate transportation.
Schools will use online platforms like Google Classroom due to unavailable school buses and expected traffic congestion.
Additionally, the National School Bus system won’t provide transportation for field trips from May 21st to June 5th.
It is important to note that education officers within the Ministry of Education, as well as the head and teachers of secondary schools, were not consulted on this matter. Parents and the teachers’ Union were also not included in the decision-making process.
Critics have expressed concerns about the potential impact of these changes on students, particularly those who are preparing for CXC exams. The timing of the conference and the subsequent adjustments to the education system have raised alarm among parents and educators, who argue that the needs of students sitting for these critical exams should be prioritized.
The Ministry of Education has been urged to reconsider its decision and engage in further discussions with stakeholders, including parents and teachers, to ensure that the educational needs of all students are adequately addressed during this period.
