The Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Libraries Services, Deputy Premier Akierra M D Missick, sends heartfelt best wishes to Students and Staff for the new Academic School Year 2015/2016, commencing September 7 2015.
The start of this academic school year will see many changes not only in staffing but also programs offered at our schools. We are looking forward to the introduction of the Caribbean Vocational Qualification in our high schools, which will provide another avenue for students to succeed in obtaining certification and qualifications preparing them for the working world.
We also send a warm welcome to the new staff joining us this year at the Department of Education. During the year we expect to be joined by a new education psychologist who will replace Mr George Pratt who is commencing study leave. Similarly, Ms Dara Thomas will proceed on one years’s leave to pursue a Masters in Educational Leadership in the United Kingdom. Accompanying Ms Thomas’ departure will be the transfer of Mr David Bowen Principal of Marjorie Basden high-school to the Department of Education. This is a significant change and it is expected that Mr Bowen will bring with him his over 15 years of leadership to the position of Education Officer High Schools. Mr Rodney Cox will take the reins as Acting Principal at Marjorie Basden high school. The Ministry celebrates these changes and see them leading to improvements in teaching and creativity in the sector, and wish Mr Pratt and Ms Thomas the greatest success during their studies aboard.
According to the Honorable Minister, “We are looking forward to the opening of our campuses doors, and welcoming our students and staff to an exciting school year. No doubt some of the infrastructural changes such as new science labs, home economics labs and woodwork rooms at various schools will enhance the teaching and learning environment in our sector.”
The Ministry and Department of Education have worked tirelessly over the summer break to ensure all campuses and staff are ready for the new academic year. We ask that Parents and Guardians be prepared to work with their child’s school administrators to ensure that this academic year is a safe and healthy one. We advise that parents become actively involved in their schools Parent and Teachers Associations (PTAs) so we can take a joint and coordinated approach to matters that may arise during the school year. We urge Parents to remind their children that their schools belong to them and should be treated as such.
The Ministry and Department team will be conducting site visits during this month to all of the campuses and look forward to welcoming all students and staff to academic year 2015/2016; and towards celebrating the many successes that will be accomplished over this academic school year in a spirit of partnership and making it the best one yet!
