Lindeners endorse Ministry’s plan to relocate One Mile students for new school term
Georgetown, GINA, August 20, 2012 -- Source - GINA
Parents during meeting to address future of their children at the Wismar Hill Primary School
A plan by the Education Ministry to have the 830 students of the One Mile Primary that was completely gutted come September 3 when school re-opens was endorsed by parents and teachers today, during a meeting held at the Wismar Hill Primary School, Region Ten.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand encouraged the parents to see the situation as one for which a solution can be readily found if everyone collaborates.
“We (Government) are going to ensure that our children are not disadvantaged in any way, because of this scenario….it is bad, but we are committed to working together with all stakeholders to ensure that this situation is rectified,” she said.
The Ministry’s plan will see all the students housed; 159 Grade One and 135 Grade Two students will be relocated at the One Mile Nursery school under a double session plan in place from 07:30hrs to 11:30hrs for Grade One, while Grade Two will attend from 12:00hrs to 16:00hrs.
This decision was not favoured by all, as suggestions were made by some parents to have their children attend the St. Aidens Primary instead. This move, Minister Manickchand said can be favoured.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand addressing parents on future plans for students of the burnt out One Mile Primary School
“This is not an ideal solution, but a temporary one until a new building is available. However, we are working out an arrangement with a church and once this is successful, the double session will be off,” the Minister said.
While the Grades Four and Five students will be housed at the Wismar Hill Primary, Grade Six classes will be held at the Block 22 Community Centre.
Region Ten Chairman, Sharma Solomon told the gathering that everything which is done is a consultative process, hence the Ministry’s decision to meet, with the aim of garnering their support. He also encouraged parents present to ensure that the temporary solution works effectively, until the new school is constructed.
After the session, several questions were raised and addressed by the Education Minister, Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam and Head Teacher of the One Mile Primary, Stephanie Sinclair. Among them were accommodation for the Grades Six students and the time for Grade One students to begin classes on the basis of 7:30 hrs being too early.
Head Mistress, One Mile Primary School, Stephanie Sinclair making a point to parents during the meeting at the Wismar Hill Primary School
The head teacher dealt with the accommodation issue, informing the parents that it was addressed since Sunday last as she assured of adequate accommodation.
The regular school uniform will be used come September 3, as the Education Minister encouraged the parents to be actively involved in their children’s lives during this period to ensure that safety is maintained at all times.
After the meeting, the Minister and team visited the burnt out school site.
