MOE continues its phased reopening of schools

The phased reopening of schools continued on Wednesday, June 3 with the return of grade five students to some institutions.
This followed the return to school on Monday, June 1 of students in grade six and form five who are expected to write CXC external examinations later this month and in July / August.

The Ministry of Education said in a release that the return to school of some grade five students is in response to “the overwhelming request of stakeholders for more student engagement.”

Schools here closed on March 20, one week ahead of the scheduled Easter break as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Classes for the general school population have been taking place online since then.

Wednesday’s return of students in grade 5 does not however include those who attend the Lodge Village Government School, the Kingstown Anglican School, the CW Prescod Primary School, the Kingstown Preparatory School, the Fitz Hughes Government School, the Barrouallie Government School, the St Mary’s Roman Catholic School, the Lower Bay Primary School, the Bequia Seventh Day Adventist School and the Leeward Seventh Day Adventist School.

These students have been asked to continue online learning for the rest of the term, as according to a release from the Ministry, their schools cannot adequately accommodate students of both grade five and six at this point.

An arrangement has also been put in place for the safe transportation of students and teachers attending school, the Ministry of Education said.

Each trip will cost 50 cents per student and $1 per adult, with all buses expected to adhere to the safety protocols, particularly the social distancing guidelines.

School will be closed on Friday July 3 for the summer holidays.