Basseterre: St. Kitts, August 18, 2020: Training organized by the Ministry of Education
to orientate new leaders in the Ministry in preparation for the start of the new
school year on Monday, September 7, was held at the Immaculate Conception
Catholic School Auditorium on Monday, August 17.
Incoming Principals and Deputy Principals along with Education Officers
participated in the day of training which will help them to manage the assignment
ahead.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Mr. William Hodge welcomed
the new leaders to the ministry at their new level of operation stating that they
have a challenging yet satisfying road ahead.
“The Ministry views these positions as being very critical to the functioning of our
Education system. You must exhibit servant leadership. They are going to want to
see you taking the lead. You are going to have to roll up your sleeves from time to
time to show persons looking at you that you can do the dirty work too.”
Chief Education Officer Dr Debbie Isaac told the new cohort of leaders, “You need
to know what you are about when you step into that school compound on the
first day. They are going to be looking to you for answers. The final decision is
going to be yours but you are not going to be a dictator. Invite input from others
because at the end of the day support is what you need.”
Minister of Education Hon. Jonel Powell also delivered brief remarks to the new
leaders promising his full support of their endeavours during the challenging year
ahead.
Among topics discussed were: Key areas of Responsibility/The Chain of Command;
Record-Keeping, Teacher Evaluation, Appraisal and Staff Reports; Monitoring
Attendance; Financial Regulations; Introduction to EMIS and Evaluation.
Other presenters included Education Officer, Carol Boddie; Deputy Chief
Education Officer, Francil Morris; Education officer, John Gumbs; Senior Assistant
Secretary Melvon Bassue; and EMIS Director Christopher Herbert.
In related news, preparation for the new school term continued on Tuesday,
August 18 th with the first principal’s meeting for the new school term to flesh out
the specifics of the New Normal concerning protocols associated with COVID-19.
The impact of the pandemic on the new school term has been the main discussion
point in several preparatory meetings as the ministry tries to make the new
school year as seamless as possible.
