Basseterre: St. Kitts, June 07, 2021: Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education Dr. Debbie Isaac, highlighted the Ministry’s desire to promote the continuity of education within the Federation amidst the physical closure of schools due to the surge of local positive Covid-19 cases.
In a statement to the nation, Dr. Isaac, reminded the public that “There will be no examinations for students in Kindergarten to fourth form”, for the rest of the 2020-2021 academic year.
She assured stakeholders that virtual classes which will focus on revision and reinforcement will replace the physical classroom experience.
“During this period [physical closure of schools] teachers will actively review previously taught work with their students. No new content will be taught. Schools will issue work packets or small projects or daily exercises to all Kindergarten to grade two students. Teachers of first to fourth form students will be guided by their principals regarding the format and content to be used for revision,” expressed, Dr. Isaac.
“Virtual school, therefore, will be officially closed for students on Friday 02 July 2021. Teachers are required to report to their respective schools during the period Monday 05 to Friday 09 July 2021 in order to complete their end of term duties,” noted Dr. Isaac.
The fifth form students were reminded that CSEC examinations will start on Monday 28 June 2021.
“Fifth form students will be guided by CXC’s CSEC timetable for the administration of their examinations.”
Dr. Isaac further advised that the final timetable could be accessed on CXC’s website at www.cxc.org. Candidates who have registered for French or Spanish were encouraged to liaise with their schools or tutors for the new dates and confirm the venue for Orals”.
The Chief Education Officer highlighted the availability of psychosocial support for both teachers, students and their families through the services of the schools’ guidance and counselling departments; one of the Ministry’s provisions to assist stakeholders in coping with the effects of the pandemic.
“Our guidance counsellors within our schools would be available to provide the necessary support that students may need at this time. Families that are in need of Psychosocial support are asked to reach out to their school’s guidance counsellor for assistance,” she noted.
As the end of the 2020-2021 school year approaches, Dr. Isaac expressed that the Ministry of Education would be guided by the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) in relation to the hosting of graduation and Thanksgiving ceremonies which are already being organised by schools.
Dr. Isaac expressed thanks on behalf of the Ministry of Education to the teachers for their resilience, hard work and continued commitment in ensuring the continuity of education for our nation’s youths during this time when loss of learning has become a global issue due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
