Education

The Ministry Of Education’s Statement Concerning The Reassignment Of Teachers

Deputy Chief Education Officer of the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training (METVT), Joy Adamson, met with the executive members of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) and Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) on Monday, September 11, 2023, to clarify the process for reassignment of temporary teachers to nursery, primary and special schools.

Mrs. Adamson reminded the union members that temporary teachers are assigned to fill a variety of openings, namely retirements, resignations, term’s leave, sick leave, no pay leave, maternity leave, and study leave.

At the end of their assignments evaluation reports are prepared by the Principal. Once openings are identified and there are no adverse reports, the temporary teachers are issued contracts, which detail their period of engagement. The contract states the start date and the end date of the assignment as shown below:

I am directed to inform you that the Chief Education Officer, by virtue of the Delegation of Functions, (Public and Police Services) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order; 1974, has approved your temporary appointment as graduate teacher, Ministry of Education for the period < Start date e.g. 14 April, 2023 > until further notice but not later than < End date e.g. 14 July 2023>

This year, the process of the reassignment of teachers was no different. The METVT reevaluated the staffing needs of each school and was in the process of assigning teachers.

There were some schools where the class roll was very low and it was therefore considered that the teacher to student ratio was low, negating the need for the high number of teachers assigned to the school. Those teachers have been reassigned to other schools. Consequently, those teachers whose tenure was short term could not be accommodated at this time. All these assignments would have ended at the end of the third term, July 14, 2023, or at the end of school year August 31, 2023.

There have been no interviews for new assignments of temporary teachers to nursery, primary and special schools for this academic year.

As at September 11, 2023, twenty-two (22) teachers, who had been assigned during the last academic year, remained to be assigned. This is due to the return of the substantive teachers who were on leave. The Deputy Chief Education Officer reminded the unions that as openings occur, these persons would be assigned.

The meeting was cordial with queries from both unions being addressed. The METVT promised that an update of the situation would be presented by the end of this week.

The METVT wishes to reiterate that temporary teachers have not been retrenched contrary to comments made in certain areas of the press. (PR/GIS)

Education

Three Schools Honoured For Championing Health Initiatives

Three schools have been recognised for their efforts in promoting healthy lifestyles through the implementation of the Barbados School Nutrition Policy (BSNP).

George Lamming Primary, St. Giles Primary, and The Rock Christian School were honoured by the BSNP Implementation Committee during a special ceremony on Wednesday at the George Lamming Primary School, in Welches, St. Michael.

The overall winner, George Lamming Primary, and the two other schools, each received $4,000 in vouchers to support their health-focused initiatives.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael, commended the schools for their leadership, highlighting the significance of turning policy into action.

“This is one of those moments where we must reward, appreciate, and acknowledge progress…. We are moving in the right direction. It’s one thing for policymakers to develop ideas on paper, but it’s in moments like these that we see policy come alive and truly transform lives…. You’re proving that good health begins with each of us,” Mr. Ishmael said.

Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, also praised the students and school communities for their dedication.

“Winning isn’t just about trophies or prizes, it’s about the teamwork, the creativity, and the commitment you’ve shown in reshaping your school environment. Your participation sets an example that will inspire not just your classmates, but your families and communities to live healthier lives. This is just the beginning of your journey – keep making smart, healthy choices,” Dr. Archer-Bradshaw stated.

The event was also attended by PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. Amalia Del Riego, other officials and stakeholders involved in the policy’s rollout, principals, teachers, and students.

The BSNP Committee applauded the schools for fostering healthier environments, underscoring the importance of early intervention in addressing the rise of non-communicable diseases. The initiative forms part of a national effort to promote wellness and improve long-term health outcomes for Barbadian youth. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Minister of State in Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael; Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw; PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. Amalia Del Reigo, as well as officials and stakeholders involved in the School Nutrition Policy, pose with students and principals of the George Lamming Primary; St. Giles Primary; and The Rock Christian School, at the ceremony

Education

Immigration Webinar For Students Wishing To Study In Canada

Barbadians interested in pursuing studies in Canada are invited to participate in the online Immigration Seminar of the Consulate General of Barbados, in Toronto.

The Consulate, as part of its annual activities to observe National Heroes Day, is hosting a week of activities, and the key event will be the Immigration Seminar tomorrow Thursday, April 24, at 6:00 p.m.

Over the past 12 months, there have been significant changes to the requirements and processes for obtaining an international student visa. As a result, the seminar will focus on the recent changes to the entry requirements for international students coming to Canada to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies.

Prospective students, as well as parents, guardians, guidance counsellors, school teachers and principals, who have a vested interest in obtaining the most up-to-date and accurate information to make the most informed choice from the available study options, are encouraged to participate in the online seminar.

Alana Alleyne, a barrister and solicitor, will cover areas such as the latest changes to international student visas, eligibility criteria for student visas, requirements for postgraduate work permits, and changes to eligibility for spousal work permits. (PR/GIS)

Education

Information Session For Teachers Keen On Working In USA

Primary school teachers interested in working in the United States of America (USA) are invited to an upcoming Information Session, tomorrow Thursday, April 24.

The session will be hosted in the Main Conference Room of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Warrens Office Complex, Warrens, St. Michael, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The initiative is being facilitated by the Ministry, in partnership with the Barbados Employment and Career Counselling Service, the Barbados Union of Teachers, and Participate Learning, a USA recruitment firm.

During the event, Participate Learning will share important information on the application and recruitment processes, as well as on working in the USA. (PR/GIS)