THURSDAY’S CONSULTATIONS WILL EXPLORE OPERATIONAL MODALITIES FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE 2020/2021 ACADEMIC YEAR.

The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development will convene a meeting with stakeholders on Thursday, June 18, to review the phased re-opening of school as of June 3, and to address options for the academic year 2020/2021. The meeting, which will follow COVID-19 guidelines, will take place at the Stanley John Odlum Memorial Secondary School in Marigot, and will commence at 9 a.m.

The Ministry, on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Wellness decided, along with stakeholders, to commence a phased reopening of school in the physical classroom space for Grade Six and Form Five as of June 3. The decision was taken to facilitate the preparation of students for the Common Entrance and CSEC Examinations, respectively.

A multi-faceted approach to instruction for the third-term has been utilized, through several virtual means, to keep students engaged during the period away from the classroom, as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Thursday’s consultations will address the imminent end of the third term and will explore instructional and operational modalities for the commencement of the 2020/2021 academic year in September.

The ministry values stakeholder engagement, and as we plan for the new academic year, we reaffirm our commitment to affording the nation’s children and teachers the best learning and teaching experience, even during this uncertain period. Hence, the concerted effort to invite the participation of our stakeholders in determining the way forward.

The outcome will be communicated through the usual official channels.