Teachers Expected to be Back in Classes Next Tuesday

According to Longsworth, there are no indications from secondary school teachers that they will be absent from work on Tuesday.  In the interest of high school students who will be sitting exams in the second semester, the BAPSS chair is asking that the issue be resolved quickly.

Isani Cayetano

“I take it that the BAPSS is a national organization so the position then, if I’m not mistaken, applies to secondary schools across the country.  Correct?”

On the Phone: Omar Longsworth, Chairperson, BAPSS

“You are correct.”

Isani Cayetano

“Okay.  Has there been any other concern being brought to your attention as the chairperson with regards to secondary school teachers not being sure of returning to school on the third of January?”

On the Phone: Omar Longsworth, Chairperson, BAPSS

“Well at this time no, I know of what I am hearing on the radio, of the union’s position indicating to teachers, their members that they don’t come back until the ninth of January but I have not received anything in particular from teachers or from principals saying that teachers will not be reporting to school.  So we are expecting that our teachers will be in classes on the third.  I, as the chairperson of the Belize Association of Principals of Secondary Schools, I want to appeal to our parents and to all stakeholders concerned because sometimes we have to get away from our positions sometimes and look at what is important, and for me the students are the most important people in this whole situation that we are in right now.  And I think that if we have their interest at heart then I believe that we need to do some reflection and see how we can get back into classes for the benefit of our young people and I appealing to students and I am appealing to parents and I am appealing to teachers and all the stakeholders to understand that what has been done has been done.  Let us move on, let us get back to school, let us see what we can do in the interest of these students that we are serving who are really in need of the time, given that they are preparing for ATLIB in February and then CXCs that will come up in April, May, June.  And so I appeal to all stakeholders to let us get together and get this process moving.”

The Ministry of Education has also issued a public service announcement reminding pre-schools, primary schools and secondary schools that classes resume on January third and that school bus runs will be operating as of that date.  The release from government goes on to say that the adjustment to the academic calendar is within the purview of the Managing Authorities and the Chief Education Officer and not the B.N.T.U.