Classes to resume online as discussions continue on phased return to face-to-face classes

The island’s students will resume online classes when the new school term resumes on Monday, January 10, the Ministry of Education has announced.

In a statement, the Ministry said as a result of the presence of the Omicron variant confirmed here by health authorities on Thursday, discussions will continue on the phased return of face-to-face school.

It advised principals, staff, students and parents to continue to prepare for the resumption of in-person classes on Monday, January 24.

Below is the full text of the statement:

The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training wishes to inform all principals, staff, parents, students and members of the public of the phased face-to-face return to school for Term 2 of the Academic Year 2021-2022.

In light of the information shared at the press briefing by the Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health and Wellness, as it relates to the presence of the Omicron variant in Barbados, school will begin online from Monday, 10 January 2022.

As you are aware, the Ministry of Education has prepared a roadmap for the reopening of school that guides preparation for teaching and learning in the online, blended and face-to-face environments. In light of the new Omicron variant, further discussions must be held with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to determine whether additional precautions must be taken for safe face-to-face reopening.

It is against this backdrop that principals, staff, students and parents should continue to prepare for the phased return to face-to-face school.  The new proposed date for this modality is Monday, 24 January 2022.

Please be reminded that the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training continues to be guided by the Ministry of Health and Wellness as it relates to ensuring the safety of our staff and students during this pandemic. As such, please be mindful that the situation remains fluid.

If there are any changes to the plans for the safe face-to-face reopening, the public will be notified through the Ministry’s website, the School Alert App, GIS and various media houses by Thursday, 20 January 2022.

The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training thanks you for your understanding and cooperation.

Best Wishes for the Season and a Prosperous New Year.

Please stay safe.