All smiles for students, parents as classes resume at Lester Vaughan School

Students have returned to in-person studies at the Lester Vaughan School following a series of environmental issues that caused multiple disruptions in the previous term.

On Tuesday, scores of smiling students were seen making their way to the campus as the Trinity term began.

“You should have seen all of the hugs and the joy this morning,” Principal Suzette Holder said.

And parents expressed their delight to Barbados TODAY at the St Thomas school as they watched their children return to classes.

“I actually feel good that school is opened back, that the kids can get back to their environments so they can socialise as well, because even though the online aspect is good, the actual classroom is better,” said Shane McClean. “The fact that class has opened back means the health concerns are over now. [I] feel comfortable…. We trust the testing was done and was done accurately, so, therefore, everything should be well now.”

Douglas Goodman said that while communication between the school and the parents could have been better during the many disruptions experienced in the previous term, he, too, was glad to have his son back to in-person classes.

“The parents were not well informed because they kept putting back the children when they tell us that they can return, then they called again to say school was cancelled. So it was like nobody was too sure about what was going on. So it was a bit frustrating.

“It’s a relief to be back. He is doing exams because next term is his last term, so I guess he is keen to be back at school.”

But Shannon Clarke expressed grave concerns about students falling behind in their studies for the approaching Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations.

“The only body that was disadvantaged was the children,” Clarke said. “So I real offset because my child got CXCs to do. He is at a disadvantage now because they [have] to try to reach back to the stage to get the CXCs [done]. If they don’t get the CXCs I have to look for an alternative to deal with my child. It’s very unfair.

“When they do online it’s . . .  harder because the children are home by themselves, so sometimes you know they might play the tail. When they are at school you know for sure they will learn because they are going to be in class.”

Speaking briefly to reporters before the morning assembly, Principal Holder said a management meeting and staff meetings were held Monday, which also included a presentation by the Ministry of Health. She said all was in place for a seamless resumption of classes.

The Ministry of Education said in a statement later in the evening that there was a positive report from the school, “indicating that all went well at the school plant on its opening day to the full school population”.

Overall, it said, there was a smooth start to the term for primary and secondary school students across the island.

“By the end of the first day, there were no challenges reported to the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training,” it said in a brief statement. 

“The ministry looks forward to continued smooth operations for all schools, and continued success for our students and teachers.” 

shamarblunt@barbadostoday.bb