Education Minister Shawn Edward is hopeful for the upcoming school year which started on Monday 5th September 2022.
In a recent address to the nation, the Minister mentioned the setbacks of the last two years and his hope for the new academic year.
“The promise of the new year is steeped in the experiences and lessons learned from the impact of COVID-19 on our education system. To a certain extent, it can be said that COVID-19 provided a silver lining for education, as it was the necessary catalyst to pivot our approach to instruction and learning Navigating the difficult tides associated with the harrowing experience and impact of the pandemic highlighted and demonstrated our resilience and adaptability as a system, as educational administrators, as teachers, as parents, and as students.
As we return to the normalcy of our pre-Covid existence, we will include in our instructional and learning repertoire the knowledge and skills gained in the past two years. “
According to Edward, the intention of the Ministry of Education is to ensure that students become competent and creative in a digital environment with the integration of Information and Communication Technologies in Education. For this reason, devices will be provided to students in various secondary schools for their continued learning.
“Primary schools will also benefit from more than 2,000 smart classrooms and devices in the coming months, as the Ministry has invested in transforming some of our classrooms into SMART spaces. selected elementary schools, where instruction and learning will be primarily interactive through the use of technology.
The Minister of Education also pointed out other initiatives for the academic year 2022/23 which include;
– The introduction of the Mandarin Pilot Program in two secondary schools, along with the eventual inclusion of the Creole language.
– The provision of welfare support systems and psychosocial services for students.
– A continuation of the school feeding program.
Edward also offered his gratitude to relevant stakeholders including labor organizations, the NPA, New York City, the National Student Council, RSLPF, the Ministry of Health, school boards, and staff and students.
With the recent changes to COVID-19 protocols as of September 5, 2022, several large group activities are expected to return to the academic calendar, such as sports and science fairs.
“At this juncture, the Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training thanks school leaders and teachers for their unwavering commitment to all our students at all levels of the education system. The teaching profession has become increasingly challenging in an ever-evolving technological environment. With this in mind, I applaud your efforts first, embracing the training offered to enhance your delivery through the use of technology and second, for the passion displayed to uplift and empower our students to unlock their full potential.”
At an event called “PRESENT: Proudly Representing Every School,” teachers will be encouraged to wear their alma mate’s uniform to work, in an expression of gratitude for the commitment and innovation shown during the COVID-19 pandemic. .
With the exception of one school on the island, all educational instruction will take place in person, five days a week.