Dame Jennifer: It’s Back To Basics

[Updated with video] Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith said a back-to-basics approach which renewed emphasis on teaching and learning in Bermuda’s classrooms had characterised her first hundred days on the job.

Speaking at a press conference today [Feb. 3] to mark the symbolic benchmark of Premier Paula Cox taking office, Dame Jennifer said after re-reading the Hopkins Report on Bermuda’s public education system she realised schools had to return to focussing on basics.

To this end, she recently appointed former Commissioner of Education Wendy McDonnell to lead the transformation of the Bermuda public school system.

Now the Commissioner with responsibility for Teaching and Learning, Ms McDonnell has the authority to do whatever it takes to move the necessary reforms forward, said Dame Jennifer.

As a consequence of changes in Ms McDonnell’s job and mandate, Permanent Secretary of Education Warren Jones, hadl taken on responsibility for the day to day operations of the Department of Education.

“The main goal of the Ministry of Education going forward is to improve the quality of teaching and learning in the classroom,” she said. “I am convinced that this single-minded focus will result in regained public trust, improved results and have a positive impact on all our students.”

Minister Smith’s full remarks follow below:

Good afternoon,

During the first 100 Days in the Ministry of Education, I met with key stakeholders to discuss their views on the direction we need to take in the public education system.

One of the first decisions I took was to ensure continuity in Bermuda’s public school system by inviting the Chairman of the Board of Education, Mr. Darren Johnston and the Deputy Chairman, Mr. Vincent Ingham to remain in their positions on the Board.

I recognized the value of these individuals and I know that if we are to successfully chart our way forward, consistency is necessary.

I also addressed concern about solidifying the leadership of the CedarBridge Academy Board by Chairman Mr. Larry Mussenden, Deputy Chairman, Mr. Thaao Dill and Members:

• Mr. Curtis Williams
• Ms. Kim Lightbourne
• Mr. Leon James
• Mr. Zayne Bean
• Mrs. Jane Correia
• Mr. Roger Butterfield
• Mr. Fanon Khaldun
• Mr. Gregory Swan
• Mr. Andrew Griffith
• Ms. Carla Lambert
• PTSA President, ex officio
• Commissioner of Education, ex officio

Through subsequent visits to the school and interaction with the Principal Mrs. Kalmar Richards, I believe we have a good working team. The public can continue to expect great things from CedarBridge Academy.

Of course, the first 100 days were also spent becoming familiar with what is going on in the Ministry; visiting staff at all three locations (Dundonald Street, Covenant House and at the old Bishop Spencer School).

In addition, I have been quietly but studiously working through the various reports and recommendations of all of the consultants and committees that have worked on our education system. All with the goal of determining how the Ministry can better serve its primary goal of supporting teaching and learning.

I reviewed the Hopkin’s Report to determine if the recommendations have been carried out and/ if not, whether they are still relevant. This review and the consultative process I undertook during the last 100 days led me to recognize that we must return to a focus on the basics.

I have also been intent on creating a culture of partnership and inclusion involving the whole community in fostering success for Bermuda’s children.

In this respect, one of the key initiatives I took was to reach out to the construction community and invite them to Adopt-A-School.

The aim of this programme is to ensure that school facilities are clean, safe and up-to-date environments for successful learning.

To date, one hundred thousand dollars has been committed to the adoption of nine schools in a partnership between the private sector and wider community.

The programme focuses on primary schools, which generally occupy older buildings, and can include offers to paint and repair, do the plumbing, electrical and carpentry, or landscaping services.

I welcome further offers from the community for either funding, or services, that will link our schools even closer with their communities.

If we truly believe that “it takes a village to raise a child,” then this is a way for the village to get actively involved in a relationship that benefits all of our children.

To drive our focus on teaching and learning, Commissioner Wendy McDonnell is now responsible for the accelerated restructuring of the Bermuda Public School System and her focus will specifically be on teaching and learning.

In order to ensure that she can devote more time to that focus, Permanent Secretary Warren Jones has taken on the additional role as Acting Commissioner of Education. In this role, he is responsible for the day to day operation of the Ministry.

It is impossible for us to move forward when the same persons responsible to take us there have their hands tied dealing with the day to day issues of the Department.

With this delineation of responsibility I have every confidence that the Commissioner and Permanent Secretary are appropriately placed and supported by the Minister and Board to take forward the reforms.

The main goal of the Ministry of Education going forward is to improve the quality of teaching and learning in the classroom.

I am convinced that this single-minded focus will result in regained public trust, improved results and have a positive impact on all our students.

During the upcoming Budget, I intend to demonstrate the focus of our commitment to teaching and learning and outline some of the initiatives we intend to implement to move the system forward in a positive manner and with the best interests of our children at the forefront.

Thank you.

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