Students To Return To School On January 3rd
The Commissioner of Education Kalmar Richards has advised that all students in the Bermuda Public School System [except those attending preschool] will now return to school on January 3rd, 2019, and preschool students will return to school on January 2nd, 2019.
Mrs Richards said, “We at the Department of Education remain committed to working collaboratively with parents, teachers and principals to improve the outcomes of students in the Bermuda Public School System.
“The academic calendar was changed at the request from the Bermuda Union of Teachers to provide training for Standards-Based Grading at the primary and middle school levels.
“Additionally, on January 2nd principals and school staff will participate in school-based professional development as requested by our senior school and special school principals.
“Let me take this opportunity to extend our apologies for any inconvenience caused by the change in the academic calendar.”
Previously, all students were scheduled to return on January 2nd.
Interesting – it seems the union concerns are actually being listened to and, more importantly, acted on. It is a shame that they had to go to the lengths they did just to get what they need …
Yes Union concerns are being listened to. But what about the concerns of the parents, employers and the taxpayers?
Are we getting return for our investment? Are ALL parents feeling that their children have access to qualified, capable, focused teachers? Just because you passed your teaching degree does not mean that you are good at what you do. Would you consider all mechanics, lawyers, doctors equally effective and capable just because they passed their final exams? Of course not! However, we seem to be okay with the fact that if you are Bermudian and qualified you deserve a job teaching our kids for life! And the BUT will back you and ensure that you do, even if means hundreds of kids get ineffective or uncaring teachers.
If fact, the last time I checked we individuals in the school system teaching that were NOT certified for the position of teacher. the BUT protects them too. Who wins here – teachers and union. Who looses, parents, kids, employers, and the taxpayer.
The Department of Education listen from the beginning, but despite that the union still took action
Teachers are having more and more in service training days
Put a camera there and see how many show up on time