Consultation Meetings: Parish Primary Schools
The Government is encouraging the public to register for upcoming consultation meetings to discuss the proposal for Parish Primary Schools.
The Ministry has proposed reducing the amount of primary schools we have from 18 to 10, with an aim to ‘deliver 21st century learning facilities.’
A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Education is expecting a broad cross section of Bermuda’s public will come out to participate in a series of consultation meetings, beginning this week, to discuss the Proposal for the Introduction of Parish Primary Schools.
“Due to COVID-19, these meetings will be held virtually via the ZOOM video-conferencing app on the following dates and times:
- Public Meeting – Tuesday January 26th, 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
- Public Meeting – Thursday January 28th, 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
- Public Meeting – Monday February 1st, 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
“In order to ensure wide access and participation, the public meetings on Thursday, January 28 and Monday, February 1 will be broadcast on CITV, YouTube and Facebook Live. Persons watching at home will be able to call in or message their questions and feedback.
“To register for any of the public meetings, visit http://parishschools.live/public; those experiencing difficulty registering can email comms@moed.bm.
A Ministry spokesperson stated, “These meetings are a vital part of the consultation process and ensure the general public has the opportunity to learn more about the Proposal for the Introduction of Parish Primary Schools, to share their views and ask questions.
“For many years, our community has called for change in regard to our public education system. And with the help of all stakeholders, we are taking steps to dramatically improve the quality of education in Bermuda so that each and every child’s learning is designed around their strengths and interests, their social and emotional needs, as well as their personal goals.”
“The Ministry of Education understands that education reform is an issue of significant national importance, which is why we are seeking public input and gathering feedback over the next six weeks, before determining the next steps forward.”
“The Ministry of Education would like to reiterate the importance of the consultation process, in that it gives all affected and interested persons and organisations the opportunity to learn and understand what the Government is proposing, and the opportunity to share their views and feedback.
“Government and the Ministry have a responsibility to listen and consider the views and feedback from the consultation as part of any decisions that are made. Together, the Government, stakeholders and the community can transform public education to better serve our children for generations to come.
“While the public meetings will be focused on the proposals more broadly, the Ministry will also hold parish meetings for persons interested and/or who may be affected by proposals for individual parishes. Those who wish to attend parish meetings may include parents, staff, alumni and other community members.
“Dates and times for the upcoming parish meetings are as follows:
- St. George’s Parish Meeting – Tuesday February 2nd, 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
- St. George’s Parish Meeting – Thursday February 4th, 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
- Devonshire Parish Meeting – Monday February 8th, 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
- Devonshire Parish Meeting – Wednesday February 10th, 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
- Pembroke Parish Meeting – Tuesday February 16th, 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
- Pembroke Parish Meeting – Thursday February 18th, 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
- Paget Parish Meeting – Monday February 22nd , 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
- Southampton Parish Meeting – Tuesday February 23rd , 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
- Paget Parish Meeting – Wednesday February 24th, 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
- Southampton Parish Meeting – Thursday February 25th, 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
- Sandys Parish Meeting – Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
- Sandys Parish Meeting – Thursday March 4th, 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
“In addition to being hosted on ZOOM, parish meetings will also be broadcast on YouTube, Facebook Live and CITV. The CITV schedule for parish meetings is as follows: Thursday, February 4; Monday, February 8; Thursday, February 18; Monday, February 22; Thursday, February 25; and Thursday, March 4.
“To register for the parish meetings visit: http://parishschools.live/parish.
“Zoom registration is required for security reasons to safeguard meeting attendees from inappropriate content and disruptions. Persons are encouraged to register early, but must register by 3:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting they wish to attend in order for security protocols to be implemented.
“Stakeholders can learn more about the proposals by reviewing the Parish Primary School Consultation Document, which is also available at www.moed.bm.
“Responses to the consultation should be submitted using Parish Primary School Consultation Form. This form, which is also included in the consultation document, can be submitted by hand to the Ministry of Education, located at 44 Church Street [West Building], Hamilton, HM 12.
“Questions, comments and feedback are welcome and can be emailed to consultation@moed.bm.
“Please note: the deadline for all consultation submissions is Friday, March 12th, 2021.”
