Education Ministry Video Series: Linda Holdipp
“Educational reform is important because school should be a place where students are really excited to come to,” said Acting Principal, Linda Holdipp, who spoke during part of a video series launched last week by the Ministry of Education.
Entitled ‘Stakeholder Stories’ – the series features short two to three-minute video interviews with parents, teachers, principals, past students and members of the public, on the importance of education reform in Bermuda.
The Ministry asked each participant to share their views on the need for transformation in our education system so that it better meets the needs of all students.
The goal with the series is two-fold: to stimulate discussion around this important national issue and to encourage people to submit their feedback on the consultation for the proposal for parish primary schools, taking place between now and Friday, March 12, 2021.
Mrs. Holdipp, of Northlands Primary School, recalls when she was a young girl and would look forward to going to school every day to meet her friends and learn.
“Today, I see my students lining up for school and they’re here, some of them are ready, but there are a higher number of students I’m finding that are less engaged with the idea of just coming to school. And I’d like to bring that excitement back,” she said.
One concept from the parish school proposal she believes will benefit Bermuda’s children are plans to introduce restorative practices to the Island’s public schools, saying that “in the event of conflict within the school environment, restorative practices will help individuals repair any harm and restore positive relationships. This in turn helps to build healthy communities and decrease antisocial behaviour.”
Mrs. Holdipp said: “The restorative practices really speak to me personally because it will actually strengthen the relationships between both students and teachers as they engage daily. When we focus on that, it means the school climate is more of a positive experience for the students.”
“That means when there’s harm or a transgression that has occurred between students, normally there are consequences and punishment, however with restorative practice, students are provided with tools so they can rebuild those relationships and restore the partnerships and friendships they have. This way, they can move forward without holding on to pain or hurt.”
She said children will better learn how to navigate challenging bumps in the road – whether it’s on the sports field or in the classroom.
A spokesperson said, “The Ministry will continue with its series of meetings to discuss the proposal for parish primary schools over the next two weeks. Due to Covid-19, these meetings will be held virtually via the ZOOM video-conferencing app on the following dates and times:
| 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 order to ensure wide access and participation, the parish meetings will also be broadcast on YouTube, Facebook Live and CITV. The CITV schedule for parish meetings is as follows: Thursday, February 25; and Thursday, March 4.
“To register for the parish meetings visit here; those experiencing difficulty registering can email comms@moed.bm. To submit your feedback on the Ministry’s Parish Primary School Proposal, visit www.moed.bm or visit here.“
“Educational reform is important because school should be a place where students are really excited to come to,” said Acting Principal, Linda Holdipp”
I agree with the reforms, but what is to stop educational leaders from creating a school culture where students are excited to learn. Why wait for experts to tell you.