Wesley Hall Junior School Suspends Classes Due to Teacher Sickout, Ministry of Education Offers Support

Classes at the Wesley Hall Junior School ended at noon today after several teachers reported sick, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Education.

According to the ministry, around 9:15 a.m., principal Herbert Gittens informed Deputy Chief Education Officer Glyne Price that 22 teachers had reported sick but when contact was made with President of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) Rudy Lovell, he reported that he was unaware of any grievances among his members at the school.

Lovell’s position was echoed by Senior Education Officer with responsibility for Primary and Nursery School, Dr Christina Morris.

The ministry said it then attempted to secure substitute teachers from the Erdiston Teachers’ Training College. However, that was unsuccessful as classes were already suspended for the semester.

“School officers from the nursery, primary and secondary sections were deployed to Wesley Hall Junior School to lend support to the teachers present. They were accompanied by Mr Price and Ms Wanda McClean, Manager Stakeholder Relations,” the ministry added.

However, it noted that by 10:25 a.m., only five of the 32 teachers had reported to work, which was deemed insufficient to effectively manage the class loads of the students.

“The decision was ultimately taken to allow students to enjoy their usual school meals, which were delivered by 11 a.m., before asking parents and guardians to collect their children and wards at noon,” it added.

The ministry apologised for the developments and pledged to provide updates on the status of classes. (BT/METVT)