Education Minister: Smooth Start to New School Term

Education Minister Fayval Williams says despite the challenges brought on by rising COVID-19 infections, the new school term, which began on Monday, September 6, was off to a smooth start. She says the government is considering a tentative October date for the return of face-of-face classes in secondary schools depending on the country’s health status.

Head of Principal’s Association of Secondary Schools Linvern Wright says the turnout for the new school term boasts an improvement over the last period.

The Minister says given the various modalities used there were no reports of any challenges. She notes the beginning of this academic year, is rather active in comparison to the previous year.

In regards to students returning to the physical classroom, the minister says the aim was to have students resume face-to-face learning by the start of October, however, notes the Ministry is currently being guided by the Health Ministry.

In the meantime, Minister Williams sought to provide the latest update on the vaccination take-up among students.

She also adds while vaccination may not be mandatory, individuals who interact with children under 12 years must be cognizant of their safety, Minister Williams also reiterates no un-vaccinated child will be exempted from school. President of the Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools Linvern Wright told our news team that the number of students engaged is much higher than before

Update on the start of the 2021-2022 school year with Education Minister–   More details in this report: