School orientation starts

Some students are anticipating the new school year because of the new challenges, while others are dreading it, if only because they have left friends and are embarking on new relationships.

Some students will be entering secondary schools, while others have progressed to new classes. Still others will begin a new life as they pursue tertiary education at home or abroad.

While parents will be shopping around for last minute school supplies this week, it is also a time for orientation. Unlike past years when the Ministry of Education designated orientation for Form Ones and Fours on the Thursday and Friday before school re-opens, this year orientation has been left up to officials of the individual schools.

The boys’ of St Mary’s College will get their first taste of secondary school life today, while other students will have to wait until later in the week, or even next week.

Fatima College will host its orientation on Friday, and Mount Hope Junior Secondary School on Tuesday next week. Holy Name Convent’s orientation will be on Monday, as well as that of students of the Arima Comprehensive School, which as of this year has been converted to a seven-year school. New Form Fours will have their orientation on September 6 and Form Five and Upper Six students will resume school on September 7. The school will also have an acting principal —senior teacher Joy Valdez —since principal Cheryl-Ann Wilkinson has been asked not to report for duties until further notice. The University of the West Indies will hold orientation during the first week of September.

Minister of Education Hazel Manning assured a few weeks ago that all schools will re-open on Monday, with the exception of a few because of maintenance works. She did not identify the schools which might not open on time. The ministry undertook a $65 million refurbishment programme on 159 schools during the vacation. Repairs not completed will continue next week during the weekends and afternoons.