Alarmed by idea to cut lunch hour

The fact that such a prominent association could advance such a proposal for curbing indiscipline and violence in schools indicates that many principals really have no grasp of the requirements for learning.

Surely there are better ways for ensuring that children who are compelled to attend schools are properly supervised and protected by educational professionals at all times.

The point was made that teachers will be able to leave school earlier in order to prepare. I am not convinced this is a genuine position. Rather, it reveals the lazy mentality that has infiltrated many areas of work in TT .

Has teaching now become another “make work” programme? Why can principals not prepare appropriate duty rosters that can ensure that students are adequately supervised at all times? We should note also that not all acts of indiscipline occur during lunchtime. This is because indiscipline is a product of poor management of some schools, both primary and secondary.

Instead of only considering the needs of the staff, Napspa should take into account the needs of students to relax and socialise after a morning’s work.

The lunchtime break also provides a sensory break to reset their sensory systems so that they can stay alert and focused after lunch.

Although the Minister of Education has found some merit in this idea, I would advise him to reject it at once, and I expect better leadership from Napspa in the future.

DAVID SUBRAN via email