Minister Garcia meets principals

The meeting discussed school-based management (SBM), promoting discipline in schools and clinical supervision.

Francis opened proceedings by highlighting positive aspects of the education system, including gender equity.

Garcia urged principals to make a concerted effort to involve all their stakeholders in the management of their schools, and to enhance the systems in place to ensure students were proper supervised.

The three presenters – SBM head Claire Telemaque, Director of School Supervision (Ag) John Thompson and Director of Curriculum Planning John Roopchan said the meeting was in no way a blame game, but a chance to strategically plan the way forward using initiatives already in place at the ministry.

The meeting, at the Government Campus Plaza Auditorium, Port of Spain, was chaired by Chief Education Officer Harrilal Seecharan and was also attended by staff of the ministry’s Student Support Services, School Supervision and Curriculum Divisions.

The very candid and direct meeting explicitly highlighted where it is believed that improvements could be made and options were presented on how to move forward.

Recommendations were put forward for improvements in and out of the classroom.

The conversation was not one-sided as principals subsequently had the opportunity to air questions, concerns and comments they felt needed responses at this time.

Leaving the meeting, Garcia said he felt confident that its objective had been achieved and that partnership among principals and stakeholders would be reinforced to create a safer and more holistic learning environment for pupils