Lessons after three, unacceptable

Quite a few parents and myself have tried to communicate our discontent with the additional teaching or "lessons" that continues after the hour of three at the school. Not all parents are able to pay the exhorbitant fees for the "lessons" which by the way is not only unethical but immoral. Many teachers at this school are charging in excess of $90 a week for "lessons."

After much communication with teachers of the school, we were amazed to learn that some teachers make almost $6000 monthly with "lessons."

This by the way is additional tax free money, so BIR please take note.

Also unacceptable is the level at which "lessons" begins at the school. As early as Standard Two and Standard Three with fees ranging from $100 to $150 a month.

As far as we know, the Ministry of Education pays its teachers their just dues every month to do what they have to from 8.30 am. to 3 pm.

But not at this school. Here school dismisses for some classes at 4.30 pm or as late as 5 pm.

What is equally disheartening, is that children whose parents cannot afford these "lessons" are often shortchanged on the work that is supposed to be done in the time it is supposed to be done.

Teachers who are doing these "lessons" are of the opinion that children need extra classes to learn what is to be learnt from the Ministry’s syllabuses. If that is the case then someone needs to explain to me why every primary school, including all the other prestige schools are not allowing this practice.

We, a concerned group at the school, have notified the Ministry of our outrage, but have gotten absolutely no response. Maybe, the honourable minister, Mrs Hazel Manning can shed some light on this matter. Mrs Manning, we implore you to please put a stop to this "business" of "lessons" at the school and at all other schools it is allowed.

Some years ago, the topic of "lessons" was a notable and popular debate.

Today, things seem out of control. The only "lessons" should be the ones taught in the classroom within regular school hours.

Even though many gullible and irresponsible parents continue to support this idea, a much larger group is equally opposed to it. If any official body wishes to challenge any of the contents of this letter, feel free to investigate the matter first hand.

It will find that all is true.

GARY B THOMAS

Port-of-Spain