La Pastora PTA told: Problems under probe

PARENTS and teachers of La Pastora Government Primary School were on Thursday evening reassured that the Ministry of Education is working to resolve issues affecting the school. However, they remain concerned about the issues, especially since the procedure will be lengthy before any visible signs of improvements can be seen at the school. The reassurances were given by School Supervisor I, Mark Sandy, during a meeting of the school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at the Lower Santa Cruz School. The PTA had requested that Sandy address parents on the issues affecting the school. An official of the PTA yesterday described the meeting as “very good.” He said the turn out was  commendable, with over 80 parents and teachers of the schools’ 325 students and 17 teachers in attendance.

The official said Sandy outlined the procedure the ministry must take before any visible action can be taken to solve the issues at the school. He said Sandy reiterated that the ministry was investigating the matter, after which a report would be submitted to Education Minister Hazel Manning who would send the report to the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) with recommendations. The report is expected by mid-March. The official said despite Thursday’s meeting, parents remain concerned about the issues at the school. He said while classes proceeded, some teachers have refused to participate in extra-curricula activities as a show of protest, as they remain frustrated and uncomfortable. The issues at the school first came to the public’s attention early last month after teachers engaged in a silent protest outside the school.