LAST MINUTE NOTICE

At the last minute yesterday, principals of both primary and secondary schools over TT were granted permission to dismiss schools at 1.30 pm.

The Ministry of Education last week, told Newsday that schools would not be granted time off to view the game between the Soca Warriors and Paraguay as this started after normal school hours. However, at 9.21pm on Monday night the ministry issued a release, advising principals to dismiss schools at 1.30 pm to allow students and teachers time to get home in order to view the match in the safety of their homes.

Up to midday yesterday schools in Tobago had not received the release from the ministry and principals were unsure of whether they should allow students to leave classes.

One principal told Newsday she was informed of the early closure by a parent but the ministry had not sent a fax to the school.

Several principals told Newsday the abrupt move was inconsiderate of the ministry since parents could have made proper arrangements for children, especially primary school students, to return home. Some primary schools had to call parents at work to inform them of early an dismissal and City Gate, Port-of-Spain was flooded with students in the early afternoon as students hurried home to view the TT vs Paraguay match. Although yesterday was the day the Soca Warriors met with Paraguay for their deciding World Cup match to enter into the second round, schools all over TT reported high student turnout for classes.

Several junior secondary schools told Newsday, yesterday was the NCSE exams and only Form Three students attended classes. Other secondary schools held end-of-term examinations so that, less than half the school was out. Whereas some told Newsday they moved afternoon exams to the morning to facilitate students and teachers going home early.