Tobago Correspondent
Although the Division of Education, Research and Technology reported that all schools across Tobago reopened smoothly yesterday, some teachers couldn’t teach because they spent the day cleaning to make the spaces suitable for learning.
Still, in terms of turnout, the majority of government and denominational primary schools reported strong student attendance and full staff participation.
According to data shared by the division, government schools like Bethesda Government had an 85 per cent student turnout, while Black Rock Government saw 84 per cent of its students return. Teachers’ attendance was high, with most schools reporting 100 per cent staff presence.
Denominational schools also reported solid attendance figures. Scarborough Methodist Primary recorded an 84 per cent student attendance rate, while Delaford Roman Catholic saw a 90 per cent turnout. Teachers’ attendance at these schools was similarly strong.
Some schools held special orientation sessions for younger students such as Infant One students, who, in certain schools, are expected to start today.
Bishop’s High School meanwhile saw a 90 per cent student turnout and 84 per cent teacher turnout, while Scarborough Secondary saw an 80 per cent student turnout and 97 per cent teacher turnout.
Overall, the division said it was pleased with how the reopening went.
However, TTUTA Tobago officer Bradon Roberts raised some concerns following a visit to several schools across the island.
He told Guardian Media, “Two of the schools (Delaford RC, Light and Life Primary School) didn’t have any teaching today because the teachers themselves were cleaning. TTUTA nor the division didn’t ask them to clean but the school was in a state.”
“I started visiting from St Andrew’s, Delaford, Hope, Belle Garden, Roxborough Primary and Secondary. In the main, I would have seen a lot of teachers doing cleaning and based on the reports they would have done a lot of work over the weekend—that’s the Division—and as well as teachers.
“Some teachers brought in either family members and they had their team of persons helping to refurbish some of the furniture. They paint blackboard, paint classrooms. Some would have washed their classrooms. I know the division would have done some of that as well.”
He said the majority of schools did not get a deep clean.
“Some of the main issues is the primary schools, the furniture shortage is more in the infant department and the furniture shortage in secondary school, I believe it’s the first formers—mainly in Roxborough Secondary. The lower schools have significant shortages, which may affect how they function.”
He said there may also be furniture issues at Goodwood Secondary when the full complement of students turn up to class.
“The reports from principals as well, was that contractors would have left there early, up to 1-2 am (yesterday morning), changing out bulbs, doing electrical and plumbing works. Some last-minute effort went into making some schools ready enough to function.”
National Parent Teachers Association president Walter Stewart said he’ll make an official comment on this matter in Tobago today.