Education ministry expects smooth start to school year
Jerome Reynolds, Gleaner Writer
The new school year begins today and the Ministry of Education says it expects a smooth start.
Acting permanent secretary in the ministry, Grace McLean, said subventions from the government was provided to schools weeks in advance and books have been distributed to all institutions.
McLean said schools have also been repaired and furniture delivered.
She said those activities are ongoing and education ministry personnel will continue to work closely with schools.
Addressing the contentious issue of auxiliary fees, the acting permanent secretary said school administrators have been reminded that no child should be turned away because of the inability to pay.
Mclean said the ministry is urging parents who are in a position to pay to do so.
She pointed out that schools were advised to keep their auxiliary fees within inflation to ensure affordability.
In the meantime, for the first time in years, students will be taught Civics.
When it was first introduced, civics educated students about citizenship, the structure and governance of the country, and other historical information.