Frederick Smith Secondary School (FSSS) will remain closed on Monday as staff continue to plan the way forward and focus on ways to improve student discipline and campus security.
This is the word from the Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw in a statement to the media following a meeting with staff at the Trents, St James school this morning.
Yesterday, classes came to a halt after a teacher was struck in the head with a stone thrown by a student. The teachers sought medical attention after complaining of dizziness and also filed a report at the nearby Holetown Police Station.
Archer-Bradshaw said the Ministry of Educational Transformation reaffirmed “its commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward violence in our schools”.
She said Section 64(1) of the Education Act – in collaboration with the Barbados Police Service – would be enforced.
Among the offences include: causing a disturbance in an educational institution, insulting or abusing a teacher or other person engaged in instruction of people in the presence or hearing of other students, using threatening, abusive, or insulting language in an educational institution and assaulting a teacher or assaulting, insulting or abusing a pupil.
“I have already spoken with the Commissioner of Police, and we will ensure that this section of the Act is fully enforced. It must be clear to all – students, parents, and staff – that schools are to be zones of peace. We will take all necessary steps to uphold this standard and will continue to work closely with school leadership and staff to ensure that our educational institutions remain safe, respectful, and supportive environments for teaching and learning,” Archer-Bradshaw said.
The Barbados Union Teachers was also preparing a statement following the conclusion of the meeting. (PR/SAT)
