The Ministry and Department of Education are focusing their efforts on the commencement of the academic year 2021-2022 on September 9th.
The Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP, shared, “We want parents to know that we recognise that the decision to start school remotely is not ideal. It is a difficult decision as it requires many parents and guardians to make personal and professional adjustments and sacrifices to support their child/ren(s) learning.”
“During this time, we encourage Bermuda’s employers to demonstrate empathy and do what they can to support parents who are required to assist with their child/ren(s) remote learning.”
“Today, school leaders and staff have sent key information to parents and guardians about the remote learning programme for their school. Tomorrow, the Commissioner of Education will be sharing further information via video messages for parents, guardians, and students.”
Minister Rabain added, “We also wish to provide an update on the donated Chromebooks. They are currently being delivered to schools for P4, P5, and P6 students. The collection process will be communicated to parents by the school principal. Parents can expect strict safety and health protocols to be in place during collection.”
“Yesterday, we strongly encouraged all students and staff to get tested. Many parents have asked whether the testing is mandatory. Although at this time testing is not mandatory, we are seeking the cooperation of staff and our parents to ensure that staff and students get tested so that we can make decisions about whether to continue with remote learning, in-person learning, or a combination of both. We also want to reduce the potential for staff and students to transmit the virus to others, and the testing data will enable us to do this. The testing schedule is being finalised and will be communicated before the weekend.”
Minister Rabain concluded, “We will provide an update tomorrow with information for what parents, guardians, and students can expect next week for our schools. It is my desire to open any school where there is sufficient staff, and it is safe to do so.”
“We wish all of our students and staff a great start to the new school year. While this may not be the start we envisioned, we will work together and focus on positively supporting one another through this process.”