Preparations in High Gear for Smooth School Reopening – Ministry Assures Readiness

Jamaica – Preparations are moving full speed ahead as the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information gets schools ready to welcome back students and teachers for the new academic year.

Director of Regional Services, Barrington Richardson, says termite treatment has already been carried out at affected institutions, while additional works are being wrapped up to ensure classrooms are safe and ready.

“We continue to ensure that other aspects of the school plan are ready, such as partitions for classrooms, and furniture is being delivered for those in need, both for teachers as well as for our students,” Richardson shared during the Serenity Resource Connector’s Safety and Security YouTube Live Forum on August 21.

The Regional Director explained that leadership seminars were also completed over the summer to equip principals and school heads with new strategies to support effective learning. The Ministry, he said, is placing strong emphasis on Curriculum Instruction and Assessment (CIA) to meet the needs of all learners.

“Whether they are high performers, struggling learners who need a little more scaffolding, or students with special needs – we have reorganised learning to cater to every child,” Richardson declared.

As part of the preparations, grades one to three teachers received training in early reading intervention strategies, with the aim of boosting literacy and improving learning outcomes across the system.

Looking ahead, Richardson announced that a new school leaders’ seminar will take place in early September, creating a safe and supportive space for principals stepping into leadership roles. He further highlighted the Ministry’s Quality Education Circles, where small group sessions are being organised to support both teachers and administrators.

In closing, Richardson made a passionate appeal to parents to stay engaged and informed:

“Parents are critical not just to the school’s success, but to your child’s success. Pay close attention to the circulars and bulletins, both from the Ministry and also from your child’s school,” he urged.

With these measures in place, the Ministry is assuring the public that the upcoming school year will begin on a solid footing, with a focus on safety, leadership, and improved learning outcomes for every Jamaican child.