New school year commences: Students return to school

The school year 2020-2021 commenced on Thursday, October 1st. President Chandrikapersad Santhoki and Education and Culture Minister Marie Levens visited several schools including the JHN Polanenschool 1. Principal Jairadj Mangroo was clearly happy about the visit and pointed out that “this is the first time in my entire career that a head of state has visited the school.”

Minister Levens wished the students a fruitful year. “The teachers are motivated and eager to to do the job,” said Minister Levens who added that she was not discontent with the start of the school year despite some minor setbacks. She explained that the school buses did not leave the garages. “Not everything that I wanted to be done was finished but the people were very pleased with the things that were finished.” The principal explained that the start of the new school year is different from what he is used to. He urged the students to follow the COVID-19 rules at all times. Many students who did not have to go to school on October 1st showed up anyway. They were told to retun home and they were also told when they could return. A teacher from OS Geyersvlijt 1 explained that there is more work because of the COVID-19 situation. Each person must have his or her body temperature checked and kust also wash the hands before he or she can enter the school premises. The body temperature must not be higher than 37 degrees Celsius. Parents are being asked to pitch in so that hand sanitizers and thermometers can be bought because the ministry has not provided these things. The teacher doubts whether students will be able to sit in the classrooms while wearing their surgical masks.