THE EDITOR, Sir:

This is an open letter to Mr Ronald Thwaites, minister of education, and Mr David Wilson, principal of Clarendon College.

My son is currently attending Clarendon College, having gained a place there through GSAT 2012.

My problem is that there are no desks in his class. As a matter of fact, I understand that of all the seventh-grade classes, only one has desks. My son complains daily of discomfort and back pains, as he has to write on his lap each day.

Now, Mr Thwaites, it is almost two months since the beginning of the school term, and this has been going on from September, with weekly promises that desks will be available. I have tried on numerous occasions to speak to Mr Wilson, but he is usually out of office or in a meeting.

I was overjoyed at my son's placement to a school with such a rich history, but now I am very disappointed in this fall in standards.

I am urgently requesting that you address this matter, as I cannot afford any distraction to my son's learning. I have sacrificed a lot for him to get a good education and am hoping you will play your part in facilitating the nation's education.

Please, help me and, by extension, the parents who have placed their children in your care.

KEVIN PALMER

kevpbo@yahoo.com