Mathematics, science teachers' exodus worries St Mary High

A shortage of experienced teachers and helping parents adjust to the Government's new policies surrounding non-obligatory contributions are just some of the challenges principals and teachers at St Mary High School face as they prepare for another school year.

According to the principal of school in Highgate, Jullett Frazer-Sadaar, the exodus of proficient maths and science teachers is a huge problem that is yet to be resolved.

She told The Gleaner: "We are trying as best as possible to ensure that it is a smooth preparation, but our challenges, which have been expressed before, are in finding replacements for teachers who have gone overseas, especially in the subjects of maths and science.

"We have had to be accepting teachers from the colleges and universities who are not necessarily experienced, which means we are going to have to mentor and train them well so they can meet the needs of students and help them to perform much better.

"It's unavoidable, so we have to work with it as best as possible, but I expect maths and science teachers will continue to depart in the future."

The principal at St Mary Technical High School in Richmond, Glascine McCormack-Lazarus, added: "We are still in preparation mode, currently patching up a few things and refurbishing desks and chairs, so we are almost ready.

"We have ordered some furniture that hasn't arrived yet and have expanded the kitchen area to facilitate the increased cooking for the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH).

"The most difficult part of the process right now, and it's for this year only, is to do with parents contributing to the school, as far as the new adjustments where fees are concerned.

"A number of parents are quarrelling, especially those who are on PATH, but that's the only problem we have - parents who are experiencing financial difficulties the moment."