In Berbice…
– Berbice Education Department investigating
THE Regional Department of Education in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) is investigating the alleged assault on a headteacher by a student at New Amsterdam Practical Instructions Centre.
An officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the parent of the offender is to be interviewed and the action to be taken will be made known after statements are received from the concerned parties.
The incident, which occurred last Friday, is classified as unacceptable behaviour in retaliation against school staff after another student reported an Ipod missing.
During a search for it, a student who was not supposed to be in the classroom, was questioned, and as words were exchanged, one of the teenager’s garments was tugged at as she turned to walk away and, prompted by her peers, she hit the headteacher on her head.
Reports said parental involvement at the institution, which houses some 600 students from Tutorial Academy, Overwinning, Vryman’s Erven Secondary School and its Annex, is extremely poor.
Many grade nine students would leave their respective schools to attend sessions, in Home Economics Management, Food and Nutrition, Health Education, Clothing and Textiles, but would never arrive at the Centre.
In addition, of those attending, several have electronic gadgets which would be plugged into their ears, even as lessons are being taught and any attempt, by a teacher, to have the devices put away would result in verbal and physical abuse and threats.
Attempts to contact the assaulted headteacher, Ms. Joy Benn, were unsuccessful as she was reported to be away on medical leave.