Dear Editor

I AM responding to a letter published in the April 24th, 2018 edition of the Kaieteur News under the caption, ‘Major Concern about the Grade Six Pupils at Golden Grove Primary School.’

I am a parent residing on the East Coast of Demerara and I read the letter with great astonishment as I could not believe its content. To my knowledge, the head teacher of the school only recently started acting in that position after the previous head retired.
Even though she is saddled with the administrative aspect of the school, I believe it is because of her love for the classroom and wanting to ensure that the children continue to perform at the Grade Six level, that she continues to work in the classroom.
The present acting head teacher taught both of my children at the Grade Six level and they were in high praise of her because of the extra work she did with them to ensure that they understood the various lessons. As a parent I often visited her classroom or even called her at home to clarify various issues and was always impressed at her professional response. I was also heartened at how she broke down the contents of the lessons even to me, so I could have then assisted my children.
These were the same sentiments expressed by the many parents I have interacted with during that period, hence my shock when I read the letter under discussion. This teacher does not make it compulsory for children to attend her lessons, neither as far as I am aware does she deprive children in the classroom because they do not attend her lessons. The lessons are just a means of reinforcement of the work which is welcomed by most parents who are unable to work with their children in the afternoon, but long for them to have that extra push as they approach that critical examination.
As it relates to the children from Grade Five being promoted to Grade Six in the last term, Editor, should you do a survey you will find it is a normal practice both in the public and private school systems. It is believed that the students would get a full year of Grade Six work instead of a few months if you wait until after the August holiday for them to be promoted.

A point to note as well is the fact that parents in the past have asked for their children to be taken out of the other Grade Six class and be placed in the head teacher’s class, but it is a practice she does not encourage as she believes all the children are being given a fair chance. This teacher in the past as recent as last year, had children being placed in the top 100 in the country which speaks to her ability as a Grade Six teacher.
I hope this letter serves as a clarification to the misinformation that was peddled in the Kaieteur News letter and I would also like to appeal to persons to think twice before they attempt to besmirch the characters of others.

Regards
Parent of students at Golden Grove Primary School