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Common Entrance Examination: Termites Jonesing!

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Submitted by William Skinner
Hon Ronald Jones, Minister of Education
Hon Ronald Jones, Minister of Education

Once again the annual ritual surrounding the release of the Common Entrance Examination results, has taken center stage. While the Minister of Education rants and raves about the mathematics results, the Principal of the University of the West Indies seems down spirited about the science results at Cave Hill. Any alert observer will see the connection. If the foundation is bad the building would eventually fall.

The Minister of Education refuses to see that if the results are deteriorating under his watch, it may be time for him to move on to another ministry. But we have little regard for holding our leaders accountable. Dragging retired teachers from their gardening and other hobbies to teach math will not work because there is no retired teacher in his or her right mind, who will leave healthy flowers and vegetables, to return to the quagmire that now envelops the Ministry of Education.

Our entire education system is on the verge of collapse but like many other decaying structures the final fall may take some time. Carpenters know about new coats of paint giving the impression that there are no termites. However the termites are there and they will get the job done eventually. Truth is that we are afraid to “touch’ a single rotten board because we fear that the house will fall down. Just slap some paint on it!

We went about claiming that we had an almost one hundred percent literacy rate, while some of our children sitting the Common entrance, could not construct a simple sentence or count to fifty. The loquacious principal of the University at Cave Hill talked about a graduate in every household, while the employers were complaining that many graduates had not mastered basic English. No problem –just flood the place with them and hope for the best.

So next year around this same time, we will parade the “bright” students and some Minister will talk about math and English results. And some principal of Cave Hill will lament that the science results are not encouraging. The termites will be the only focused group on the island; slowly but surely making sure the house crumbles. Then we will call in retirees from the pest control industry.

They will probably say on arrival: We cannot treat dust-too late!

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166 responses to “Common Entrance Examination: Termites Jonesing!”

  1. The People's Democratic Congress Avatar
    The People’s Democratic Congress

    It is clear that the DLP and BLP must – as soon as possible – be permanently got the rid of by the broad masses and middle classes of Barbados from the Parliament of this country.

    PDC

  2. Clone Avatar
    Clone

    Anonymous
    You must be joking with your last comment
    Check and see who want transfers after the exam. The upper and middle class parents who would be caught dead if their children pass for St. George or Parkinson and let them go there. How is it that you many of the minority race is now filling up one St.Michael school? Are they passing for that school or are they being transferred there?Just asking.

  3. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    Not true Clone….
    Barbados is one of the least class conscious….in large measure due to the same 11+ exam …which catapults black, rich, white, yellow, and poor all together in the same classroom for 10 years…..
    Sweet as shiite…. !!!

    LOL
    ….you know how many “low-esteem-bound” children come to realize how lucky, talented and blessed they were a when they got to know how “limited” some big-up spoilt brats really were?

    Barbados is more race conscious than most others, but less class conscious……thanks to 11+

    If we REALLY had a full meritocracy then um would be one big melting pot….
    But those political class “domkeys” will have none of it…… 🙂

  4. Due Diligence Avatar
    Due Diligence

    Dompey | June 13, 2014 at 1:51 PM |
    “David, a superintendent of a school district in America, is similar to the Minister of Education in Barbados. And there are hundreds of the school districts within one single state.”

    I am trying to imagine thousands of Jonses running loose in America

  5. Artaxerxes Avatar
    Artaxerxes

    Bush Tea | June 13, 2014 at 3:25 PM |
    “Not true Clone….Barbados is one of the least class conscious….in large measure due to the same 11+ exam …which catapults black, rich, white, yellow, and poor all together in the same classroom for 10 years…..Sweet as shiite…. !!!”

    This is one occasion I have to disagree with you Bushie. The class consciousness starts from the nursery school level.
    For example, St. Stephen’s Nursery School in Black Rock, St. Michael provides pre-school education (as a priority) for children in the catchment areas of Upper Black Rock, Danesbury, Free Hill, Retreat Terrace, Stanmore Terrace, St. Stephen’s Hill, Wavell Avenue, Clevedale, and the surrounding areas of Black Rock, up to as far as Melvin’s Avenue or just beyond.
    On finishing nursery level, applications on behalf of these children, have to be made for entry into St. Stephen’s Primary School. Many so called upper class individuals often view St. Stephen’s as a very good primary school and would prefer their children to attend there.
    St. Stephen’s principal, Colin Cumberbatch, has introduced a system whereby the children of those middle-class individuals who work at UWI, and live in areas such as St. Andrew, St. Joseph, St. Peter and especially St. Lucy (which is the parish the principal resides) are given priority entry above the children who live in the catchment area. If he is questioned about this “phenomenon”, he rudely replies that he alone chooses who should attend that primary school, and you should apply elsewhere for your child/ward, if they are unfortunate to gain entry.
    These events are allowed to happen in Barbados, to those persons who live areas such as Black Rock, because they are often seen by others as being poor class. What is worse, there is no accountability coming from the Ministry of Education on this matter.

    Previous Ministers of Education were severely criticised, but so far, Ronald Jones has proven to be the worst MoE Barbados has seen in a long time…… yet NO CHANGE!!!!

  6. Due Diligence Avatar
    Due Diligence

    DD acknowledges he is totally unqualified to weigh in on a discussion of education, here goes anyway.

    See
    http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/oise/About_OISE/index.html

    About OISE 
    The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto (Institut d’études pédagogiques de l’Ontario de l’Université de Toronto) is recognized around the world as a leader in initial and continuing teacher education, graduate programs in education and education research. OISE is the largest and most research-intensive faculty of education in Canada, and one of the largest in North America. Guided by our commitment to equity and social justice, and mindful of our special responsibility to lead, we will enhance our impact as we continue to shape how the world thinks and goes about education.
     
    What We Do 
    It is universally accepted that education and learning are the keys to addressing the biggest challenges we face as a society, and are at the root of a prosperous, healthy and equitable future. Through international leadership in teacher education, continuing and professional learning, graduate studies in education, research in education, and an intensely practical understanding of the mechanisms by which people learn, OISE opens doors for individuals, communities and for society.
    An intellectually rich and supportive community, guided by the highest standards of scholarship and a commitment to equity and social justice, we examine major issues in education, human development and professional practice considering: what they are now and what they might be. We answer the critical questions that are translated into actions and brought to life by the thousands of teachers, researchers, professionals, policy makers, leaders and influencers who are part of our community world-wide. To that end, we:
    Generate new knowledge through research
    Prepare academic and professional leaders in education, applied psychology, leadership and community development
    Provide ongoing professional learning opportunities
    Contribute to public debate and policy
    Work with communities and partner organizations in support of their goals
    Consult and conduct commissioned research consistent with our mission and vision

    May I humbly suggest that the Barbados taxpayers’ scholarship dollar would be better spent sending a few aspiring teachers to OISE; rather than sending those aspiring hospitality workers to a Hospitality and Tourism courses at Canadian Colleges.

    For those aspiring to the hospitality industry; the Minister should develop an internship program with The Crane or some other well managed hospitality provider in Barbados.

  7. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    It is not often, that I publicly seek to defend anybody because we all have different opinions of others, and experiences with others, can be be quite different, from person to person. I have known Adonijah for well over 40 or so years. We were active comrades in the teachers’ trade union movement. He was also a regular contributor to the Barbados Union of Teachers , magazine/journal Outlook. A very conscientious brother from high school days , I think Harrison College. And a man of impeccable manners. I have never known him to be an “arrogant prick”.

  8. Dompey Avatar
    Dompey

    Due Dilligence

    I haven’t the sightest idea who is Minister Jones. And I was referring to the office Mr. Jones occupies and not the competence of the man himself. So please do not misconstrue the wisdom of my words sir.

  9. Boy Blue Avatar
    Boy Blue

    Due Diligence | June 13, 2014 at 3:42 PM |
    ……….I am trying to imagine thousands of Jonses running loose in America
    …………………………………………………………………
    Poor chap could not even make it there as a school bus driver.

  10. Ping Pong Avatar
    Ping Pong

    I wish that the debate about zoning be more honestly put in the form of a question which is “Should parental choice be removed as a factor in the allocation of students to secondary schools or should the allocation of students be left entirely to the discretion of the Ministry of Education?

    A different but related development is the expansion of private schools. I noticed that one of the three top students this year opted for a bursary. If given the economic downturn and the financial constraints of the Government there is a consequential deterioration of the educational setting in terms of the physical school conditions, poor resources, large class sizes etc, those with money may opt to send their children to private schools. The after-school lesson culture is already a big feature of schooling ironically more so in those schools that are deemed the best performing. So parents are already paying in addition to their tax contribution for the education of their children!

  11. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    @ Artaxerxes
    One swallow does not a summer make…..
    …besides if Bushie was a Principal he would be predisposed to accepting parents (children) who would likely support the PTA, raise standards, and generally uplift the school…

    …not likely “black-hats” who cuss and carry on …and always round the school in nightgowns..
    …same as 11+ ….acceptance by merit…
    Want to bet that poor parents who present themselves properly and professionally are accepted..?

    ….Domkey ain’t come from Black Rock side…? What would you be tempted to do if you were principal…

    @ William Skinner
    Boss….EVERYBODY knows that Ado was always a gentleman…and that Dompey is …..well….an donkey….

  12. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    @ Boy Blue
    ” Poor chap could not even make it there as a school bus driver.”
    ++++++++++++
    Wuh here neither! 🙂

  13. Clone Avatar
    Clone

    Bushie
    I thought you were for transparency and want a no nonsense Caswell as leader of BUP to change these things as behind the back transfer of privilege children to schools of their choice.
    Just as Ping Pong said of St. Stephens, the working class children of the IVY cannot get into Charles F Broomes .The Principals of these school are only interested in the parents who can support the PTA and donate chairs ,desks and tile the school.
    It is a shame. Those persons who are calling for continuous assessment better be careful because this will open the flood gates for only privilege to get to the Government orchestrated best schools.

  14. Curious Non-Economist Avatar
    Curious Non-Economist

    David, June 13, 2014 at 10:09 AM

    “Is it not a boring affair every year at this time (post screaming test) we endure this debate about the pros and cons of the exam? What does it say about us?”

    It is boring. It becomes tedious to read about it year after year. After year. After year.

    With that in mind, can I be the first commenter on Barbados Underground to express utter DISGUST at the deeds during Kadooment this year? They will be so vile and will provide so much evidence of the moral depravity of did lil rock that I’d like to get my comment in early. I am going to be disgusted by the inevitable depravity.

    Yes, it’s all boring and all so perennial.

  15. Dompey Avatar
    Dompey

    William Skinner

    Adonijah Alleyne is a good guy. I was actually referring to Georgie Porgie and his troop of arrogant Harrison College associates who often belittle those persons their think little of. Adonijah, actaually has a very active page of facebook, where he discuss some of the current issues of the day. I met Adonijah when he was young teacher at St. Leonard’s Boys Secondary way back in the early 70’s. And I also met him years later through my association with the Mounted Police at District A station.

  16. Dompey Avatar
    Dompey

    Curious, you ought to know by now that BU is all smoke and very little fire.

  17. islandgal246 Avatar
    islandgal246

    “…not likely “black-hats” who cuss and carry on …and always round the school in nightgowns..”

    LOLL Bushie who are these women ? The neighbourhood? Are these the third generation who haven’t benefited from the “free” education they were exposed to?

    We have a group of people who called themselves educators and cannot function with modern tools. These tools are treated as treats and only used on special occasions by people pretending to know how to use them. They are still in the prehistoric age using prehistoric tools. They have been taught in a certain way and continue to teach in that same manner with the same results year after year. Teaching methods have changed and all they know is how they have been taught. The inability to teach the of transference of skills to students have produced a society of robots like citizens afraid to think and act for themselves.

  18. Well Well Avatar
    Well Well

    Bushman & Anonymous…….with jackass politicians talking about political class, just a matter of time before CLASS becomes a huge problem just like race, skin color, hair texture and all the other trifling, petting things that seem so important to people in Barbados.

    Money……i have to agree, too much latin quotes, philosophy quotes, shakespeare quotes, blind man, black cat, dark room quotes,….lol…. and not enough hands-on technical experience, hence from the leaders to the college/university graduates are not prepared for the bitch that is real life.

  19. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    @ Dompey

    No prob brother but thanks for the clarification. One love.

  20. Dompey Avatar
    Dompey

    Curious, on the issue of morality, you should start to climb down your moral high horse which you have obviously mounted the wrong way brother. There no such thing as a moral absolutism as far as the social engine of society goes because I will put money on the face that the older heads in our day thought the some of our behavior. Morality is RELATIVE brother!

  21. Watching not the attorney Avatar
    Watching not the attorney

    Every year we hear the same cry, “students are not going well in English students are not doing well in Mathematics”. We castigate the pupils but every year it is a different set of students sitting the Common Entrance Examination the only constant variable in the equation is the teachers. Isn’t it time that we start to shift our focus to these teachers? If every year the students are not up to par it suggest to me that the teachers are the ones that are failing.

  22. MoneyBrain Avatar
    MoneyBrain

    @Watchy

    Do the teachers give a Rodents Rectum?

    Do the parents care?

    I taught my kids to read and count before school!
    Never trust education to teachers unless you are absolutely sure they are top pros!

  23. Artaxerxes Avatar
    Artaxerxes

    Bush Tea | June 13, 2014 at 4:46 PM |

    @ Artaxerxes

    “One swallow does not a summer make…..
    …besides if Bushie was a Principal he would be predisposed to accepting parents (children) who would likely support the PTA, raise standards, and generally uplift the school…
    …not likely “black-hats” who cuss and carry on …and always round the school in nightgowns..”

    Bushie… you would be breaking the law as set by the MoE, if you “are predisposed to accepting parents (children) who would likely support the PTA, raise standards, and generally uplift the school…”

    So…… are you saying because one may live in a certain area, they cannot meaningfully contribute to uplifting the standard of the school? Or because they may live in a certain area, they are “‘black-hats’ who cuss and carry on …and always round the school in nightgowns..”

    I’m disappointed in you Bushie….. at least when people like us behave like “black hats” and our women confront the teachers in nightgowns when something goes wrong with our children, it is often our way of protesting and soliciting the requisite attention because we were scorned or ignored after our initial reports of such wrong doing were made. However, I’m not saying this is the proper way to behave.

    However, the big shots are the same ones who grew up in the ghetto like me, but are now living in areas like Fort George Heights. When their children do not pass for the school they desire or is wronged in any way at the school, they will take their inherent behaviour in the constituency offices or the offices of the minister and ministry official where they behave like “black hats”. Or the women invite these officials to their homes at “nightgown” time. For them, the results are immediate…..with either the perceived wrong being corrected, the teacher in questioned transferred or a Commission of Enquiry is established.
    Bushie, we don’t have these privileges……. because of the social status associated with our areas of abode, the big boys don’t want to see us, sometimes we have to wait in offices for an entire day before being seen by any official.

    But, Bushie… maybe you ain’t from the ghetto like me……

  24. Stew Peas Avatar
    Stew Peas

    On notice

    S&P warns there’s been no significant change in Barbados’ economic fortunes
    Added by Emmanuel Joseph on June 12, 2014.
    Saved under Business, Economy, Local News

    Barbados could be slapped with a second downgrade this year.

    On the heels of Moody’s triple notch downgrade of Government’s bond rating from Ba3 to B3 last week, Standard & Poor’s ratings agency has now put the Freundel Stuart administration on notice that there’s a one-in-three chance it will also slash the country’s rating, following its three-tier cut last November.

    It has also warned that efforts to cut the massive fiscal deficit, through such measures as sending home thousands of public sector workers, may not be enough.
    Richard Francis

    Richard Francis

    S&P’s lead analyst for Barbados Richard Francis told Barbados TODAY this afternoon that there had been no significant change in this country’s economic fortunes since its November downgrade, when the negative outlook was imposed.

    Asked if another downgrade was in the cards, Francis replied: “Yes, that is a fair assessment. Like I said, we are monitoring more quarter by quarter to see where the growth outlook is, where the fiscal deficit is coming at and I think, one of the most important variables that we are looking at is the level of foreign reserves. If there is a fall in reserves, that becomes a worrisome element.”

    “[Government is] implementing spending cuts, which is a step in the right direction. Whether that is enough or not . . . is the question. But certainly, the Government is making efforts. I don’t think anybody can deny that fact.

    “The deficit last year was extremely large and I think there is a rationale that [Government] may have to make an even more quick adjustment than even they have planned,” he added.

    Francis acknowledged that, even though it was costly, Government had successfully received a number of foreign loans in December and February, which he believed should help the island’s external position.

    “We are watching what’s happening on the economic front, what’s happening on the Government’s fiscal deficit programme and what’s happening on the level of international reserves,” the S&P official said.

    “I think that most of the things that we have seen we kind of expected and we downgraded Barbados in November. I don’t think there has been any surprise from our end.”

    Francis outlined a number of goals the Government would have to achieve if it wanted to avoid another downgrade.

    “We maintain a negative outlook and I think the most important thing for us is that the Government, number one, is able to make the fiscal adjustment up to now; number two, that we start to see some sort of economic growth,” he said.

    “I think that’s the key weakness so far. The type of growth we would have wanted to see would be more . . . coming from the external side . . . a boost in tourism and also foreign direct investment, because that’s what’s going to allow the economy to grow at a more healthy pace,” insisted Francis.

    The global rating agency’s executive said S&P would continue to monitor Government’s implementation of its programmes and determine whether it was achieving its own targets.

    “We will be monitoring . . . to see where they stand in terms of fiscal adjustment and where the country stands basically on attracting foreign direct investment and how the outlook is for the tourism sector,” Francis added.

  25. Can't wait Avatar
    Can’t wait

    That will be RUBBISH coming from Standard and Poors. The Sanitation Department will take care of such. (DWL)

  26. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    @ Clone
    Life is funny….and not only “Ha Ha” funny….

    When you see these high quality schools that EVERYONE wants to get their children into, you can BET YOUR LAST DOLLAR that the quality is high because some LEADER, somewhere…is discriminating.
    Be guaranteed that the principal will be no-nonsense; will have high standards which are not negotiable; and don’t give one piss who don’t like him …or his approach.

    INDEED SIR, THAT is how high standards are achieved. It is the very antithesis of “free-for-all”….
    Ask anyone about Tank, Major Noot, Dame Elsie or ANY of the other real legends….
    So when Bushie comes across as supportive of dictator-styled principals, it is because THAT is the hallmark of an effective principal.
    As said on another blog, the Principal should be the NUMBER 1 BULLY at that school.
    ….otherwise all kinda Shiites will come round the people place with their looseness and rowdy bad behavior……as is the case at most of the schools that everyone are trying to transfer FROM…..

  27. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    S&P would continue to monitor Government “basically on attracting foreign direct investment and how the outlook is for the tourism sector”,” Francis added.

    What will government do to improve these sectors?

  28. Watching not the attorney Avatar
    Watching not the attorney

    @Moneybrain

    The whole education system needs revamping. A major part of the problem is that persons who are not suited to teaching end up in the teaching service because the starting salaries are better than most in the public or private sectors. Whereas before teaching was a calling nowadays it is the pay cheque at the end of the month.
    It is noble that you taught your children to read and write however not everyone is capable of doing it therefore the teachers need to do what they are paid do between 9.00 am and 3.00 pm.
    Another problem is the giving of lessons. Every one is giving lessons even to Reception and Infants A children. Why would any one have to send their child at four or five to lessons for Maths and English barring the child has a learning disability ? And mind you it is the same teacher that is teaching the children between 9 and 3.

  29. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    @ Artaxerxes
    “Bushie… you would be breaking the law as set by the MoE,….”
    ++++++++++++++++
    Hahahahahahahah
    LOLOLOLOL
    Oh Shirt!!, ….muh belly!!!
    That is exactly the point Artax…
    The MoE is currently the major impediment to good education in Barbados.
    The best schools are those who pay least regard to Jones and his bunch of brass bowls… One of the reasons that more and more smart folks who can afford to, PAY to send their children to private schools….

    Democracy is fine, but in a meritocracy, rights must be merited and deserved.

    LOL @ Artax
    No place where one of BBE’s boys live could be called a “ghetto”….even if it is a modest bush hut….. 🙂

  30. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    @ Islandgal
    You play that you ain’t know the “nightgown” women?….always round the people school dressed In petticoats, dusters and such assorted gear…and behaving themselves in keeping with their dress…

    Bushie was looking for you last time he was whacking near a school….but none of the black-hats were carrying 2X4s, so Bushie probably had the wrong school…Hahaha

  31. Dompey Avatar
    Dompey

    Watching not the attorney

    I think the use of physical brutality to instill learning in a child has come and gone. Teachers nowadays must learn how to identify those students with the cognitive impairments and to apply the appropriate teaching strategies to address these particular students needs and concerns. And I also think that it is somewhat disingenuous, to placed the entire blame squarely on the teachers shoulders. When we have a generation of kids today who are suffering from conditions such as: OCD/ obsessive compulsive disorder as well as ODD/ oppositional defiant disorder.

  32. Dompey Avatar
    Dompey

    Learning does not beginning and end at school. Studies indicates that active parents as well as guardians involvement is integral to a child’s learning.

  33. Due Diligence Avatar
    Due Diligence

    Well Well | June 13, 2014 at 5:44 PM

    “i have to agree, too much latin quotes, philosophy quotes, shakespeare quotes, blind man, black cat, dark room quotes,….lol”

    Well, if the children are not taught that stuff, how will they be able to understand the Prime Minister when he speaks (if he speaks).

  34. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    @Artaxerxes June 13, 2014 at 7:05 PM “sometimes we have to wait in offices for an entire day before being seen by any official…But, Bushie… maybe you ain’t from the ghetto like me”

    Artaxerxes you lucky that they see you. Early one mrning I went to Coleridge and Parry, presented myself at the office and asked to see a particular teacher. I was told to go and stand by the bottom of the staff room stairs.

    All like now nobody ain’t acknowledge me or ask me what I want.

    After a few hours I left.

    And no Bushie, I was not wearing my nightie, nor a black hat, nor carrying a 2 x 4 (although I am sure that if I was carrying a 2 x 4 I would have been seen immediately) nor cussing and carrying on. No I am not from a ghetto. Yes I am from the same rural working class village as the then principal.

    LOL!!!!!!!!

    Barbados is a funny place.

    I know that a nightie, a 2 x 4, or a good cussing would have got me immediate attention.

  35. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    So who the hell are you that a teacher should break up his schedule to give you “immediate attention”?
    You ever heard of making appointments? ….you know..? Asking to be seen at some mutually convenient time?
    …that is what the “big ups” like Bushie do….. Which is why you may think we get immediate attention.

    Of course you would be seen immediately if you had a 2X4, …that is why we have to spend money on security guards and why the children always fighting (like their parents)

    …and it is always those who never attend PTA sessions who turn up looking to make trouble in the people’s place…

    What 2X4 what?!?
    Wuh…You is Islandgal???

  36. Watching not the attorney Avatar
    Watching not the attorney

    @Dompey

    Not for one moment am I laying all the blame on teachers. But one must be honest how can one put out what is not in them. Many of them have difficulties with the English Language and Mathematics so how can they instruct children if they too are having problems I blame who employed them.
    Parents and guardians who take an interest in and want their charges to do well have too much “teaching” to do on evenings and at nights and in some cases help the little ones “unlearn” somethings.
    for example:Let your charge know that “yesterday” is spelt y e s t e r d a y and NOT YESTURDAY and it does not have an English and American spelling to the word. It might sound incredible but this what a teacher told her class recently in a St Michael primary school.

  37. Watching not the attorney Avatar
    Watching not the attorney

    Teachers need to be creative and find fun ways to help their students learn and retain what was taught. I had the privilege of having an excellent French teacher at the St Michaels Girls School back in the day we were doing reflective verbs and many of us kept forgetting to using the “se” in front of the verb. One day she walked in with a mirror and told us that the verb reflects back at you, to this day I have not forgotten that lesson.
    In Science when we were learning the parts of the flower, the teacher brought in hibiscus flowers so that we can see the actual parts of the flower.

  38. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    This was my first visit to the school.

    Notwithstanding the initial cold treatment I subsequently attended every PTA meeting.

    I didn’t want immediate attention.

    I have never been a trouble maker. I Just wanted to pleasantly greet my child’s new teacher BEFORE school started, which is why I showed up at 7:30 am.

    The last time i fought I was 7 years old and that was in self defense.

    I didn’t have any children when I was 7 years old.

    It is my tax money too. Nuff, nuff of it is my tax money.

    But truthfully some principals and teachers treat parents, even new parents whom they have never met before with barely concealed hostility.

    The attitude is “don’t come here”

    My experience at Harrison College was very different. I was always treated respectfully, like the sensible parent and hard working taxpayer that I am.

    Old, grey and tired now. Too tired to talk to you.

  39. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    @ Watching not the Attorney

    Your analysis is 100 % correct.
    The teachers are the common element in the poor performances every year.
    Many are KNOWN to be piss poor teachers – but no one wants to squeal ….not the parents – their children will be victimized;
    Not other teachers – one for all and all for one;
    not the Principal – not after Broomes of AX (or before)
    Not the MoE – all they can do is talk shiite
    …so it goes on and on….
    …while most teachers collect salaries for doing squat PLUS extort moneys from parents for “lessons” if they hope for ANY chance for their children.
    ….only bout here….

  40. GEORGIE PORGIE Avatar
    GEORGIE PORGIE

    My experience at Harrison College was very different. I was always treated respectfully
    WHAT DO YOU EXPECT?

  41. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    @ Simple
    What!!!!!
    So Bushie need to make an appoint with you on BU now…? 🙂
    You may be decent and respectful, but you ARE NOT TYPICAL for parents at certain schools.
    At schools like HC, the general EXPECTATION is that parents will be respectful…so administrators tend to be so too…
    Human nature…. Ever dealt with an English policeman? ….as compared with a New York one…? Or worse …a Trini one…?

    Sleep tight…. 🙂

  42. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    The principal should set the tone and he or she should insist that all parents always be treated respectfully.

    Nothing else is good enough.

    Please don’t make excuses for bad behaviour.

  43. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    Most parents in Barbados have multiple children. at multiple secondary schools. The parent who shows up at CP or at Daryl Jordan or at HC or anywhere else is the same parent, the same taxpayer, and deserves to be treated with the same degree of respect.

    I expect our principals to lead by example.

    After all the principals are better educated than most of us parents. We the parent/tax payers have spent more of our hard earned money on them.

    If principals don’t lead by good example where are we going then?

    To leave a parent standing at the bottom of a staircase, while dozens of teachers pass by is disrespectful, and don’t care how you try to dress it up Bushie it can only rightly be called

    Disrespectful.

    And a failure of leadership

  44. Dompey Avatar
    Dompey

    We’re are talking about the quality of our children education and not the social decorum one should expect in a school environment. What has respect of parents to do with educating children in Barbados? When we ought to be searching for right teaching strategies to address wide range of issues and concerns confronting children in our modern school environment.

  45. Dompey Avatar
    Dompey

    And a principal can only lead, if he or she is given the kind of latitude to do so. Correct me if I am wrong but I hardly believe that a principal in Barbados is given enough latitude to lead. He or she must obviously operate within the prescribed set of prerequisites designed by the ministry of education.

  46. Dompey Avatar
    Dompey

    Simple Simon

    You’re confusing the responsiblities of a head master in Barbados with that of a principal in the US. And in America the superintendent along with the school board members sets the tone for the learning environment within a specifice school district. And operating of course with specific guidelines set forth by the state as well as the federal government!

  47. PLANTATION DEEDS FROM 1926 TO 2014 , MASSIVE FRAUD ,LAND TAX BILLS AND NO DEEDS OF BARBADOS, BLPand DLP=Massive Fruad Avatar
    PLANTATION DEEDS FROM 1926 TO 2014 , MASSIVE FRAUD ,LAND TAX BILLS AND NO DEEDS OF BARBADOS, BLPand DLP=Massive Fruad

    JONES is a crook liar and scumbag, He is a big part of the problems

  48. islandgal246 Avatar
    islandgal246

    Bushie I never had a problem at my daughter’s schools. At Primary even though I attended very few of their PTA’s , I am not the clique type. I met with her teachers on a regular basis. I participated in some of their activities like putting on a fashion show showing my children’s line of clothing. I attended their speech days and their annual sports day even though my daughter asked me not to come because I was too noisy cheering her on. But then many of the teachers were at school with me and my sisters. Those I didn’t know I introduced myself to them with a big smile. I had one problem with a teacher who never gave any home work and after meeting with her I knew it was a lost cause. Luckily my daughter was promoted to a class where her teacher was a dream. To this day when we meet she asks about her.
    At secondary school it was the same. I didn’t go to the PTA’s but I met with her teachers whenever there was a teacher /parent meeting and I knew many of the teachers at that school. Also three of my sisters went to that school. No Bushie I do not belong to the petticoat and shower cap brigade.

  49. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    @ Simple Simon
    You are clearly well-meaning and genuine, but unfortunately, life is much more complex than you seem to assume.
    The same parent who would walk into a primary school in Black Rock with a 2X4 raised would dress up and humble at Crumpton Street….
    Principals can TRY to set the example….but in Barbados THEY ARE GUARANTEED to fail for MANY reasons…..
    …..they are UNABLE to discipline teachers (as at AX)
    …..they are unable to discipline children (the MoA overrules them and make them look like brass bowls)
    ….they are unable to discipline parents…..who run to their equally ignorant MPs, lawyers and the pissy press.
    ….they cannot even TALK about the problems at speech day (the ‘mistake’ that Broomes made…)

    In short, principals are being asked to make bricks ….without any straw…by the Ministry AGAINST Education…

    So after the first moron parent attacks you or one of your teachers (like recently with Broomes) what the hell attitude would YOU adopt as a principal when some ugly parent turns up unannounced talking bout they want to see a particular teacher….?

    …..Bushie would finger his whacker….. Whu ’bout you?

  50. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    @ Islandgal
    No Bushie I do not belong to the petticoat and shower cap brigade
    +++++++++++++++++++++
    Bushie knows that sweetie….just pulling your petticoat ….why did you not tell the BU family that the reason you were indisposed for most of the PTA meetings is that you and Bushie were busy whacking…..? 🙂

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